It's interesting that Blizzard is going to Razer to create official peripherals for StarCraft II, seeing as they've maintained and still maintain a strong relationship with the Steel Series folks. I suppose there's plenty of Blizzard to go around. Why Razer?

"Razer's high-quality gaming products have long been popular among our global community of players, and we're pleased to now be collaborating with them directly," said Paul Sams, chief operating officer of Blizzard Entertainment. "Through this partnership, we're looking forward to working with Razer to develop a line of peripherals that will complement the fast-paced action of StarCraft II."

Currently the only product Razer is showing is the nifty StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty messenger bag pictured here, but they've keyboards, mice, and headsets on the way, the last of which should be great for communicating over the internet with people you were supposed to be connected to via LAN.

The Mamba, a sleek, "lag free" gaming mouse with the "world’s fastest 5600DPI Razer Precision 3.5G Laser sensor." It's got Teflon coated feet! All that coolness comes with a price tag, $129.99 USD to be exact, or €129.99 if you're on the Euro.

It's available starting February.

The other thing we'll be going body parts-on with at CES this week is the Razer Carcharias, a professional grade gaming headset that we'll get pronunciation details on soon. Read on for pretty pictures, prices, technical details and much, much more.

Razer™ Unveils New Product Suite For Gamers.

New products reveal renewed focus on product design and proprietary technologies
Las Vegas, NV – January 8, 2009 – Today, at the Consumer Electronics Show, Razer™ unveiled a cutting edge of gaming peripherals including the Razer Mamba™, a high precision wireless laser gaming mouse, and the Razer Carcharias™, a circumaural audio headset. Product demonstrations will be held at the South Hall, meeting room 35166.

This new suite of Razer products will give gamers the competitive edge and allow for enhanced game play for longer periods of time. With an emphasis on product design and a focus on proprietary Razer technologies, these latest products will help gamers amplify performance levels with faster response times, increased precision and offer unique design features.

“The best entertainment experiences happen when you are fully immersed in your game, and hardware shouldn’t get in the way of that,” said Razer president Robert “Razerguy” Krakoff. “We’ve put every bit of advantage available in the hands of our gamers with the new Razer Mamba, and the Razer Carcharias. These products are for gamers who understand how minimal wireless lag time, high quality audio communications and increased precision can mean the difference between winning and losing.”

PRODUCT OVERVIEW:

The Razer Mamba™
Razer has unleashed the full potential of gaming mice by designing an ergonomic, lag free gaming mouse with 2.4GHz gaming grade wireless technology, making it the fastest mouse both on and off the cord. With dual mode wired/wireless functionality, the Razer Mamba lets users immediately and seamlessly switch from wired to wireless play. With first in class polling rates at 1ms as compared to traditional wireless mice that poll at 8ms, players will have virtually lag free game play.

The Razer Mamba also includes a host of features like Razer Synapse™ on-board memory that lets gamers store and bring their mouse settings wherever they go. And the world’s fastest 5600DPI Razer Precision™ 3.5G Laser sensor, the Razer Mamba wireless gaming mouse lets gamers move with lightning speed and precision to easily escape from becoming prey.

Cost: US- $129.99; Europe- €129.99
Available: Razerzone.com Feb, 2009, Worldwide Q1 2009

Features:
• Detachable seven-foot, lightweight, braided cord
• Battery life & DPI stage indicator
• Ultra-large non-slip Hyperesponse™ buttons
• Ergonomic design
• Zero-acoustic Ultraslick™ Teflon feet
Specifications:
• Gaming Grade Wireless Technology
• Dual Mode Wired/Wireless Functionality
• Razer Synapse™ On-board Memory
• 5600DPI Razer Precision™ 3.5G Laser sensor
• 1000Hz Ultrapolling™ / 1ms response rate
• Up to 200 inches per second*/ 50g acceleration
• Approximate size: 128mm x 70mm x 42.5mm
• Battery Life: 14hrs (continuous gaming); 72hrs (normal gaming usage)
*Depends on surface used

The Razer Carcharias™
The Razer Carcharias is the essence of uncompromised comfort and audio clarity. The Razer Carcharias contain certain key features focused on comfort, like a circumaural shape to allow full over-ear coverage, interchangeable ear pads for a custom fit and a fully adjustable headband. The Razer Carcharias headset boasts superior audio clarity, deep, thumping bass and a noise filtering microphone. An inline remote lets users quickly and easily adjust volume and mute the microphone.

Cost: US- $79.99; Europe- €79.99
Available: Razerzone.com Jan, 2009, Worldwide Q1 2009

Headphone:
• Frequency Response: 20 - 20,000 Hz
• Impedance: 32 at 1kHz
• Sensitivity (@1kHz, 1V/Pa): 102 ± 4dB at 1 kHzMax.
• Input Power: 200 mW
• Drivers: 40 mm, with neodymium Magnets

Microphone:
• Frequency Response: 50 – 16,000 Hz
• Sensitivity( @1kHz, 1V/Pa): -37 ± 4dB
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 50 dB
• Pick-up pattern: Unidirectional
• Cable: 3 meters, Braided Fiber Sheath
• Connector: 3.5 mm jack (headphone and mic)

My suggestion was that we create an opposite to that fancy star you get for being an exceptionally insightful commenter. Maybe a grey dunce hat or an exclamation point. Well, neither have come to fruition (yet). But I still have hopes.

Yesterday afternoon there was a knock at the front gate of Kotaku Tower. When I opened the doors I discovered a small box sitting on the splintering doorstep. Inside, a straight razor. And not just any straight razor, but a straight razor of disemvoweling. With a flick of the wrist troublesome commenters have all of the vowels of a post sliced free. Consider it a warning, because there aren't too many people who can survive more than one dance with the razor.

How Not To Get Banned: A Primer [Kotaku]

Razer Lachesis 4000dpi Gaming Mouse [Techware Labs]

Razer showed off a new gaming keyboard and headset toay at the World Cyber Games 2007 Grand Finals in Seattle this week. The Lycosa has backlit keys, super-fast response times and a number of other gaming features while the Piranha supports stereo sound and features a noise-filtering microphone.

I'm not so sure about Razer. I've been using their DeathAdder mouse for awhile now and not only does it not seem that sensitive to me, it actually sometimes acts up. I also tested out their Barracuda sound card and headphones and both have major issues, so I've stopped using them. I'm starting to suspect that they make average products and just slap a neat name on it. What sort of experience have you had with their products?

Lycosa
• Keytop with non-slip rubber finish
• Backlight illumination with WASD cluster lighting option
• Fully-programmable keys with macro capability
• Gaming cluster with anti-ghosting capability
• Slim keycap structure with Hyperesponse™ technology
• TouchPanel™ easy access media keys
• Gaming mode option for deactivation of the Windows key
• 10 customizable software profiles with on-the-fly switching
• 1000Hz Ultrapolling™ / 1ms response time
• Earphone-out and microphone-in jacks
• Detachable wrist rest
• One integrated USB extension port

Piranha
• Stereo sound with true-to-life audio quality with superior clarity and bass
• Adjustable, noise-filtering microphone for clearer in-game communication
• Comfortable, ergonomic and adjustable earphones suitable for prolonged use
• In-line remote control with convenient volume and microphone muting adjustments
• Single-sided cable for hassle-free usage
• Durable braided fiber cable protection
• Compatible with VoIP communication applications like TeamSpeak, Ventrilo and Skype
• Compatible with most major operating systems
• Usable with CD, DVD and digital audio players (via 3.5mm minijack)

I've never liked blue backlighting, it always seems to destroy my night vision. But besides that, I think the Reclusa keyboard, a new gaming board by Microsoft and Razer, sounds like a decent investment.

The board comes with a ten macro keys, that pesky blue backlighting and a pair of 360-degree jog dials. In their review of the board, ExtremeTech says that the keyboard feels substantially better than your run of the mill keyboard, but not as good as the keys on the Logitech G11 or G15 boards.

Unfortunately, this board doesn't have an option to turn off that backlighting and the two USB ports on the board seemed to be a bit glitchy, according to the review.

ExtremeTech ending up giving the board a 60 percent, which means there's no way I'd buy this thing. Am I the only one not that impressed with Razer? Their stuff seems average at best, but maybe I've tried the wrong things.

I actually just had a Microsoft Natural keyboard crap out on me after five years of use. Any suggestions for a nice replacement. Currently I'm using one of the original Zboards, which has painfully tight keys and can, at times, act up. I'd never want to use this thing for gaming.

Microsoft Reclusa Gaming Keyboard Review [ExtremeTech]

Pretty transitions at least. Woo.

Now go get the best mouse ever before they are all gone! Michael Fahey

Woot Main Page
Razer Copperhead Blog Page [Woot! - Thanks theuberasian!]

Razer's 3G infrared gaming mouse, the DeathAdder, hit stories today for $60 a pop.

Th right-handed mouse tracks movement 2.25 times faster than a standard 800 dpi optical sensor mouse, has rubberized, non-slip buttons, and allows you to tweak dpi settings in-game and on-the-fly.

Do any pro-gamers use balls, or are mice the only way to go for pros? Brian Crecente

January 17, 2007 - Los Angeles - Razer , a leading manufacturer of high-end precision gaming peripherals, announced that the DeathAdder 3G Infrared Sensor Gaming Mouse, a state-of-the-art 3G infrared right-handed gaming mouse, is now available at all major online retailers (Amazon, Tiger Direct, GoGamer and NewEgg), for a retail price of ($59.99).

"With all gamers in mind, the Razer team of specialized engineers designed the Razer DeathAdder from the ground up to make this the perfect right-handed gaming weapon," says Robert Krakoff, president, Razer USA. "The Razer DeathAdder is truly in a league of its own."

The Razer DeathAdder 3G Infrared Sensor Gaming Mouse contains the following distinguishing features:
* The right-handed ergonomic design of the Razer DeathAdder Gaming Mouse with its rubber coated buttons provides slip-resistant grip and improved comfort during intensive gameplay.
* Powered by Razer Precision , the new 3G infrared sensor on the Razer DeathAdder lets you move 2.25 times faster when compared to a standard 800 dpi optical sensor. Before the enemy sees you, he's already dead.
* The Razer DeathAdder allows gamers to program their button functions while Razer's Hyperesponse technology reduces latency.
* No action is too fast for the Razer DeathAdder. Its 16-bit ultra-wide data channel allows latency-free gaming on all battlegrounds.
* Watch the Razer DeathAdder glide and slide as you experience the true meaning of smooth gaming.
* With On-The-Fly Sensitivity drivers, you can use the Razer DeathAdder to switch dpi settings right in the midst of a fierce battle!
* The fast response time of the Razer DeathAdder means you never have to wait for the mouse - no matter how quick you are.
* Always-On capabilities give gamers virtually no latency when the Razer DeathAdder goes back into action from idling.

Since I'm currently rocking no speakers (I've been without a PC sound system since my move in November), it's actually a perfect set for my needs. I don't have the space to install 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound just for my PC. Hopefully I'll find three one hundred dollar bills on the ground over the next few days to pay for it, because I was amazed at the rich, deep, room filling sound coming from three (admittedly large) speakers.

If you're in the market, you should try to get a demo. These were pretty damn impressive. Afterward, I got some hands on time with a few other products which are after the jump.

Normally, I'd consider worrying about keypress lag minimized from 8 milliseconds to 1 millisecond and finely tuned 72 gram key resistance focusing solely on the details, but the Tarantula keyboard is still super cool. Since I, ghetto PC gamer, am still tapping away on the included PS2 keyboard I bought about ten years ago I think I'm due for an upgrade. Stored profiles, programmable macros, a nifty little light attachment accessory for nighttime gaming, I'm getting a little gadget jealous.

Since I'm pretty comfortable with my Logitech wireless optical mouse, I was less excited about some of the gaming mice on display, but they did have a very solid feel with amazing response. I also happen to suck and suck hard at most first-person shooters, so an extra 1200 dpi resolution isn't going to help me out.

But Razer afficionados should be aware that the company will be re-releasing 10,000 Razer Boomslang mice for the device's ten year anniversary. Very cool.

Hopefully we'll get some offered samples and see how our respective games improve. Michael McWhertor

Razer has been almost single-handedly trying to bring back the love affair PC gamers once had with audio.

There was a time, believe it or not, when I think I cared more about the sounds coming out of my computer than the graphics. But that was a long, long time ago. Razer recently sent me out a pair of their high end Baracuda headphones, which I've just started testing out for a review on Kotaku.

They've also released a pretty high-end sound card and now they're coming out with a set of bi-amplified speakers. The Razer Mako 2.1 speaker system is THX certified and the first desktop system to support THX ground plane and slot speaker technologies.

"The advantage of multimedia and PC speakers is that they can be conveniently positioned on desktops and bookshelves. But, sound reflecting from desktop surfaces interferes with the direct sound, creating uneven frequency response at the listener's ear level," said Laurie Fincham, chief scientist at THX. "The Razer Mako 2.1 is the first multimedia speaker system designed from the ground up to provide optimal performance on the desktop. The THX Ground Plane and Slot Speaker technologies ensure the speaker drivers are very close to the desktop surface, doubling the output and delivering smooth and even response at all frequencies."

Razer is also showing off their new DeathAdder 3G infrared gaming mouse, a keyboard with an iPod dock and a mouse for laptops. Hit the jump for the full spec sheets and press release. Brian Crecente

January 8, 2006 - Las Vegas - Razer, a leading manufacturer of high-end precision gaming and lifestyle electronics peripherals, will unveil and provide hands-on demonstrations of the new Razer Mako 2.1 speaker system, Razer DeathAdder infrared sensor mouse, Razer Pro|Type iPod docking keyboard and Razer Pro|Click Mobile Bluetooth notebook mouse at CES, January 8 - 11, 2007, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in South Hall, Booth 35160.

"Razer's new line of products being showcased at CES, which include the Razer Mako, Razer DeathAdder, Razer Pro|Type and the Razer Pro|Click Mobile, truly reflect the future of interactive entertainment," says Robert "Razerguy" Krakoff, president, Razer Group. "This new product lineup continues to express the originality of our ideas by aggressively pursuing what consumers want in design and engineering. We did not get to where we are today by 'playing by the rules'; we arrived here by setting them."

Razer, the creators of the Razer Barracuda gaming audio system, is proud to introduce the Razer Mako 2.1 THX Certified bi-amplified multimedia speaker system at CES 2007. The Razer Mako represents a groundbreaking new desktop speaker design from the sound engineers and scientists of gaming industry leader Razer and audio industry pioneer THX Ltd. The Razer Mako 2.1 is the first desktop speaker system to incorporate THX Ground Plane and THX Slot Speaker technologies, which raise the bar for acoustic fidelity and performance in the desktop category. Whether the listener has connected their desktop computer, gaming console, television, CD deck, or portable MP3 player as the Razer Mako's input source, the system will deliver sonic presentations that are the best-in-class for any 2.1 desktop speaker system.

"The advantage of multimedia and PC speakers is that they can be conveniently positioned on desktops and bookshelves. But, sound reflecting from desktop surfaces interferes with the direct sound, creating uneven frequency response at the listener's ear level," said Laurie Fincham, chief scientist at THX. "The Razer Mako 2.1 is the first multimedia speaker system designed from the ground up to provide optimal performance on the desktop. The THX Ground Plane and Slot Speaker technologies ensure the speaker drivers are very close to the desktop surface, doubling the output and delivering smooth and even response at all frequencies."

Features:

THX Certified for premium sound quality and performance.

Patented THX Ground Plane and THX Slot Speaker downward-firing mid-range drivers and tweeters design which creates a spacious soundstage that turns any desktop surface from an acoustic hindrance into an integral part of the soundstage.

True, bi-amplified satellites with two channels of 50W with full digital DSP control.

An overall system frequency range of 30-20,000 Hz and Axial Response Limits of +/- 2dB at 40-18,000 Hz (-6dB at 30 and 20,000Hz).

300W of total system power, with 6 channels @ 50W each.

ClassHD Digital Amplifier technology with full DSP control that makes previous-generation Class AB and Class D amplifiers obsolete.

ClassHD technology scales power in sync with the music, resulting in operation at a much higher efficiency curve, improved Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), improved EMI, reduced idle consumption, and lowered amplifier delay.

For those moments when surrounding silence is needed, the Razer Mako offers an amplified headphone jack on the wired remote control. This allows for improved headphone performance over the standard pass-through found in normal desktop systems.

The sleek Razer design created with premium materials and finishes will deliver best-in-class acoustic performance while maintaining attractive desktop aesthetics.

The Razer DeathAdder 3G infrared sensor gaming mouse is a quantum leap over current generation optical technology. Fully optimized for high speed motions, the Razer DeathAdder features everything needed for high-performance gamers.

Features:

1800 dpi 3G infrared sensor technology for enhanced precision.

1000 Hz Ultrapolling /1ms response providing pinpoint accuracy and lighting fast speed.

Five programmable, ultra-large non-slip buttons with Hyperesponse .

A 16-bit ultra-wide data channel.

Zero-acoustic Ultraslick Teflon fleet.

Always-On instant response.

Award-winning On-The-Fly sensitivity drivers.

Right-handed form factor.

Razer has been building quality input devices since 1999, which makes it one of the select manufacturers in the industry. As the worldwide leader in high-performance input devices for the quickly growing field of motion control, Razer Pro|Solutions are precision instruments built to last, and to deliver increased productivity, control and precision to professional users that demand the best from their electronic peripherals.

Sleek, streamlined and functional, the Razer Pro|Type is the first keyboard to integrate a universal iPod dock into its design, facilitating a lifestyle element prevalent in today's culture. The pairing of the iPod dock in the keyboard allows for easy synchronization and charging of all iPods without the hassle of additional wiring.

Features:

10 customizable profiles where consumers can easily configure keyboard profiles according to their needs.

10 programmable keys where consumers can switch profiles and launch applications with just a touch of a button.

Ultra touch sensitive keys for enhanced and extremely precise key response.

On-the-fly profile switching that allows viewers to swap keyboard profiles upon program detection.

A one-touch hub for multi-media programs and everyday computer functions, which includes line-out and two USB ports for convenient connection to other peripherals.

A full set of media hot keys that provide one-touch access to media programs.

A gently sloping wrist rest giving way to an ergonomic design, resulting in a mixture of comfortable usability and a clean minimalist design with a pure white exterior paired with blue ambient light.

The Razer Pro|Click Mobile is the most precise Bluetooth notebook mouse in the world today, catered for individuals on the go or whenever space is a constraint.

Features:

1200 DPI Infrared Sensor.

Bluetooth 2.0 (with Adaptive Frequency Hopping).

Ambidextrous design.

Long Battery Life.

When the site first launched, the channels alternated between logos for both Microsoft and Razer, maker of fine PC gaming accessories like precision mice and gaming keyboards. Recently, though, the Microsoft logo was replaced with a "CENSORED" graphic. The older version of the SWF is still online, just squirreled away from sight.

With Microsofts penchant for wacky viral marketing tactics for every bit of info related to the Xbox 360 (and the recently announced Zune), we assumed that this meant we'd be getting some 360 branded keyboards and mice.

However, one curious Kotaku reader dug for more info.

Tipster Jelmer contacted Razer prez Robert Krakoff about the supposed Xbox 360 gaming peripherals. Here's what he had to say:

We'd love to but those wonderful folks at Microsoft want to keep the controller playing field level. That means no advanced technology whereby one player might have an advantage over another. IMO they are not considering the Xbox Live player who will soon be playing against PC users who will dominate because they have a keyboard and mouse. The controller offered today just can't [compete].

If you are really interested in having advanced controller technology I suggest you and some of your friends email the Xbox people. We have controller technology today that would truly kick ass.

Hmm. That sound like a pretty definitive "No" to me on 360 keyboard and mouse support.

Is this just related to Microsoft's Zune? Sister gadget site Gizmodo posted pics of a Zune compatible multimedia keyboard last week from Razer. This would follow the trend of product leaks hitting right before Microsoft's viral marketing effort kicks off. Maybe it's something unrelated.

I wonder how difficult it would be for Microsoft to separate keyboard and mouse players from standard Xbox 360 controller players on Live. We'll surely know more this Wednesday when Games Convention kicks off, and Friday, when the countdown stops.

Thanks to our tipsters Jelmer and Adam for filling us in. Michael McWhertor

8 Sonic Driver Gaming Headphones
Dedicated amplifier for each channel
99% Oxygen-free cable
Built-in uni-directional noise-cancelling microphone
On-The-Fly Positional volume control over each individual pair of drivers
2 Sub-woofer drivers for clean, powerful bass
Built-in Razer HD-DAI for dedicated connection to Razer Barracuda AC-1 Gaming Audio Card

Oh and they sell for $130. I don't know, I think I'll stick with one of the ratty pair of headphones that live in the nest of wires and cables under my desk. Brian Crecente