Testing & Results

Testing Methodology

Testing peripherals like the Corsair Venegeance M90 are quite simply a matter of using them in the real world for an extended amount of time. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the product they are no standardized test that can be done but rather it is a matter of personal opinion from the time spent using the product. In order to analyze the qualities of the M90 I focused on looking at the many different realms of work and play that the M90 is expected to be subjected to.

Test System

• Motherboard: MSI P67-GD65
• System Memory: 4 x 4GB 1866Mhz 9-10-9-28 1.65v
• Processor: Core i5 2500k 3.3Ghz @ 4.7Ghz
• Audio: Creative X-fi Titanium Fatal1ty
• Video: 2 x ASUS GTX 580
• Disk Drive 1: Mushkin Enhanced Chronos 240GB
• Disk Drive 2: 2 x 1TB Seagate 7200RPM RAID 0 Array
• Disk Drive 3: 1 x 500GB Seagate 7200RPM
• Optical Drive: DVD Burner
• Enclosure: Silverstone Raven RV02-EW
• PSU: Cooler Master SilentPro 1000w
• Monitor: ASUS 27.5" 1920x1200
• Operating System: Windows 7 64-bit Professional

Software Tested

• Battlefield 3
• Photoshop CS6 Beta
• Mass Effect 3

Results

Using the Corsair M90 took some getting used to, especially since I was coming from the Razer Deathadder 3.5G. The M90 I found it to be slightly larger and its egg shape was quite different from what I was used to. After a few days though I actually found I quite enjoyed using it. Although, with my smaller hands I found that some of the buttons where difficult to reach unless I held the M90 in a very particular way.

When I game I tend to be extremely competitive. I always play to win, and I want peripherals that can help me do that. Thankfully the M90 does a fantastic job keeping up in games. During my Battlefield 3 sessions I found that the sniper mode and adjustable DPI settings helped me to really step up my sniper skills. Instead of missing every other shot while sniping I found that I was missing one in five shots instead. The ability to instantly drop my DPI using the sniper button enabled me to quickly aim to the general area I need and then immediately drop to 1200 DPI for my final adjustments. In more action oriented battle I found that at 3500 DPI I could easily aim as the M90 effortlessly slid across the surface I was using as a mouse pad. I also bound my buttons for speaking, reloading, throwing a grenade and knife to my mouse making initiating actions easy and seamless as I dodged fire and attempted to stay alive.

In Photoshop CS6 I used the M90 to edit all of the photos used in this article. I found that it was accurate enough for me to do all of the work that needed to be done without fighting with my peripherals to get the final results I was looking for. The ability to quickly change between DPI settings made my work extremely easy and I found that the sensor is extremely sensitive to even the smallest of movements.

In Mass Effect 3 I found it was comfortable even as I forced my way through hordes of enemies or fended off bosses. I found that while fighting the Geth that my ability to accurately aim really made my sniper rifle a superb companion for the battlefield that was ahead of me. At the same time I was able to bind all of my slots to M90 allowing me easy access to my abilities which helped give me a upper hand in many of the tough battles that I fought.

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