The keyboard and mouse have been a computer feature for decades and even with the touch-screen phenomenon making leaps and bounds into the market – for many applications the world without these two mainstays is almost unthinkable.

The mouse in particular is our extension into the computer universe, controlling windows, clicking icons and manipulating objects. Available in various shapes and sizes, wired or wireless and with or without additional buttons.

The Rude Gameware Fierce 5000 DPI Mouse is designed specifically with gaming in mind, with its lightning fast reactions to your hand movement and assortment of programmable buttons. If you are a non-gamer though fear not as gaming mice offer various features that work extremely well for the day to day routine of traditional computer usage.

So let’s take a closer look:

Hardware

Within the box you will find various items including:

  • A laser mouse
  • Quick start guide
  • Software CD
  • Extra set of mouse feet for replacement
  • Weights (35g) with box

The mouse itself consists of several buttons including left and right click, scroll wheel which itself can be used as a third button, a DPI toggle switch (which I will cover in a moment), side back and forward buttons and finally two programmable buttons.

As this is a wired mouse, your main concern would be of course the wire protruding from the rear of the mouse. Thankfully they have included a non-tangle braided cable that is extremely flexible and doesn’t interfere with any quick actions. I have owned a wireless mouse for quite some time now and even with this previous experience, using the Rude Gameware ‘wired’ mouse left me thoroughly impressed.

Below the mouse are a set of feet to ease the sliding motion we all utilise with such a device. The kit even comes with additional feet if you ever find yourself in the position of needing to replace them in the future.

Also underneath the mouse is a cartridge, which when removed reveals empty gaps where weights can be placed. The weight of a mouse can determine how comfortable the device is to use and unfortunately personal preference dictates that we all have different requirements. The mouse is fully prepared for this eventuality by allowing you to adjust the overall mouse weight by placing between 10g and 35g of additional load to the device. It really does make an impact on usability and with a little experimentation, you will no doubt find the optimum weight that suits you personally.

I have already referred to a DPI switch on top of the mouse and this sits below the scroll wheel. When you plug in the mouse to a free USB port, you will notice a light appear around this switch. Moving the mouse around the screen feels absolutely fine, however if you click the DPI switch – the colour changes indicating a different level has been selected and the mouse cursor will move much quicker with the same amount of movement. There are four settings in all, with the slowest perfect for traditional usage and moving up the speed scale benefits the gamers who need to rapidly move a character to survive a brutal onslaught.

The overall build quality of the mouse is equally impressive, feeling very comfortable to hold and to use whether you are surfing the Internet or playing the latest third person shooter title. The buttons are really responsive and trigger pleasingly in any on-screen environment. Movement detection feels lightning fast and even with the most demanding of games, everything feels absolutely spot on.

Requirements

  • Windows XP, Vista or 7

Specifications

  • 5000 DPI Laser Engine
  • 1000 Hz polling with 1 ms response time
  • Onboard memory to save your modifications
  • 7 independently programmable buttons and macro support
  • Adjustable Weights
  • Zero-Acoustic Ultra-smooth Teflon feet
  • Always-On mode
  • On-the-Fly Sensitivity DPI adjustment (no driver needed)
  • LED DPI Indicator
  • Gold plated USB connector for maximum conductivity
  • 7 foot, lightweight, non-tangle cord
  • Included customization software

The Software

If you crave customisation, you can install the included software CD that allows you to manipulate all kinds of options.

Many of the buttons on the mouse can be programmed to enact a certain function. You can for instance have a button dedicated to launching the ‘My Computer’ window or how about raising or lowering the volume. You can even store a selection of key presses that can be triggered by a single mouse click providing the ultimate in convenience.

For the various applications and games, you may wish to utilise a completely different setup for your mouse. This is also catered for by allowing you to load and save profiles.

There are many other options with the software you can use including the adjustment of double-click speed, scroll wheel speed, multi-fire functions and more. None of this has to be altered if you are happy with the standard settings, however for those that love to tweak – the software provides with gusto. It would have been nice to see a little more information explaining what each of the areas actually alters, but most of it is clear enough.

Final Thoughts

Although strictly speaking the Rude Gameware Fierce 5000 DPI Mouse is designed with gamers in mind, that speciality thought process has created a device that feels great, reacts quickly to your commands and is perfectly suitable for all manner of operations no matter how simple or complex.

At around ยฃ40, the Rude Gameware Fierce 5000 DPI Mouse is a worthy purchase for the avid gamer or even the home / office environment.

Features I loved:

  • Very responsive
  • Comfortable whether gaming or using standard applications
  • Extremely customisable

Features that lacked:

  • Software not always very clear

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James Woodcock

James is a Freelance Journalist, Copywriter, Author, Blogger & Podcaster specialising in gaming, gadgets and technology, both retro and modern. Ever since he experienced the first controllable pixel movement on the television screen, he has been entranced by the possibilities and rewarding entertainment value generated from these metal and plastic boxes of delight. Writing hundreds of articles, including commentary and reviews on various gaming platforms, whilst also interviewing well-known industry figures for popular online publications. Creator of the ScummVM Music Enhancement Project and host of the Game & Gadget Podcast. View his portfolio here: James Woodcock's Portfolio.

James Woodcock has 1100 posts and counting. See all posts by James Woodcock

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