Not to be confused with the recent hit James Cameron movie of the same name, the NZXT Avatar Gaming Mouse is one slick piece of technology. It may not feature the extra tall blue aliens of Pandora, but it does come with some snazzy blue lighting. We like blue, right?
Highlights of Features
Not all computer mice are built alike and that’s why the $10 el cheapo unit you find in the bargain bin will not compare to a premium device like the NZXT Avatar. The company may be better known for its computer cases, but the quality of materials carry over to this gaming mouse as well. There is a soft, almost rubberized finish to the entire surface of the mouse. No cheap plastic here.
Going through the official list of features and specifications, one of the biggest highlights is the 2600 DPI optical sensor. The idea here is to provide “maximum sensitivity and responsiveness.” As a gaming mouse, this higher DPI count means that you can spin around very quickly without having to lift the mouse off your desk.
The customization features are quite impressive as well. Most mice will give you an extra button or two, but the NZXT Avatar comes with a total of seven programmable keys. There are two main mouse buttons, added buttons on either side, the scroll wheel button, and two more programmable buttons below the scroll wheel.
You can use the NZXT Avatar on a plug-and-play basis with your Windows PC, but there is a software CD included for added versatility and customization. In this software, you can program the buttons, adjust the mouse speed, and so on.
Edgy Ambidextrous Design
The design of this gaming mouse is certainly unique. It has a much lower profile than the mouse I normally use (Microsoft Wireless Mouse 5000
Lefties can rejoice at the ambidextrous design. Aside from the lights along the left edge, the NZXT Avatar is essentially symmetrical in every way. The mouse will feel exactly the same way for lefties and righties. Myself, I prefer the “thumb groove” on the left and a fully rounded edge on the right, but that would not be friendly to lefties at all.
Usability and Speed
So, what can you expect from a usability standpoint? By and large, I was very happy with the performance this mouse offered. It was fast and accurate, making it a great mouse not only for gaming, but also for photo-manipulation, web browsing, and other desktop applications.
The build quality is positively stellar and you can’t deny that this mouse looks great too. As mentioned, the long and slender design wasn’t quite as comfortable for me, but I do appreciate the lower profile for extended use.
The programmable buttons are great too, though I would have preferred if the two side buttons were a little larger. They consist of a couple of slender silver slivers.
Conclusion
Retailing for about $50, the NZXT Avatar is one serious gaming mouse and it has the performance to back up its seriously good looks. The 2600dpi sensor is quite good, but this is a little expensive for “just an optical mouse.” A suitable laser or BlueTrack mouse can be had for about the same (or less).
Further still, given my mobile lifestyle, I would have liked to see a wireless version of the Avatar. This would add some weight (for batteries) and possibly take away from its responsiveness, but that’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make. Your mileage and preferences may vary.
I have been using the Razor Diamondback Laser gaming mouse. It is very sensitive and now I can really “pawn” in shooters. I say Razer have good gaming mouse. This one cost me $50.
Hi Michael,
It is a very good review! Thanks to this. 🙂
Walter
What Mouse would you prefer now, Michael?
I’m currently using an Azio Levetron.