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MCV takes a look at the best accessories heading to UK retail. This week, we check out the PC version of the Xbox One controller and a new Mad Catz keyboard
Xbox One Controller and Cable for Windows
The Xbox One Controller is about to make the leap onto PC.
The Xbox One Controller and Cable for Windows allows PC players to connect the controller directly to a Windows computer to use with compatible games. All games that currently support the Xbox 360 controller should support the Xbox One controller by default.
The controller is identical to the wireless Xbox One controller, featuring the latter’s comfort-boosting ergonomic shape, redesigned thumbsticks – improving grip and accuracy – and all-new D-pad.
Just like the original controller, players can feel tactile feedback from games in their fingertips thanks to vibrating Impulse Triggers.
Overall, Microsoft claims that it has made over 40 innovations and improvements to the controller.
Arguably, the controller features one major improvement over the wireless console controller – the wired connection means that gamers never need to change the batteries in their controller.
In addition to the wired connection to Windows, the Xbox One Controller and Cable for Windows can be used as a wired or wireless controller on gamers’ Xbox One consoles.
The controller supports machines running Windows 7, 8 and 8.1. PC drivers for the original wireless Xbox One controller were released by Microsoft earlier this year.
RRP: 44.99
Release Date: TBC
Distributor: Exertis Gem
Contact: 01279 822 822
Mad Catz STRIKE TE Mechanical Gaming Keyboard for PC
The Mad Catz STRIKE Tournament Edition (TE) is a tournament-focused addition to the accessories specialist’s STRIKE keyboard range, designed to appeal to professional and high-level players.
The keyboard is constructed from an aluminium chassis and 109 mechanical keys. The keys are of the ‘Kailh Brown’ standard, providing rapid keyboard response times for gamers playing fast-paced titles.
The ‘Brown’ keys are said by Mad Catz to be the switch of choice for the worlds’ leading eSports athletes. This popularity partially stems from the keys’ reliability – every key has an estimated lifetime of more than 50 million keystrokes.
In addition to this, the keyboard incorporates full-key anti-ghosting with 30-key rollover, meaning that the TE registers up to 30 keys pressed simultaneously without creating ‘phantom’ strokes.
12 programmable macro buttons are included for players looking to create their own custom commands. Three modes can be saved, enabling 36 different user-defined executions.
Pre-made profiles are included for more than 25 of the PC’s most popular games, but for those looking to assign their own, the drag-and-drop macro programming provides uncomplicated setup.
The TE also looks the part. The keyboard features multi-zone illuminated backlighting, which can be programmed to individually brighten specific areas of the peripheral.
A Windows Key lock switch disables the key to avoid accidental switching.
The STRIKE TE will be available in matte black and gloss black, white and red colours.
RRP: 119.99
Release Date: September 30th
Distributor: Entatech
Contact: 0333 101 1000
