Inner Workings

Technology

What makes this thing tick? At first glance, the mouse looks no better than the common ball mouse, except with a fancy looking shell. Razer has some new fangled technology sitting inside this little monster. Apparently this is one of the more mundane uses Karna has planned for this patentable bit of technology. Karna's web page has suggested uses that incorporate it into military control systems, to the possibility of microsurgery. And all at a minimal cost increase! How thoughtful of them to think of the gamers first before the majority of mankind.

This new technology requires the use of small high-powered prisms to focus light. Thereby allowing the light to be read more clearly, in comparison to previous processes. To be precise about just how much more accurate, the Boomslang reviewed here functions at 2000 DPI. That pounds other mice into the ground in terms of resolution, and sensitivity. Most mice provide a quarter of this, typically below 500 DPI. Along with the increased sensitivity in movement, even the mouse wheel is tweaked for gaming goodness. According to Razer, the Boomslang's wheel is two times more sensitive than any other wheel on the market.

A Beached Boomslang

Mouse Arcs

A Quick Look Under the Hood

We wanted to include pictures of the inner workings of the mouse and all that kind of cool stuff. But in my attempt to take the mouse apart, the little guy wouldn't comply. So instead we just flipped the thing over, a slightly easier task. Note that the mouse uses three Teflon pads as feet. We mentioned this in our preview of the Boomslang. They stuck with the Teflon and the speed and mobility of this mouse definitely shines. The simple principle behind this is the less friction you have with the mouse pad the better. This results in better, unhindered movement.

One last thing to note about the mouse is the ball placement. Once again looking at the picture notice where the ball rests. It is not like other mice, most mice have the ball and your fingers lined up while in use. The ball in this case is behind where you would normally grip the mouse. This method was implemented to better handle the increased sensitivity of the mouse.

So What's Up With the Ball? Then.

Since the mouse was made more sensitive, the ball was shifted farther back to provide for more accurate and controlled movement. This all stems down from your own hand. Since the only part moving the mouse is the rotation of your wrist. It would only follow to move the mouse ball farther back for a more precise movement.

Just take a peek at this little drawing we have here. Bear with me boys and girls we now go back to the days of geometry. This drawing is by no means accurate as to how the movement actually is, but it serves its purpose in getting the concept across. Basically, the farther back the ball is, the less it will move when you move your hand. This is done to compensate for the increased sensitivity and refresh rates the Boomslang has. From an engineering standpoint this is fine and dandy. From a gamers point of view it turns out to be a little nightmare. As adjusting to this will take some time.

Boomslangage

Regardless of the slick name or the fancy packaging, what matters most is how the mouse performs. The first thing you notice about this mouse is the unusual shape. This alone might be enough of a drawback. If you are new to the mousing scene and haven't yet attached yourself to a certain shape mouse, then you might be able to use the Boomslang with a bit less apprehension. However, if you have been using mice for years, and are as old and grumpy as I am, there is bound to be trouble.