Specs:

• Connectivity: Bluetooth

• ANC: Hybrid

• IP Rating: IP55

• Battery Life: 6 to 7 hours (5 with ANC)

• Charging: USB-C, Qi Wireless

A Comfortable Fit for Quality Audio

Performance is arguably the crux of any earbud, with comfort falling second. Status Pro X earbuds blend a comfortable design with high-resolution audio for a listening experience I’m not dreading 30 minutes in.

Whereas most buds have my inner ears screaming after a few songs, I quickly forgot I was even wearing the Pro X buds. I could sit with them for a full six-hour battery cycle, especially since Status makes it easy to get lost in your music with a high-quality design, adjustable equalizer (EQ) settings, and impressive noise filtering.

Driving the audio experience are 12mm dynamic drivers, a pair of balanced armatures per bud, and an LDAC codec. Overall, the sound quality is crisp. However, advertised as “Earbuds with Subwoofers,” I expected a punchier bass. There is some depth, but it falls short of an authentic subwoofer, and none of the presets do much to enhance the deeper tones. Similarly, the buds struggle to hit the upper treble hard.

While the audio resolution is more than serviceable, and casual listeners may not even notice the diminished treble and bass, it’s difficult not to be a little critical considering the $300 price tag.

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Drowning Out the World

When you just want to get lost in your music, Active Noise Cancelation (ANC) drowns out the world around you. I have experienced buds that marginally mute external audio, but that’s not the case here. With the Status Pro X, ANC is very effective. Whether vacuuming or typing, the feature drops harsh noises to a dull roar or subtle clack.

Alternatively, Ambient Aware (or transparency) mode ensures I’m not completely deaf to the world. Ultimately, ANC is great for at-home use, while Ambient Aware is ideal in any situation where you want to be cognizant of your surroundings.

Unlike the default or ANC listening modes, Ambient actually boosts external noise. You’ll still hear the world around you as voices and other sounds are boosted by the Pro X. You can turn off both features and conserve battery, but neither greatly affected how long the buds lasted.

EQ Customization & Presets

If you’re not thrilled with the initial sound settings, the Status Hub app (on iOS and Android) offers EQ presets and customization. There wasn’t a preset that fit my situation better than the default setting, but the podcast and vocal enhance options are good additions if you’re watching a movie or have issues distinguishing lyrics.

The app’s custom EQ setting gives you control of eight bands. You’ll hear your changes in real-time, ensuring you can accurately tune the audio to your liking. This is more suited for audiophiles who understand the real difference between a 30Hz band set at 12 db and a 5.8K band at -12 dB.

Finnicky Connectivity, Untethered Possibilities

As is standard with earbuds, each Pro X bud connects separately via Bluetooth. The process is as simple as pulling the buds from the charging case. So long as your device is in pairing mode, it should automatically detect the left and right buds. On rare occasions, one bud wouldn’t connect, despite the other linking almost immediately. Fixing it has been as easy as repeating the pairing process with the disconnected earpiece, so it’s a very minor nuisance.

Once connected, I never had issues with one dropping off. Audio remained crisp and clear whether I was stationary by my phone or at the opposite end of my home. I enjoyed being untethered to my device, so my phone could be left to charge or kept out of my pocket (where it tends to get very hot).

A rather large and sensitive touch area also makes it easier to leave your phone behind. Customizable tap commands seamlessly cycle songs, pause tracks, increase volume, and answer/end calls. It’s rather responsive, so expect to accidentally pause your music every time you go to scratch your ear. Thankfully, the touchpad can be deactivated.

One neat feature is that the device pauses and restarts music apps like YouTube Music when it detects a bud has been removed from and returned to your ear.

Long Battery Life, Short Charge Cycle

I briefly mentioned that ANC and Ambient Aware chipped away at the battery life a little faster. If the Pro X struggled with usage time, that would be a significant detriment. However, each bud lasts about seven or eight hours in standard listening mode. Kick on ANC or Ambient Aware, and that only drops to about five hours, which is still more than long enough.

When the battery does need to recharge, the buds come with a very compact charging case. Recharged via USB-C or wirelessly, the case is convenient and efficient. Pop the buds into place, and within 1.5 hours, they’ll be back 100%. I got just over 2.5 full charges before the case needed to be plugged in.

A Fine Enough App Experience

Though the earbuds have tap commands and a small button to toggle power, ANC, and voice assist, the Status Hub app is best for fixing connectivity issues, swapping EQ modes, and customizing commands. Even battery power is displayed by default in most devices’ Bluetooth settings. You’ll also want to download it for the Find Earbuds feature.

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If you’re prone to losing small objects, so long as the buds are connected via Bluetooth, you can ping them to play a sound. If they’re not still connected to Bluetooth, the Find By Location displays the last location they were paired.

Even if your phone is already cluttered with apps, you’re spending $300 on these buds. You might as well make room and enjoy the full experience.

Do You Need It?

The Status Pro X earbuds should be a consideration for audiophiles. If their price were even $100 lower, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to casual consumers, who may not notice the perks of the dual driver and balanced armatures or take full advantage of the custom EQ settings.

However, they’re so incredibly comfortable. I’ve been in such a surprising amount of pain using other buds that I could endorse these on that alone. If you need to replace a subpar pair of buds or want to ditch those cumbersome headphones, I’d keep the Pro X on your shortlist.

Pros:

So comfortable you forget they’re there

Great battery life, even with ANC active

ANC is very effective in drowning out external noise

audio remains crystal clear even if you’re in an entirely different room

Cons:

Voice Calls are tinny and muted

Bass and Treble don’t reach their true potential

Minor Bluetooth Connectivity issues

Cheaper buds can offer a similar experience

The clack of a mechanical keyboard is a sound familiar to typists and gamers. Though noisier than your average membrane board, mechanical options offer quite a few perks that make that persistent click music to the users’ ears.

Like any keyboard, daily use can leave a mechanical board looking dirty, sometimes more so than its alternative, considering the keys are spaced out, allowing food and all manner of dirt to accumulate by the switches.

Since each keycap and switch is an individual component, thoroughly cleaning the board may seem daunting, but it’s necessary to maintain peak performance. Thankfully, mechanical keyboards are not hard to maintain and clean. It’s actually easier than cleaning a membrane keyboard, which offers more complicated access to its inner workings.

When it comes to mechanical keyboard maintenance, there are a few things to be mindful of to ensure safe handling and a prolonged lifespan. Having thoroughly cleaned my fair share of keyboards, mechanical and otherwise, I put together a quick cleaning guide, including tips on minimizing how often you need to perform routine maintenance.

Why Do Mechanical Keyboards Need Regular Maintenance?

Like any other computer peripheral, your mechanical keyboard needs proper care. Each switch is sensitive, and if you’re not careful, you will start losing letters of the alphabet to work with.

Think about what your board goes through in a week. Even just one day can be taxing, depending on how often you use it and the tasks at hand. Along with the natural oils on your fingers and the dirt you’ve accumulated throughout the day, keyboards are susceptible to the particles flying through the air, including airborne dust and pet hair.

All of this may not be visible at first, but if you don’t clean your board regularly, you’ll start to see physical signs of dirt and debris that can lodge into the switches and cause them to stick. You’d be surprised by the havoc hair alone can cause.

Are Mechanical Keyboards Harder to Clean?

Looking at a membrane keyboard, it looks like all you have to do is brush away at the surface and clean up any buildup around the keys. However, despite the tighter fit, there’s still quite a bit of dust under the tightly packed keys.

What’s best about a mechanical keyboard is that the letters are easily removable. Whereas the keycaps of a mechanical board are durable and can be removed in seconds, membrane keys are very thin, and the mechanics underneath can be fragile. One wrong move, and you’ll be down a key.

To remove keycaps, you need a designated puller. These typically ship with mechanical boards, but are available for purchase if needed. Once the keycaps are removed, there are several ways to clean a mechanical keyboard, including:

• Soft microfiber cloth or soft brush for light dusting

• White vinegar or rubbing alcohol to sanitize caps

• Handheld vacuum cleaner to remove loose dirt without removing keycaps

• Dish soap and Q-tips for deep cleaning switches and the plate

You may be tempted to run your full-sized vacuum over the board. I’d advise against that. On top of not being small enough to be efficient, if you aren’t careful, you can suck up a loose key or damage one. If you bend or crack the cap, it may not fit back in place.

Before you start cleaning, there are two fundamental rules to remember:

• Unplug the board before cleaning

• Don’t use abrasive cleaners

Can I Use Compressed Air on a Mechanical Keyboard?

Compressed air is a decent alternative for day-to-day maintenance, but it’s not an alternative to occasionally removing and cleaning beneath the keycaps. If you are going to use compressed air to remove loose dirt and dust, it’s best to take the keyboard outside.

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Turn it upside down, and, using the hose attachment, blow air from under the keys. You’ll be shocked by the mess it would leave behind if done in your workspace.

How Often Should You Clean Your Mechanical Keyboard?

A good rule of thumb is to brush the dust from your keyboard weekly using a microfiber cloth or soft brush. I recommend turning it upside down over a garbage can every other day or so to remove any loose particles, but a more thorough cleaning should be done every two or three months. Of course, this is all dependent on how often you use the keyboard.

If you’re on it constantly for eight hours a day, a monthly timetable may be better for getting beneath those caps. There are other factors you should consider when deciding on a cleaning schedule, including:

• Whether you eat near your keyboard

• How often you wash your hands

• Is there an air vent blowing directly above

• Do you tend to shed hair frequently

• Are there pets in the same space

How Do I Protect My Mechanical Keyboard from Dust?

Battling dust can seem like a daunting task. No matter how much you clean, it will find a way in and hinder the mechanics. Protecting against dust just means more frequent cleanings, unless you have a keyboard cover.

These soft, comfortable membranes put a blanket of sorts over your keyboard to prevent anything from getting in. They are available in varying thicknesses, but consider a thinner option if you’re a gamer to prevent any interference.

What Happens If My Mechanical Keyboard Gets Wet?

If you drink near your keyboard, you’re at risk of damaging your board with a spill. Even water can be a death knell, so it’s important to be incredibly careful when drinking in your office or gaming space.

In the event there is a spill, immediately unplug the keyboard. Then:

• Shake out any excess liquid

• If it’s anything but water, remove keycaps and soak in a dish soap bath

• Air-dry the keycaps

• Once completely dry, place the keys back

If you think the liquid penetrated the switches, you may need to pull them out, as well, using a designated puller. These are far more delicate than the keycaps themselves, so work very gently to clean and dry them.

Using a cloth that won’t shed, you may even need to dry out the plate beneath the switches.

Taking Care of Your Mechanical Keyboard

Your PC’s peripherals are delicate, and failing to keep up with regular cleanings can cause them to malfunction. The more rigid you are about a cleaning schedule, the longer you’ll get the most out of your mechanical keyboard.

Though it may seem durable and capable of withstanding heavy abuse, the inner workings are fragile. This process may seem intimidating, but it’s all pretty basic and simply requires a light hand and your attention. It’s a very small price to pay for a functional mechanical keyboard that lasts well beyond its warranty period.

GoveeLife strengthens its footing in smart home appliances with an expensive and unwieldy luxury ice maker that may actually be one of my favorite kitchen gadgets.

Specs:

22” x 14” x 17”

60-lbs capacity

2.5 lbs per hour

2.2L main tank

4.9L side tank

40 dB

GoveeLife: A Summertime Savior?

Living on Long Island, I took crisp, refreshing water for granted. After all, how could water taste bad, right? Then I moved to Las Vegas, where gritty, mineral-rich, and paradoxically dry H20 is the norm. To my dismay, that meant that any iced beverage took on a unique flavor profile. In a city that reaches highs of 120 degrees, ice isn’t really a luxury for several months of the year. It’s a survival tool.

I’m saying all this because I need to justify just how much I enjoy having the GoveeLife Smart Nugget Ice Maker Pro in my home. It’s huge, expensive, and sometimes clunky to operate, but I have had baskets full of delicious ice at my disposal since it arrived.

I do still have to use distilled or purified water to bypass Las Vegas-flavored cubes, and smaller, far less expensive units exist. However, having dabbled in Ecozy’s $190, 33-lb nugget ice maker as well, there are enough perks with GoveeLife’s behemoth that I may be able to justify its hefty price tag.

Assembling the Titan

At 21 inches deep, 14 inches wide, and 17 inches high, the ice maker requires a lot of space. On top of its dimensions, GoveeLife recommends a 4-inch gap on all sides, so you shouldn’t butt it against other appliances or a back wall. If you have low cabinets or narrow countertops, it likely won’t fit in your kitchen. I was just barely able to squeeze it beneath my cabinets, and I need to pull it out several inches to access the top filter.

Though the Smart Nugget Ice Maker Pro is quite intricate for the very basic service it provides, assembly and setup weren’t difficult. It’s time-consuming, only because you need to run a cleaning cycle first, but that’s a “set it and forget it” process.

The included manual wasn’t entirely clear on some steps, but the Govee Home app does include videos and an easy-to-follow walkthrough that clarified a few things. Of course, that means relying on the Govee Home app, a clunky application that’s often glitchy and deserving of my constant criticism.

Smart, Fast, Noise-Free Production

Actually making ice is a simple, uninvolved process, as it is with most ice makers. Add your water of choice to the 2.2L base reservoir and 4.9L side tank, and hit “Start.” It’s definitely faster than the $190 model I owned, producing a usable amount of ice just a touch longer than the advertised six minutes.

It runs at a low hum, which is easy to get used to almost immediately. The most noise it makes is when either the tank is out of water or the ice bucket is full, at which point it beeps, sends a notification to your phone, and, if you set it up to do so, alerts you via your at-home voice assistant. Connecting to Alexa was done through the Govee app using Matter support. I clicked a few prompts, and the device was connected.

The future of ice making is essentially faster ice and many more ways for the machine to yell at you. I realized I reached a completely new level of smart home ludicrosity when I was at the doctor’s office, and received a phone notification that my $500 ice maker had run out of water. I do like the idea of being able to run it, so a fresh batch is waiting for me when I get home, but there’s a part of me that feels that maybe a smart ice maker with so much connectivity is a little superfluous.

That’s not to say I’m not pleased with GoveeLife’s luxury ice maker, though. For as much as I may scoff at its smart features, it does make a mean ice cube.

Ice Chips Need Not Apply

Even at $190, the Ecozy maker stumbled at its core function. It produced plenty of ice, but it wasn’t the nugget cubes I paid extra to have. The ice was very wet, creating a solid clump almost immediately after dropping into the basket. Rather than cubes, I had blocks of ice, which were difficult to use in my Coldest water bottle.

GoveeLife’s maker has a much more effective freezing process, likely due to its 96W compressor, large condenser and fan, and stainless steel evaporator. This setup delivers the small nuggets that are great for water bottles and glasses of all sizes. Though the basket isn’t good for long-term storage, even as the ice nuggets start to melt and fuse, they’re easy to break apart. Unlike the wetter chips, they’re also great if you want to transport them to your refrigerator’s ice machine. The Ecozy clumps would clog the machine, but that’s far less of an issue now.

Since the nuggets are better formed, they last longer in the basket. I can run a cycle, come back three hours later, and still have a decent supply of ice waiting. As with most ice makers, even when it melts, I can run a cycle again using the recycled water.

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Cleaning is an Involved Process

While the ice maker’s components may make initial assembly and setup slightly taxing, they’re really problematic when it comes to cleaning. There are two cleaning options: A general cleanse to keep your cubes fresh and free of debris and a descaling that removes buildup. Govee recommends using its specialized, food-safe cleaning and descaling agents that run for $9.99 and $14.99 for six packets each. Six of each agent should last a few months, even at moderate use, so it’s not a big expense. It’s just unexpected. Since they’re citric acid-based, cheaper options may be available, though I can’t speak to what would and wouldn’t work with the unit.

To fully clean the ice maker, you have to tend to each part, from the hose that feeds water from the side tank to the filter that keeps your supply crystal clear. Disassembling, scrubbing, drying, and reassembling is time-consuming, but the most cumbersome part is draining the ice maker.

Draining Can Get Messy

The device uses included hoses to drain into a receptacle, be it a bucket or your sink. It’s an awkward process, as I have to move the ice maker toward the edge of the counter and sometimes angle it to allow gravity and pressure to do their work. Even then, the hose doesn’t always fully drain. On more than one occasion, I needed to disconnect it from the machine, causing a sizable spill.

The upside is that you don’t have to clean the machine often. The manual recommends a full clean every 100 hours of run-time. After about 10 days of use, I still had 55 hours left until the recommended cleaning.

No, I don’t have a log for how often I run my ice machine. Thankfully, the Govee app does the tracking for me.

A High Cost for Cool Beverages

When I saw the price tag for GoveeLife’s Smart Nugget Ice Maker Pro at CES 2026, I scoffed. Who would spend $500 on an ice maker when all it adds are smart features to an appliance that doesn’t really need smart features? Then I remembered I spent $200 on a much smaller unit that struggled to produce ice that lasted, and as I researched other ice makers on the market, I concluded: Passable ice makers are expensive.

So, yes, the GoveeLife model is costly, but considering its size, the quality of its freezing process, its more notable smart features like the cleaning and descaling reminders, and more luxury features like ambient lighting and smart home connectivity, I’m not horrified by the $300 difference.

Do You Need It?

If you asked me many years ago if I thought I’d ever be in favor of owning an ice maker, I’d probably laugh. It sounds like such a luxury buy, one that takes up counterspace and, if you’re not considering all factors, doesn’t seem to solve a pain point. However, one sip of Vegas water was enough to change my mind. Even filtered, Sin City’s H20 is unpleasant, and not something I want watering down my iced tea. So, if you live in an area with a subpar water supply, it’s definitely a recommended appliance.

Now, is the $500 GoveeLife Smart Nugge Ice Maker Pro overkill? Yes, you can get a much cheaper option, but I found my $200 option didn’t live up to my expectations. I think that, maybe, $300 is a huge leap for premium nuggets and smart features, but if you’re an ice connoisseur, it may be a justifiable splurge for your kitchen.

GoveeLife Smart Nugget Ice Maker Pro

Pros:

Premium cubes that don’t quickly melt

Smart features add an unexpected layer of convenience

Large water tank doesn’t need to be filled often

Built-in filter ensures crystal clear, quality cubes

Cons:

$500 is a lot for an ice maker

Cleaning process is cumbersome

Takes up a lot of countertop real estate

Special cleaners available through Govee

Alone in a hotel room with visionaries more in tune with the human brain than I could ever be, I felt like I was being primed for some life-altering experiment. The Neurable team wasn’t at CES to outfit schlubs like me with Brain-Altering Interface Chips, though. They were there to showcase a partnership with HP’s gaming brand, HyperX, intended to help gamers tap into their minds, improve performance, and increase their chances of scoring that coveted Victory Royale.

In early tests with casual players and esports athletes, Neurable’s “Prime” system targeted accuracy and reaction time, crucial metrics in competitive gaming. The neurofeedback system utilizes AI and proven neuroscience to deliver real-time feedback, which is then used to fine-tune focus and cognitive load.

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Unless you meditate before each round, neither is likely on your mind when you load into the battlefield. Weapon loadouts, map strategies, and a few queued-up insults cloud your thoughts. Prime guides players by cutting through the noise and finding the potential locked behind external stressors, tense firefights, and the general chaos of multiplayer gaming.

The science behind Prime isn’t new. Neurable has been working with the Department of Defense, using neuroscience to develop methods that assist veterans with brain injuries and manage fatigue in active military personnel. Gaming is a shift into a new space, as Neurable continues its mission to make neurotechnology a part of everyday life through existing video game peripherals like headsets and earbuds.

The current prototype for its HyperX partnership is a headset outfitted with sensors. Think the bowl used to analyze Vinz Clortho’s brain activity. While not necessarily indicative of the finished product, during my demo, nothing about it felt out of place or uncomfortable, even at the prototype’s heavier weight. As a gamer, it just felt like another headset, so integrating Prime into play sessions or esports training won’t be a significant change.

I had the opportunity to see the current build of Prime in action, and I can definitely see the vision. Unfortunately, it hinges on one’s ability to completely relax and clear their mind, something I don’t think I’ve ever been able to do. Not only could I not get into the zone, but I also over-performed during my benchmark aim training session. Not to brag, but I did land the highest score for the week in the Aimlabs trainer.

In Prime, brain activity is represented by a scattering of blue dots, and the goal is to focus and relax enough to shrink the dots into a small circle. I did get close, but kept getting pulled out of my zen zone. In a normal setting where I wasn’t being watched by three other people or exhausted from walking for hours, I feel it would have worked optimally.

I’m not going to judge the process based on my poor performance, especially since something like Neurable’s partnership with HyperX opens the door for a potentially dynamic future for gaming. Even beyond the competitive circuit, there’s an opportunity for developers to integrate player cognitive feedback into the experience to deliver one of the most personalized experiences.

During his presentation, Neurable’s CO, Dr. Ramses Alcaide, suggested something that really got me thinking: Fully personalized gaming experiences. Knowing I was a horror buff, Neurable’s CO, Dr. Ramses Alcaide, proposed a scenario where developers can tailor jump scares based on brain activity. If the player gets too relaxed, the game can trigger an event that keeps them on edge. Consider an Amnesia-type game that integrates the player’s stress level or a game like Eternal Darkness using the player’s actual brain activity to activate sanity effects.

The concept could go beyond horror gaming, altering how a game plays or how a character reacts to what’s happening on screen. It may sound gimmicky, but the opportunity to enhance replayability and heighten immersion would create games that feel tailor-made for individual players.

Prime doesn’t currently have a release date, though the team noted that they’re hoping to define a release with HP “very, very soon.”

CES (the annual Consumer Electronics Expo held in Vegas) is all about innovation, and year after year, Razer strives to deliver concepts that tweak the way we play. At CES 2025, I was largely critical of Project AVA, the brand’s in-house AI companion, and remained wary of Razer’s growing integration of AI. This year’s expo piqued my interest as Razer’s showcase reassured that, while artificial intelligence remained a focus, the brand was still staying close to its roots as a gaming hardware and accessories company.

Arriving at the designated meeting room in the Venetian, the layout was quite reminiscent of last year’s. The outer walls were a gamer’s paradise, lined with peripherals from the company’s ever-growing lines of keyboards, mice, and headsets. It was an RGB haven, and though I initially refrained from testing the clickiness of each keyboard, I did return after my tour to find that perfect typing feel I’ve been longing for. Spoiler alert: It’s the Huntsman V3 Pro.

Alas, I wasn’t there to shop (Okay, so I partly was), and there was plenty of exciting new tech to see, including three items I was particularly interested in seeing.

Step Aside Smart Glasses

At the center of everything was Project Motoko, the current designation for Razer’s future wearable AI companion. Think the functionality of smart glasses in a very familiar form factor that better simulates the first-person view and caters to a broader audience. Equipped with two front-facing cameras and powered by Snapdragon, the smart headset sees the world as you do, albeit with a slightly wider focal area.

Traveling abroad and need a sign translated? A simple button press and a clear prompt virtually eradicate the language barrier. The demo at CES used a Japanese cafe menu, and the AI did more than just translate. When asked for the simplest way to order matcha in the local language, the AI nearly instantly responded with a few options in what I have to trust was clear, fluent Japanese. Bringing the demo closer to home, Motoko proved useful when presented with a table full of ingredients. It’s all about asking the right question. In this case, it was “What can I make with these ingredients?” The cameras detected what was present, and the AI quickly developed a viable dinner plan.

Granted, this is what AI already does for us. Motoko just changes how we keep these incorporeal companions at our side. Smart glasses have been around for a spell, but they come with significant battery limitations, are often incompatible with strong prescriptions, and aren’t all that private. Using a larger form factor allows Razer to improve the battery life tenfold, and the cushioned ear cups ensure no one knows you have someone whispering in your ear. Motoko is also AI agnostic. Whereas Ray-Ban’s Meta AI glasses work only with Meta AI, Motoko lets users choose their platform.

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Project Motoko may be Razer’s answer for a more universal AI companion, but it hasn’t forgotten its customer base and primary market. Project AVA returned this year with a quirky upgrade that felt very true to the brand.

Razer Gives Project AVA a New Body

Since its reveal at CES 2025, the Project AVA AI gaming companion was depicted as a swirl of green fitting for Razer’s branding. This year, even before its official launch, AVA received an upgrade in the form of a desktop hologram. At launch, expected sometime in Q3 or Q4 of 2026, users will choose between one of 5 companions to join them in their gaming space. From a quirky e-girl, complete with kitten ears, to a smooth-talking hunk, there’s a 5.5-inch avatar for almost everyone. If none of the digitized characters fit your aesthetic, there’s always the pulsing wisp to revert to.

AVA’s holograms come to life on an LED panel and feature the expected Chroma RGB, a front-facing HD camera, and dual far-field array microphones. Razer partnered with Animation Inc. to bring each character to life, and with eye-tracking and dynamic facial expressions coupled with AVA’s sassy personality, there is an eerie realism to them. One that, I’m sure, some subsect of gamers will find a way to pervert.

During the demo, Razer’s rep (who was as excited about this reveal as he was about AVA’s first showcase in 2025) confirmed the company is hoping to allow for more personalized holograms post-launch. Want to be joined by your favorite four-legged friend? The vision is to allow users to upload an image that will then be converted into a hologram.

Yes, it is essentially a toy for Razer’s AI companion. Yes, it will drum up a ton of controversy, especially since its current iteration uses xAI’s Grok. However, there is a market out there for it, especially when Razer opens it up to support other AI platforms.

Project Madison Emphasizes Comfortable Immersion

My favorite Razer demonstration, Project Madison, steps away from AI and focuses entirely on pulling players into the game. Combining concepts like the Razer’s Clio and Freyja into a high-end furniture line, Madison is a three-in-one ergonomic gaming chair. Equipped with built-in Sensa HD Haptics and speakers compatible with THX Spatial Audio, the Chroma-enabled chair enhances immersion.

I enjoyed the reactivity of the haptic sensors, which were responding to specific actions in Marvel Rivals, but it’s the speakers that really sucked me in. The clarity and bass were not at all what I expected coming from the shoulders of a chair. As the Razer rep played through Rivals’ tutorial, I could accurately track opponents moving nearby via spatial audio, a necessity in competitive gaming. Madison’s speakers work on their own or pair with 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound to really bring your favorite games to life.

Comfort is still a concern for Razer, and this tech-heavy chair features the expected lumbar adjustments and 152-degree recline. While much of the company’s chair lineup is a peel-resistant leather, Madison sports a dual-density cold-cured foam cushion. The foam felt durable and just stiff enough that it should stand up to heavy use.

Razer was a little coy about an estimated release date, though the aim is to sneak it out before the end of 2026. As for price point, there wasn’t even a ballpark, but considering the $649 cost of the Iskur V2 NewGen, you should probably expect closer to the $800 to $900 range for all the tech built into Madison.

2026 Could Be a Bad Year for Your Wallet

Full disclosure, if you don’t already know this about me, I’m a sucker for new gaming tech. I have no doubts that Project AVA’s hologram companion is an absolute gimmick, but I already forked over the $20 for the pre-order. In my defense, I should keep up with the latest in gaming peripherals and gadgetry, but I would be lying if I said I wouldn’t have purchased it regardless, out of curiosity.

As intrigued as I was by what AVA and Motoko brought to the table, the speakers on Project Madison instantly sold me on the chair. If you could hear just how awful the speakers are on the HP Omen monitor I’m using, you’d probably understand how sound could be such a big selling point.

Specs:

+ IPS Panel

+ 280Hz

+ 2560 x 1440

+ Nvidia G-Sync

+ Integrated Speakers

+ 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x USB-A 3.2, 1 x DPI 1.4, 1 x USB-B,

On the surface, HP Omen’s 27-inch QHD gaming monitor wants to be a quality-driven display that delivers in ways hardcore gamers will appreciate. Out of the box, its panel is serviceable, offering a crisp resolution and tear-free action that goes a long way to bring even the dullest game worlds to life. However, when you start to focus on the finer details, it’s evident that some games may suffer.

While it succeeds in displaying a decent range of colors and vibrancy options and offers a suite of gamer-focused features, the Omen fails quite significantly in other critical areas, particularly for someone who frequents horror environments like Silent Hill and the USGH Ishimura.

A Fine Display Made for Gaming

The HP Omen 27-inch QHD is a sizable upgrade from the 25-inch I’ve been working on, something that took a bit of getting used to. The larger panel provides more room for productivity, allowing me to snap windows effectively without text being squished or shrunken down to unreadable sizes. The bevel-free design lends to a clean aesthetic, seemingly opening up more of the panel for use.

While I could tout it as a decent office monitor, this 27-inch display was made for gamers. Its size ensures you won’t be squinting to see enemies in the distance, but you’ll still need that second monitor for an efficient streamer setup. It does come with some nice RGB backlighting options, true to modern gaming accessory form. I didn’t use it much, but for on-camera personalities and those who love a soft RGB glow, it’s a neat, though far from game-changing, feature.

The HP Omen 27-inch offers a host of inputs, and here, users are spoiled for choice. Two HDMI 2.0 ports, two USB-A 3.2 ports, a USB-B port, and a DisplayPort 1.4 input ensure everything has a place. The lack of a USB-C port may bother some, but it’s hardly the biggest issue with the monitor’s components. That honor goes to the speakers. I typically appreciate when a monitor comes with dual speakers, as not everyone has an external audio source. However, here, HP takes its biggest misstep, which I’ll touch on shortly.

Smooth, Vibrant Gaming With Quirks

Omen is HP’s in-house gaming brand, and the 27-inch does play to that with an IPS panel that’s clear, colorful, and ready to take on some of the industry’s most detailed worlds. We’re living through a phase where virtually every AAA title is some visual powerhorse with incredibly fine details that aren’t meant to be overlooked. Thankfully, the Omen is good enough to truly appreciate those visuals, so long as there’s plenty of light. Unfortunately, contrast and HDR are not the monitor’s strong suits, and you’ll find that the blacks simply never get truly black.

Overall, the Omen handles color accuracy well out of the box. I have no notable complaints when I’m staring at the vast Italian landscapes of Mafia: The Old Country. The rolling hills are a striking green, dotted with splendid villas and villages that pop despite their naturally muted colors. Even battling across Haven’s Hollow and making sense of the oft-chaotic visuals of Fortnite show off the monitor’s visual strengths.

God forbid I want to explore a dimly lit haunted house in Phasmophobia, though. Every marginally black corner glows, appearing more slate than black. The poor (or, rather, nonexistent outside of HDR) local dimming and aggressive backlighting actually made playing a game like Dead Space uncomfortable. You’ll be too distracted by the bleedthrough to even notice the necromorph coming down on Isaac.

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VRR and FreeSync Save the Day

If HP’s 27-inch entry excels in anything, it’s a lag-free gaming experience. The monitor’s strongest suit is its 280Hz refresh rate, which keeps action-heavy games from tearing or stuttering. Games like Battlefield 6 and Helldivers 2 moved smoothly, even as the screen filled with particles and the chaos of war. Helldivers 2 ran particularly well and at a steadily higher rate, regardless of how many terminids descended upon me.

NVIDIA G-SYNC is in play here. It’s become such a standard in gaming monitors (alongside AMD’s FreeSync), further supporting a tear and lag-free experience, and its presence is welcomed here to complement the clarity and broad range of colors.

Booting up a game like Marvel’s Spider-Man seemed like the intended use of the HP Omen. The 27-inch QHD is at its best when there’s frantic action and very few dark spots. Spidey’s suit popped, and Manhattan came to life with only the intended motion blur.

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Is Blue Light as Dangerous to Gamers as Originally Thought?

Originally posted to HotRate.com in 2021. Repost edited for grammar and structure…

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Hollow, Lifeless Audio

I’ve reviewed quite a few monitors over the past few years, and out of those with internal speakers, the HP Omen may offer the most disappointing audio experience. No matter how many settings I tinkered with, both on the monitor and my PC, the sound was flat and failed to capture any level of depth or bass.

Epic moments in Helldivers 2, when the music swells and bombing runs shake the ground, aren’t as impactful. Even something as simple as watching a YouTube video can be problematic. Will I hear the dialogue, or will the slightest background noise drown out the monitor’s futile speakers?

While built-ins are rarely a few clicks above subpar, the Omen’s feel like an afterthought. I don’t use headphones often, and, for the first time in a long time, I’m considering upgrading to external speakers to mitigate the rather disatisfying audio.

Do You Need It?

If you have your own audio setup, then I feel better about recommending HP’s Omen 27-inch. The QHD display is pretty, but it’s that 280Hz refresh rate that steals the show. At $499, it’s definitely pricey, especially when you consider some of its shortcomings. Sure, you can find a workaround for the audio quality, but nothing can really be done about the black levels and backlight bleed. If you frequent horror games or anything where you spend a significant amount of time traversing at night, this monitor may not be for you.

If you can snag the Omen 27-inch QHD for within the $300 to $350 range, it may be a better buy. Otherwise, you’re pretty much just paying for the HP Omen brand name.

HP Omen 27-inch QHD Monitor

A hail of bullets whistles past, peppering the wall to my back as I duck behind the only scrap of available cover. Enemies approach confidently, unaware of the secret weapon tucked at my side. Steps from my temporary sanctuary, piles of debris crunch beneath heavy boots, and just under the deafening rumbles of war, quick, raspy breaths suffocated by exhaustion and plumes of black smoke fight for air. I estimate the distance. It’s time.

With an adrenaline-fueled swiftness, I rise from cover, my salvation in hand.

Then, it hits me.

No, not a stray bullet. Far worse. Something in my wrist swells, and a distracting tingling radiates from the meat of my palm through my thumb, crippling my ability to comfortably and securely grip a controller or navigate a keyboard. Even before my on-screen avatar succumbs to the swarm marching toward him, I’ve laid the controller down or pushed the keyboard aside. It will be a minute before I can jump back into the game.

Though you may scoff at the idea of tingling fingers and a weak wrist, carpal tunnel syndrome is no joke. It’s something that will sneak up on many people my age and younger. Before I get into my cautionary tale of woe, allow me a quick aside to explain what it is. Even in this age of tech, which tends to be one of the biggest causes, carpal tunnel isn’t often talked about despite the remarkable uptick in instances throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

According to Johns Hopkins, carpal tunnel is a compression of the median nerve where it crosses through an aptly named tunnel formed by the carpal bones and carpal ligament. As the nerve is compressed, it’s unable to send the necessary motor and sensory signals to the thumb and the index, middle, and ring fingers.

Anyone with a wrist can develop symptoms, but sorry, ladies. You’re more than four times likely to experience carpal tunnel issues. When you’re pregnant, there’s close to a 50/50 chance of feeling that pins-and-needles sensation (or paresthesia).

What are the primary symptoms to watch for?

It’s important to note that the key trait of carpal tunnel is numbness, not pain. Pain would indicate something more troubling, like diabetic neuropathy. You may feel swelling in the wrist or your fingers, and paresthesia can be persistent. It just won’t hurt. So, if we’re talking about a little numbness, you may be thinking, “What’s the big deal?”

It’s difficult to describe just how uncomfortable the sensation is. You’ve likely felt it in your feet at some point, maybe from sitting the wrong way for too long. It’s not fun, and it’s difficult to walk on, partially because your brain wants to keep you from putting pressure on it. Now, imagine that in a smaller appendage, one that you’re actively using while trying to drive your car or text your girlfriend. As much as you try to ignore it, longer flare-ups are difficult to push to the back of your mind. Unlike your sleeping foot, if it’s bad enough, it can last minutes, or, in severe cases, become chronic.

Circling back to the beginning of this article, you’re about to earn that Victory Royale when the fingers you use most to navigate the map, aim, and take down other squads can’t do their job. While you try to recover, there’s already a sniper with crosshairs on your forehead.

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Living with Carpal Tunnel as a Gamer

Being a writer, I always knew carpal tunnel was on the horizon. What I foolishly ignored is how much it could impact one of my favorite pastimes. After all, how bad could it possibly be? A little tension in the wrist, maybe a pressure that would subside if I took a few seconds to stretch. However, it’s more of an impediment than I imagined, and has, during many nights, affected my ability to play anything that I can’t pause.

When symptoms were at their worst, I gave up multiplayer games entirely. I didn’t want to be the guy who stepped away every few minutes because he couldn’t hold the controller or dance my fingers across the keyboard. During some sessions, I found the real value in my PS5’s Rest Mode, as I’d just have to stop playing altogether because the numbness was so severe and frequent.

I did get corrective surgery in 2021, and for quite a while, things felt fine. There was a spell when I thought my other hand had started to develop symptoms, but those subsided after a decent amount of weight loss. Unfortunately, though, I still spend the better part of my life clacking away on a keyboard, mistreating my wrists and fingers as if they don’t pay the rent. To my benefit, I have a doting wife who has provided me with every home hand treatment imaginable, but, even as I type this, I can feel the telltale sign of something swelling in what was the mended wrist. Somewhere on the horizon, I suspect the tingling will start again, and I’ll be back at square one, where I can’t easily jump into a game of Battlefield, knowing I’ll sporadically be an easy target.

I’m not here to complain, but to suggest exercising prudence and to bring awareness to something I can almost guarantee no one will seriously discuss with you. For something that affects one in six adults, I’d say it warrants mentioning.

Can You Prevent Carpal Tunnel from Developing?

One good thing about carpal tunnel syndrome is that you can take steps to reduce the risk of exhibiting symptoms. Nothing is a guarantee, of course, but it’s best to mitigate with a few precautions.

Watch Your Weight

As I mentioned, shortly after my corrective surgery, I started to feel tingling in my other hand. When I asked my orthopedic surgeon about steps I can take to correct it before it requires surgical remediation, he had one answer. At that time, I was on the cusp of being super obese, so I wasn’t shocked when he suggested I start by losing weight.

I know it can be a frustrating answer for anyone who’s overweight, but I can attest that it helped. Even after just 10 lbs down, the tingling stopped. A study published in the Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online found that even the effectiveness of surgical treatment correlated with lower BMIs. For patients at a healthy weight, there was a drastically reduced rate of postoperative stiffness just over a month after surgery compared to obese patients.

Take Breaks

I used to love long gaming sessions. I completed Metal Gear Solid 3 in one sitting, and while it was one of my most memorable gaming experiences, I was 19, and my hands were still young. If I tried that today, I would pay dearly for it.

So, take breaks. Give your hands a rest, stand up, and get the blood flowing. There’s no scientific measure for how long a gaming session should be, but if carpal tunnel is a concern, don’t go hours without pausing to stretch those fingers out.

During a break, use a finger stretch tool, hand warmer, or massager to pamper yourself and loosen things up. I use all three methods today, and each offers a different benefit. I especially appreciate the massager, as it improves blood flow and can be quite soothing on a strained hand.

Reduce the Strength of Your Grip

Gaming can be intense. Even more so if you’re a competitive gamer. If you find yourself locking in, gripping your mouse or controller so tight that you can hear the plastic creaking, it may be time to lighten up a little.

A strong grip puts unnecessary strain on your hands, and that tension can shoot up to your wrists. Go easier on everything, even with keystrokes. You don’t need to be pounding away at your keys, especially if you have a mechanical board. A softer touch goes a long way.

Think Ergonomically

If you’re a mouse and keyboard gamer, ergonomics are crucial to preventing carpal tunnel. A hunched back, an outstretched arm, and a bent wrist are unnatural positions for the human body. To prevent strain and pinched nerves, everything needs to be straight and in alignment. A wrist rest and a rollerball mouse are great solutions… for an office environment. If you can get them to work for your gaming setup, wonderful. If not, try to be mindful of your alignment as you play. Don’t let your arm fly wildly all over the desk, and avoid the “locked-in” pose that leaves your back and shoulders curved in such a way that will, eventually, lead to a pinched nerve.

It may come as a surprise, but yes, how you align the rest of your body can impact your chances of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Wrist Wraps vs Braces

There are a lot of opinions on this out there, but I’ll speak solely on my experience. Wrist wraps don’t do anything if you’re already feeling the symptoms of carpal tunnel. They’re a good preventative measure to stabilize your wrist, but I needed a brace to limit the numbness. Unfortunately, it’s really difficult to game (or type at a reasonable speed) with a brace, so I didn’t use it often.

A brace isn’t a permanent solution. It’s simply a temporary way to alleviate symptoms throughout the day. If you want to try to prevent carpal tunnel and you game often, I’d get into the habit of wearing a wrap.

Gaming with Carpal Tunnel

The plus side to all of this is that carpal tunnel syndrome isn’t a death sentence for your gaming sessions. You just need to learn what works for you to reduce the frequency of symptoms and minimize the risk of developing a severe case. Mild and moderate symptoms can be easily alleviated, and, if you’re especially diligent, you may even reverse the compression of the median nerve.

If you feel nothing you’re doing is helping, then you’ll want to speak with a doctor. As with anything, some can be a little surgery-happy, and while risks like nerve damage and a weakened grip are fairly uncommon, it’s worth getting a second opinion on a surgical correction. Surgery also isn’t a permanent solution, so try to implement preventative measures as soon as possible, even if you aren’t exhibiting symptoms.

After all, you don’t want to be facing down Shao Khan when those pins and needles start.

In January 2024, How-to Geek published my review of Secretlab’s MAGNUS Pro standing desk. Words like “versatile” and “durable” were front and center, painting a picture of the type of desk every shopper would ultimately want. As of December 2025, I will have been using the MAGNUS Pro for two full years, and while that’s a testament to its quality all its own, I wanted to circle back to what may be my second-favorite piece of office furniture.

I won’t get into the first, because I’ll be doing that in a separate review update and don’t want to veer too close to “sponsored post” territory.

If you’ve followed my writing for any amount of time, you know that I’m not swayed by free things. If a product is bad or if it has shortcomings that warrant mention, I’m going to hone in on those points. After all, I think dissecting the issues of a product is more important than offering ample praise, no matter how warranted. And that’s kind of why we’re here, talking about the MAGNUS Pro 24 months after my initial glowing review.

I still stand by everything I said. The steel frame is as sturdy today as it was when first assembled. The all-over magnetic top is sleek, and it comes in handy when adding on some of Secretlab’s (pricy) accessories. The motor hums to life without pause, and the legs extend and retract in one smooth motion.

However, over the years, a few quirks have popped up. They haven’t diminished my appreciation for the overall build of the MAGNUS Pro, but they’re things worth noting so that you know to handle them when you add the magnetized desk to your office or gaming space.

Buy MAGNUS Pro

Expect to Dust Frequently

One thing about nearly any kind of electronic is that it attracts dust. Desktop PCs and monitors are typically more susceptible to it. It’s a simple fix, right? Take a duster, brush the desktop down, and you’re good to go. Except you may overlook the one area that’s secretly collecting dust bunnies like it’s amassing an army.

The built-in cable management tray being full-length is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, my wires are pretty well hidden. On the other hand, if I forget to dust it for maybe a week, it’s a horrid scene. Granted, I do have two cats, which add to the mess despite never lying on the desktop, but even without them, dust collects at a surprising pace.

The legs are another problem area, and that’s primarily because of the lubricant that sometimes collects on the adjustable poles. They don’t get as dusty, but don’t overlook them as you go about your scheduled cleaning, or they may start to look a little fuzzy.

Was Black a Bad Choice?

The black steel frame and magnetic desktop are aesthetically perfect for my office. The pops of color I do have, from glowing peripherals to the rare trinket and magnetic cable anchor, look so nice against the void. The issue is the magnetic desk mat, which is kind of a necessity, because one thing the metal desktop isn’t is comfortable.

Again, quality-wise, the mat is fantastic. Of the 24 months I’ve had the MAGNUS Pro, I’d safely guess that I’ve used it for a cumulative total of 23 months straight, and the leatherette mat hasn’t shown any wear or fading. That’s because I obsessively clean it whenever it scuffs, and it does scuff often.

Scuffs are not permanent and don’t damage the surface of the desk mat, but black shows everything. I drag my keyboard closer, and it leaves behind a faint trail. If my fingers are just a little oily, the mat will announce it to the world. I know the logical answers are “stop dragging the keyboard” and “stop being so oily,” but I also wonder if it would be so obvious if I had gone with the Ash Gray leatherette or one of the NanoGen and Microsuede alternatives.

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As bothersome as it may be, even as I write this, I’m highly considering the Stealth black with red stitching and gold emblem. Partially because I’m a masochist, but mostly because it is, for lack of a better word, sexy.

Don’t make my mistake, though. There are a few light-colored options that may serve their purpose without the annoyance of little scuffs and oily fingerprints everywhere.

Accessorsize Judiciously

One of the understandable drawbacks of the MAGNUS Pro is its price. At almost $1,000, you can definitely find cheaper standing desks. Target and Walmart have even started to carry them in-store. You won’t find something that meets Secretlab’s quality at a significantly lower price, but the savings may be tempting when you realize that the sticker shock doesn’t just stop at the cost of the desk. Secretlab offers an array of accessories to enhance storage, monitor layout, cable management, and more, and each can really make the wallet weep.

If you’re considering a monitor arm for your dual monitors, expect that to run $250. Still have a few wires you want to hide, but ran out of the included cable sheaths and anchors? That bundle of two sheaths, three anchors, and 10 fastening straps will set you back $55. From a simple magnetized headphone hanger for $35 to a desk riser for $100, setting up your MAGNUS Pro can be a costly endeavour.

The problem? They’re all absolutely worth it. My dual monitor arms have stayed in place, and neither is showing signs of a weakened hinge. When I had a PC tower, it was safely stowed under the desk (but off the floor) in the PC Mount ($100), and my headphones are easily accessible without taking up desktop space.

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Granted, none of this is required, but I would expect to spend an additional $300 on top of the cost of the desk.

Should You Buy Secretlab’s MAGNUS Pro Standing Desk?

At How-to Geek, we ended every review with a simple question: Should you buy…? It’s been two years, I’ve added a few things that weren’t included in the initial review unit, and my answer today is the same emphatic “Yes!” that I gave over 700 days ago.

Heed these warnings, and you can mentally prepare for the cost and stock up on dusters.

A mostly-fun peripheral with a few quirks

Specs:

+ Six Osci™ TRX2 transducers
+ Bluetooth, USB-C, and 3.5 mm connectivity
+ 1 to 250Hz frequency
+ Fast-charging

Immersion has always been a key part of the entertainment experience. Game developers and filmmakers achieve it in different ways, through brilliant storytelling and relatable characters or by physically pulling players into their worlds. For gaming, VR is arguably the most immersive option as players literally become heroes hailing from distant lands. But there's an element missing. While your mind may be transported to the mean streets of Gotham or the belly of a Xenomorph-infested ship, your body is still safe and sound in the comfort of your own home.

The concept behind the Woojer Vest 3 is to bridge that gap, allowing you to, in a sense, feel what you’re playing, watching, or listening to. Catering to movies, music, and video games, the vest reacts with haptic feedback that responds to the most prominent audio cues. Equipped with six transducers, the Vest 3 sends signals to each sensor to simulate getting pelted with enemy fire or the vigor of a rising bass. You’ll feel the impact of a tanker exploding on Fury Road or the opening bass added to I Got 5 On It.

As I sit here listening to the most dramatic version of the Ghostbusters theme song I could find, the Woojer Vest 3 pounding at my body, I can’t help but question: Is this the best version of this device? The Woojer Vest 3 is an example of where concept and execution veer onto different paths. On one hand, a vest that further engrosses us in our favorite media sounds like a great way to connect with the art. On the other hand, how Woojer executes this concept feels like a shortcut that could have been fine-tuned to better appeal to one major market: Gamers.

Wired is the Way to Go (Unfortunately)

Before getting into what works and what doesn't, I want to touch on the immediate issue with the Vest 3. It works with Bluetooth connectivity, using an A2DP standard to connect to an input and output device. Audio quality is fine enough, though it is certainly a step down from just listening to music through headphones without the middleman. Using a headset or some Bluetooth audio device is required, should you actually want to hear what you’re watching or playing. The vest connects to the computer and acts as an audio output. Since it has no speakers of its own, you need to supply an input that connects to the vest’s control unit on the left side, which does feel a little cheap.

Using Bluetooth to connect all components resulted in lower-quality audio and lag. Even when swapping to a 3.5mm cable for my headset, there was still a delay between what was happening and what I heard. It was slow enough that it rendered the vest a hindrance when trying to game. I had a little more luck with quality and delays using the dedicated Woojer app, though it’s only really good for listening to music.

The only stable connection was via a USB-C cable plugged into the vest and a headset connected via 3.5mm. While I had cords long enough for both, I’ve become so used to being tether-free that I immediately forgot that I couldn’t move far or shift without risking ripping the USB-C cable out of the control unit.

The same issues present themselves when using the Vest 3 with a console. For the PS5, the audio routes through the controller, increasing the delay. Having a native audio output built into the vest, like speakers near the shoulder blades, could eliminate some of that delay and really simulate that surround-sound effect Woojer is gunning for.

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What Are You Vibrating For?

When I hear "vest with haptic feedback," I immediately envision what I'll call a VooDoo Doll effect. The character onscreen is hit with a bullet or sword, and that impact translates to one of the independently operated nodes on the player's body. When it's an explosion, every sensor fires off. But otherwise, everything is still. Understandably, that requires some involvement at the development level, as the game needs to send a signal to the vest to tell it to react. It's what you'll find with OWO Skin, an alternative that's less a vest and more an upper-body skin suit.

With the Woojer Vest 3, it's important to taper or shift expectations. It’s not quite the immersive experience it aims to be. Feeling every sensor wildly fire off because I’m in the middle of a loud environment doesn’t really sink me into the experience. It just adds to the cacophony of sensory elements without emphasizing any one in particular. That it responds to overall audio rather than specific sound cues ensures that it will almost constantly be vibrating.

It will react to dialogue, especially if a character has a big booming voice (playing Gears of War was certainly interesting), and even the low hum of background music. On the lowest haptic setting, it felt like the vest was still constantly buzzing along as I traversed empty terrain, watched dialogue-heavy moments, and reached the valley of a crescendo. It should only kick in at the peak, elevating those impactful moments like when the hero is peppered with bullets or a car slams into oncoming traffic. I want to feel those moments above anything else.

Ultimately, I felt less like I was part of the action and more like I was sitting in a malfunctioning vibrating chair outside Sharper Image.

A Fine, but Potentially Awkward, Fit

I am on the heftier side and was a little surprised the vest had adjustments that would make it too big for me. It's good to see an attempt at inclusivity, though it's worth noting that the vest may fit differently for some body types. Very short, taller, or even broader builds may find the haptic sensors lying awkwardly. At 5’11” and redacted lbs, they landed where it felt like they should. There are two haptic sensors on the back, though you can sit back without them hindering comfort.

There are two adjustable straps that adjust how tight the vest is around your waist and abdomen, as well as two that lengthen the sides. Despite feeling stiff in your hands, the Vest 3 is surprisingly comfortable and flexible where it needs to be. The fabric is light and breathable, though I don’t see anyone beyond VR players getting overheated while using it.

Do You Need It?

The Woojer Vest 3 is a victim of a good idea and somewhat poor execution. The box touts all manner of buzz phrases that sound great in marketing, like up to a 250Hz frequency, advanced audio haptic synchronization, and advanced DSP control. Unfortunately, when the very core of a device doesn’t work well, none of that matters. The audio delay just really took me out of the experience.

When it comes to reacting solely to sound, it’s possible I’m a little spoiled. Coming off reviewing Razer’s Aether Light Bars and having used Govee’s AI Sync Kit in the past, I’m used to things reacting to what’s happening on screen. I just feel that’s the best way this vest could be utilized, though that is a much more complicated process. That requires partnerships with developers and is harder to implement than a small control box that routes audio. It would also likely cut functionality for movies and music, though I don’t think that’s much of a loss.

For what it’s intended to do, when I was wired into everything, the sensors responded accurately and rather intensely. Admittedly, I did appreciate the added vibration during Gears 5’s firefights and thought it was a nice touch while cruising around Forza Horizon 5. Partnerships for Call of Duty and Fortnite-branded vests really drive home who Woojer is catering to. It’s less the casual players and more the competitive esports crowd that’s constantly looking for ways to enhance their gameplay experience.

When I was tethered in, the vest performed well with no noticeable lag. So long as you don’t mind potentially needing to be connected to wires, the haptics can elevate the energy of the battlefield or the tension of an exchange of gunfire.

Woojer Vest 3

A must-have to enhance movie night.

Specs:

+ 3,000 ISO Lumens
+ 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
+ 40” - 300” Projection Size
+ 15,000:1 Contrast

A Projector Worth a Living Room Remodel?

So many projectors tout a theatrical experience right in your living room. It's possible the VisionMaster Pro 2 is the first I've ever seen deliver on that claim. That’s not to say others haven’t provided visually impressive viewing. It’s just the VisionMaster Pro 2 trumps models from brands like BenQ and XGIMI.

Clarity and color accuracy are among the primary concerns for cinephiles, and while I wouldn't go so far as to say I live for cinema, I did find myself retroactively picking apart other projectors I’ve reviewed. Seeing a unit like the VisionMaster Pro 2 in action puts things into perspective. While other models may have appealed to me, in retrospect, they were lacking in some way. Maybe they didn’t produce the fullest audio or struggled to display crisp and vibrant colors. Whatever the pitfall, it wasn’t obvious until Valerion illuminated my wall with vivid imagery.

Even with their noted shortcomings, many other projectors, for their price tag, are great models. For example, I’d still recommend XGIMI’s MoGo 2 Pro if you had a slimmer budget and require portability. Like TVs, there’s a projector for every taste, budget, and room size. With that in mind, think of the VisionMaster Pro 2 as the Sony Bravia you used to eye when going to Best Buy to oggle new televisions was still a thing.

Size Will Matter

Out of the box, the VisionMaster Pro 2 has a bit of a problem. It’s big. Measuring 10.2 x 7.3 x 8.5 inches and 15.4 lbs, I struggled to find a spot to use it. My current living room arrangement barely works for the more portable XGIMI Halo+, and my office doesn’t have the wall space that would allow this beast of a unit to properly shine. In both rooms, I wouldn’t trust its heft standing on a tripod, which means some wiring and a semi-permanent mount would be in order. Thankfully, I’m not a full adult and don’t have a dining room set, so that blank slate of a wall and empty countertop worked so I could determine if the VisionMaster Pro 2 was a projector worth a remodel.

I’m glad I didn’t force it to work in the much smaller space. I don’t think I would have been as impressed. The larger wall, which could easily fit a 120-foot projector screen, gave me that theatrical experience promised by many. A big, bright, fluid image that didn’t look like it was being cast against a textured, swiss coffee-colored drywall. Which it absolutely was, because I’m a one-man operation and installing the 100-foot screen I was provided requires at least two people.

While this couldn’t be the permanent home for the VisionMaster Pro 2, it was enough to have me rethinking my current configurations. Maybe it’s time to rewire the living room for compatibility with a ceiling-mounted projector.

A Feature-Rich Visual and Audio Treat

While the VisionMaster Pro 2 is feature-rich, complete with auto keystone correction, autofocus, optical zoom, and so on, the real draw is how well its triple laser technology produces an image. Considering the VisionMaster’s size, I don’t see moving it often and having to rely on autocorrection and autofocus all that much. In the rare instance I made an adjustment, both work absolutely fine and didn’t leave me with a crooked or fuzzy image for long. The projector also seamlessly adjusted to different lighting situations.

You could be sold on seeing a 15000:1 contrast ratio, triple laser lens, HDR10+, 3,000 ISO lumens, and 4K UHD in the product listing, but that rarely tells the full story. Little nuances in design and processing power, the aspect ratio and project size, what you’re watching (or playing), the medium you’re casting on, and ambient lighting will really dictate the quality of the viewing experience.

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I ran my usual projector test: a high-def YouTube video, a current-gen game on my Xbox Series S, and the courtroom scene from Ghostbusters 2. After all, if a movie from the ‘80s that I’ve seen 100 times can still “Wow” me, then the projector deserves my seal of approval.

In all tests, the VisionMaster Pro 2 was very impressive. More so than I could have expected. The clarity of each, even the vibrant colors otherwise hidden by Ghostbuster 2’s age, really popped. The YouTube video, an HD recording of the great outdoors, made me feel like I was looking out a window, and gave my cats the perfect distraction. One was enamored by oversized birds for a good hour. This also happened to be when I noticed the projector was giving off far less heat than I expected for its size and power.

When it comes to gaming, which is likely what the projector’s main use would be, I have only praise. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle played wonderfully through my Series S, at no point showing signs of any input lag. At 4K, the projector achieves a 60Hz refresh rate. When dropped to 1080p, it can hit 120 or 240Hz. Indiana Jones came in at a comfortable and still smooth 60Hz, which really works best for me. Going higher, especially to 240Hz, can be a little too uncanny for my eyes.

Theater-Quality Audio

Not to throw cliche marketing language out there, but the projector comes very close to theater-quality audio. HTS:X and Dolby Audio work their magic, with full-bodied sound coming from its two 12W speakers. It was better than my Samsung TV, but I was also closer to the projector than I typically am to the TV’s speakers.

In a larger room, where I’m not on top of the unit, I could see the viewing experience benefiting from additional speakers. Thankfully, the projector does support S/PDIF audio input. If I were to install the VisionMaster Pro 2 permanently, I think I would eventually add speakers and a subwoofer to ensure it fills the room.

Google OS is Still a Shortcoming

I have yet to use a device where Google OS wasn't a little problematic right out of the box. It’s nothing that will ruin your time with the VisionMaster Pro 2, but I do wish Google would address optimization so I can smoothly navigate across different apps and services. The delay to open any app is a tad annoying, so I recommend utilizing the HDMI ports for external devices that may run a little smoother.

The projector features two USB ports, one 2.0 and one 3.0, though I think you’re more likely to take advantage of the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI connections for the bulk of your content. The OS is easy to navigate, and caters to users both familiar and unfamiliar with Google’s layout, with an intuitive UI that’s easy to understand.

Costly for a Market Newcomer

$3,000.

It’s a very tough pill to swallow, especially when you can buy a TV for a significant fraction of that amount. For that price, you’ll really need to take advantage of everything the projector has to offer. This isn’t the kind of projector you get for your apartment living room to cast on a wall that’s barely big enough for a 55-inch TV. This is the kind of projector that lives in a theater room, complete with velvet curtains, illuminated movie posters, and a free-standing popcorn machine.

Do You Need It?

Are you a gamer who favors bright, vibrant colors, crystal clear 4K resolution, and immersive audio? Do you like to feel like your favorite movies are about to jump off your wall and make you part of the experience? If so, I have one last question for you:

Are you willing to pay $3,000 for either experience?

That’s really the hang-up here. I can see falling in love with what Valerion pulled off, then spotting the price tag and realizing you really should see other people. It’s not like other 4K projectors don’t exist, either. The VisionMaster Pro 2 is absolutely a splurge item that you’ll feel a hint of buyer’s remorse for.

Then you’ll boot up something ridiculously beautiful like Returnal, remember that modern gaming can be absolutely gorgeous, and forget entirely that you dropped about two months’ rent on a projector,

Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2

FlexiSpot XL6 Power Lift Classic Specs

Available Sizes: Medium, Medium + Wide, Large, Extra Large

Material: PU Leather or Chenille Fabric

Primary Features: Sit-to-Stand, Full Horizontal Recline, Messenger, Heater

Assembly Difficulty: Low, but It’s Heavy

Power Source: Included Power Brick

FlexiSpot’s XL6 Classic Power Lift Recliner definitely caters to a specific consumer. While it is a very comfortable chair with plenty of cushioning and support, which is exactly what I want from an office or living room recliner, its primary functions aren’t really necessary in my household. At least, maybe not for a few years, when something therapeutic and assistive will aid my ailing bones.

The horizontal recline is a fantastic feature all around, but I can’t imagine anyone wanting to use it on a frequent enough basis unless they absolutely had to.

This is where FlexiSpots starts to whittle down its audience. With its (painstakingly slow) sit-to-stand function, the chair is more geared toward:

• Seniors

• Surgical patients

• Users with medical conditions

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The XL6 also comes with built-in massage and personalized heating. While the heating is delightful and helps ease aches and pains, the eight vibrating nodes are aggressive. Even on the lowest setting, you’ll feel every inch of that massage working through your body. I found anything above the lowest setting to be a little too much, especially because the nodes are quite loud. You can target key areas, but even cutting down the number of nodes in use didn’t help with the sound.

As your everyday recliner, the XL6 is plush and cozy. It’s available:

• Breathable Leather,

• Performed Chenille

• Normal Chenille

• Normal Fabric

• Genuine Leather

I have breathable leather, and it’s a high-quality material that doesn’t feel cheap. Even after months of use, the chair has retained a fairly new look, and the cushions haven’t started to give.

The chair is also available in:

• Medium

• Medium + Wide

• Large

• Extra Large varieties

For a base price of $699, you can likely find cheaper recliners. However, the power lift, massage nodes, and heating help justify the cost. If I were shopping for a new recliner, it’s probably not something I’d settle on, but the power lift alone indicates the chair isn’t made for me. Seniors and surgical patients will likely find the best value and get the most out of the XL6.

FlexiSpot XL6 Classic Recliner

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If you've ever used Metacritic, you know that it’s a very one-note outlet. You find a game you're interested in, check the reviews, and that's it. There's no other reason to stick around. The problem, though, is that a game's lifespan doesn't begin and end at the review cycle. Especially if a game is in Early Access, there are hands-on previews that may initially pique interest.

That's just one area CriticDB looks to improve upon. The new aggregator and media tool launched by TechRaptor CEO Rutledge Daugette is a multifaceted project aiming to appeal to gamers, developers, and the media that connects the two.

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Going Beyond MuckRack

A sort of MuckRack for game journalists, the site will also double as a means for PR and developers to find suitable outlets that fit their projects. Developing a new turn-based RPG? CriticDB can help align any outlets, big or small, that may specialize in the genre.

Unlike MuckRack, CriticDB allows outlets to seamlessly manage their editorial and review staff. This creates a layer of transparency for gamers, who can see without having to dig who is behind a review and what they may have reviewed in the past. The media-to-consumer review system is built on a trust that's not easily established. CriticDB's transparency makes it possible to foster these relationships without the intervention of crowded social media outlets.

As for the games themselves, CriticDB features fully customizable pages with a bounty of information. Reviews and previews tied to the game will populate on this independent page, as will a section for similar titles. While that may seem like a play for competing releases, it expands exposure for gamers who struggle to find similar titles in a specific genre or with a specific play style.

Expanding on a user-friendly experience, CriticDB puts some control in the player's hands. Is a game missing completely? Users can add new titles to ensure their favorite titles are being properly highlighted. They can also link games together, ensuring that suggested options are accurate.

A Focus on Community

Unlike Metacritic, CriticDB aims to build a community that benefits all facets of the industry. Journalists, gamers, developers, and PR all have something to gain and can use the platform to improve exposure and build fruitful, long-term relationships. This effort is supported by a fairly extensive user profile, which not only lists socials but also lets users showcase what they're playing, what they've played, what's in their backlog, and games they've stopped playing. There are also tabs for reviews they've left and wishlisted games.

CriticDB is free to use, but there will be two paid options that remove ads. For $2 or $5 per month, users enjoy ad-free browsing while supporting the website’s efforts. PR professionals have their own pricing at $20 per month, which grants them access to a backend dashboard, an informational company profile, and more.

The new site is scheduled to launch on January 30th. For now, visit www.criticdb.com/ to join the Discord and sign up for the newsletter. Also, be sure to follow CriticDB on Twitter, Facebook, and Bluesky.

Affordable, compact, and great for an office environment

Specs:

+ CPU: 12th Generation Intel Core™ i5 12450H Processor
+ GPU: Intel UHD Graphics
+ SSD: 500GB
+ Connectivity: Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
+ Ports: 2 x USB3 (10Gbps), 1 x USB2.0 (480Mbps), 1 x USB-C (10Gbps), 2 x HDMI 4K, 3.5 mm

The latest consumer tech doesn’t necessarily have to be the most powerful devices. They don’t always need to revolutionize industries or completely change how we interact with our homes. Sometimes, it can be a practical, mid-level mini PC designed to provide offices with a space-saving, cost-cutting alternative to obnoxiously large and likely overpriced desktops. The Beelink EQi12 Mini PC isn’t much to marvel at, but that’s actually its greatest strength.

Practical Over Powerful

Beelink’s EQi12 isn’t a powerful machine by any standard, but I didn’t expect it to be, and Beelink never marketed it as such. The EQi12 runs off Intel’s 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12450H, which is a fine 8-core, 12-thread processor. When testing it against the heftier AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS that runs my primary mini PC, it’s no contest at the Ryzen 9 speeds ahead and handles more taxing programs better. However, when I boot up a machine like the EQi12, I don’t plan on overloading the CPU with resource-hungry software. 

The EQi12 is equipped with a speedy SSD. At 500GB, it’s a decent size for office work and should take a while to fill, if it ever happens at all. In fact, if I took all gaming-related apps and programs off my Geekom’s 1TB SSD, I’d really only be using 50GB, and that’s with years worth of Word docs, photos, and other bloat I could probably remove. Not only is the SSD a fine size, it’s probably even overkill for what the mini PC is built for. If needed, though, you can expand your storage with two 2TB drives. 

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Along with sizable, the SSD proved to have a decent read and write speed, which is only hindered by the diminished power of the processor. Beelink could have squeezed out a little more with a slightly higher processor speed, but as it stands, the mini PC balances out reasonably well, so long as you don’t try to push it. Since you won’t be working too heavily on it, you do benefit from a much quieter machine with a fan that doesn’t have to work overtime to prevent overheating.

In its marketing, Beelink notes that the included 24GB RAM is the minimum requirement to run AI programs like the Copilot companion or Micorosft AI. The problem with meeting the bare minimum requirements is it takes very little to make things unstable. Under perfect conditions, yes, Copilot will run smoothly, but how often do you have nothing else going, and all 24GB is reserved for one program? It’s a good amount of RAM. Just be mindful of expectations if you’re considering the EQi12 as an AI sidekick.

For its GPU, Beelink opted for Intel’s UHD Graphics card. As if the processor was enough of an indicator, this is clearly not a gaming unit. An Intel UHD card is fine for video processing but not much else that requires a strong GPU. The UHD card is a cost-cutting measure to keep the price of the mini PC down while still allowing for essential graphical functions.

A Purpose-Built Mini PC

You may be wondering why you’d go for a weaker PC in a workplace environment, and it’s really all about the intended use. Despite the 24GB RAM, if you’re having to run extensive queries or boot up Photoshop every day, the EQi12 may not be your go-to mini PC. If you’re working primarily in word processors and spreadsheets, though, there’s excellent value in a $350 PC with a fairly sizable (again, relative to its intended use) SSD. 

If I didn’t tend to have dozens of tabs open at a time or edit images or videos frequently, I could see the EQi12 working well for my general writing tasks. So long as you’re not pushing limits like you could a more powerful desktop, the mini PC will do well for you, and it won’t drain your bank account or take up much valuable desk space.

Connectivity

A trend I’ve been seeing with mini PCs is an almost antiquated variety of USB ports. While I get that USB-A peripherals still exist in abundance, especially in an office environment, more than one USB-C port would have been great. Even if it were a display connection, it would make the EQi12 feel a little more modern. Nowadays, you can find USB-C wired keyboards or wireless mouse dongles, and it’s a standard all devices should eventually move to. You do get three 10Gbps USB-A 3.0 ports, so that’s at least a plus. 

As for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, I found no issues. The PC supported dual-band Wi-Fi 6 connections, though it’s behind a version for Bluetooth. Granted, Bluetooth 5.2 pretty much runs the same as 5.3, but there may be connectivity or stability issues with newer Bluetooth devices.

Do You Need It?

Do you game? Are you creating AI renders in Photoshop? Will you be downloading a lot of information at a time? If so, move along. Beelink’s EQi12 wasn’t made for that kind of abuse. The base model isn’t, at least. If you upgrade to the i7-12650H and the 1TB SSD, you can get more use out of it, but it still won’t rival a purpose-built mini gaming PC.

For students expecting to write a lot of papers, especially those with minimal desk space in a dorm, or officer workers who don’t run demanding tasks and enjoy a more straightforward setup, I think there’s definitely a case to be made for the low-cost EQi12.

Order Your Beelink EQi12

Product provided by company does not guarantee a positive review.

Dare I say, this may be the last keyboard I’ll ever use? 

Specs:

+ Available Sizes: 65%, 75%, 100%
+ Plastic or Aluminum frame
+ Firm (Silicone) / Flexible (PORON) Gaskets
+ 1,000 Hz / 8,000 Hz (Wireless / Wired PRO)

I’m a sucker for customization, the color green, and keystrokes that don’t resonate in my brain. That’s a very specific trifecta of preferences, I know, but they’re relevant. They’re core components of the very keyboard I’m typing this review with and represent some of the best aspects of Glorious Gaming’s GMMK 3 keyboard. 

When Glorious Gaming approached me with the opportunity to build a fully personalized board with the switches, size, frame, typing experience, and color scheme of my choosing, I had to satisfy my curiosity. Could I really build the board of my dreams? I’ve lost count of the number of keyboards that have glided across my desk, clacked my sanity into submission, or ghosted keystrokes like my fingers didn’t exist anymore. It was time to be in full control of the tool that quite literally keeps the LTG offices open.

Before knowing what was available to me, I envisioned something hefty, an aluminum full-sized board that wouldn’t move while I typed and could handle the abuse of being used umpteen hours every day. The keys needed to be soft or silent. I appreciate that pleasing audio cue with every keystroke, which soothes like Bob Ross’s voice for typists. As my demonstration of how Glorious’ GMMK 3 online builder, the Boardsmith, would work approached, I thought I’d breeze through the process, having already prebuilt the ideal board in my mind. After all, how many options could there possibly be? 

Then came my one-on-one with Glorious’ Hal Greenwood and Ryan Stinebaugh, where I was introduced to the extensive process of building the company’s latest board. Before I get to that process, though, it’s important to really understand what a GMMK 3 board entails.

A Board for Everyone 

As Glorious’ marketing touts, the GMMK 3 is “1 Billion Keyboards in 1.” That sounds hyperbolic, but there are that many combinations. Right off the bat, you have four models to choose from: the GMMK 3 and the GMMK 3 HE (Hall Effect) or the GMMK 3 Pro and GMMK 3 Pro HE. Hall effect switches differ from optical by using a magnet to register the input. Being more sensitive and accurate than the optical alternative, this allows for finely tuned adjustable actuation, rapid-fire triggers, 4-in-1 dynamic keystrokes, and a more precise typing experience overall.

Along with different switches, of which there are eight MX (3 or 5 pins) and six HE options ranging from clicky to creamy, you also choose the type of switch plate, the type of gasket module, the color of the media rotary knob, keycap style and color, and the color and material for the top and bottom case. 

I opted for an all-aluminum board for stability, with a Sage Green top set against a Matte White bottom. The weight of the 100% board is surprising, and at no point does it slide against my desk mat, regardless of whether I’m in an intense gaming session or feverishly typing. I also went with solid Totem Green keycaps, so the RGB backlighting is subtle. If it’s your preference, some caps let the programmable lighting shine through more. 

While someone may find my choices hideous, it’s the perfect aesthetic for me, and that’s the real joy of building a GMMK 3. You’re not reserved to just one set design, though there are preset builds if you can’t be bothered going through the customization process and only care about the inner workings.

Going Under the Chasis

Getting into the mechanics of the GMMK 3 could be where Glorious loses some potential buyers. Not everyone’s going to understand what a gasket is or why foam padding may be beneficial, which is why the Boardsmith customizer is so helpful. It doesn’t just throw terminology at you. It explains each available option and how it changes the typing or gaming experience. I still don’t want to get too much into the online builder yet, as I want to save the best for last, but know that it’s helpful if you’re intimidated by the more technical aspects of a keyboard. 

Admittedly, before I started reviewing keyboards, things like gasket modules and switch plates were foreign to me. Today, I’m more comfortable with the terminology and what I’m looking at, so I know that a flexible gasket is softer and better suited for someone who types thousands of words per day. If you didn’t know that, though, the website will explain it.

The GMMK 3 is also incredibly user-friendly and easy to take apart. A couple of screws and a connector cord are all that stand in your way of making changes down the road. Opted for the flexible gasket, but think a firm one would work better? Glorious makes it easy to both order and install individual components so your board can evolve as your preferences change. 

The ease of customization is especially helpful if you need to start with a budget board and upgrade along the way. The most expensive GMMK 3 is the wireless PRO HE, which retails for $369.99. As Glorious confirmed during the presentation, you could feasibly start with the $129.99 wired 75% GMMK 3 and upgrade to the wired 75% GMMK 3 PRO HE ($319.99). It’s a fantastic business model, especially as gamers are typically forced to spend a lot upfront on multiple components. The upgradability allows you to sacrifice higher-end materials now, put that money into a cheaper model, and upgrade when the time is right.

Rarely can a keyboard stay with you for life, but as long as Glorious sells parts for the GMMK 3, there may be no reason ever to buy another board. 

The Glorious Core Companion App

As most things do these days, the GMMK 3 links to a desktop app that lets you manage the board’s settings. Having toyed with Cherry Utility, Logitech G Hub, Razer Synapse, and the Hyper X NGENUITY desktop software, I can say Glorious Core is pretty standard. Adjust the board’s lighting, customize keybindings, assign macros, and manage the actuation easily on a user-friendly UI. 

I did have fun tinkering with the sensitivity of the actuation, and it’s definitely a very well-executed feature. However, it’s the Dynamic Kestroke, Mod Tap, and Toggle Key adjustments that are a game changer. Gamers who focus on performance, precision, and a tighter playstyle can take advantage of these to customize each key to very specific needs. 

For example, is it more efficient to hold down Shift + W to run, or do you want two different actuation points on the “W” key to dictate whether you’re walking or running? You can even set a key to toggle, so the first time it’s pressed, it acts as if it’s being held down. If you can get into the mind of a professional gamer for a moment, you can imagine how helpful that kind of customization could be. 

Being in an early stage, the app does have its hiccups, and some features are currently missing, though everything worked well for the most part.

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Building Your 1-in-a-Billion Keyboard

The most exciting part of the GMMK 3 release is Boardsmith. You’re going to love popping into the online store and clicking through each option as you design the perfect keyboard that fits your needs and aesthetic. It starts with a few custom preset designs, though starting from scratch is how you really get to tinker with options. 

There are three different board sizes available: 65%, 75%, and 100%. Each is offered in English, German, Nordic, and French languages (with more to come) and can be wired or wireless. From here, you have plenty at your disposal. While some choices are all about aesthetics, like the keycaps and cable, others, like the typing feel, will change your experience with the board.

The switch selection page will probably be the most stressful if you’re unfamiliar with the different types. Thankfully, there’s a built-in guide that runs through what each switch offers, from the general sound to the typing feel. For example, if you want to feel like you’re typing on a typewriter, the Glorious Raptor Switch would be the best option. Every switch save for the Standard, Heavy, and Ultralight MX switches is a $42 charge. If you have your own switches, that will actually save you some money off the final build.

Since I type more than I game on my PC, I opted for the PORON (foam) and silicon gasket for something more flexible. The typing experience is similar to that of the Razer Blackwidow V4 75%, which also sports a PORON gasket, though I do appreciate the sound of typing on the GMMK 3 Pro more. The Lynx HE switches lend to a very soft keystroke that I can make even quieter by reducing the actuation point. In fact, I toyed with the actuation sensitivity for this sentence, and I only needed to dance my fingertips across the keycaps to register an input. With some practice, I could probably type an entire article without having to press the keys more than .2 mm.

I don’t think the building process could have been any easier, save for if Glorious physically came to your house with every component. With the tooltips that clearly indicate what everything does, it’s really difficult to order the wrong part. However, if you do or decide it’s time for a change a year down the road, components will be sold separately sometime during the GMMK 3’s lifespan.

Do You Need It?

If you’re at your keyboard frequently or are a pretty serious gamer, I’d say the GMMK 3 is a worthy investment. If you’re a little more casual with your keystrokes, it may be overkill. It’s definitely the kind of tech that gets me excited, but if you don’t have the same admiration (or need) for advanced hardware, I can see many of the GMMK 3’s features going underappreciated.   

The degree of customization is best suited for users who are very familiar with a keyboard’s inner workings and have a need for a higher-quality board. While the tooltips during the build process provide a basic understanding of what different components do, it may not mean anything if you’ve been fine using affordable, prebuilt boards from brands like LG. 

Then again, if the board is as long-lasting as it feels and remains this comfortable, it may be worth everyone investing in one higher-cost keyboard than spending the occasional $20 to $75 on more simplistic styles.

Order Your GMMK 3 Keyboard

Product provided for review does not guarantee a positive outcome.

Specs:

+ 24.5 inches

+ 1920 x 1080 FHD

+ 240Hz

+ FreeSync

+ 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x DPI 1.4, 1 x Audio

I have a very specific workspace setup. My 27-inch monitor is the primary display where I do all my writing. To the right is usually a smaller monitor, no bigger than 25 inches, where I do extensive research and reading daily. I realize how backward this may be. After all, I probably shouldn’t be straining my eyes to read tiny text on a smaller monitor. This was most evident when I tested some no-name 25 incher that was so dimly lit and had such poor coloring that I thought it was an early April Fool’s prank. 

Being a creature of habit, though, I still haven’t rearranged my setup, even when the opportunity came when I added Titan Army’s 24.5-inch display to my dual-arm arrangement. Out of the box, the 1080p, 240Hz VA panel was on the foggier side. It was closer to the Xiaomi 27-inch monitor I had just tested, which I dinged for the middling quality of its picture. Unlike Xiaomi’s curved monitor, though, the Titan Army was more receptive to changes made to its settings. 

I’ve given the smaller panel ample time to disappoint me, but I’m still quite pleased with the clarity and color accuracy. In fact, it may even be better than the Gigabyte M27F A, which has served as my primary monitor for over a year.

Titan Army 24.5" Gaming Monitor

The Bright, Smooth, and Silent Type

I don’t ask for much from my monitors. I want them to be bright and produce marginally accurate colors. It’s not like I sit here staring at a color chart every day, but it does bother me when my Google Docs have a grey tint or the Ghostbusters logo is an off-shade of red. Yes, that is 100% how I gauge a display’s color because if there’s one thing I know better than the back of my hand, it’s the appropriate type of red in the “No Ghost” logo. 

With that said Titan Army hits reasonably close to the mark. Compared to the Gigabyte M27F A, which was meticulously color-corrected and adjusted, I like some things better in the smaller panel. It’s noticeably brighter, and the coloring is just a hint crisper. For someone who stares at web pages all day, that’s not all that thrilling. So, to really see how this FHD 1080p display looked, I took Aliens: Fireteam Bravo for a spin. 

That may seem like a random pick, but I wanted something in my library to show how well the monitor handled blacks, color contrasts, and action-packed firefights.

I was more than satisfied with the monitor’s performance, especially as the screen flooded with xenomorphs. Some of the darker moments in the game didn’t display as well as I had hoped, but it was in no way game-breaking. In fact, it performed a lot better than I expected for its low price.  

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Tear-Free Gaming

At 240Hz, you already know you’re in for a treat. I whipped my pulse rifle around, trying to get the visuals to stutter, jolt, or hiccup, but the Titan Army kept this smooth and fluid. Even as the screen filled with xenos and I was popping off explosives, the refresh rate held up well. I thought maybe the FreeSync was working overtime, but even when I switched over to DOOM: Eternal, another twitchy and slightly more taxing shooter, and turned off the adaptive-sync, I didn’t notice screen tearing.

It’s also worth noting how everything remained visually sound despite being on a smaller monitor. DOOM has a lot of detail that can get lost in the chaos, especially on a smaller screen. Yet Titan Army’s clarity kept me focused and in the action.

I appreciated the Titan Army 24.5-inch display’s capabilities so much that I considered replacing it as my primary and downgrading the M27F A. Unfortunately, Gigabyte’s monitor is the only one with built-in speakers, and when I game, I turn off my secondary to minimize light pollution from additional sources. I don’t really care to invest in external speakers or wear a headset every time I play, so the Titan Army will remain a worthy sidekick for now.  

A Treat for Gamers

If you’re releasing a gaming monitor, a few staple features must be included. The most common is the crosshair, which is set as one of three customizable hotkeys out of the box. An adaptive sync toggle, multiple picture modes tailored to specific genres, and a low blue light mode lend to the value of the Titan Army 24.5-inch display. They’re expected additions that virtually every modern gaming monitor should have, and they all do exactly as you’d expect. 

One addition I have to question on a screen this size is the Picture-in-Picture mode. PIP lets you display another device on the monitor for reasons I honestly have yet to determine. Two previous monitors I tested also had the PIP mode, and I was as baffled then as I am now. I assume they benefit streamers, but on such a small display, I feel like you’re giving up necessary real estate. I’m sure someone has found a use for it. That someone just isn’t me. At least, not yet. 

A Budget Monitor Done Right

There’s quite a bit to like about Titan Army’s small monitor. It’s far from perfect, which is fine. I know there are brighter and more colorful monitors out there, and 1080p is kind of below the base-level resolution these days. However, does a monitor that achieves the best — or even near the best — of everything ever cost less than $200? 

Titan Army slapped a very attractive price tag on its monitor, knowing it wouldn’t win any awards. Still, it was definitely going to make some younger or more casual gamers happy. While I  fall into neither category, I, too, am happy with what this tiny display can pull off.

Do You Need It?

This one’s simple.

Are you in the market for a smaller monitor, don’t have a hefty budget, and don’t mind something with some minor kinks? If so, then Titan Army’s 24.5-inch 240Hz gaming monitor should serve you well. 

It’s not big on bells and whistles, and the 1080p maximum resolution may pain some, but for a budget monitor, it gets the job done. 

Titan Army 24.5" Gaming Monitor

It has its flaws, but this 34-inch curved budget monitor has its merits

Specs:

+ 34-inch Curved

+ 3440 x 1440

+ 21:9

+ 180Hz

+ FreeSync

+ 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x DPI 1.4, 1 x Audio

It is entirely unfair to any future curved gaming monitor that I ever tested and reviewed MSI’s MAG QD-OLED (341CQP). It was true love: forbidden and, dare I say, a little dangerous. Yet it wasn’t a love long for this world. MSI wanted their precious back, leaving me to find a rebound. So, I feel bad for Xiaomi’s 34-inch VA panel curved gaming monitor. It’s not its fault that it’s not my beloved QD-OLED. It would be foolish to expect it to be remotely close in quality at about a quarter of the price. So, I tried with all my might to view it from a clearer perspective. 

Even putting MSI’s 34-inch behind me, though, Xiaomi’s lacked a punch that I expect from all curved gaming monitors. It is, after all, meant to fully immerse me in my gaming experiences, but muted colors that wouldn’t properly calibrate and a soft haze that wouldn’t go away no matter what settings I tinkered with hindered some of my time with a budget high-resolution display. The true saving grace here is the price, which justifies what I feel is its biggest shortcoming and only real detraction.

The monitor does sport a few neat features that, while not necessary for a thoroughly enjoyable gaming experience, really helped round out an experience that could appeal to many gamers. 

Xiaomi 34-Inch Curved Monitor

A Monitor Made for Gaming 

If you’re not a gamer, you’ll have little to no need for many of the monitor’s features. For example, a 180Hz refresh rate is overkill for office work but ideal for tense multiplayer firefights. Despite what it says in the photos, I eventually boosted the refresh rate to its maximum. I feel this is where Xiaomi pulled me in and made up for the color issues. 

I booted up the twitchiest game I own—DOOM: Eternal—and, in real-time, adjusted the refresh rate from its lowest to its highest settings. Flicking my shotgun between targets produced a noticeable difference. When I turned FreeSync Premium on, it was less evident but still there. 

I’ve owned and reviewed a number of standard gaming monitors, typically 25 to 27 inches, and I think I appreciated the smooth gameplay more on the wider monitor. Even before sitting down for this review, I ran a quick test with DOOM on a 25-inch monitor I have, and while I did see a few instances of microstuttering, they weren’t as bothersome.

Unfortunately, all of this was still marred by the monitor’s coloring. I sat with it for an hour, ran every compatible calibration test I could find, and I still couldn’t color-match what’s typically my primary monitor, Gigabyte’s M27F A. Even if the coloring was accurate, the brightness just wasn’t there to make the screen pop. 

While the color range didn’t excite me, I still got what I needed out of every game. Ghostwire: Tokyo’s neon city was still beautiful, and the dungeons of Castle Dimitreescu displayed well. I will give credit where due. The monitor handled blacks surprisingly well, and HDR 10 helped bring a little life to the otherwise muted colors in Ghostwire.

A Bounty of Features

There are few things I dislike more about monitors than having to scroll through their never-intuitive settings and menus. Xiaomi didn’t fix my hatred for menus, but at least what I was scrolling through and finding lightened the blow. 

Along with the usual picture and color adjustments (including brightness, sharpness, and contrast), the monitor had a few neat surprises. The Picture-n-PIcture (PIP) mode is a new feature that MSI introduced me to. I’m glad to have seen it on Xiaomi’s model. I can’t determine how practical it is for all users, though I venture it could benefit streamers. I used it for side-by-side research while writing, but I was really stretching my need for it.

If you’ve owned a gaming monitor before, you’ll already be used to the built-in crosshair, which you can toggle and customize. Is it cheating? Of course, but who’s gonna know?  

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… But Not Too Many

One gripe I did have about MSI’s QD-OLED is that there was a little too much to it. I tend to believe the simpler, the better. It leaves less to malfunction and cause issues down the line. Xiaomi doesn’t overload its 34-inch with too much to fiddle with.

Beyond something that may not get used often, like PIP, everything is pretty practical—at least if you’re a gamer. Several picture and refresh rate modes are designed specifically to enhance gaming. I didn’t find anything beyond the Standard mode to be all that great for the picture.

When you combine everything, you get a budget curved monitor that sacrifices a touch of quality for an affordable option for the casual gamer. While I’d be okay paying a little more for more vibrant colors, I can appreciate the desire to keep the price lower for a broader audience.

Do You Need It?

If you’re a gamer, I do highly recommend a curved monitor. Unfortunately, some of the best options — and not even talking about my beloved MSI — are quite costly. Xiaomi offers a decent balance of quality and cost, never once dipping into irredeemable territory. I harped on the color a lot, but it’s pretty on par for a budget monitor. 

At 34 inches, it’s a pretty sizable screen, so make sure you have the room to accommodate it. The stand is smaller and more manageable, so the real heft remains in the display. I think, so long as you’re not crowding your work or gaming space, it’s hard to pass up on a $370 curved monitor that, while it may not have served my color needs, may be more than fine for you. 

Xiaomi 34-Inch Curved Monitor

SwitchBot’s miniature robot vacuum can be a time-saver, but don’t expect it to replace those manual deeper cleanings.

Not too long ago, I decided that LoPrototype Tech & Gaming would uniquely cater to gamers. I didn’t want to be just another review site or some outlet that regurgitates press releases. So, I opted to keep my focus primarily on tech and the things that could convenience gamers in ways they maybe haven’t considered. That meant every bit of tech and hardware that crossed my desk would have to somehow appeal to a group known for heavily scrutinizing everything.

Sounds like a horrible undertaking - but then SwitchBot offered its K10+ mini robot vacuum, and I quickly realized, as a gamer myself, how helpful household tech and gadgetry could be. After two or so months with this new gadget patrolling my floors, I felt it was the perfect way to introduce LoPrototype Tech & Gaming’s primary directive.

Enter Vac, LoPrototype’s Resident Robot Vacuum

I’ve had the pleasure of working with SwitchBot on several reviews for How-to Geek, so I had an inkling I wouldn’t be disappointed by its mini robot vacuum. A quick rundown of the company: it specializes in home automation, and the K10+ integrates seamlessly into my increasingly smart home. 

I wasn’t going to name the vacuum, but the longer he stayed with us, the more he felt like a part of the family. Or maybe more so like a butler you call on when you’re too lazy to do any of the heavy lifting. 

Vac is a smaller counterpart to some of the bigger robot vacuums I’ve tested in the past, measuring just under 10-inches compared to a more standard 13-inches. I expected this to have a noticeable impact on Vac’s performance. To my surprise, the little guy is about as powerful under the hood as the Roborock S8+ I tinkered with back in the summer of ‘23. Actually, Vac’s size put it at a clear advantage over the Roborock as it could navigate tighter corners and get into spots the larger robo-vac couldn’t.

At no point did I feel like I was still picking up after Vac. Even the small rug that accumulates cat hair like nothing else looked fairly clean after a pass of the tiny but efficient vacuum. Being a family of two (with two cats), I can’t speak to how it would hold up to actual kids. They’re quite a bit more sticky and disastrous, so Vac had it pretty easy with us.

Automating Your Chores

The core of the K10+ is SwitchBot’s easy-to-use app. After working with SwitchBot for so long, I’ve grown accustomed to the app layout. However, it’s quite intuitive even for new users. If you have multiple SwitchBot products, you don’t have to navigate through several menus to get to the robo-vac, and once you’re under the device you want, everything is ready and available for use.

The first time you run your K10+, it’s going to map out your entire floor plan. Using the app, you’ll tell it where furniture is and if there are any areas it should consider permanently “off limits.” This helped maximize Vac’s efficiency, as he didn’t spend any time trying to run through my couch and ottoman. With those mapped out, Vac knows to skip those areas entirely. 

Some additional features I use to simplify my life, keep my home clean, or give me more time behind the controller include:

• Scheduling when I want Vac to run.

• Adjusting suction power for high-traffic areas.

• Preventing Vac from entering specific rooms.

• Start/Stop cycles as needed.

I also had a little fun remote-controlling Vac around the room, though I’m not sure I see the value. If there’s a small pile of dust or dirt, I’ll just break out my basic standing vacuum. Yes, you’ll still want one on hand. Vac is helpful in minimizing dirt, but he’s not a replacement for a full, thorough cleaning.

When it comes to battery life, Vac doesn’t disappoint. I can run my entire first floor on the highest suction setting and still have some life left should I decide some spot cleaning is needed in a few areas. Since the vacuum returns to its charging dock after each clean, you rarely have to question whether it’s charged and ready to go for another spin.

Getting Hands-On with Vac

Like any vacuum, the K10+ requires maintenance. I’d argue that I service Vac more than I would my standing vacuum. His sensors get dusty, which affects performance and can prevent the vacuum from running. You’ll need to swap out the cleaning tool and edge-sweeping brush after so many uses. I haven’t gotten to that point yet.

Additionally, the self-emptying base and charger need to be emptied like any vacuum bag, though the frequency is far less. I’m emptying Vac’s dock every month, and that’s with a weekly run.

As I mentioned briefly earlier, Vac isn’t a replacement for a standard vacuum. You’ll want a reserve on hand, primarily for deeper cleaning on thick carpets and in the off-chance your K10+ dies. You may also need an upstairs and downstairs vacuum, as Vac isn’t too keen on moving up or down stairs. I use Vac for my first floor and a regular vacuum to tackle the upstairs bedrooms, which are mostly carpeted.

There’s not too much to say about the mopping feature. It’s good for a very quick and surface-level clean. If you need to get up any sticky spots or stubborn stains, you’ll still want whatever your go-to floor cleaner is on hand. I’ve found that with pretty much every robot vacuum I’ve tested, the mop feature just leaves a wet trail in its wake, so I’d say this is a secondary feature you may never use.

Do You Need It?

I guess the real question here is: How does any of this help gamers?

Do you know how long it takes to vacuum a 2,000-plus square-foot space? Long enough to be annoying, especially when you have to tackle it weekly. Sometimes twice a week if the vermin are between seasons and in a shedding cycle.

Now, I’m not saying you should skirt your household duties. I am saying if you can get someone else to do the work for you, then definitely do so. After all, why waste all that time manually pushing around a vacuum when you can press a button, let your own Vac do the job for you,m and get in a bit of game time? Just be sure to perform that monthly or bi-monthly full vacuum to get the dust and hair that may be a little too embedded in the fibers for Vac’s abilities.

If you are going to employ your own SwitchBot K10+, you won’t be able to leave your controllers or wires lying about. I accidentally forgot about my laptop charger one day, and Vac nearly swallowed it whole.

Vac is a little costly at $500. There is value in having a robot vacuum on hand to tackle cleaning when you’re either not up for the task or would rather be smacking around Maliketh, the Black Blade, for the umpteenth time.

SwitchBot K10+ Mini Robot Vacuum

GUNNAR offers a potential fix for your eye strain woes.

I should preface this review with an important note: I wrote an article in 2021 questioning the efficacy and need for blue light glasses based on research from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and while that research seems to remain true today, my conclusion on blue light glasses has since changed. 

The evidence may be anecdotal, and maybe it doesn’t apply to everyone, but I can’t, in good faith, claim that there is no benefit to blue light glasses. My first experience with a pair was Razer’s Anzu Smart Glasses, which are equipped with clear lenses that only filter 35% of blue light. I’ve since moved on to GUNNAR’s Intercept style with the company’s proprietary amber lenses designed to block out 65% of blue light. While I saw minor improvements to my constant eye strain and pressure headaches with Razer’s Anzu glasses, GUNNAR’s lenses practically cured many of the issues I attributed to practically living on my computer. 

Improving Life Without Reducing Screen Time

It’s a rather muddied topic, especially since some ophthalmologists and the Vision Council of America directly contradict members of the American Academy of Ophthalmology by acknowledging the effects of digital eye strain that GUNNAR’s glasses are said to reduce. In my experience, before using blue light lenses, I suffered from frequent headaches and burning, tired, and strained eyes. Since wearing blue light lenses regularly, there has been a drastic improvement despite making no other changes. In fact, after receiving GUNNAR’s Intercept glasses, my screen time has only increased thanks to the release of Alan Wake 2 and the influx of Black Friday and holiday content. 

Was it the blue light-reducing properties that led to virtually no headaches and calmer eyes? I can only say this: when wearing GUNNAR glasses, I’m able to work for longer periods without the issues I’ve been living with. I don’t need to rest my eyes nearly as often, and I’ve stopped needing to press my wife’s freezing palms to my head for relief. What? They’re more readily available than frozen peas.   

Could the blue light glasses be a placebo? Considering I was led to believe that such lenses wouldn’t work, yet still started seeing improvements with Razer’s smart glasses, I can’t imagine so. In fact, for the first few weeks of using the Anzu, I wasn’t even aware they were blue light lenses. 

Along with being virtually headache and strain-free, I’m also sleeping a little better, which is where medical professionals and researchers seem to be in agreement. Blue light is found to disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm, which dictates our natural sleep cycle. Those hours you spend late at night staring at your phone make it harder for your body to sleep peacefully, which is why things like “dark” mode exist. Blue light lenses can help regulate your rhythm if you’re unable to put down the phone two to three hours before going to bed.

As someone who works right up until exhaustion kicks in, there’s little time between when I sign off for the night and when I lie down to sleep. Most nights, it would take upwards of an hour for me to drift off. That’s changed with the GUNNAR Blue Light Filtering (GBLF) 65 lenses, and I’ve chipped a good 30 minutes off my late-night restlessness.

A Library of Options

While my Intercept glasses came with GBLF 65 amber lenses, there’s also an option for GBLF 35, GBLF 98, and light-reactive GBLF 65/90. The number represents the percentage of blue light filtered, so if you’re very concerned about the potential damage to your eyes, you’ll want GBLF 98 Amber Max lenses.

GUNNAR stands behind its GUNNAR-Focus lens, which is advertised to assist “natural focusing and reduce stress and strain” and sports a +0.2 diopter focusing power. Most frames do support progressive and single-vision prescription lenses or an enhanced reading focus power ranging from +1.00 to +3.00.

My biggest gripe with the GBLF 65 lenses is that they smudge very easily. Coated with GUNNAR’s G-shield, the Intercept lenses are anti-scratch and dual-sided anti-reflective. If you want smudge-resistant lenses, you’ll need to upgrade to a pair with G-shield Premium coating.

Which lenses you can substitute in changes based on the frame style, and GUNNAR has a decent selection of shapes and colors for men and women.

High-Quality Frames and a Style for All Heads

Even if you’re iffy about the benefits of GUNNAR’s blue light lenses, you can still take advantage of the very attractive frames. The Intercept sports a traditional, almost retro design with rectangular lenses, a fixed bridge, and classic temples. 

As a tie-in with Assassin’s Creed Mirage, the temples sport the iconic Assassin’s Creed logo and a stylish nylon frame. The frames have a good, durable feel to them, though they could use a little more give. If your head is a little too big, it feels like you could snap the frame. 

What looks good on my face may not necessarily look good on yours and vice versa. What I appreciate about GUNNAR is that they understand that gamers are not all built alike. Thicker, rectangular, darker frames work best on my face, which is why I took very well to the Assassin’s Creed Mirage Intercept glasses. They’ve been my go-to, though I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sad when the round World of Warcraft Alliance Edition Blue Crystal glasses didn’t quite fit my head shape. 

From the Mirage Intercept style frame to the slick Diablo IV Sanctuary Edition Blood Onyx acetate frame, GUNNAR emphasizes build quality and variety. 

Blue Light Lenses Aren’t the End All of Eye Care

I’ll continue to wear my blue light glasses until my eyes need a prescription. Then, I’ll likely just swap in prescription blue light lenses. However, I also acknowledge that, even if there results I’m seeing are real, I still need to take care of my eyes. Blue light lenses aren’t an optical “Get Out of Jail Free” card, and you still should reduce screen time before bed and darken your smartphones, tablets, and PC monitors. 

And if you don’t use dark mode already, it’s time to switch over. Seriously. Don’t use light mode. People will talk about you if you do.

Do you need it?

If you’re spending a decent amount of time in front of screens, it’s an investment work making. You may find yourself sleeping better or, if you’re like me, suffering less from headaches and strain.

GUNNAR Optiks Blue Light Glasses

Originally posted to HotRate.com in 2021. Repost edited for grammar and structure.

The 21st century has been strange for gamers so far. Here we were, minding our own business when the internet started touting a new threat emerging from our favorite pastime - and it seemed to come out of nowhere. It was some sort of nightmare scenario as we began to learn that the very hobby that keeps us sane is also ruining our eyesight. To counter the alleged adverse effects of a mysterious and potentially harmful byproduct of digital screens, special glasses came onto the market. Brands like Gamer Advantage erupted onto the scene, bringing with them a product aimed at curing our latest video game woe—the dreaded blue light.

However, before we get into the truth behind blue light lenses, it may help to know what blue light is. To be brief, blue light sports the shortest wavelength of all colors of the rainbow, which equates to a higher amount of energy emitted. What’s suggested is that photons of blue light are damaging the retina, which does make sense if you don’t dig too deep. A higher energy light should cause more damage to the membrane tucked at the back of your eye. But there is something else at work here, and to understand just how dangerous blue light is, all we have to do is rewind the clock to March 2021.

The Real Culprit is Exposed

In March 2021, medical writer Celia Vimont wrote “Should You Be Worried About Blue Light?” for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, which explored the question posed in the title. Though not a doctor herself, Vimont called upon the expertise of Stanford graduate and vitreoretinal (or vision restoration/preservation) surgeon Rahul Khurana, MD, to discuss the realities of blue light and its apparent effects on our eyes. Vimont immediately notes that “there is no scientific evidence that blue light from digital devices causes damage to your eye.” 

So, why do our eyes hurt when we look at a screen for too long? According to Dr. Khurana, who serves at one of California’s largest retina practices, it’s because we are blinking less. As a result, our eyes are getting dryer, leading to the irritation and strain that we’re attributing to blue light. 

If you think back to just a few moments ago, we agreed that a higher energy light is definitely going to be more damaging to your eyes. There is no denying that our digital devices emit blue light, so how is it that they couldn’t be significantly more damaging? As head and neck surgeon Dr. Salvatore Iaquinta noted in his 2020 piece “Is Blue Light from Digital Devices Dangerous,” something like an iPhone radiates only 1/10th the amount of blue light that natural, ambient sunlight produces. And that’s only at maximum brightness, which isn’t likely a 24/7 setting for most users with modern phones.

While the blue light from your devices may not be a contributing factor to your eye fatigue, it is known to exacerbate other issues. For instance, using a device that emits blue light too close to your bedtime can make it difficult to fall asleep. Assistant professor of Optometry at Ohio State University, Phillip Yuhas, states that gaming or surfing the web on your phone immediately before trying to sleep can dull your focus and make your brain feel fogged the next day.

But Are Blue Light Filters Worth It? 

As much as glasses designed to block blue light look cool, they’re really not as practical as they’re advertised. Though The Vision Council released a Digital Eye Strain Report in 2016 suggesting that blue light exposure was damaging to the human eye, there are enough educated voices in the field of optometry vehemently saying otherwise. University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry clinical associate professor Adam Gordon, O.D., claims that overexposure to blue light can make it difficult for the eye to focus in the short term, but it poses no long-term dangers.

In fact, it’s Gordon who has chided lens manufacturers, saying that they’ve “jumped on the bandwagon of harmful blue light and are creating products that they claim will protect your eyes from macular degeneration or other eye diseases.” As he reinforces, “Blue light more often causes eye discomfort and annoyance than physical harm.”

Even the American Academy of Opthalmology has spoken out against the need for blue light lenses. According to the academy, there is a notable “lack of scientific evidence that blue light is damaging to the eyes.”

What Does That Mean for Gamers? 

Honestly, it sounds like nothing, except you don’t have to worry about your eyes falling out of your head just because you’ve been exposing yourself to blue light for umpteen hours a day. Just take care of your eyes. Take breaks, use lubricating drops if they feel dry, don’t play right up until it’s time to go to bed, and remember to blink.

If you’re more comfortable using a pair of blue light lenses, there aren’t any reported adverse side effects. Just know that you may be paying a decent sum for a placebo to a non-issue. An attractive placebo, but a placebo nonetheless.

Key Takeaways:

+ GEEKOM condensed a mid-level gaming PC into an impressively small package

+ Overheating isn’t a concern despite what you may put the AS 6 through thanks to the PC’s whisper-quiet cooling

+ Don’t expect the best performance in modern AAA games, especially on higher visual settings

Specs:

+ AMD Ryzen™ 9 6900HX

+ AMD Radeon™ Graphics 680M

+ 32GB RAM (expandable)

+ 1 TB SSD (expandable)

+ 2.5Gb LAN / WiFi 6E / Bluetooth® 5.2

I’m not sure about anyone else with PC know-how, but the first time I heard the phrase “mini PC,” I immediately pictured a tiny little desktop fireball. After all, if laptops have issues with cooling, then how would a PC more than half the size of a standard desktop have enough room for a decent fan?

GEEKOM put the kibosh on that concern with its ASUS-powered AS 6 Mini PC, a 4.7 x 5.2 x 2.3 inch (120 x 130 x 58 mm) mini desktop with enough oomph to warrant a spot in my office as a stand-in gaming PC.

GEEKOM packed a lot into this tiny package, somehow even leaving room for more with upgradable RAM and SSD slots. As shipped, the AS 6 is a quirky powerhouse of a miniature computer that ran applications without pause and didn’t drown out videos or music with an overactive fan. I quite enjoyed it as a workstation, but GEEKOM marketed it as a gaming PC, and so that’s how I treated it.

When I really pushed the mini PC, I started to see where it could benefit from expanded RAM or a newer GPU and quickly understood that this wasn’t going to immediately replace any of my gaming consoles or even my considerably older tower.

Right Out of the Box: A Mid-Level Gaming PC

It’s difficult not to be enamored by the thought of a miniature gaming PC, especially one sporting an AMD Radeon GPU and Ryzen processor. The thing is, it’s all a spectacle. You’re meant to be impressed by the notable components and ample number of ports peppering the front and back of the tiny case. The 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD, both expandable, are there to get you frothing at the mouth.

But unless all of this works together cohesively to deliver a premium gaming experience, they’re just individually impressive-sounding parts of a middling product that you’ll enjoy owning, but won’t ever marvel at. For the AS 6, that’s kind of where you’re going to top out, somewhere hovering between functional and acceptable, which is fine for most casual gamers.

Everything that my Lenovo tower could play, the GEEKOM ran equally as well, if not only marginally better. For reference, the desktop is a non-gaming tower stocked with an Intel Core i7-9700, NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD. It gets the job done and was powerful enough to get me through games like Resident Evil Village, Alan Wake: Remastered, and Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed. The GEEKOM handled Village and Alan Wake marginally better, and I was able to bump the detailing up, but the difference from what my Lenovo tower accomplished didn’t seem worth retiring my trusty desktop.

The limitations of GEEKOM’s hardware were most evident when I tried playing Starfield. I had to drop the graphics quality down to a degree that rolled the game back a few generations. It was, in short, ugly, but to the AS 6’s credit, my tower still studdered even on the lowest visual settings. I understand not being able to max out every setting, though having to drop them that low paints a grim picture for other modern taxing games.

GEEKOM’s AS 6 is far from a bad piece of hardware. Everything it delivers it does so well, especially when it comes to whisper-quiet cooling. It just hovers along the border of gimmicky when a considerably older piece of hardware practically matches its capabilities at nearly every turn.

If you’re light on space and want a mid-level gaming PC, it’s worth considering. The AS 6 does come with a Vespa-compatible mount and can be attached to the back of your monitor so you can save even more space. I would be very, very careful mounting your PC to your monitor and would keep an eye on the heat output of both devices.

Do you need it?

It depends.

The AS 6 is a novelty. If you like the idea of a mini PC or maybe don’t have the space for a full-sized tower and refuse to go for a gaming laptop (a wise choice), then you may want to consider it.

Just be mindful that you’re starting off at the middle, and this isn’t meant to be the equivalent of a high-end gaming tower.

GEEKOM AS 6 Mini PC

Use Code “as650a” to get an AS 6 Mini PC for $709