Patriot Targets Gamers With Slithering Viper V570 RGB And V530 LED Gaming Mice
Now that the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas is in full swing, you can expect a bevy of product announcements, everything from new desktops and crazy expensive laptops on down to routers and gaming peripherals. As it pertains to the latter, Patriot used the convention as a launchpad for several new gear, including a pair of mice, the Patriot Viper V570 RGB and V530 LED.
The one with the higher model number is also the fancier of the too with an Avago 9800 laser sensor capable of up to 12,000 DPI. It has a unique auto-speed feature (available through the accompanying software) that can automatically modify the DPI in a range set by the user. The sensor then adjusts to the preset DPI settings based on how quickly or slowly the user moves the mouse.
Programmable macro buttons with Omron switches number a baker's dozen (that would be 13), including a quick access sniper button located on the left side of the V570. When pressed, the tracking slows to 400 DPI for more precise aiming. It is one of five buttons mounted on the side, making it a solid choice for FPS and MMO games.
As the model name suggests. RGB lighting comes along for the ride. The rodent can be lit up through multi-zone LEDs and customized through the software. Once the settings are to the user's liking, they can be saved to one of five profiles.
Finally, the V570 RGB features 35g of adjustable weight, rubber side grips, and ceramic foot pads for "ice-like gliding" regardless of the surface type. Look for this one to be available in the first quarter of this year priced at $60 MSRP.
As to the V530 LED, this is a more simple rodent with an Avago 3050 optical sensor and maximum DPI setting of 4,000. Patriot views this one as an entry-level mouse for gamers on a budget.
Though it is not as fleshed out as is the V570 RGB, the V530 LED features seven programmable macro buttons, half a dozen onboard LED profile colors, PTFE foot pads, and a soft rubber coating that blankets the mouse. Perhaps best of all, it will only cost $30 when it ships at the end of this month.
Gaming Headsets
Patriot also rolled out a few new headsets, three in all, each one with a similar physical design: Patriot Viper V370 RGB, V361 LED, and V330.
"We are very excited to add three newly designed headsets to our lineup this year," said Roger Shinmoto, Patriot’s Vice President of Product Development. "The V330 stereo headset will offer great stereo sound quality for PC or mobile gaming enthusiasts, while the V361 and V370 RGB headsets will offer the same proven 7.1 virtual surround sound and Ultra Base Response (UBR) system our customers have come to enjoy."
The V370 and V361 are both 7.1 virtual surround sound headsets with 40nm neodymium drivers for precise sound detection and a 30mm sub-driver for added bass. A red LED lights up the side of the V361, while the V370 features RGB lighting.
Then there is the V330, a stereo headset that looks similar to the other two and also comes with 40mm neodymium drivers, but lacks 7.1 virtual surround sound.
All three sport a built-in foldable micrphone, padded memory foam ear cups, and a lightweight design with a headband wrapped in leather.
The V370 ($70), V361 ($50), and V361 ($40) will be available online and in stores starting next month.
"We are very excited to add three newly designed headsets to our lineup this year," said Roger Shinmoto, Patriot’s Vice President of Product Development. "The V330 stereo headset will offer great stereo sound quality for PC or mobile gaming enthusiasts, while the V361 and V370 RGB headsets will offer the same proven 7.1 virtual surround sound and Ultra Base Response (UBR) system our customers have come to enjoy."
The V370 and V361 are both 7.1 virtual surround sound headsets with 40nm neodymium drivers for precise sound detection and a 30mm sub-driver for added bass. A red LED lights up the side of the V361, while the V370 features RGB lighting.
Then there is the V330, a stereo headset that looks similar to the other two and also comes with 40mm neodymium drivers, but lacks 7.1 virtual surround sound.
All three sport a built-in foldable micrphone, padded memory foam ear cups, and a lightweight design with a headband wrapped in leather.
The V370 ($70), V361 ($50), and V361 ($40) will be available online and in stores starting next month.
Gaming Keyboards
Lastly Patriot added a couple of new mechanical keyboards to its lineup. The first is the Patriot Viper V770 RGB. It uses Kailh Red mechanical key switches are basically clones of Cherry MX Red switches for a quiet and tactile typing experience. They actuate at just 2mm with a force of 50g.
It's a full-size plank with N-Key rollover (NKRO), 108 programmable keys (including dedicated macro keys and media keys), and per-key RGB backlighting that users can customize through software. It also comes with a detachable wrist rest that displays an illuminated Viper logo and LED strip at the bottom.
It's a full-size plank with N-Key rollover (NKRO), 108 programmable keys (including dedicated macro keys and media keys), and per-key RGB backlighting that users can customize through software. It also comes with a detachable wrist rest that displays an illuminated Viper logo and LED strip at the bottom.
The Patriot Viper V730 is a toned down version that lacks dedicated macro keys and standalone media controls. However, it's still a full-size keyboard with NKRO support, sixe LED lighting modes, six levels of backlight illumination, and five lighting profiles.
This is also a mechanical keyboard, but with Kailh Brown switches. It's a bit quirky that Patriot is using different types of switches on each of these planks rather than sticking to the same one or, better yet, giving users a choice between various key switches. Be that as it may, just be aware of which type you're buying into if you purchase one of these keyboards.
The V730 will be available in February for $80 and the V770 in April for $150.
The V730 will be available in February for $80 and the V770 in April for $150.
