Each new CES is an opportunity for a glimpse at the processors and platforms coming for the new year, even if they have been previously announced. This year is no different. Two of the three major arrivals have already been disclosed, both for notebooks. Intel has revealed its next-generation Core Ultra platform, “Panther Lake,” and Qualcomm has announced that its next-generation mobile Windows on Arm processor will be the Snapdragon Elite X2. Only AMD has yet to reveal what its upcoming chip for laptops will be, though its customers published a projected roadmap some months ago. But what’s happening with desktop PCs? And could Nvidia have something up its sleeves for the big show? Right now, it’s impossible to know what PC makers are going to announce at CES 2026. Still, we can make some guesses. Here’s what we expect may be revealed by Intel, Qualcomm, AMD, and Nvidia. Intel: It’s all about Panther Lake Clearly, Intel will launch its Panther Lake (Core Ultra 300) processors at CES 2026. Intel has already revealed some of the deep-dive details of the Panther Lake architecture: a return to the efficiency and low-power efficiency cores as well as the performance cores alongside the Xe3 graphics core and an upgraded NPU. Normally, we stop there and begin wondering about clock speeds and pricing. But wait! Intel really has three designs to think about: an 8-core and a 16-core chip, and than a version of the 16-core chip with 12 Xe3 graphics cores inside it. Naturally, we’d assume the 12-Xe version would be the premium offering, but will PC vendors consider this version as a challenger to the AMD Ryzen Max? I tend to doubt it, but it’s possible. Intel Intel still has a stranglehold on the laptop market. Its previous chip, the Core Ultra 200, was excellent, offering a potent mix of long battery life and decent computing power. Typically Intel gives us a chance to do a little benchmarking at the show, then allows journalists to test the platform shortly thereafter. I think that will probably continue to be the case. In recent years, Intel has also showcased a few applications that take advantage of local AI. My guess is that we’ll see something in this regard, as well, possibly focusing on agentic AI. An Intel “Panther Lake” Core Ultra 300 chip.Intel It’s likely that Intel will also set the stage for “Nova Lake,” its next desktop processor platform that the company has already disclosed for 2026. Before that, however, the so-called “Arrow Lake Refresh” chips are expected to debut, with minor tweaks to the clock speeds and a slight upgrade to the core count (8 performance cores, 12 efficiency cores), especially in the lower tiers. But with Arrow Lake’s reception being just lukewarm and with small gains attached to the refreshed parts, I wouldn’t expect that Intel pays this a lot of lip service. Qualcomm: Selling Windows on Arm Qualcomm hopes laptop makers and all-in-ones will sign on to use its Snapdragon X2 Elite chips.Mark Hachman / Foundry No real surprises here, either. Qualcomm has already announced its Snapdragon X2 Elite platform with a variety of internal processor cores that together push towards 5GHz and an industry-leading 80 TOPS. Nobody really expects Snapdragon PCs to be gaming machines…and yet Qualcomm can never quite exclude gaming from the conversation, either. Qualcomm says the X2 Elite’s gaming performance has doubled, so expect to see more games being played on Snapdragon laptops. The big mystery, though, is how many laptops OEMs will design around the Snapdragon X2 Elite chips. the uptake of Snapdragon X Elite laptops wasn’t outstanding. But Microsoft and Qualcomm are determined to make Windows on Arm happen. Mark Hachman / Foundry Will we see desktop announcements from Qualcomm? Almost certainly not as a separate chip, but the company has teased a radically small mini PC reference design as part of the Snapdragon XE2 reveal, as well as an all-in-one desktop with a XE2 system built into the base of the monitor stand, so anything is possible. AMD: the one gamers want to buy For gamers and enthusiasts, AMD clearly won 2025, at least from a CPU perspective. Sure, you can focus upon the Ryzen 9000X and its initial performance hiccups. But AMD instead won big with its Ryzen 9000X3D parts, specifically the Ryzen 9 9950X3D: gobs of V-cache equated to gobs of performance, too. Remember when Threadripper was the chip AMD fans couldn’t stop talking about? What impressed me, however was how good AMDs mobile Ryzens were. AMD’s mobile processors were crap for years (good riddance, A-series) but the Ryzen AI 300 checked the NPU box while delivering leading performance with good battery life, too. Now AMD is ready to pass the torch from “Strix Point” to the Zen 5 “Gorgon Point” processor: the Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 has already leaked via Geekbench, running at 3.1GHz with a total of 12 cores. That’s a very good start, though I’m just as interested seeing how this chip handles the challenges of maintaining performance as well as long battery life. TechPowerUp noted that there’s an AI 5 430 floating out there, too. AMD The wild card? The Ryzen AI Max and Max+, which also uses gobs of cache, a wide, fast memory bus, a super-sized integrated Radeon GPU, and addressable memory of up 96GB. “Strix Halo” combines all three to allow the chip to serve as both a moderately powerful gaming processor as a vehicle for running local LLMs. I tested the Framework Desktop PC with a Ryzen AI Max+ chip inside, and loved it. The Framework Desktop: fun, lovely, powerful.Alex Esteves / Foundry If AMD is just now debuting Gorgon Point (and no other processor) I wouldn’t expect an upgraded AI Max chip quite yet, though I would look to the Gorgon Point chip for hints in that eventual direction. AMD has been making a lot of noise upgrading its associated ROCm software, which can boost the performance of applications through software improvements alone. This is an easy win, and a hand AMD will keep betting on for months to come. Swinging back to the desktop front, rumors suggest we’ll see AMD reveal a new Ryzen 7 9850X3D chip with 400MHz faster clock speeds than the baseline 9800X3D, as well as a new generation of APUs with beefy integrated graphics, dubbed the Ryzen 9000G series. These would bring the excellent “Strix Point” technology found in current AMD laptops to home PCs. We’ve also heard whispers of a new high-end Ryzen 9 X3D chip, which may happen, but feels much less certain. Nvidia: Don’t expect new consumer GPUs Adam Patrick Murray / Foundry The chip company with the murkiest outlook is Nvidia, hands-down. Earlier this year, rumors of an “RTX 50-series Super refresh” with more memory and other tweaks swirled before dying down a couple months back. The recent extreme RAM crunch probably put an end to those ambitions, and we don’t expect Nvidia to announce any new desktop or laptop GPUs at CES — especially considering the entire RTX 50-series launched just last year. Nvidia often brings flashy new technology and features to CES that have nothing to do with chip launches, like ACE AI companions for video game NPCs, Half-Life 2 RTX Remix, and yesteryear’s “BFD” monitor push, so there may be relevant news from Team Green. Surprises happen on the Las Vegas strip daily. We’ve heard scuttlebutt that Nvidia may have something up its sleeve surrounding monitor technology this year. As CES 2026 nears the opening week of January, PCWorld will be there. Stay tuned: the curtain is rising on 2026. Brad Chacos helped contribute to this report. Read...

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At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Excellent workmanship and high-quality materials Individually adjustable OmniPoint 3.0 switches Rapid Trigger and Dual Action for fast response times Quiet typing noise thanks to integrated damping and double-shot PBT keycaps High-quality palm rest and stable Construction Cons Very high price No hot-swap for switches No dedicated macro or media keys “Only” 1,000 Hertz polling rate Our Verdict The SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 is one of the most technically advanced gaming keyboards on the market, offering first-class build quality, typing feel, and customization. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Steelseries Apex Pro Gen 3 Retailer Price $214.99 View Deal $239.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices SteelSeries has sent its flagship keyboard into its third generation. The company claims the Apex Pro Gen 3 is the fastest gaming keyboard in the world, featuring new magnetic switches, improved comfort, and quieter typing. We took a closer look to see what’s behind the hype and whether the premium price is justified. Friedrich Stiemer SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3: Design and ergonomics The SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 makes an impression as soon as you unpack it. The housing consists of a robust aluminum top and a solid plastic base. Weighing around 2.42 pounds, it sits firmly on the desk. Nothing wobbles, nothing slips. A practical highlight is the magnetic palm rest, which adheres firmly to the lower edge and offers a pleasantly soft surface. It provides noticeable relief for the wrists, especially during long gaming sessions. The keyboard is full-size, including a number pad, making it ideal for anyone who writes or does office work. However, with dimensions of around 436 × 139 × 40 millimeters, it does take up a fair amount of desk space. Friedrich Stiemer The RGB lighting is remarkably even. Thanks to the new double-shot PBT keycaps, the light not only shines through the labeling, but also from the sides. These keycaps are known for their durability and abrasion resistance, offer a secure grip, and hardly discolor over time. One small disadvantage is that PBT keycaps are more expensive to manufacture and can feel slightly rougher than ABS caps. In dark rooms, this looks spectacular without being distracting. The matte finish looks high quality and hardly attracts fingerprints. Friedrich Stiemer SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3: Accessories In addition to the keyboard itself, the box contains a detachable, braided USB-C cable, the magnetic palm rest, and a keycap remover. Replacement caps or other extras are not included. While they aren’t essential for a premium keyboard in this class, their presence would’ve been a welcome bonus. Friedrich Stiemer SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3: Technology and features At the heart of the SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 are the new OmniPoint 3.0 switches, manufactured by Gateron. These magnetic switches register keystrokes not mechanically, but via a Hall-effect sensor. This is a technology that works with magnetic fields to measure key travel (without contact) and with extreme precision. The switches have a linear feel with an actuating force of around 45 grams, which enables fast and consistent input. The standout feature is the per-key adjustability, allowing actuation depth to be set anywhere from an ultra-fast 0.1 mm to a full 4.0 mm. Friedrich Stiemer In practice, this means that if you need fast response times in shooters, you can set the buttons to extremely fine triggering. If you prefer precise typing, increase the depth for more typing control. The customization takes place in the SteelSeries GG software and is saved directly to the keyboard. This allows users to play with their saved profiles even without the software installed. Not all keys are equipped with the more expensive OmniPoint switches. While the main block uses them, the function row and number keys rely on classic linear SteelSeries Red switches. This is hardly noticeable in everyday use, but it’s still worth noting. There is no hot-swap function for replacing the switches. SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3: Performance The polling rate is 1,000 Hz. That’s solid, but not record-breaking. Some high-end keyboards now offer up to 8,000 Hz. This means that the SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 registers inputs up to 1,000 times per second, which helps keep input latency very low. The keyboard also supports N-key rollover and anti-ghosting, so that multiple simultaneous keystrokes are reliably recognized. This is especially important for fast-paced games. Friedrich Stiemer One highlight is the “Rapid Trigger” function, which allows a key to reset and actuate again as soon as it is lifted slightly. In fast-paced games such as Valorant or Counter-Strike 2, this enables lightning-fast direction changes. In combination with “Dual Action Keybinds” (i.e. double assignment depending on the depth of pressure), the SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 becomes a serious tool in esports. One button can perform two actions: a light press activates walking, for example, while a stronger press in the same keystroke activates sprinting. This is ideal for dynamic movements in games such as Apex Legends or Call of Duty. SteelSeries has also improved the keyboard’s acoustics. A layer of damping material now sits between the circuit board and the base. As a result, it’s much quieter than other mechanical keyboards. It produces more of a gentle “thock” instead of the typical click-clack. Friedrich Stiemer SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3: Software and operation Setup via the SteelSeries GG software is straightforward. Here you can set the trigger point for each button, adjust the lighting, program macros, or manage profiles. Particularly convenient are the predefined presets for well-known games such as Apex Legends, CS2, and Fortnite. Friedrich Stiemer An integrated OLED display in the top right-hand corner shows system information, volume, profiles, and incoming Discord messages. It can also be customized with personal text or a small logo. Together with the aluminum rotary wheel, the display also doubles as a hub for media control. Here you can adjust the volume, hit play or pause, and modify the lighting. However, there are no dedicated media buttons, which is a bit of a shame at this price point. SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3: Everyday life and gaming In everyday use, the SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3 proves to be a genuine all-rounder. It feels pleasantly direct and precise when typing and reacts lightning-fast in gaming situations. Shooters, in particular, benefit from the low latency. When playing Valorant and Call of Duty, keys responded practically without delay. The keyboard also impresses with long texts. The stroke remains soft, the typing noise discreet, and the palm rest ensures comfort. Anyone who has ever experienced the difference between 0.1 and four millimeters of actuation will understand how finely the typing behavior can be tuned. Friedrich Stiemer The only downside is that, with its weight and wired connection, the Apex Pro Gen 3 is clearly designed as a desktop keyboard. If you’re usually on the move, it’s better to opt for the TKL or wireless version. That version, however, comes with second-generation OmniPoint switches. Read...

A reliable indicator of the air quality in offices, classrooms, or living rooms is the CO2 content. In fresh air, the concentration of carbon dioxide is around 400 ppm. This stands for “parts per million”, in this case 400 CO2 molecules per million air molecules. Although this is only 0.04 per cent, it has a noticeable effect. Indoors, the concentration rises rapidly due to human respiration (ie. breathing). Surprisingly, during a film screening in a movie theater, CO2 levels of several thousand ppm can be quickly reached. If CO2 levels are high enough, this can lead to lack of concentration, tiredness, and headaches. A CO2 measuring station can tell you when it’s the right time to open the windows—fresh air is needed if CO2 levels reach 1500 ppm or higher. What you’ll need Firstly, you need a Raspberry Pi with a reasonably up-to-date Raspberry Pi OS. It doesn’t matter which Raspberry model you use. You also need a CO2 sensor. The MH-Z19C sensor from the Chinese manufacturer Winsen Electronics Technology is used in this article. The MH-Z19B model works in the same way. When buying, you should choose a model with pins, otherwise you will have to solder it yourself. Pins or headers are small pins that you use to connect the sensor to the Raspberry Pi. The version with headers is available on Amazon so make sure you choose that version when you buy it. Finally, you will also need jumper wires. You will need the female/female variant for the sensor. Overall, the investment is less than $40, whereas professional CO2 measuring devices cost many times more if you were to buy ready-made models. Important: To read out the sensor, the Raspberry Pi communicates via the serial interface, which is deactivated by default. To change this, use the tool raspi-config and select “Serial Port” under “Interface Options”. How the sensor works The MH-Z19C (or B) is a non-dispersive infrared sensor (NDIR). These are based on the concentration-dependent absorption of electromagnetic radiation in the infrared wavelength range. Carbon dioxide absorbs infrared radiation in a specific and measurable way. The light source transmits IR radiation through the air to be measured by the actual sensor. A filter is attached to the front which allows the absorption wavelength of the target gas to pass through. If the concentration increases, the absorption increases according to Lambert-Beer’s law and the signal decreases accordingly. The sensor determines the resulting light intensity and converts it into ppm. How to connect the sensor to the Raspberry Pi. The sensor should be viewed from the underside. Foundry Setting up the circuit To set up the circuit, first shut down the Raspberry Pi and disconnect it from the power supply. Then connect the circuit board to the sensor. You will need four jumper wires female/female, i.e. with sockets at both ends. You can see the function of each connection on the underside of the sensor. Connect pin 6 of the sensor (labelled “VCC” or “Vin”) to pin 4 on the Raspberry Pi. This is the power supply with five volts. Pin 4 is the second from the top on the right-hand side of the GPIO strip. Now connect pin “GND” (7) on the sensor to pin 6 on the Raspberry board. This is the earth wire. It is located directly under pin 4. Halfway through, continue on the other side of the sensor, which has five connections: Pin “Rx” (2) on the sensor must be connected to pin 8 on the mini computer, directly under pin 6. Finally, connect pin “Tx” (3) on the sensor to pin 10 on the Raspberry Pi, directly below pin 8. The illustration above shows the complete setup again. Finally, start the Raspberry Pi by reconnecting it to the power supply. Read out measured values The CO2 sensor is ready for use. A Python script is needed to read out the current CO2 value. Thankfully, one was developed by a Japanese developer – just for information, to explain the Github address. You install the script together with other components by opening a terminal on the Raspberry Pi and entering the following command: git clone https://github.com/UedaTakeyuki/mh-z19.git Then change to the newly created folder “~/mh-z19” and execute the installation script: ./setup.sh To determine the current CO2 value, use this command in future: sudo python -m mh_z19 You will receive a result such as “{“co2?: 3128}”. The unit is the current ppm of CO2. The measured values can be automatically displayed online and clearly show the effect of ventilation. Foundry Measured values online Always reading out the measured values manually on the Raspberry Pi is annoying and too tedious in the long run. So it’s better to display the measured values online over time. Use a free online service to access the history of the measured values via PC or smartphone. Go to monitor3.uedasoft.com and enter an e-mail address and password to log in. You will receive a “view_id”, which you do not need. Click on the menu item Elements. Make a note of the second letter combination in the list, in the example “prgrvpqg”, and set the corresponding option to Active. Click on Save to finalize the setup. Now open a terminal on the Raspberry Pi and switch back to the “mh-z19” folder. There you call the command ./setid.sh [abcdefgh] replacing the sequence of letters with the eight-digit letter combination that you have just noted. This call is used to check whether everything is working properly: sudo python -m pondslider If the word “true” appears in the bottom line of the output, then everything is OK. In order to regularly receive measured values from now on and enter them in the Monitor app, enter the command ./autostart.sh --on In the browser, you can now see how the diagram on the Monitor page grows by one measured value every five minutes. The number of measured values displayed can be set directly below using the “Settings” button. To cover ten hours, you need 120 values. With the diagram, you can see at a glance whether someone has been airing the room while you were at lunch or shopping. The graph with the measured values can also be conveniently called up with a smartphone and downloaded as a CSV file via the “Download” button in order to analyze it in Excel. After rebooting the Raspberry Pi, the measurement script restarts automatically. The concept can be expanded further. With a red LED, a suitable 330 Ohm resistor and a slightly modified Python script, a circuit can be created in which the LED lights up as soon as the measured value exceeds a specified CO2 limit value. Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Extremely low weight (39 grams) Very precise and fast sensor Optical switches with a clean click feel Sturdy workmanship despite lightweight Construction Switchable 8,000 Hz polling rate Cons Short battery life, especially at high polling rates Open underside susceptible to dust No comfort features like RGB, Bluetooth, or additional buttons Less suitable for large hands High price Our Verdict Ultra-light, precise, and fast, the Pulsar X2 Crazylight Medium packs impressive performance into just 39 grams of wireless technology. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Pulsar Gaming Gears X2 CL CrazyLight Medium Wireless Retailer Price $129.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices Can you build a wireless gaming mouse that weighs less than a chicken egg? Pulsar pushes the limits with its X2 Crazylight Medium, an FPS-focused mouse that weighs just 39 grams. In this review, we’ll explore whether this featherlight wonder delivers in real-world gameplay. Pulsar X2 Crazylight Medium: Design and features The Pulsar X2 Crazylight Medium lives up to its name: the mouse only weighs around 39 grams, which is almost unbelievably light for a wireless mouse. By comparison, even ultra-light competitors like Logitech’s G Pro X Superlight 2 at around 60 grams or Razer’s Viper V3 Pro at 54 grams are about 20 grams heavier. Pulsar achieves this weight through careful internal weight savings. The result? The Pulsar X2 Crazylight Medium feels surprisingly stable despite its lightweight design. The housing neither creaks nor rattles during everyday use, and the buttons sit firmly without any annoying wobble. Friedrich Stiemer The surface is matte and smooth, which makes for a pleasant feel, but it can become a little slippery with very sweaty hands. Optional grip tapes help here. It would have been a nice touch if the manufacturer had included them by default. The shape and dimensions of the Pulsar X2 Crazylight Medium follow the popular Pulsar X2 design in a slightly shrunken version. The Medium model is around 12 centimeters long, 6.3 centimeters wide, and has a flat, symmetrical body. This allows the mouse to sit comfortably in the hand, especially for claw-grip and fingertip players. Those with medium-sized or small hands will find the low, wide shape extremely comfortable. The mouse doesn’t completely fill the hand, but it provides plenty of control for quick movements. On the other hand, the Pulsar X2 Crazylight Medium may feel a little small for larger hands. Pulsar also offers a large and a mini version. Friedrich Stiemer Pulsar X2 Crazylight Medium: High-end sensor Despite its minimalist design, Pulsar doesn’t skimp on top-level technology. At the core of the mouse is Pulsar’s exclusive XS-1 sensor, which is based on Pixart’s PAW9350. This optical sensor supports an impressive 32,000 DPI resolution, 750 IPS, and 50 G acceleration. That’s more than enough for extreme sensitivity settings or even 360-degree spin shots in shooters. Friedrich Stiemer Pulsar also offers an optional polling rate of 8000 Hz (8 kHz) via 2.4 GHz radio. By default, the mouse transmits at 1000 Hz, which is already very responsive. However, if you want every possible millisecond and have the right hardware, you can increase the polling rate up to 8000 Hz using a separately sold dongle. Currently, only a few mice like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 (Lightspeed 2) support such a higher wireless rate out of the box, without replacing the receiver. In practice, the difference is only noticeable in professional esports or with high FPS displays. For most users, 1000 Hz is preferable given the potential side effects… but more on than later! Friedrich Stiemer It’s especially pleasing that Pulsar uses specially developed optical switches, which should last up to 100 million clicks and is designed to prevent double-click problems. The click feel and mouse wheel are subjectively different from mechanical switches. In the case of the Pulsar X2 Crazylight Medium, we noticed slightly less “rich” feedback, but clearly defined scroll steps. This is largely a matter of taste, though. Friedrich Stiemer Pulsar X2 Crazylight Medium: Tiny battery Speaking of side effects, the radical lightweight construction does have its drawbacks. In order to reduce the weight so drastically, Pulsar has cut corners, especially with the battery and the base of the housing. The battery is tiny. Pulsar itself claims a battery life of up to 65 hours, but this figure is probably only valid under the best conditions. In everyday use, you’ll have to charge the mouse more often than usual, especially when using high polling rates. The battery drains rapidly, sometimes after less than 10 hours of continuous use. In 1000 Hz mode, the mouse lasts a few days depending on the usage profile. In our experience, it lasted around five to seven days with average gaming time. This result is fine, but it’s significantly shorter than other competitors. Logitech’s Superlight 2, for example, lasts up to 90 hours. Friedrich Stiemer The second compromise concerns the underside. The X2 CrazyLight has a skeletonized base plate to shave off some weight. In concrete terms, this means that, in addition to the PTFE gliding feet (Pulsar supplies smaller “dot” skates in the package), there are recesses through which you can see inside–even the battery is partially exposed. While this design saves on weight, it also exposes the electronics to dust and dirt. This isn’t a major problem in a clean gaming environment, but we’d recommend not using the mouse on dirty or crumbly surfaces. In more unusual scenarios, you could theoretically push the battery through the openings, but this is unlikely to happen in normal use, unless you finger the underside of the mouse with sharp objects. Overall, we find the compromise acceptable. Most gamers will appreciate the weight advantage more than a fully closed base plate. Friedrich Stiemer Pulsar X2 Crazylight Medium: Performance In FPS use, the Pulsar X2 Crazylight Medium delivers immediate, almost weightless handling. Fast flick shots are precise, and changes in direction feel effortless thanks to the mouse’s low weight. The combination of a high-precision sensor and optical switches creates a direct, responsive gaming experience, which is especially noticeable in titles like Valorant or Counter Strike. You also benefit from the precise fine control in tactical shooters, as even slow, deliberate movements are tracked accurately. Friedrich Stiemer Away from shooters, the mouse still performs reliably. In MOBAs like League of Legends, you benefit from the fast responsiveness of the buttons, although the limited number of additional buttons may be a drawback for some folks. In action RPGs like Diablo, the mouse feels comfortable even during longer sessions thanks to its lightweight casing. The precise tracking also makes it well suited for creative tasks, such as image cropping or detailed work in graphics programs. The symmetrical shape supports smooth control, making long office or browsing sessions comfortable and effortless. Read...

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At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros High-quality workmanship All-aluminum housing Extremely low latency with rapid trigger “MagMech” technology: magnetic & mechanical switches can be mixed Great acoustics when typing Good price-performance ratio Cons Very short battery life in 8K wireless mode Mode switch awkwardly hidden under the keycap Software can be confusing and takes some getting used to No adjustable tilt angle Our Verdict The Monsgeek FUN60 Ultra may not be perfect, as the hidden mode switch and poor battery life in gaming mode are clear points of criticism. However, Considering the price of less than $100, the overall package is simply impressive. You get premium-level workmanship, cutting-edge switch technology with extremely low latency and the unique freedom to combine magnetic and mechanical switches. If you’re looking for maximum performance for shooters and can do without a numpad, it’s hard to find a better offer at the moment. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Monsgeek FUN60 Ultra Retailer Price $94.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices Can a keyboard for less than $100 really keep up with the high-end competition, which often costs twice as much? In our test, the Monsgeek FUN60 Ultra proves that it’s not only aggressively priced, but also teaches the established top dogs the how to provide great value without sacrificing performance thanks to its world-first switch technology. Friedrich Stiemer Anyone looking around the gaming peripherals market at the moment will inevitably stumble across terms such as “rapid trigger” or magnetic switches. These technologies have changed competitive gaming, but were usually an expensive investment—until now. Brands such as Wooting or Steelseries often charge $200 or more for their top models. But now, with the Monsgeek FUN60 Ultra, a challenger is entering the arena that’s shaking up this premium price structure. The manufacturer promises similar—in some cases even superior—performance for just under half the money. We put the “Ultra” in the name to the test to see if it’s justified. Friedrich Stiemer Hardly any other product on the market currently offers this flexibility, making the keyboard a true hybrid for work and play. Monsgeek FUN60 Ultra: Design When you first unpack the Monsgeek FUN60 Ultra, you immediately notice its unexpectedly high weight. At around one kilogram (2.2lbs), this compact 60 percent dwarf keyboard is significantly heavier than most of its plastic competitors. This is due to the solid, CNC-milled all-aluminium housing, which is complemented by a steel base plate. This choice of material ensures that the keyboard is extremely torsion-resistant and sits on your desk as if nailed down. The build quality is surprisingly high and conveys a real premium feel that is rarely found in this price range. Friedrich Stiemer The design of the Monsgeek FUN60 Ultra is minimalist and straightforward, which really brings out the powerful RGB lighting, especially in the white color version. The only curious detail is the eyelet for a carrying strap on the left-hand side of the case, which is probably more of a visual gimmick than anything. However, we take a more critical view of the lack of adjustable feet. You have to make do with the fixed typing angle of six to seven degrees, which we found to be ergonomically pleasant in the test, but still restricts flexibility. However, the engineers made a real design faux pas with the switch for the operating modes. This is hidden under the cap lock button, so you actually have to remove the button cap every time you want to switch between cable and wireless. This is an unnecessarily cumbersome solution in everyday use. Friedrich Stiemer Monsgeek FUN60 Ultra: Typing The so-called “Akko Glare Magnetic Switches” came with our test sample. As these switches are already pre-lubricated at the factory, they glide down smoothly and without any noticeable scratching. Acoustically, the Monsgeek FUN60 Ultra is absolutely surprising, as it’s unbelievably quiet in operation despite the metal housing. Thanks to extensive internal insulation, the result is a rich, muffled sound that is often referred to as “thocky” in enthusiast circles. You won’t find any annoying metallic echoes or rattling of the large keys here, which is why the input device is also suitable for office environments, provided you can do without the numeric keypad. Friedrich Stiemer Haptically, you should note that the circuit board is firmly screwed into the housing, which is known as the tray-mount design. This makes for a very direct, precise touch, but with less give than on spring-mounted keyboards. If you prefer a very soft touch, you might find the Monsgeek FUN60 Ultra a little stiff. The PBT plastic keycaps showed a small shortcoming in the long-term test though: Although these are generally robust, the heavily used WASD keys tended to develop a shiny surface relatively quickly. However, as the keyboard follows the standard layout, you can easily replace the caps with a set of your choice. Friedrich Stiemer Monsgeek FUN60 Ultra: TMR technology and the “MagMech” feature Technically, the Monsgeek FUN60 Ultra clearly stands out from the crowd. While most current high-end models rely on Hall-effect sensors, TMR (Tunnel Magneto Resistance) technology is used here. This technology allows an even finer signal resolution and theoretically saves power. In practice, this means that you can set the trigger point of each individual button extremely granularly between 0.1 millimetres and 3.4 millimetres. Particularly impressive is the rapid trigger function, which means that the button does not have to return to its original position to be triggered again. A minimal stroke of just 0.01 millimetres is enough for the Monsgeek FUN60 Ultra to register a new command. In fast-paced shooters such as Valorant or Counter-Strike 2, this enables movement maneuvers and firing sequences at a speed that would hardly be possible with conventional mechanical keyboards. Friedrich Stiemer An absolutely unique feature is the so-called “MagMech” functionality. The TMR version of the Monsgeek FUN60 Ultra is cross-compatible, which means that you can mix magnetic switches and classic mechanical switches (5-pin) on the same board. You therefore have the option of equipping only the WASD keys relevant for gaming with the fast magnetic switches and using your favourite tactile mechanical switches for the rest of the keyboard. Hardly any other product on the market currently offers this flexibility, making the keyboard a true hybrid for work and play. Friedrich Stiemer Connectivity and battery life The name “Ultra”, as you’d expect, indicates a variety of connectivity options, as the keyboard can be operated via USB-C cable, Bluetooth 5.0, and fast 2.4 GHz radio. The wireless performance is exemplary, as the Monsgeek FUN60 Ultra achieves a sampling rate of up to 8,000 hertz in 2.4 GHz mode. This means that it responds wirelessly just as quickly as a wired keyboard, and even professionals shouldn’t notice any difference in latency. Friedrich Stiemer However, this extreme performance takes its toll on energy consumption: If you use the full 8,000Hz polling rate and activate the RGB lighting at the same time, the 4000 mAh battery runs out of breath very quickly. In our tests, the Monsgeek FUN60 Ultra often only lasted a few hours in this high-performance mode. If you want to game wirelessly with maximum performance, you’ll have to charge the keyboard almost every day. In Bluetooth mode or with dimmed lighting, on the other hand, the battery lasts for days, which is why we recommend only using the 8K mode for competitive gaming sessions. Friedrich Stiemer Monsgeek FUN60 Ultra: Software The Monsgeek FUN60 Ultra is configured using driver-based software that runs in the browser but still requires installation in the background. The range of functions is extensive and extends from the creation of complex macros to “dynamic keystrokes”, in which different pressure depths trigger different actions. Features such as SOCD, i.e. the prioritization of opposing directional inputs, are also available. However, the user interface is not yet fully developed making the menu navigation confusing at times. Although the manufacturer has already fixed many initial bugs with firmware updates, beginners will have to be prepared for a certain learning curve in order to utilize the full potential of the Monsgeek FUN60 Ultra. Read...

The energy firm sells a $1bn stake in its technology arm Kraken, paving the way for its demerger. Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Light as a feather (48 g) Precise 42K DPI sensor 8.000 Hz wireless polling Outstanding workmanship Web app instead of software Constraints Very long battery life (at 1,000 Hz) Spare skates and grip tapes included in the scope of delivery Cons Very high price No onboard memory Only suitable for right-handers No tilt or free-scroll function Battery life greatly reduced because of 8K polling Our Verdict The Asus ROG Harpe II Ace is a lightweight, responsive gaming mouse that ticks off all the right boxes. That said, the 8K polling eats up a lot of power and the price tag might be too steep for some. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Asus ROG Harpe II Ace Retailer Price $146.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices With the ROG Harpe II Ace, Asus delivers a wireless esports designed for maximum performance and lightness. Weighing just 28 grams, it features 8,000 Hz wireless polling and the new ROG AimPoint Pro sensor with 42,000 DPI. But is it really worth the $169.99 price point? Let’s take a closer look at this top-tier model. Asus ROG Harpe II ACE: Design and ergonomics The mouse’s lightweight form factor is obvious as soon as you unpack it. At just 48 grams, the Asus ROG Harpe II Ace is one of the lightest gaming mice ever–lighter than many honeycomb-designed models. Yet it remains stable and torsion-resistant, with nothing rattling or creaking. Friedrich Stiemer The housing is symmetrical but not completely ambidextrous. With two side buttons on the left, the mouse is clearly aimed at right-handed users. Its shape was developed with esports pros in mind, including Valorant player Maximilian ‘Demon1’ Mazanov. It sits flat in the hand and is ideal for claw and fingertip grips. In fast-paced shooters like CS2 or Valorant, it reacts instantly, gliding smoothly across the pad without causing fatigue. Friedrich Stiemer The Asus ROG Harpe II Ace’s bio-based nylon surface feels soft, though this is a matter of taste. Some testers praise the smooth finish while others note the visible fingerprints. Overall, the mouse leaves a very high-quality impression. Asus ROG Harpe II ACE: Technology and features The centerpiece of the Asus ROG Harpe II Ace is the ROG AimPoint Pro sensor, which supports up to 42,000 DPI. While that figure might seem like marketing hype, what really matters is precision and the sensor delivers where it matters. Movements are executed without noticeable delay, and even fine aiming corrections are spot on. In our testing, the cursor stayed stable during fast flicks, a clear advantage for esports players. Friedrich Stiemer Another highlight is the 8,000 Hz polling rate, which Asus also enables wirelessly, transmitting eight times more position data per second than standard mice. In practice, aiming and tracking feel noticeably smoother. However, to conserve battery, you should only activate that feature when necessary. At 8,000 Hz, runtime drops to around 15 hours. At 1,000 Hz, the Asus ROG Harpe II Ace lasts for over 100 hours. It charges via USB-C and just a few minutes on the cable is enough for several hours of gaming, so you can keep playing even when the battery is empty. Asus ROG Harpe II ACE: Clicks, buttons, and operation Asus uses durable ROG microswitches that deliver a clean, crisp click. The main keys respond immediately and offer precise feedback with no bouncing. The click feel stayed consistent even after several days of intensive use. The mouse wheel clicks precisely, though it doesn’t tilt horizontally or spin freely. Perfectly fine for gaming, though a bit spartan for productivity. It offers five buttons plus a DPI switch. That’s enough for shooters, but limited for MMO gamers. Friedrich Stiemer The zone mode of the Asus ROG Harpe II Ace is activated via a shortcut using both side DPI buttons. The mouse will then automatically optimize all parameters for competition, turning off RGB lighting and pushing performance to the max. It’s a clever little shortcut for competitive players. Asus ROG Harpe II ACE: Software and configuration Instead of relying on the often-criticized Armoury Crate software, Asus uses the Gear Link web app. DPI levels, key assignments, and lighting can be adjusted directly in the browser, no installation required. The interface is clear, responsive, and works on any device. It saves system resources and makes everyday use simpler. The only downside? No onboard memory. Profiles aren’t stored permanently, so using the mouse on multiple PCs requires reloading the settings through the web interface. Friedrich Stiemer Asus ROG Harpe II ACE: Practice and performance In everyday use, the Asus ROG Harpe II Ace impresses with butter-soft tracking, lightning-fast responsiveness, and excellent control. In shooters such as Apex Legends or Call of Duty, the crosshairs remain stable even during hectic movements. The low weight noticeably reduces the strain on the wrist and forearm, which is ideal for long sessions. The mouse also performs well in office use, although the simple scroll wheel and limited buttons restrict the range of functions. The Bluetooth connection is stable, but competitive gamers will prefer the 2.4 GHz dongle. Asus ROG Harpe II ACE: Scope of delivery The Asus ROG Harpe II Ace comes with a flexible USB-C cable, a USB-C to USB-A adapter, replacement skates, high-quality grip tapes, and a set of stickers. Professionals are thus well equipped and gain extra grip. A carrying bag, however, would have perfectly rounded out the package, especially if you’re the type of person that travels a bunch. Friedrich Stiemer Read...

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