Short version: There’s a lot to like, but not much special, about this mouse from relative newcomer Mionix. And if it cannot beat the others on price.
Functions:
* Ergonomic right-handed style
* 5040 DPI laser sensor
* 7 buttons
* On-board profiles and macro settings
* MSRP: ~$90
Pros:
* Comfy form
* Exceptional configuration software program
* Monitoring is solid
Cons:
* Trackwheel seems a little stiff
* Doesn’t truly offer anything other mice do not
Full review:
It is not tough to find a good gaming mouse these days. Microsoft, Razer, Logitech, and very several smaller companies all have compelling items, and it’s difficult to recommend one more than the other since what fits your hand is very much a matter of personal preference. It is incredible what tiny differences can do for usability. For instance, when I was contacted about reviewing this Naos 5000, I instantly thought, “Wow, that looks exactly like the Cyber Snipa.” I mean, not exactly, but the layout and shape is really comparable. But despite the close similarity, I discovered the Naos 5000 far more comfortable, and it is tough to say precisely why.
The form is aggressively molded for a right-handed individual, and you will find separate shelves or ripples in the mold for your thumb, ring finger, and pinky. I’ve medium-sized hands and I found that the Naos 5000 fit almost exactly, though obviously your mileage might differ. The placement from the thumb buttons is good; your thumb rests on the shelf immediately below, but has quick access towards the buttons with only a slight movement. The main buttons are very sensitive and clicky — almost as well much so, since I found myself often correct clicking on accident due to the way in which my hand’s weight rested. The DPI up and down buttons is easily reached as nicely, and can obviously be reprogrammed to something else if you’re not a sensitivity tweaker like me.
My only concern was really with the scroll wheel, which includes a stiff, notched feel to its rotation that feels like coarse vibration when you are scrolling up and down any distance. I really started having to scroll with my middle finger instead of my index simply because it felt like it was going to vibrate my fingernail correct off if I kept on the way in which I was heading. Loosen up, guys.
The configuration software program, while technically “optional,” was a joy to make use of. It’s attractive and efficient, although it takes forever to apply changes. You can produce several profiles, something I never have had a use for, but some no doubt like it, and it keeps the info about the on-board memory. This is handy when you have multiple gaming systems or switch among several mice, as I do.
Tracking was good, although it depended a great deal about the surface. My cloth mousepad gave the Naos trouble with little movements, but my steel desk and tough mouse pad had no difficulties whatsoever. The drivers consist of an area analysis tool that tells you how dependable the mouse’s signal is. I got by with “acceptable” but you don’t need to.
Conclusion
Well, what we have here is really a perfectly nice mouse having a great feature set, but which nonetheless doesn’t truly offer something new. To compound the problem, it expenses $90 at the moment. I merely can’t recommend it at that cost, because you are able to get a Death Adder, G500, or Sidewinder for far less, which all carry out as well. If Mionix can get the price down, I believe they’ve a great chance at making some severe sales against the big guys, but correct now it’s just too costly.