Usage & Testing
Knucker
During my time using the Knucker keyboard, I actually became more and more impressed with it. A first glance, it may feel a little cheap because it is very light and minimalistic. But that’s definitely not the case. For as light as the keyboard is, it is also fairly sturdy and rigid. Tt opted to go with a plunger switch for the keys. While mechanical keyboards are extremely popular now, I think the Knucker offers the best of both worlds. The durability of the plunger switches are nice, and you also don’t get the extremely loud “clacking” sound of a mechanical keyboard.
For gaming, the Knucker really does a great job. The adjustable anti-ghosting feature is a nice addition, and can be done quickly and easily using the function keys. While playing games like CS:GO and Diablo 3, I never had any issues with the keyboard and it was very comfortable to use for extended periods. The only downsides I could find with the keyboard are that the keys do not have backlight illumination. Now that may not matter to some, but I’ve grown used to it with other keyboards I use.
Saphira
The Team DK edition of the Saphira is the same great mouse we reviewed in the past and earned a 9/10. This version has all the same great features, with the main differences being the glossy white paint and Team DK branding. One of the things I love about the Saphira is that it has some great features that are seen on considerably more expensive mice. The adjustable weights are great along with the adjustable DPI switching. The only downside is having to flip the mouse over to access the button to change it. Positioning it along the side or top of the mouse would make things a bit better.
Since I mainly play shooters, the majority of the testing was done with CS:GO, and I was thoroughly impressed. The Saphira tracks very well and I never felt like I was missing shots due to the mouse. Outside of the DPI switch placement, my only other gripe is the glossy paint. With a mouse I prefer more of a matte finish, it’s by no means a detriment to the Saphira, just a personal preference. With an MSRP of $39.99, it offers excellent performance and features that other higher priced mice have.
Pyrrhus
Throughout my time testing the Pyrrhus, I’ve really grown to enjoy this mouse pad. Right off the bat, the first thing you’ll notice is the size. It takes up a huge chunk of my desk, and some may have an issue with that. But once you start using it, you won’t notice at all. The cloth top is super smooth, and the mouse has no issues gliding across the surface. The rubber bottom does an excellent job of holding the mouse pad in place, and I never had any issues with it slipping or sliding on my desk. Having a massive amount of real estate to move around on is great, and I never felt like I was going to go off the edge. That’s where really the only downside comes in. Depending on your desk or setup, it may actually be a little too big.
Chronos
I was actually really impressed with the Chronos from the start. For a headset at this price point (MSRP $69.99) it has a very sold feel to it without feeling too heavy. I was a bit skeptical of the Lycra material used with the headband and ear cup cushions. When first feeling them, it seems like they might actually be a little irritating, but they are actually quite comfortable. With other materials used in ear cup cushions, sometimes they build and trap heat, which then causes sweat. With the Lycra ear cushions, I never ran into that problem, even after extended use. The segmented cushioned headband is also fairly comfortable. But I did notice the longer I wore it, the more I started to adjust it along the top of my head. It never got to the point of being too uncomfortable for me, but I did notice it every now and then.
When it comes to audio, the Chronos does an admirable job. The 40mm drivers deliver a really great and clear sound. No matter what I used them for, I was pleasantly surprised. Music, movies, and especially games all sounded excellent using the Chronos. With games where positional audio is crucial, they do a great job at separation for a stereo gaming headset. In CS:GO, I could always tell which way someone was coming or where a shot was fired. And that’s really what you want when it comes to a gaming headset. Using the mic was also simple and I never received any complaints of background noise or any static coming through. The inline mute button worked well, and I never had any issues with it either.
The Chronos has some great features for a headset in this price range. The rotatable ear cups, removable cable, additional smart phone cable and carry case are all excellent features to have. The only downside would be the LED lighting which may be distracting. But all you have to do is leave the USB portion unplugged and then you won’t have to worry about it. There were also some minor comfort issues with the headband I found after extended use. Comfort issues vary from person to person, so other people might not experience the same thing. But again it never got to the point where I wanted to take them off and stop wearing them.