Clicksmashstuff

Things that click, can be smashed on and other stuff

AMD Radeon RX 6800XT a look back in 2022

As we are halfway down 2022 we are nearing the new generation of GPU’s coming up. This time Intel will join the fight as well! The launch of the current generation of cards has been a strange one to say the least. Everyone was very excited, this generation promised massive gains from team red and green compared to the previous generation. AMD showing they were back in the ring and showing Intel it was serious on the CPU front forced NVIDIA to step up. Not only did both companies promise serious gains in graphical power, they also priced their initial products pretty competitively. We then experienced a time of scarcity and a very skewed relationship between supply and demand. We all know the reason why. Well I decided it was time to take a look back at the Radeon RX 6800xt.

Lucky bastard

I was one of the lucky few to get my hands on a 6800xt for MSRP at launch.  Purely by accident, I was lucky enough to check the AMD website on launch-day to see if they even offer cards on their own website, just like NVIDIA does. Somewhat surprised I saw the card in stock and before I knew it I had ordered it. After an exciting period with regard to the delivery time, a shipping confirmation suddenly arrived after a week. The next day I was able to receive the card.

First impressions

My first reaction was; Wow! that’s a heavy box! When I opened the box, I immediately got the impression that AMD was proud of this product. Nicely finished box with a welcome message: “welcome to the red team”

The showpiece itself is located under the sturdy lid with an image of the card. They also included a small booklet with a keycap with an “R” in Radeon style underneath!

Installation of the RX 6800xt

The card takes up 2.5 slots and fits nicely in my Phanteks P600s with front mounted radiator. I use the Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280, which is great to keep any current chip nice and cool!

2x 8 pins, check, lets go! I did, however, first remove all previous drivers in safe mode via DDU and already downloaded the Radeon software. It took a while to get a screen at first, probably because Windows was trying to install some drivers in the background. After a few minutes I did get an image and I ran a short test of Timespy on standard settings.

RGB FTW!

After the most recent Adrenaline update and installation of the RGB tool, it is now possible to provide the logo with a different color as well as effects such as breathing but also morse code. In case you are the stealthy type it is also possible to turn off all the colors on the card.

Undervolting the Radeon RX 6800xt

I applied an undervolt of -100 which gave me these results.

This is with a -100 undervolt 2150 memory and power target at +15%

For a reference model I think the temperature is fine, as well as the sound. I can barely hear the card in my case. While running Timespy I opened the window of my case and I could hear a very light coil-whine very close to the GPU, nothing close to a screeching Banshee. Especially with the window closed again, it’s just enjoying my red light district again.

Games and Ray-tracing

I haven’t had any problems playing my games at the highest settings at 1440P. Ray-tracing was something different though. If ray-tracing is the thing you are after you are better off going with NVIDIA. For me personally this was a non-issue as I don’t care much for the technology. I never used it on my 2080ti. In pure rasterization this card is absolutely amazing.

Final thoughts

Am I satisfied? I am! I paid €668,- including shipping and for that money I have nothing to complain about! For the backward scalp prices being asked for 1000 or more, I wouldn’t have pulled my wallet. This also applies to the NVIDIA cards which have been overpriced as well.

As of this moment we are finally coming to cards being sold at around msrp prices. We are getting close to the launch of the new generation of cards and let us all hope this time cards will be more affordable and accessible for everyone. In the meantime if you decide to pick up a 6800xt for a discounted price or maybe on the cheap second hand, you won’t be disappointed. The 6800xt is a very capable GPU from team red!

Logitech G Pro X Superlight review: Lost the weight, what about the quality?

Until now I have always had a wired mouse. I did not immediately see the need for a wireless variant because this would only give me the hassle of charging or changing batteries in time. I also had the delay that was noticeable in the past in the back of my mind. After reading all the positive stories from people around me and online, I decided to take the plunge to wireless. Read here whether the Logitech G Pro X Superlight has convinced me.

Making choices

In my quest finding a new mouse, there were a number of things that I had put on my list of requirements. I wanted a light mouse, no batteries, a good battery life, good switches, a good quality sensor and no permanent RGB. I also wanted to have a reputable brand so that I can easily purchase accessories later on, such as glides or switches, if necessary. After a long search I ended up with an old friend of mine: Logitech.

Deciding on the Logitech G Pro X Superlight

Almost everyone has worked with a keyboard, mouse or one of the many other computer accessories from Logitech. The company has been making high-quality equipment for years and is constantly innovating. Mechanical keyboards, trackball mice, pc speakers, headphones but also webcams. Logitech has it all. I have used many Logitech products over the years. Examples include the C920 webcam, a wireless desktop set for my smart TV, and the G502 wired mouse.

The Logitech G Pro X Superlight kept coming up on various forums and in various reviews. The mouse seemed to meet almost all my requirements so decided to order it. It is an improved version of the normal G Pro X mouse. The mouse has now been made even lighter, has run out of RGB fuel and has surrendered two side buttons on the right.

Unpacking the mouse

The box of the G Pro X Superlight

The G-Pro X Superlight comes in a compact black box with a picture of the mouse on the front. The make and model number are printed in a blue color typical of Logitech “G” products. On the sides you will find the specifications on one side and some sponsor logos of well-known pro gamers on the other. On the back some highlights of the mouse in a sensitive black light with the text “Keep playing in the well-known blue and white in the middle. Tight!

Nice and Clean

Inside the box

With the mouse, sits in a plastic recess. At the top of the lid, you will find a soft piece of foam to protect the mouse against damage during transport.

The mouse is simple and elegant

Furthermore, the USB dongle for a 2.4 GHz connection and a flat box with accessories are included. These accessories include a USB A to micro-usb (yes, no USB-C) to charge the mouse, and to click the dongle on. You will also find an optional cover with ptfe for the bottom of the mouse and optional black grip covers. You can buy a USB C to USB A adaptor from Logitech on their website if you need one.

The Cover is removable and can be used to store the USB dongle

Specs

Specs taken from Logitech’s website

The G Pro X Superlight up close

weight

Until now I had used the Sharkoon Light² 200 and I liked it, especially considering it falls in the budget segment. This mouse convinced me of the advantages of a light mouse. This gave me less pain in my wrist with prolonged use. Unfortunately I am sensitive to Carpal Tunnel. I was using a Logitech G502 Hero before switching to the Sharkoon. While this was a great mouse in form and function, it was too heavy for my wrists.

Shape and looks of the Logitech G Pro X Superlight

The Sharkoon mouse I used before has an ergonomic shape which ensured that I immediately found it comfortable. I didn’t think the hole pattern that made the mouse had a lower weight was ideal though. I kept in mind that things like dust or other microparticles could easily get into the mouse because of this. I would have preferred the same low weight but without the perforations in the housing. The G Pro X Superlight delivers on this. It is lightweight, sturdy and doesn’t need holes to accomplish the low weight.

Batteries not included

Ok, so I wanted to go wireless. But with wireless mice, you have these with both removable batteries and rechargeable mice. Both have advantages and disadvantages. For example, a rechargeable mouse can degrade over time and it is not immediately full. Batteries are easily exchangeable, so you can continue wirelessly right away. The major disadvantage of this is that extra weight is added and there is a (minimal, but still present) risk of leakage.

Sensor and switches

The sensor and switches are very important in the daily use of a mouse. A good sensor ensures a smooth and accurate transfer to your screen. This is not only great for daily tasks, but especially for things like gaming where sometimes every second can mean the difference between game over and the next stage. There’s nothing more annoying than switches that don’t feel right, falter or feel inconsistent. This is also a distinguishing factor between a good and bad mouse experience.

Lack of RGB

Rainbows; nice things to see in the wild. I don’t care much for them on my desk though. So I wanted a mouse without it, or at the very least being able to switch it off entirely. If you do like rainbows on your desk, that’s just fine! You won’t get any in this mouse though! Fortunately Logitech offers lots of choice for both gamers and office people.

Using the G Pro X Superlight

The G Pro X Superlight was at first a little odd to me. It felt almost like a toy, so light that it was. It is very solidly built though, nothings squeaks when holding this mouse. I also had to adjust a bit coming from an ergonomic shaped mouse switching to a more symmetrical one. I got used to it after a day and I really started to like the design. It’s so simple yet elegant. No funny stuff. It reacts perfectly to my every movement, the clicks are nice and smooth and the scroll wheel is fantastic. There were two things I did miss though. The infinite scroll wheel from my G502 Hero and a dpi switch button. But adding these two things will add weight of course. But in reality I soon realized I could live with this just fine.

I played a bit of ANNO1800, some Doom and Hitman 3 with the mouse. All worked perfectly fine and I had a great and smooth experience. I like to play games like Anno 1800 on a higher DPI setting and here is where I missed my DPI switch. 

Fortunately Logitech has a software solution for this.

Software

I installed the Logitech G-hub software and adjusted my DPI to 900. Everyone has their own preference for things like DPI and polling rate. You can set a setting as permanently active to the mouse if you want. But the software also lets you store up to 5 profiles and you can let the settings switch automatically depending on what’s on your screen. You can for example set the DPI to 1200 while on your desktop and let the mouse switch to 800 when you start up CS-GO.

The software is easy and straightforward

Final thoughts

Overall I really like the G Pro X Superlight. It feels incredibly light but still very solid. The mouse is super smooth while gliding on my desk mat and the battery lasts about 2 weeks for me. Charging is fast, but I wished It had a more universal and modern USB C connection. I missed the DPI button and Infinite scroll wheel at first but found out I can live with mostly one setting. When needed Logitech’s G-hub software can let you switch your DPI settings automatically which works really well. The mouse isn’t cheap though and there are cheaper mice out there. But if you want the best lightweight mouse at the moment, look no further!

You can buy the mouse directly from Logitech or check it out at Amazon!

Akko CS Silver Switches: Fast and light

The Akko CS Silver switches came with my Akko 3098B keyboard. You can find the review of the board here.

I have used Cherry Brown and Gateron brown switches myself in the past, with the latter typing just a bit better. Then moved on to Gateron Yellows. When choosing the keyboard, as mentioned earlier in the review of the keyboard, I opted for the CS silver switches. I had the choice of CS Silver, the Pink and two other switches. The main reason for me to choose the CS silver was the fact that I wanted to try a so-called “fast” switch.

About the Akko CS Silver Switches

The CS silver switches belong to the Custom Switches from Akko. The Custom switches are manufactured as a result of feedback and market research by Akko. Often a switch is taken from the existing line-up and then improved upon. The CS Silver switches have a very short pre-travel of only 1mm and is made of high quality materials.

The stem is made of POM, also called Polyacetal. This material is very sturdy and dimensionally stable and is widely used in mechanical engineering. The top is made of poly-carbonate and the bottom of nylon.

breakdown

Specs

Using the Akko CS Silver switches

The Silver switches are pleasant to use. In my opinion, they don’t need a lube to remove ping or scratch. But it never hurts. Personally, I noticed that the switches are very sensitive. For me personally, this is not great. I make a lot of typos because of this.

For playing games where speed is a factor, these will be very pleasant. There is no wobble in the switches, this is partly thanks to the dust cover where there is a wall surrounding the stem.

Akko’s switches have a so-called 3-pin system and can therefore be used for almost all hot-swap boards. The CS switches also have a higher stem, so that keycaps with the Cherry profile should not cause any problems.

RGB

The top of the switch is transparent. This allows it to easily let light through. Because the bottom is made of Nylon, it does not allow light to pass through. The difference with the Jelly series is therefore a slightly lower yield of RGB light, although this is still more than enough for most people. If you do like RGB you should check out this ACR set!

Final thoughts

The CS silver switches are perfect for the gamers who want to transfer their actions from fingers to game as quickly as possible. The switch activates itself at the lightest touch. There is hardly a pre-travel. As mentioned earlier, lubing is not a must with this switch. Due to the material used and the quality of production, it is already very smooth. This is my personal opinion, of course.

For people who mainly type, another switch from the Akko range will probably be better suited. Linear alternatives are, for example, the V3 Cream Yellow or the hand-lubed CS Piano. For lovers of Tactile, these are for example the Gateron Orange or Akko POM Brown.

Noctua NF-A14 Chromax: Still the best in 2022?

Having had my computer filled up with Arctic’s P14 fans for a while it was time for a change. I contacted Noctua If they could send me over a fan for review. My plan was to compare this fan with my current ones and see if I would upgrade to an all Noctua setup. The good folks at Noctua didn’t sent me just one fan though, they provided me with 6 of their highly populair NF-A14 PWM Chromax Black Swap fans!

The Noctua Brand

Noctua, founded in 2005 has build up a high reputation among pc enthousiasts. The company was named after Noctua Athena closely associated with the Greek goddess Athena, which represents wisdom and knowledge. The brand has become synonymous with words like silence, cooling quality and service. If someone asks on a forum which case fan or air cooler to buy, you can bet Noctua is one of the first names to pop up. Whenever a new processor comes to the market, you can be sure Noctua has the right mounting kit available. Best of all, they are known to often send these as free upgrades to their loyal customers.

Chromax edition of the NF-A14

The NF-A14 is one of the best selling fans from Noctua. It is very suitable as a radiator fan for liquid cooling systems but also does very well as a casefan.

Traditionally Noctua’s fans have always had a brow/beige color. As most cases have a black or whice chassis Noctua’s fans tend to stick out. While some people don’t mind showing off their Noctua love this way, not everyone is a fan (hah!).

So after years of people asking and pleading Noctua decided to bring out the Chromax line-up. These are for the most part the fans people love but with a black frame and various colored sound-dampening rubbers. This makes the fans a lot more versatile for people who want to show of their build.

The Chromax line-up consists of different fan series and sizes. This review covers the 140 mm NF-A14.

Unboxing

outside

The NF-A14 Chromax fan comes in a bigger then expected box. On the outside the name and specs can be found. On the front the Chromax logo is present on a white background. On the sides Noctua shows off their classic brown color-scheme.

Opening the box of the NF-A14 PWM Chromax fan

When opening the box you are immediately greeted by the fan itself. The fan sits firmly in a plastic shell. On the right you see one of each included anti-vibration pads. Available options here are; white, yellow, blue, green, red and black. So it should be easy enough to match these fans with any build. Pulling the shell out of the box reveals a white box with the rest of the anti-vibration pads. The fan comes with a detachable 30 cm long 4-pin sleeved cable. Unfortunately there are no extra low noise and splitter cables included like with the standard NF-A14 fans.

First impressions

Upon first look the NF-A14 fans look like, well; fans. But looking closer there are small details like the Flow acceleration channels on the blades to help reduce noise and improve airflow. Also visible are the so-called Inner Surface Micro structures which complement the above mentioned technology. The Fans are well made, and fortunately do not have that ugly ketchup and mustard cables on them. The extension cable comes nicely sleeved and has a wrapper with its purpose on it in Noctua colors. The included anti-vibration pads are vibrant and made of a soft flexible rubber which is easy to attach to the fans. They stay in place thanks to the two pins that are pushed in the housing. It is clear Noctua takes their fans seriously. Noctua also sells extra anti-vibration pads if you ever lose one of your favorite colors or want to add some flair to your existing Noctua fan.

Specifications of the NF-A14 Chromax Black Swap

The specifications taken from the official Noctua website:

Size

140x140x25 mm

Mounting hole spacing

124,5×124,5 mm

Connector & pin-configuration

4-pin PWM

Cable length

1cm + 30cm NA-EC1 extension cable

Bearing

SSO2

Blade geometry

A-Series with Flow Acceleration Channels

Frame technology

AAO (Advanced Acoustic Optimisation)

Rotational speed (+/- 10%)

1500 RPM

Min. rotational speed @ 20% PWM (+/-20%)

300 RPM

Airflow

140,2 m³/h

Acoustical noise

24,6 dB(A)

Static pressure

2,08 mm H₂O

Max. input power

1,56 W

Max. input current

0,13 A

Operating voltage

12 V

MTTF

> 150.000 h

Scope of delivery

  • 4x NA-AVP1 chromax.black anti-vibration pads
  • 4x NA-AVP1 chromax.blue anti-vibration pads
  • 4x NA-AVP1 chromax.green anti-vibration pads
  • 4x NA-AVP1 chromax.red anti-vibration pads
  • 4x NA-AVP1 chromax.white anti-vibration pads
  • 4x NA-AVP1 chromax.yellow anti-vibration pads
  • 4x fan screws

Warranty

6 years

Testing

How I tested

I have tested the Noctua NF-A14 in a 6 fan setup. This means I had 3 fans as intake, 1 outtake and 2 on my top-mounted radiator. Ive tested the fans on full speed, 50% speed and at a 30 decibel level. Measurements were done with HWinfo64 and Cinebench R20. Pictures of the temperatures measured can be found here I have tested with a 5900x processor cooled by an Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280. The case used is the Phanteks P600s with the solid top and front panels removed, using the mesh covers.

Cooling performance and Sound

100 percent

At full speed the CPU reached a maximum of 66°C with a minimum of 34.4°C while running Cinebench R20. The average was 48.8°C. Sound measured in front of the case was 56,3 dB which according to the app I used for this equals a quiet office. I have definitely experienced far louder fans but I still would not recommend full speed for daily use.

50 percent

When setting the fans to 50% of their maximum capacity sound became much more pleasing to the ears while stay keeping things cool. The CPU reached a maximum of 66.4°C which is just 0.4°C higher then before! the minimum was 35.0°C and the average noted 51.5°C on the the CPU. Sound dropped significantly in front of the case with an average of 33.6dB in and a max of 37.4. This equals the sound of someone whispering.

NF-A14 Chromax at 30dB

At a 30db setting the cpu reached a maximum of 66.6°C (They say the Devil is in the details, right?) and a minimum of 35,9. very close to the 50% settings.

Compared to Arctic P14

When compared to the Arctic P14 the Noctua’s fall 1°C behind in my measurements on average. You could argue the Arctic is a better choice because these are quite a bit cheaper then the Noctua fans. But there are still some differences that favor the Noctua fans. The Noctua fans feel of higher quality build. The blades and frame feel more secure. I also noticed that the Noctua fans spin absolutely straight. The Arctic fans all wobble around while operating. This makes me think Noctua spend more time and effort in making a high end product that will last long. The biggest win for me is the sound though. While both fans can achieve real low sound levels while still keeping things cool, the Noctua wins for me. This might seem a bit strange as according to measurements made the Arctic produces less sound at the same speed setting. Well there is one thing that causes this for me; The Arctic fans all have a very irritating humming noise. I have to find specific settings for each fan not to produce this humming sound. For me this is a big win for Noctua and a personal argument for me to choose these over the Arctic fans.

Conclusion

Noctua delivers with the NF-A14 Chromax line-up what people have been asking for. The build and performance of the classic brown models in a more versatile color scheme. Performance and sound levels are both excellent. The idea of making a black fan with different colored sound dampeners is brilliant. This makes for a fan that can sit well in almost any build. The level of details like the micro-structures on the fans and the flow channels are very nice. The competition hasn’t been sitting doing nothing though. Fans like the Arctic P14 are available for a lot less then the Noctua’s and can be a great alternative for those on a budget. On max speed the Arctics are a lot quieter then the Noctua’s. But these fans come with their own downsides like a humming sound especially noticeable at the speeds you will probably use the fans in real life. All in All The NFA-14 Chromax is a high quality which is highly versatile as a case fan and radiator fan. I’m curious to see what products Noctua comes up with in the near future. Next year they will launch their desk-fan which should also be very interesting. For more on Noctua, be sure to visit their website.

For a retailer near you check here

Dutch customers can check Amazon.nl here.

Disclaimer

Noctua provided the fans for testing. Noctua had no prior insights on this review and my opinions are my own. This review may contain affiliate links. Using these links will help me fund this website and get products in for review.

MSI Immerse GV60 Streaming Mic: Great value or another Yeti clone?

Attack of the clones?

MSI recently introduced a microphone aimed at streamers; the MSI Immerse GV60. At first I was not immediately enthusiastic when I saw the microphone, as it strongly reminded me of the Blue Yeti. But is it just a clone or does MSI know how to add value in this category?

Packaging

The if we look at the box of the MSI Immerse GV60, it looks quite sober. The box only consists of white, black and grey colors. In my opinion, this is not a wrong choice. MSI clearly shows that it does not only puts focus on a young gaming audience with this product. On the frontside is a large image of the microphone with the model number listed. You will also find an MSI logo on this side. The main specifications are listed on the side. It is striking that both the sample rate and the bit rate are higher than with the major competitor; the Blue Yeti. Instead this is more in line with the more expensive Blue Yeti X.

Inside the box

After the outer box has been pulled off, the inner box can be opened. First you see the manual, which is thicker than your wife’s average romantic pocketbook. The microphone can be found in a thick foam bunker, wrapped in a plastic jacket. The foot is already in place. On the side is a flap containing the USB-C to USB-A cable, an included pop filter and two caps to cover up the screw holes, more about this later.

The Immerse GV60 unpacked

The microphone gives a good first impression. It is sturdy, quite heavy even compared to an already hefty Blue Yeti. The design is slightly less rounded, but still very sleek. The MSI Immerse GV60 has a sleek, uniform dark gray finish in matte aluminum. On the front there are 3 buttons of equal size for the various recording modes, headset volume and microphone volume. Below that is a small button that mutes the microphone. The microphone comes on a stand that feels sturdy. The Immerse GV60 can be screwed in on both sides and does not fall down when positioned, for example, at an angle. At the bottom you will find a USB-C connection, a screw connection for a boom arm and a 3.5 inch microphone connection.

Specifications

Noticeable specifications include an USB C port and a higher then average sample- and bit rate.

In practice

I bought the microphone mainly because of its clean look and lack of software. I have experience with a Blue Yeti Nano and a HyperX Quadcast microphone. These are my personal frames of reference.

Appearance of the Immerse GV60

The microphone has a matte finish and no eye-catching logos. MSI has subtly put its name on the front in a dark color. On the back if the mic you will find an MSI brand logo. A small light indicates the status of the microphone; green for active, red for mute. As mentioned, the buttons have a uniform look with a white text and logo to indicate the function. In my opinion, the buttons could have had some ridges for just that little bit of extra grip. The MSI Immerse GV60 looks sleek and will not distract during a teams meeting. Speaking of which, check out this article about monitor arms for a cleaner desk.

Ease of use

The microphone can be used immediately, no separate software is required. My windows 11 system recognized the microphone immediately after connecting it. In windows itself you can indicate if the MSI should or should not do all the recording work instead of any other microphone present, such as that of a webcam. MSI has not developed any software for the microphone. If you want to use certain filters or adjust other sound effects, you will have to do this with your streaming software. The advantage is that no unnecessary resources are used by software that not everybody will be using. The stand is easy to remove if you want to place the microphone on a boom arm. the screw holes are then neatly covered with the supplied caps.

Recording quality of the Immerse GV60

I have used the Immerse GV60 from MSI for online gaming, a video call through teams and for communication during a phone call. In all cases, according to the person on the other end, I was very easy to understand. Voices came across true-to-live, with no noise or distortion. I have largely made use of the cardioid setting. If you want to make a podcast interview, the stereo mode is ideal. For people who like to play with ASMR, there is the stereo mode. I notice I find it very convenient to be able to adjust these settings without having to reach to the back of the mic. This was one issue I had with the Yeti Nano I used before.

Conclusion

MSI has released a very nice microphone with the Immerse GV60. The appearance is initially reminiscent of the Blue Yeti. However, to put the MSI away as a simple clone would do the product injustice. For about the same price as the Blue Yeti you get a higher sample and bit rate with the MSI. If you want the same level of recording quality with a Blue Yeti you will need to step up to the Blue Yeti X. I haven’t used that before, but it seems to be a nice mic as well. The appearance is not disturbing when it comes into the picture and the operation is simple. A pop filter is included, although any threaded adapter will have to be purchased separately. All in all, a very solid entry from MSI. For the price I paid, which was around €110,- I can highly recommend this microphone. For more info visit the official product page.

Akko Jelly Black, no more purple Haze for me?

I have been using the Jelly Purple switches for a while now on a daily basis. The Jelly Purples rekindled my love for tactile switches. I like my switches to have a little weight or feedback to them. Well fortunately for me the great people at Akko reached out. They gave me the opportunity to review the Jelly Black switches. According to Akko these are their most populair switch at the moment. So lets see if I can stand behind this product, shall we?

Unboxing the Jelly Black

Well, if you’ve read my review about the Jelly Purple switches you know where this is going. Akko’s Jelly Black switches come in a nice little box. The theme is consistent with their keycaps and keyboards. Inside this box are the switches in a nice plastic case. They are not just thrown in a bag like many brands do. Instead they are individually hiding in their own little foxholes. This helps reducing the risk of getting bend pins. Once again all switches came in perfect shape. Kudos to Akko!

Up close and personal

The Jelly Black switches are nice to look at. In the hand they feel solid and there is no obvious ping when pressing them. First impression is that of a smooth transition while being pressed, but definitely with a bit of weight behind them. They have a black stem with a dust cover which also helps against wobble. The translucent housing is made of poly-carbonate material. It has a bit of a smokey color to it, which makes it really classy to look at. The official name of the switches is CS Jelly Black; CS stands for Custom Switches. These are switches made after getting feedback from Akko’s customers.

RGB makes things go brrr

For you RGB lovers out there, here is how they look compared to the Silvers and Purples.

Specs of the Jelly Black switches

NameAkko CS Jelly BlackAkko CS Silver
TypeLinearLinear
Operation force50 +/- 5gf45 +/- 5gf
Total travel4.0 +/- 03.mm3.0 +/- 0.3mm
Pre-travel1.9 +/- 03.mm1.0 +/- 0.5mm
Tactile positionN/AN/A
Tactile forceN/AN/A
Akko Jelly Black compared to Akko Silver

As can be seen in the column above, the Jelly Black’s are a heavy switch; in fact these are Akko’s heaviest switches at the moment. For me this was an interesting test as previously I have had experience with a linear switch on the other side of the spectrum; the CS Silver switches. The Silver switches are extremely easy to activate. The biggest difference here is the pre-travel which is 1.0 compared to the 1.9 of the Black. Be sure to check out all the Akko switches here!

Jelly Black and CS silver side to side

Opening both switches with my tool and comparing them side to side, there are some obvious differences. The bottom is made of a grey nylon on the Silvers while the Jelly Black has a pc bottom. Another difference you can see is the pole on the stem which is longer on the Silver switches. Both springs seem to be the same.

My Dutch readers can buy a set with a switch opener along with all the other basic tools here. If you are an international reader check out a great switch opener from Epomaker here.

Lubing the Jelly Black switches

The Jelly Black switches didn’t seem to have much crunch or ping to me. I must admit I am not the most sensitive person out there when it comes to hearing spring ping though. The blacks are a nice feeling switch and I would argue that it is not a must to lube these. Having said that, a little bit of lube never hurts. So I lubed the switches with the well known Krytox G205g0. Lubing made the switches even more smooth, so if you have the time, sure lube them!

Stem of the Akko Jelly Black lubed with Kyrtox G205g0
The stem of the Jelly Black switch lubed up

Check out my guide if you want know how to lube switches here. Or if you are looking for a nice complete lube kit, check this one out.

Conclusion

So, do I like them? The short answer would be; Yes, I like them, a lot. For me they are not my full keyboard switch though. Let me explain myself a bit here.

I have been using the Black switches for about a week now. Compared to the silver switches I think these are nicer to type on. I tend to make less mistakes because I can actually feel the key that I am pressing. They also sound more “Thocky” then the Silvers do if that is what you are after.

So far I have used four pairs of linear switches; Cherry Red, Gateron Yellow, Akko Silver and Akko Black. Of these switches I find the Blacks the most interesting. If I had to choose a switch between these four for a full layout, I would go with the Gateron Yellow though. The reason behind this, is that I experience some fatigue whilst typing on the blacks after a while but your mileage may vary.

For people who don’t really like tactile switches but do want to feel a bit of force while using their board these can the perfect solution.

Keep in mind though that the extra force needed can be a bit of a downside for those having to type for long sessions or playing fast FPS games.

My current daily is an Akko 3098B (review here) with the Akko Jelly Purple and for the numpad and F-row I use the Akko Jelly Blacks. These are perfect for me when crunching numbers for example.

Coupon

If you want to get 10% off on any purchase on Akkogear.eu just use coupon HELLOAKKO or use this link.

Disclaimer

This product was send to me by the Akko. Opinions are my own. This review may contain referral links. By using these links you support this website and allow us to get products in for review and testing.

Sharkoon Light² 200 review: surprisingly complete

Mouse on a diet

I have used a Logitech G502 for quite some time. I was very happy with it’s shape but especially with the infinite scroll wheel. Lately I have developed a pain in my wrists though so I started to look at an alternative. At first I tried a vertical mouse but this wasn’t my cup of coffee. So after browsing around and looking at lighter alternatives I stumbled upon the Sharkoon Light² 200.

The company Sharkoon

Sharkoon started making gaming products in 2003. Focusing on value for money Sharkoon has a wide portfolio of peripherals. Among the products being sold by Sharkoon are mice, keyboards, gaming chairs, pc cases. Other noticeable products include gaming headsets, DACs and mousepads. Sharkoon advertises their products as being “Designed in Germany”. Most of its products are focused on gamers who are looking for a good balance quality and affordability.

The Sharkoon Light² 200 comes in a nice sturdy box highlighting its most important specs.
The Sharkoon Light² 200 in its retail packaging

First impressions of the Sharkoon Light² 200

The mouse comes boasting its most important features on its packaging. My first reaction after opening up the box was a feeling of surprise. I was Surprised by how complete of a package Sharkoon delivers for its price. Not only are there two covers (a solid one and a honeycomb version) but also a selection of DPI buttons in black, blue and a red one that is a bit higher. Some extra extra mouse feet are also included. The mouse itself felt much lighter then my old one. The mouse has a very thin and light braided cable. It looks a bit like a paracord cable but unfortunately it is not of the highest quality. The sensor used is the Pixart 3389 optical switch.

Specifications

Specs found on the website of Sharkoon. Type of Omron switches not specified.
Specifications of the Sharkoon Light² 200

These are the specs:

Shape and feeling

The shape of the mouse is an ergonomic one. It looks a lot like the Benq Zowie EC2 which is a classic many gamers have fond memories of. The curved shape and bump at the back, we have all seen it before. The shape together with the weight make for a comfortable experience weather you are used to claw-, finger- or palmgripping. The buttons feel well placed and the scroll wheel gives enough resistance while using it but isn’t too stiff either. The honeycomb design, being made populair in the mainstream audience by Glorious is a love it or hate it affair. The design makes its easier to shave of a lot of weight from a mouse. The caveat is that it also comes with the chance of getting dust and dead skin cells in your mouse.

Daily use

Having used the Sharkoon Light² 200 on a daily basis for a few months I must say I was pretty happy with it. I really liked the shape which gave me plenty of grip and no pressure on my wrists. I used the honeycomb cover most of the time which took a bit of getting used to for me. After a while I didn’t mind it anymore except for the sides.

I wish they kept the sided solid, but Sharkoon does provide optional sidecovers. They don’t come with the mouse though.

One thing that I never got used to was the cable. It is so soft that I cannot really attach it to a bungee. It also attracts a lot of dust. The sensor has been great and accurate for me and all the buttons felt in the right place.

The feet of the mouse haven’t peeled off and the mouse still glides like it did the first day. The mouse buttons themselves have this little tiny ergonomic curve. This makes my index finger feel welcome each time it lands back there.

The side buttons are ok, but nothing special. They are easy enough to reach though.

The Sharkoon Light² 200 can be easily opened up.
The mouse cover is attached by a locking mechanism and magnets

Software and lightshow

Sharkoon provides a simple but decent software suite which is available on its website. The software is completely optional and it lets you set the dpi and RGB settings which can be saved to the mouse. One thing that is essential though is downloading the latest firmware. This improves the click latency to 4ms. you can find this firmware and software here. The RGB on the Sharkoon light² 200 comes in the form of a light bar on its back. I have seen stuff puking rainbows, but here it comes out the other way. I am not the biggest RGB fan but I wasn’t to bothered with this implementation.

There is also a white version available

Final thoughts

The shape of a mouse is something very personal, I can dig the ergo shape myself. Sharkoon did a good job with providing more for less here. The mouse is very light, has great feet, comes with two covers, various dpi buttons and spare feet. The sensor is above average and the mouse buttons still feel great after a few months. The software is optional but do update the firmware for that lower click latency. What I didn’t like so much was the sides not being solid and the fact dust will get in easier. But hey, nothing a can of compressed air can fix, right? I did notice that the housing of my mouse began to squeak after a couple of months while gripping it tight. The cable attracts dust and is too thin for my taste.

For the price of around €35,- I think this is a very solid option if you are looking for something affordable, light and ergonomic. There are always sacrifices to be made in this price range but I think Sharkoon made the right ones here for the most part.

you can check the current price on Amazon.nl using these links:

Sharkoon light² 200 white Sharkoon light² 200 black

Pro’s

  • Low price
  • Complete package
  • Software optional
  • Great feet 100% PTFE
  • Ergonomic shape
  • Comes in black and white color options
  • Very lightweight (+/- 62 grams)

Cons

  • Only right handed
  • Squeaking after a few months
  • Cable attracts dust and feels a bit cheap
  • No solid covers included (can be ordered though)

Disclaimer

The mouse was bought by myself and my own money. Opinions are my own. Links on this website may contain affiliate links. By clicking these you support the website to get more products in for reviewing.

Akko Jelly Purple switches review: great tactiles on a budget?

Akko Jelly Purple Switch

From brown and yellow to Jelly Purple

In the past I have used Cherry brown and Gateron brown switches. Personally I found the Gateron switches better to type on and a bit smoother overall. After a while I wanted to change things up and I tried Gateron yellow switches which I used for quite a while. When I recently bought my Akko 3098B (review here) I had a couple of options to choose from. After having a hard time deciding what switch I wanted, I eventually went with the CS Silver switches. Unfortunately I discovered myself making a lot more mistakes while typing. This is mainly because the silvers are very light to press and a lot faster then what I was used to. Great for gamers, but not so for me. After Akko offered me to test some of their other switches and share my findings I decided to try out the Akko CS Jelly Purple switches.

Unboxing the Akko Jelly Purple switches

The packaging itself has tape with the purple Akko logo on it. Inside I found two boxes each contains 45 switches. The little boxes come with a wrapper covered with a plastic bag. There is no mistaking the switches that are inside with a nice looking picture of the switches and matching color. When opening the box the switches are found in an easy to open plastic container. Personally I appreciate this as it reduces the chances of getting bended pins. Other switches I ordered in the past on sites like Ali-express came in a jar or plastic bag and usually some switches had bend pins. Because of the excellent packaging absolutely zero of the Akko Jelly Purple switches had this issue.

Another Purple switch?

The Jelly Purple switches are part of the CS line of switches. The CS line are switches created after feedback from customers. Mostly these are upgraded versions of existing Akko switches. The Akko Jelly Purple is an improved version of the Lavender Purple switch. The biggest difference is the operation force which went from 36gf to 40gf. The tactile force as also increased from 50gf to 56gf.

NameAkko CS Lavender PurpleAkko CS Jelly Purple
Type:TactileTactile
Operation force36gf +/- 5gf40gf +/- 5gf
Total travel4.0 +/- 0.5 mm4.0 +/- 0.5 mm
Pre-travel1.9 +/- 0.3 mm2.0 +/- 0.3 mm
Tactile position0.5 +/- 03 mm0.5 +/- 03 mm
Tactile force50gf +/- 5gf56gf +/- 5gf
Differences between the two purple switches

Both switches are of the tactile kind which offer a subtle “bump” while pressing the switch. Personally I really like feeling feedback while typing as it helps me make less mistakes. Other differences between the two purple switches are the fully transparent housing and the dustcover. Apart from keeping dust and your nasty eating habits away from the switch it also helps against wobbling.

Using the Jelly Purple switches

After testing the switches for about two weeks I can say I absolutely love these. They are great for typing but I don’t mind gaming with them either. I am no pro gamer but for my casual sessions I have no complaints. Comparing the jelly purple switch to my Gateron brown these feel smoother and have less ping. I did lube the switches which I usually recommend but the effect was not as big as with the Gateron switches.

Compatibility and RGB

Akko uses 3-pin switches which makes them usable for almost any hot-swap board. The CS switches do not cause interference with Cherry profile keycaps which is great. For those of you who can’t get enough of that rainbow puke there is some good news! Because the bottom of the switch is transparant colors really pop. If you want to go all Akko also sells clear keycaps! The Silver switches have the same transparant top housing but a solid bottom. I have added some pictures which show the difference side by side.

Lubing the Jelly Purple

Many enthusiasts recommend lubing switches. Not only does this make switches feel smoother it can also reduce unwanted ping. For lubing tactile switches I can recommend using Trybosis 3203. If you want to retain the tactile feeling of the switch you should avoid lubing the legs. You can find many tutorials online to help you out. When examining up close I noticed the switches having a bit of oil on them. After contacting Akko this was confirmed. They told me all switches have some factory lube on them but the pre-lubed versions get an extra more precise lubing treatment by hand.

Lubing the Akko Jelly Purple switches with Trybosis
Lubing is an optional step

Conclusion

I am very pleased with the overall feeling of the jelly purple switches from Akko. In fact I liked them so much that they are my daily driver for the moment and I ordered some extra ones myself. I find myself making less mistakes while typing compared to the CS Silver switches. This is of course very personal but if you like tactile switches I don’t think you can go wrong with the Jelly Purple switch. Want to order the switches right away and support our site, click here.

This review was originally posted in Dutch on Tweakers.net

Disclamer

This product was send to me by the Akko. Opinions are my own. This review may contain referral links. By using these links you support this website and allow us to get products in for review and testing.