A Good Look at the Razer Tartarus V2 - Is it Worth Getting?

Razer has a reputation for producing some of the coolest looking gaming-related hardware on the market, and the Razer Tartarus is no exception. Selling for about $80 a piece they are not too expensive either and is sure to appeal to a niche audience. Still, you might be wondering though -- is it worth getting? Does it offer a better experience than say, your old trusty mechanical gaming keyboard or is it just for show? Let us find out.

The Razer Tartarus V2 is a 25-key gaming keypad with a directional stick and a complete RGB lighting system. It's not as flexible as a full keyboard, but it can be a benefit to the hardest of hardcore gamers who don't need 104 keys to excel in their competitive games of choice.

What can you expect using one?

For a gaming keypad, the Tartarus works well and seem like your video gaming experience would be enhanced by a small, programmable keyboard with a directional stick. It is not the only gaming keypad made by Razer -- there is the elaborate "Orbweaver" which is more expensive but offers a more comfortable experience. In any case, these keypads can be used on a variety of gaming genres including competitive ones.

In this post, we will take a look at the Tartarus V2 in some categories. Only then can you decide if it is worth getting one

Design

Razer calls the Tartarus V2 an ergonomic gaming keypad -- it's a small keyboard that has four rows of 5 keys apiece (other than for the bottom row, where there's a scroll wheel in the location of the 5th secret) above a hand rest. Off to the side, there's an eight-directional D-pad, a small, circular button (Alt, by default) and a thumb button that usually operates as an area bar.

All told, 25 programmable buttons cover just about every key that you would regularly use on a full-sized keyboard. If you need only a handful of keys for whatever video game you're playing-- or whatever graphics style job you're working on-- it's easy to see the appeal.

User experience

However, the Tartarus V2 isn't nearly as comfortable as it could be. You can adjust the hand rest to one of 2 positions; however, in either case, you're going to be grabbing the top row of keys and the space bar, unless you have genuinely enormous hands.

The button that maps to S has a little ridge to assist you in identifying the movement keys by touch. However, the bump is extremely subtle, and I discovered that I typically reset my fingers one position to the left or right. That's bothersome in a single-player game, unsafe in a multiplayer match and positively fatal in a high-stakes competition match.

The Tartarus V2 isn't almost as comfortable as it might be.
Otherwise, the style is neat and compact. The Tartarus V2 saves a lot of room, which might be advantageous in a full tournament scene. In your home, however, you'll most likely have to use it in conjunction with a regular keyboard-- not instead of one. More on that later on.

Quality of the keys

Unfortunately, the Tartarus has one glaring fault that you won't be able to tell just by looking at it. Instead of mechanical switches, as Razer uses in most of its high-end keyboards, the Tartarus V2 goes with Razer's "Mecha-Membrane"  -- the same one on their Ornata Chroma keyboard. In a nutshell, the keycaps simulate the feel of a mechanical keyboard, while still counting on a squishy membrane underneath.

Possibly Razer's target audience for the Tartarus V2 currently has all of those things, but it drives home the concept that the Tartarus V2 is a very, very niche product, even within the already-niche world of gaming devices.

At any rate, handled their own merits, the mecha-membrane works well for what it is. While they're not as satisfying as a mechanical switch, they're not as mushy as a membrane model, either. If you are used to using mechanical switches, this might be a deal breaker, but if you do not mind, either way, you will find that the keys are responsive and comfortable.

The D-pad was the more interesting component to assess. In the beginning, I believed it was a complete thumbstick, like on a video game controller; instead, it acts more like a set of arrow keys, with a command in between every two cardinal directions.  Depending on the user's preference, it can be very useful or utterly useless.

What are the features?

Personally, we think it is surprising that products like the Tartarus V2 even exists. There aren't that many small-form video gaming keypads on the market, much less from major peripheral manufacturers. Regarding performance, though, whatever intriguing stems from the Razer Synapse 3.0 software application.

The Tartarus V2 lets you change in between 3 various keymaps, which is perfect for multiple characters in an MMO or MOBA, for different weapons layouts in an FPS or numerous races in an RTS.

 As for customising the device using  Synapse, well we found the experience finicky at best. The entire program feels sparse, with a lot of white backgrounds and area in between alternatives. Setting up Chroma lighting choices needs a little trial and error, although it instantly synchronises with other Razer items, which is a nice touch.

A critical function of the Tartarus V2 is that you can change between 3 different keymaps, which is perfect for different characters in an MMO or MOBA, for different weapons designs in an FPS or various races in an RTS. You can also make it possible for a "Hypershift" functionality, which entirely alters what every key does when you push or hold down a particular button.

While setting up these choices needs a great deal of time (and a great deal of effort, because you'll have to test and enhance your options in-game), you might, in theory, have nearly 150 various commands at your fingertips in each game. The only difficulty is that, by default, there are no secrets assigned to allowing Hypershift or swapping keymaps. Setting them isn't hard. However, it appears odd to make among the Tartarus V2's most beautiful elements an opt-in option instead of an endemic feature.

The very first thing you must understand is that if you want to use the Tartarus V2 successfully, you'll have to break years' worth of keyboard habits. When I played StarCraft: Remastered, I did my best to rely on the Tartarus V2. I configured all of my most often used commands into the 25 secrets, then attempted to train my fingers to acknowledge the unknown locations.

The issue wasn't a lot that the Tartarus V2 didn't work correctly-- it did-- it's just that I didn't see any clear benefit to training myself to utilise an entirely brand-new peripheral when a keyboard is both more spacious and more familiar. (Utilizing the D-pad to check out the minimap, on the other hand, was extremely useful, and let me micromanage my units a bit more effectively. This benefit isn't worth $80 by itself. However, it has a tangible result on gameplay.).

If you want to utilise the Tartarus V2 effectively, you'll have to break years' worth of keyboard habits.".
Overwatch was most likely where I saw the least enhancement. Yes, I might assign unique abilities to the keypad, but the D-pad didn't have a clear purpose, and the game doesn't benefit from macros. I make sure there are a handful of FPS snipers who might like having the additional scroll wheel, however, unless you're exceptionally uneasy with the mouse-and-keyboard setup, I don't see the Tartarus V2 having much of an effect.

World of Warcraft is probably where the Tartarus V2 showed the most utility. Top-level MMO play requires a lot of buttons, and can completely leverage macros to handle complicated DPS series or reliable healing chains. Especially considering that you can reprogram the keymap for different functions, MMO diehards might, in theory, take advantage of the Tartarus V2-- and an $80 device is perhaps a more appealing prospect than a large, dedicated MMO keyboard, with a price that could vary as much as $180.

On the other hand, a standard mouse-and-keyboard setup is still functional for the majority of MMO gamers-- which drives home my main criticism of the Tartarus V2. What it does, it does just fine; it's just not that useful-- or that necessary-- for many players.

The bottom line

There's a market for the Tartarus V2; after all, fans welcomed the first version enough to require a 2nd one. Still, having experimented with it in a few of my favourite video games (admittedly, at a low competitive level), it seems a bit like an option in search of a problem. The learning curve is high, the cost is high, and the benefits are moderate, at best.

The Tartarus V2 delivers what it says it can and if you can configure the device to meet your requirements. It will not, however, instantly make your gaming experience better as others might believe. You will have to spend some time getting used to the device and break away from your keyboard habits which are not easy to do. Many bought these gaming keypads only to have it sitting there like an expensive decorative piece. As for how long it will take and whether you can use the Tartarus to improve your game, well that is subjective. Personally though -- I would rather spend my $80 elsewhere.

Is it the End of the Road for the PS4?

The Sony PS4, the very popular video games console of its generation, is nearing completion of it's most successful run, according to the head of PlayStation.

Speaking at Sony's Corporate Strategy Meeting, John Kodera stated the PS4 is 'entering completion of its lifecycle'.

Estimated by noted Wall Street Journal reporter Takashi Mochizuki, Kodera states that while hardware sales will probably drop off, increased revenue from subscription services like PS Plus could cover the shortfall.

That's not to state we're taking a look at the imminent arrival of the PS5 and a possible terminating of the PS4. In spite of reports declaring PS5 dev systems are out in the wild, a couple of are anticipating the next-generation console to arrive before completion of the years.

Besides, there's still much life in the old pet dog yet, consisting of a series of amazing exclusives like The Last of Us Part 2 and Spider-Man coming this year.

Kodera, the CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, included that PlayStation players can expect plenty more exclusives in the future.

He also commented on the performance of the PlayStation VR platform, inning by Mochizuki's tweets. He stated the PSVR sector is growing, however, the market as a whole is underperforming compared to expectations. He likewise said the PlayStation Vue service, a leader in the streaming of live TV, is facing stricter competitors than anticipated. In the past year, some brand-new rivals, such as YouTube TELEVISION and Hulu Live TELEVISION have emerged, together with ongoing expansion from the similarity DirecTV Now and Sling TELEVISION.

So what do you think? Do you believe PS4 is finished or does the console still have a few more years in it? Are you ready for a new system to take video gaming to the next level? Let us know by putting up a comment below

AMD Ryzen 3 2200G - Is it the Best Choice for a Budget Gaming PC in 2018?

If you are looking for a processor for a capable gaming PC and spend as little money as possible, then look no further than the Ryzen 3 2200G -- an AMD processor geared up with onboard integrated graphics.

While APUs already have been just helpful for home theatre PCs and other compact rigs, AMD has presented the world to video gaming with merely a single chip through its latest AMD Ryzen APUs.

At the really bottom of AMD's APU stack, the company has introduced the AMD Ryzen 3 2200G, a quad-core processor with primary 'discrete graphics' that entirely costs less than a GTX 1050 ti. Hence many would agree that it is the ultimate choice for PC video gaming on a budget.

Check out these specs:

• Cores: 4
• Threads: 4
• Base clock: 3.5 Hz.
• Increase clock: 3.7 GHz.
• L3 cache: 4MB.
• GPU cores: 8 Radeon Vega compute systems.
• GPU Clock: approximately 1,100 MHz.
• TDP: 65W.

For less than $100, you are getting a quad-core, four threads with integrated Vega 8 graphics capability. The AMD Ryzen 3 2200G is a significantly more budget-friendly proposition than the $129 Intel Core i3-8100, which packs as much computing power but far weaker integrated graphics.

Features and chipset

The AMD Ryzen 3 2200G might be part of the start of the new Ryzen 2000-series, but it isn't technically part of forthcoming wave of Ryzen 2nd generation processors. Instead of being built on Zen+ new 12nm architecture, the Ryzen APUs make use of Global Foundries' new 14nm+ FinFET process that's more of a fully grown version of Ryzen's original Zen architecture.

That stated, AMD's brand-new Ryzen APUs do get a couple of brand-new features we'll see more of with Ryzen 2nd generation. Accuracy Boost 2 allows the Ryzen 3 2200G to improve more cores and regularly on various work. On the other hand, upgraded SenseMi innovation allows this chip to simplify processor power consumption with any given task. When X470 motherboards start to roll out later this year, we'll likely see even much better power savings with higher performance.

Naturally, the genuine magic behind AMD's new Raven Ridge processors is the integration of AMD Vega graphics, and they provide this chip with a real wallop of graphical power for everyday PC gaming.

Regardless of having less calculate systems and slower GPU clock speeds than the AMD Ryzen 5 2400G, the Ryzen 3 2200G felt every bit as capable as its larger sibling. We could play Rocket League at 1080p and premium settings at a consistent 30 frames per second (fps). The integrated graphics had no problems running Overwatch at 30fps in spite of setting the game with a 4K display resolution and max quality.
Sadly, due to having fewer threads you'll see a considerable dip in multi-core performance.  Compared to the Intel Core i3 -8100, Group Blue still leads in general computational performance. While the difference isn't undue in Cinebench, Intel's a lot of affordable processor steam rolls AMD's part with 4,624 single-core and 13,400 multi-core GeekBench scores.

It's easy to agree that the Ryzen 3 2200G is the best processor for budget gamers especially considering that it does not have any glaring faults. The processor is sufficient enough to power any eSports video gaming rig by itself without the need for an extra discrete graphics card and that it in itself is quite a remarkable feat Intel is yet to top.

A Good Look at the Oculus Go "Budget VR" -- Is it Worth It?

Oculus Go VR Headset - What is it?

Virtual Reality is still slightly out of reach for some people because some headsets need a pricey gaming computer system or an Android smartphone to run-- but not the Oculus Go. It's a standalone VR  headset with an integrated display screen and motion tracking.

It has a 3-hour battery so you can remain immersed in your favorite video games, movies, and experiences much longer than you 'd be able to with contending mobile headsets like the Gear VR or Google Cardboard.

So is it worth it?

As a budget stand-alone VR system, the Oculus Go does not disappoint. It offers exceptional VR that, while not as excellent as precisely what you'll find on a PC-tethered headset, is still immersive and pleasurable.

Simply put, the entire Oculus Go plan works. From its style and content to the controller and visuals, it's difficult not to smile or, at times, be surprised when you're using the headset.

It's so good; you forget that it's not connected to anything and is running entirely on its own.

Oculus Go is not an ideal gadget, but usually, we could look past its defects and truly enjoy ourselves. Oculus Go prospers on many levels, and one area where it stands out is social VR.

When you remain in Oculus Rooms, "hanging out" with people halfway across the world, there's a sense that Oculus Go is being utilized for its intended function; precisely what it was made to do. Social is what Facebook desires VR to be, and it has relatively struck on the right formula with Oculus Go and Oculus Rooms.

Then, of course, there is the cost. Oculus Go is not an inexpensive item; purchasing something for real home entertainment functions for $200+ might be a difficult sell for some. But, for what you get with Oculus Go, the price tag is hard to argue. This is a premium item, and it seems like it from the minute you take it out of the box until the minute you eliminate it from your head after a session in VR.

Rather than having a lot of completing headsets, Facebook views VR as resting on a spectrum; those who desire a high-end experience can choose the more costly Rift, while those who want something more casual or portable can go the ladder to Oculus Go and Gear VR. Oculus Go is more than just happy middle ground, nevertheless. As we've said, it represents a new period for VR, one that's enjoyable, stealthily useful and a lot more accessible than the previous generation of bulkier and a heck of a lot more expensive VR systems.

Make Your Gaming Seem Realistic with Any of These Best-in-Class Gaming Headsets

Whether you're playing a solo campaign and want a premium sonic experience without disturbing those around you, or you want to trash-talk other gamers online, a gaming headset is a need to for players. A good headset improves your spatial awareness in games, and it makes the experience feel even more sensible.

Video gaming headphones feature an over-ear design on almost all occasions to better accommodate their massive audio fans. Higher-end offerings will help you take your gaming experience up a notch by assisting with DTS and Dolby Surround Noise standards, but we have also highlighted headsets that still sound excellent without breaking the bank. We've sorted the very best from the rest to discover the best-sounding and most comfy headsets offered and consisted of picks for the PC and every significant gaming console.

HyperX Cloud Revolver S Video Gaming Headset
Best Total Video Gaming Headset

Some gaming headsets can cost upwards of $300+, which is an excessive cost to swallow. This gaming headset from HyperX delivers similar sound quality, with a sturdy steel frame, and large 50-millimeter motorists, but at a much more attractive rate point. Although it isn't wireless, the headset is compatible with any device that has a 3.5-millimeter jack, indicating it'll deal with a PC, Mac, Nintendo Change, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and a lot of smartphones and tablets. The headset is comfortable and adjustable, and it fits both big and small heads.

Not just does it feel great, but it sounds great, too. Audio is well-balanced, with excellent information and assistance for Dolby 7.1 surround sound. If you wanted to, you might get away with using the headset as a set of earphones too, since its microphone is detachable.

Sennheiser VIDEO GAME ONE Video Gaming Headset
Best for Pro Gamers

This premium gaming headset from Sennheiser provides high-quality noise that even the pickiest of audiophiles will appreciate. Both music and game ratings sound crisp, bright, and well balanced, with excellent treble and midrange performance. The microphone supplies a clear, complete, and loud sound that will not be hard for others to hear.

Since of the VIDEO GAME ONE's open-ear cup style, the headset does not do a great job at isolating audio in loud environments. This can be viewed as a great or a bad thing, depending on if you want to hear your phone or doorbell ring when you're gaming. It likewise features the added risk of troubling those around you, however, will keep you fresh throughout long video gaming sessions.

This headset links to your devices with a removable 3.5-millimeter audio cable, so it works with the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Mac, and Nintendo Switch. It comes in black or white, and while we aren't the most significant fans of its all-plastic style, we value how durable and durable it feels and are confident it would survive a drop off of your video gaming station. It supplies a comfy, adjustable, and tight fit. You won't be dissatisfied with this headset.

Corsair HS50 Gaming Headset
Budget Buy 

The majority of spending plan gaming headsets include mostly plastic bodies and mediocre sound quality, however not the Corsair HS50. It's a budget-friendly choice with a metal building that both looks premium. The headband and ear cups on the headset are on the bigger side, primarily because of thick synthetic leather cushioning. However, they're still very comfy. There's even a convenient volume dial along the left side of the headset, along with a mute button for the microphone. The noise-canceling microphone is detachable, too, making the headset a travel-friendly pair that works with any game console, gaming laptop computer, and a lot of mobile phones.

As you 'd expect for a budget plan offering, this headset doesn't provide surround noise or wireless support, but it still offers crisp audio that's healthy and will make your video games a lot more immersive. The bass response is strong and sturdy, too. All in all, it's a capable headset that looks and feels like it should cost more than it does.

SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless Video Gaming Headset

The best splurge "Shut up and take my money" gaming headset

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless is one of the most flexible and customizable gaming headsets you can buy, and it's likewise one of the very first to be Hi-Res Certified, but it comes at a high cost. It's one of the few headsets that supports Bluetooth, so you can easily pair it with your smart device or tablet. Plus, it's incredibly comfy and supplies a sculpted noise with plenty of basses that are perfect for gaming or paying attention to music.

A bundled audio transmitter with OLED display screen delivers appropriate information about your audio experiences, such as volume, battery life, and audio source. It's likewise utilized to charge the headset's batteries. The Arctis Pro's 40-millimeter stereo motorists provide plenty of power, and the connected noise-canceling mic is retractable and does a great job at getting your voice. We merely want the headset was a little less expensive and was compatible with the Xbox One.

A Good Look at Some of the Best SSDs on the Market for Better Gaming Performance

Since they don't have moving parts like conventional hard drives, solid-state drives are lighter, considerably more power-efficient, and, most notably, much quicker. Updating your computer from a hard disk drive to an SSD all, however, guarantees a more significant speed increase than a brand-new microprocessor can provide.

Much like when it comes to traditional hard disks, the more significant capability an SSD has, the pricier it'll become. When upgrading your computer system-- or a gaming console such as an Xbox One or PlayStation 4-- select a minimum of a 240 GB choice.

Lower versions are primarily ideal for desktop PCs with more than one storage drive. In this case, the SSD is used to save the computer system's OS and commonly utilised programs, while bigger multimedia files and backups are continued a traditional hard drive.

Please keep in mind that this article is concentrated on 2.5-inch internal SSDs with SATA III user interface, which is essential for many PC and Chrome OS laptops today (Apple does not want you to upgrade the flash memory of your MacBook). The user interface also has in reverse compatibility with the SATA II memory found in today's gaming consoles, such as Xbox One and PlayStation 4.

Samsung 860 PRO SSD

The Samsung 860 Pro is a trusted and rapid offering that features approximately a massive 4 TB of storage. It can clock in reading and write speeds of roughly 560 MB/s and 530 MB/s, respectively, and it features 256-bit AES Encryption, 64-layer 3D NAND, and a dedicated RAPID mode for boosted performance.

Compared to the lower priced 850 Pro, this one features an updated JMX SSD controller, and it uses LPDDR4 DRAM instead of the previous-gen LPDDR3 DRAM, leading to a faster and more dependable performance.

Crucial MX500 SSD

STORE NOW.
The Vital MX500 uses a combination of excellent performance and an attractive price. Its sequential read and compose speeds top out at a stellar 560 MB/s and 510 MB/s, respectively. The SSD has available file encryption, and a 5-year warranty backs it. The Samsung 860 PRO SSD is a little much faster, but this one provides comparable speeds at a better worth.

Samsung 860 EVO SSD

Samsung's 860 EVO SSD cuts an excellent balance between performance and value. It's equipped with 256-bit file encryption, the current V-NAND innovation, and an updated JMX controller for faster speeds. Like all Samsung SSDs, the 860 EVO is a solid entertainer, efficient in reaching read and write speeds of 550 MB/s and 520 MB/s, respectively. The SSD is available with up to a gigantic 4 TB of storage.

Compared with the more expensive Samsung 860 PRO drives, this one utilizes 3-bit MLC 3D NAND, which is slower than the PRO's 2-bit MLC technology. The Pro uses twice the compose endurance of the EVO. Regardless, the EVO is still an exceptional and trustworthy drive worth thinking about.

Intel SSD 545s Series SSD

Zippy and extremely budget-friendly, the Intel SSD 545s Series SSD carries out likewise to the Crucial MX500. It can reach information check out speeds of 550 MB/s. Other essential functions of the gadget include power-efficient operation, a robust 5-year service warranty, and AES 256-bit self-encryption assistance.

SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD

The SanDisk Extreme Pro is readily available with approximately 960 GB of onboard storage. A blazing-fast offering, the element can reach sequential read and compose speeds of up to 550 MB/s and 520 MB/s, respectively. The Extreme Pro is a shock- and vibration-resistant, and it includes a 10-year service warranty. This is an excellent tool that's fantastic for both work and casual usage, but, unfortunately, it does not support self-encryption.

A Good Look at 3 of the Best Graphics Cards to Amp up Your PC Gaming in 2018

No other PC upgrade can yield a more significant difference in gaming performance than a powerful graphics card. But with so many options available in the market, what do you need to know about choosing the right one?

No need to fret -- in this post, we go over 3 of the best graphics cards that we believe are worth considering this 2018. Only then can you decide which GPU fits your needs and budget best.

So what are graphics cards?

For the uninitiated, graphics cards or GPUs are processors explicitly built to process graphics. In a gaming PC, it is considered the most important and most costly component in any given setup.

Whether you are building a new gaming PC or upgrading from an old outdated GPU, you would want to ensure that you get a graphics card that is suitable for your needs. We have gone over many GPUs in the past and confident in recommending the following:

Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 
Our Best Overall Pick

The GTX 1070 manages to find the perfect balance between rate and performance. It has to do with 20% slower than the GTX 1080. However, it costs a lot less. It's excellent for 1080p and 1440p video gaming, and it's even sufficient enough for virtual reality headsets like the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive. You'll have no issues running AAA titles at 60 frames per 2nd with this card.

Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050
The GPU for Gamers on a Budget

Graphics cards are expensive-- mainly because the majority of are increased substantially due to lacks. This budget-friendly GPU is great for casual players on a spending plan. It's a small however mighty GPU that pumps out 60 frames per second without any need for a power adapter. Although we recommend getting the 4 GB version instead of the older 2 GB model. Nevertheless,  it is still a capable card that finishes the job and offers performance enough for the average gamer.

Nvidia TITAN V
The "Shut Up and Take My Money" Graphics Card

If you want the unconditional fastest graphics card money can purchase, and you have deep pockets, the TITAN V from Nvidia is the very best on the market. The card includes 12 GB of HBM2 memory, and it produces a full 110 teraflops of computing power. Its cores run at 1,200 MHz, with the potential to improve to 1,455 MHz.

With such power, you may be shocked to learn that the card isn't created for players, but rather researchers, who need its advanced computational abilities. If you can swallow its high rate, this graphics card is the most powerful PC GPU readily available.