Some of you may have noticed I recently covered a Kickstarter keyboard, the Marsback M1, and there's another one just round the corner too. While looking at the Kickstarter link for more details, I went down a rabbit hole and found some fantastically bizarre items that maybe are worth a short series on. First up, and from MSI themselves, is the Liberator! What it liberates you from, or at least aims to do so, is the use of a keyboard+mouse combination for directional movement by instead offering foot controls in the form of a pedal. The tech in itself is not new, with several ergonomic designs come out over the years for those physically challenged or even just wanting to make better use of legs and improving circulation while sitting down for hours. This take, however, is my first introduction to a gaming foot pedal, because why not slap gaming on everything in addition to the mandatory RGB lighting?

MSI has been quiet about the Liberator, despite a supposed debut of March 16 (today!). There is a dedicated Facebook page for the product which is chock-full of hilarious marketing that you need to use, albeit in Mandarin, and Google Translate does not do it much justice either. This in turn leads to the Typeform page which, again in Mandarin, walks you through some of the salient features including three large pads with Omron-branded switches, game/macro compatibility with some AAA games including the Far Cry series in addition to some racing games, and localized pricing information that leads us to believe this will be a relatively expensive product (~$100 discounted on the crowdfunding platform, ~$140 otherwise) with the usual caveat of how directly converting foreign currency prices is best for an estimate only. What do you think about the MSI Liberator? Share your thoughts in the comments section and let us know if this is something you want to see announced globally.

Thermaltake, the leading PC DIY premium brand for Cooling, Gaming Gear, and Enthusiast Memory solutions, today announced the official release of the TOUGHRAM XG RGB DDR4 16 GB (8 GB x 2) Memory Kit, and is now available for purchase on TTPremium.com and Thermaltake.com. The TOUGHRAM XG RGB comes in frequencies ranging from 3,600 MHz up to 4,600 MHz 16 GB (8GBx2), featuring a distinguished style for users who seek unconventional gaming styled ram modules.

Compatible with the latest AMD and Intel DDR4 motherboards, the TOUGHRAM XG RGB DDR4 16 GB (8 GB x 2) has been through rigorous tests in order to select tightly-screened ICs for high and stable performance. The aluminium heat spreader of the TOUGHRAM XG has been trimmed with a geometrical pattern for a sleek and fresh look, meanwhile it can also enhance heat dissipation while in use. As the high end memory kit of the TOUGHRAM series, the TOUGHRAM XG RGB has been upgraded to 16 LEDs with a unique X-shaped light bar to control 8 lighting zones for splendid colors. Users can choose over 25 pre-set lighting modes from the TOUGHRAM software, or to synchronize it with multiple RGB software including our advanced light editing software NeonMaker to set-up timeline. The TOUGHRAM XG continues the legacy of building a full RGB ecosystem, it can be synchronized to the TT RGB Plus software along with other enabled components. Other than that, the TOUGHRAM XG can support motherboards equipped with 5 V addressable RGB header, allowing users to control lighting effects directly from the motherboard RGB software.

Sharkoon Technologies is an international supplier of high-performance, quality PC components and peripherals. Sharkoon has now widened its product range with a white edition of its popular RGB Slider PC case. The RGB Slider White has a simple and minimalistic design, but the case still comes with features which are special for its price range, such as a side panel made of tempered glass and the RGB LED strip integrated in the front panel.

With its new white finish, the RGB Slider presents itself again with a minimalist and unobtrusive look. The restrained presentation is only interrupted by the RGB-LED strip, which provides visual variety on the white front panel. Part of the strip has a subtle form which seems to slide across its otherwise straight line, thus giving the PC case its name. Using the built-in RGB controller, the front of the case can be illuminated in fourteen preset color modes. It can also be freely adjusted using the software of compatible mainboards with the support of Asus Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, Gigabyte Fusion and ASRock Polychrome Sync. Additional RGB components with a 5 V-D-coded-G or 5 V-D-G pinout can be connected in the case using the installed RGB controller.

Elgato, the leading provider of hardware and software for content creators, today announced the launch of two new product lines to help creators personalize their home studios and streaming setups - Elgato Light Strip and Elgato Wave Panels.

Elgato Light Strip offers convenient app-controlled ambient lighting with RGBWW LEDs capable of displaying 16 million colors, with a wide brightness and color temperature range to create the perfect look for your setup. Elgato Wave Panels feature two-layer foam construction to reduce room echo and reverberation, easily mounting to your wall in modular hexagonal panels. Whether it's lighting up your stream or improving room acoustics, Elgato Light Strip and Elgato Wave Panels provide new ways to make your space, and your content, your own.

Antec Inc., a leading provider of high-performance computer components and accessories for the gaming, PC upgrade and Do-It-Yourself market, is presenting a new ITX case which offers PC enthusiasts the best watercooling options in a small format case. The Dark Cube will soon reach store shelves and online retail outlets in Europe with a competitive MSRP of 209 Euros.

The Dark Cube is a masterpiece of the revolutionary ITX case from Antec. This untraditional case provides powerful support for the latest gaming gear. Despite the small size, the Dark Cube still supports motherboards up to M-ATX. The Dark Cube supports high-end hardware and provides dual front panel options: Users can choose either the tempered glass panel or mesh front panel - whether the emphasis is on maximum airflow performance or on showcasing the gaming components.

ASUS today launched a trio of custom-design AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics cards. These include the RX 6700 XT DUAL, the TUF Gaming RX 6700 XT OC, and the top-of-the-line ROG Strix RX 6700 XT O12G. All three a factory-overclocked cards, and while the company didn't disclose the clock-speeds, one can make out how the three stack up—the ROG Strix at the top, the TUF Gaming OC next, followed by the DUAL. The company will also sell reference-design RX 6700 XT cards. The ROG Strix RX 6700 XT O12G leads the pack with its latest-gen DirectCU III cooling solution that's featured across its custom RX 6000 and RTX 30-series lineup; which features a large aluminium fin-stack heatsink, a trio of the latest-gen Axial-Tech fans, a blinding amount of RGB bling, and the strongest VRM setup among the three, which pulls power from a pair of 8-pin PCIe power connectors, and other goodies such as dual-BIOS, RGB and case fan headers.

The TUF Gaming RX 6700 XT OC is next up, along with its acclaimed TUF Gaming cooling solution that exposes much of its heatsink's bare-metal, through an airy metal shroud; and uses a trio of Axial-Tech fans. This card pulls power from two 8-pin PCIe connectors, much like the ROG Strix, but is expected to have a slightly downsized VRM, and lower factory-overclocked speeds. You still get dual-BIOS. Lastly, there's the RX 6700 XT DUAL, slotted in the company's sober-looking PRIME family of motherboards and graphics cards. It features a more compact board design, with a lighter aluminium fin-stack heatsink that uses only a pair of Axial-Tech fans. This card pulls power from 6-pin + 8-pin connectors. All three are expected to launch on March 18, 2021.

As a leading brand in True Gaming hardware, MSI is proud to announce a new graphics card line-up based on the AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT GPU, uniting the latest in graphics technology, high-performance circuit board design and advanced cooling.

GAMING series
MSI brings the GAMING series with the iconic TWIN FROZR 8 thermal design to the MSI Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics card. Compared to the previous generation, the dual fan design has been improved with TORX FAN 4.0, binding fan blade pairs together with an outer link to focus airflow into the TWIN FROZR 8 cooling system. The heatsink features advanced aerodynamic and thermodynamic technologies for efficient heat dissipation, reducing temperatures while maintaining high performance. A new design emphasizes the dazzling Mystic Light RGB infused into the card. Gamers can easily control and synchronize LED-lit components with the upgraded MSI Dragon Center software.

CORSAIR, a world leader in PC gaming peripherals and enthusiast components, today launched a new ultra-light gaming mouse, the KATAR PRO XT. At a weight of just 73g and equipped with a drag-reducing paracord cable, the KATAR PRO XT is extremely agile and well-suited for fast-paced FPS and MOBA gameplay. The KATAR PRO XT is also the first CORSAIR mouse to implement new CORSAIR QUICKSTRIKE buttons, pre-tensioned to reduce button travel to a minimum, meaning every click from the KATAR PRO XT registers faster than ever.

Sporting a compact symmetrical shape, the KATAR PRO XT is great for claw and fingertip grip styles. With a weight of 73g, the KATAR PRO XT is one of the lightest in the entire CORSAIR gaming mouse lineup, aided by a lightweight paracord cable that reduces drag to enable faster and more precise movements. Debuting in the KATAR PRO XT, CORSAIR QUICKSTRIKE buttons feature a spring-loaded pre-tensioned design with zero gap between the primary mouse buttons and their switches, so that all your shots and spells register immediately with virtually no travel distance.

"Neonpunk style emanates in the darkness from the glimmer of high quality metals, showcasing futuristic aesthetics in the darkness of the night. The new era of esports has arrived." This is how Gigabyte describes their latest RTX 3060 AORUS ELITE design. Apart from the apparent attempt at coining a new nomenclature for RGB lighting and dark materials, Gigabyte have announced that their to-be-launched graphics card features the company's well-known Windforce 3X cooling system.

The card features a 1x 8-pin and 1x 6-pin power delivery subsystem, a black metal backplate, dual-BIOS capabilities with a (default) OC and a Silent mode, and LED power indicators to easily troubleshoot power delivery issues. No word on pricing or clockspeeds were available at time of writing.

HyperX, the gaming division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., today announced its Alloy Origins 60 mechanical gaming keyboard is now shipping in the U.S. and Canada. A compact, 60 percent form factor keyboard, Alloy Origins 60 features HyperX Red linear mechanical switches that are built for performance, longevity and rated with an 80 million lifetime click rating per switch. The keyboard includes RGB exposed backlit keys for brighter illumination with radiant lighting effects and double shot PBT keycaps with secondary functions for long-term use and durability.

Alloy Origins 60 is the first HyperX 60 percent gaming keyboard built with HyperX Red linear mechanical switches. HyperX Red switches are designed with a shorter actuation point and shorter travel time than other switches on the market, for a more responsive switch action. As a durable, stable gaming keyboard, Alloy Origins 60 features a full aircraft-grade aluminium body and offers a space-saving 60 percent layout that maximizes desktop real estate for ultimate mouse movement.

LIAN LI Industrial Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of aluminium chassis and PC accessories, hosts its second online event with the LIAN LI 2021 DIGITAL EXPO, which premiers February 18th, 9 am EST on YouTube (here). The 2021 DIGITAL EXPO unveils soon to be launched products, with new editions of the O11D MINI and UNI FANS, as well as exclusive looks at four prototypes. Each prototype will receive an in-depth look from case reviewers.

Q58: The Q58, a 14.3L SFF case, is equipped with split hinged panels made of tempered glass and aluminium mesh, and a dual-tone front solid aluminium panel. With support for MINI-ITX, 320 mm long GPUs, and up to 280 mm radiators, the Q58 is capable of supporting a variety of configurations with SFX PSUs or ATX PSUs due to an adjustable motherboard tray that can be moved for more clearance.

Vissles, a company committed to bringing in high-quality electronic accessories and equipment, launches its first 84-key wireless mechanical keyboard - Vissles V1, a wireless compact design that brings ergonomic comfort and a tailor-made user experience to typing. We spend 1/3 of our time at work every day, on average; having a superb mechanical keyboard can definitely do more with less. V1 incorporates game-level quick response capabilities and adjusted functions for office applications. Whether the quiet and instant response of the Outemu Red switches, the universal Brown switches for writing and playing, or the crisp clear sound of Outemu blue switches, it will certainly make every tap easier.

Vissles V1 supports Bluetooth and wired Type-C connection, Mac/iOS, Win, and Android systems, simply tap Fn+Q/W/E/R/T to seamlessly switch between five devices. V1 also supports macro recording settings. The keyboard also includes 12 dual-function FN keys that allow you to easily access media and shortcut keys, so you can effortlessly perform a variety of tasks.

Thermaltake, the leading PC DIY premium brand for Cooling, Gaming Gear, and Enthusiast Memory solutions, is excited to announce that the Pacific V-RTX 3070 GPU Water Block and Pacific V-RTX 3080/3090 GPU Water Block are both ready to sell.

The Pacific V-RTX 3070 GPU Water Block and Pacific V-RTX 3080/3090 GPU Water Block are both RGB designed waterblocks for ASUS ROG STRIX RTX 3070 and 3080/3090 graphic cards; these transparent water blocks are part of the TT RGB ecosystem and support the TT RGB Plus software, displaying 16.8M RGB lighting effects to create the best visual effects for the users' builds. They also support various motherboards with a 5 V addressable RGB header allowing users to control the lighting effects through the synchronized software, such as ASUS Aura Sync and MSI Mystic Light Sync. Their high-water flow design, mirror-finished CU base, and micro-channel structure guarantee these water blocks' performance and visual aesthetics. Therefore, if you happen to get an ASUS ROG STRIX RTX 3070 or a 3080/3090 graphics card, come try out our latest Pacific V-RTX 3070 GPU Water Block or the Pacific V-RTX 3080/3090 GPU Water Block.

Modern speakers are not only a source of sound, but also an element of interior design. The Genesis Helium 300BT ARGB speakers adhere to this trend, offering not only powerful sound, but also personalization options.

The Genesis Helium 300BT ARGB set are stereo speakers, which can be connected to a computer with a cable or wirelessly through the Bluetooth interface. The manufacturer equipped it with ARGB LED illumination, and the user has full control over it. LEDs which run around the membranes work with illumination systems from the most popular motherboard manufacturers. The compatibility list includes, but is not limited to, Polychrome RGB, Mystic Light Sync, RGB Fusion, and Aura Sync.

Cougar today rolled out the Auric line of premium modular PSUs targeted at performance-segment gaming desktops. Available in 650 W and 750 W capacities, the Auric series offers a fairly premium feature-set, including 80 Plus Gold efficiency, full modular cabling, an RGB LED illuminated fan, and a user-controllable semi fanless mode. At the push of a switch, the PSU can be made to maintain complete silence until 40% of load. Another switch lets you toggle the RGB illumination presets (one of which is a dark mode). The lighting can be synchronized to the rest of your lighting via a 4-pin RGB input.

Under the hood, the Cougar Auric series PSUs feature single +12 V rail design that complies with the latest ATX12V v2.53 specification, active PFC, LLC resonant converter, DC-to-DC switching, and protection against over/under-voltage, overload, overheat, and short-circuit. Both the 650 W and 750 W models offer two 4+4 pin EPS, seven SATA power, three Molex, and one 24-pin ATX. The 650 W model offers four 6+2 pin PCIe power connectors, while the 750 W model offers six of these.

AeroCool today introduced the Cylon 3H, a top-flow CPU cooler. The cooler features a "C-type" aluminium fin-stack design. Three 6 mm-thick copper heat pipes make direct contact with the CPU at the base, conveying heat through an aluminium fin-stack that's arranged along the plane of the motherboard, and ventilated by a 120 mm fan. This fan features an addressable RGB illumination through a silicone diffuser around the bore of the impeller. AeroCool claims that the cooler can handle thermal loads of up to 125 W.

The included 120 mm fan of the Cylon 3H features a 60,000-hour rated hydraulic bearing, takes in 4-pin PWM for its main function, and 3-pin ARGB for the illumination, turns between 600 to 1,800 RPM; pushing up to 60.8 CFM of air-flow at 1.48 mm H₂O static pressure, at up to 24.3 dBA noise output. With its fan in place, the cooler measures 126 mm x 138 mm x 98 mm (WxDxH). Among the CPU socket types supported are AM4, LGA1200, and LGA115x. The company didn't reveal pricing.

EK, the leading computer cooling solutions provider, is expanding its All-In-One product line with the highly anticipated EK-AIO 280 D-RGB. Following the success of EK-AIO D-RGB that comes in three different sizes, the latest EK-AIO 280 D-RGB was first introduced at the EK EXPO Reloaded Livestream event. It is meant to cater to customers who eagerly awaited the 280 mm radiator version combined with two 140 mm D-RGB Vardar S fans. This All-In-One solution is simple to use and easy to install with top-of-the-class cooling performance and fully customizable D-RGB lighting. The EK-AIO is an ideal solution for anyone who wants all the benefits of liquid cooling without all the maintenance it can bring.

The dual-fan EK-AIO with a 280 mm radiator is the perfect all-rounder for standard case sizes. The radiator surface is big enough to combat any mainstream CPU on the market and even has enough headroom for overclocking. An AIO with cooling capacities like this can either provide a super-silent PC setup or help harness the extra performance of an overclocked processor.

CORSAIR, a world leader in PC gaming peripherals and enthusiast components, today announced a new range of high-performance DDR4 memory kits to its renowned VENGEANCE RGB PRO lineup, CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB PRO SL. Initially available in a wide range of frequencies up to 3,600MHz and kits up to 128GB (4x32GB) in both black and white, VENGEANCE RGB PRO SL boasts dynamic ten-zone RGB lighting in a form-factor just 44mm tall, offering wide compatibility with nearly any PC build. Each module is tightly screened and optimized for peak performance and overclocking potential, for memory that matches its mesmerizing visuals with equally impressive performance.

At 44mm tall, VENGEANCE RGB PRO SL's compact form-factor enables compatibility with a multitude of CPU cooler options, including dual-fan AIO liquid CPU coolers and many air coolers such as the CORSAIR A500. Ten individually addressable RGB LEDs per module are massively customizable through CORSAIR iCUE software, and can be synchronized with all iCUE-compatible devices throughout your setup for stunning lighting effects across the entire iCUE ecosystem.

Antec today rolled out the DF700 FLUX, an ATX mid-tower case characterized by a unique design for its high-airflow front-panel mesh intake. Rather than a flat panel shape for its mesh, the DF700's mesh curves to the pattern of a wavefront. The top panel features the case's second large mesh vent, while the left side panel is tinted tempered glass. Inside, the case features a conventional horizontally partitioned layout, with the upper compartment that houses the motherboard tray, offering room for graphics cards up to 40.5 cm in length, and CPU coolers up to 17.5 cm in height.

Ventilation options in the DF700 FLUX include three 140 mm / 120 mm front intakes, either three 120 mm or two 140 mm top exhausts, a 120 mm rear exhaust, and two 120 mm conveyors between the bottom and top compartments. The case includes a 5-channel fan+ARGB controller. Storage options include two 3.5-inch drive-bays, a 3.5-inch mount, and three 2.5-inch mounts for a total of six spaces. Front panel connectivity includes a pair of USB 3.x type-A, and HDA jacks. The case measures 467 mm x 220 mm x 486 mm (DxWxH).

Update Jan 19th: The company revealed MSRP pricing in Europe to be 86€.

ASUS today revealed their latest flagship iteration on the NVIDIA RTX 3060, the ASUS RTX 3060 ROG STRIX. the graphics card follows ASUS' tried and true ROG STRIX design with a triple-fan cooling solution (that features 0 dB technology when in light use) and an RGB strip detailing alongside the shroud. The RTX 3060 ROG STRIX features a single 8-pin power connector, palatable for this card's expected performance profile, and the company has managed to decrease the footprint of their cooling solution to a 2.7-slot design, which should be more than enough for the card's 170 W TDP.

ASUS has fitted the card with an abundance of connectors that are sure to stand the test of time: 2x HDMI 2.1, and 3x DisplayPort 1.4. ASUS expects the card to be available near the end of February, in both OC and non-OC versions. No word on pricing was available at time of writing - though it will surely be higher than NVIDIA's $329 MSRP.

ARCTIC, one of the leading manufacturers of low-noise PC coolers and components, is bringing a powerful LED case fan to market for the first time with its BioniX P120 A-RGB. The pressure-optimized, PWM-controlled 120 mm fan comes with 12 addressable RGB LEDs for a customisable color experience.

The fan blades of the BioniX P120 A-RGB generate a focused airflow, ensuring highly efficient cooling even with increased air resistance on heatsinks, radiators and covered case vents. The newly developed ARCTIC motor and the high-quality bearings ensure smooth running and a particularly long service life. The fan speed of the BioniX P120 A-RGB can be adjusted synchronously with other fans in the speed range from 400 to 2300 rpm.

GIGABYTE today unveiled its flagship case, the AORUS C700 Glass. Featuring the same design-language as its latest generation of AORUS motherboards and graphics cards, the C700 Glass is a humongous ATX full-tower case measuring 714 mm x 301 mm x 671 mm (HxWxD). It supports E-ATX (or smaller) motherboard form-factors, with room for graphics cards up to 49 cm in length, CPU coolers up to 19.8 cm in height, and PSUs up to 20 cm in length. You also get a vertical graphics card mount. Its asymmetric body design features elements of brushed aluminium, steel, plastic, and tempered glass, with dozens of independent ARGB LED lighting zones that are controlled by an included ARGB controller you can plug into your motherboard to control using GIGABYTE RGB Fusion 2.0 software.

Ventilation options on the GIGABYTE AORUS C700 Glass include three 140 mm front intakes, three 140 mm top exhausts, and two 120 mm rear exhausts. You can mount a 240 mm x 120 mm radiator along the rear exhaust, and 420 mm x 140 mm radiators along the top- and front panels. Storage options include four 3.5-inch drive bays, and six 2.5-inch mounts at various locations. Front panel connectivity includes a USB 3.x type-C, four USB 3.x type-A, an HDMI (which connects to your graphics card), audio jacks, and dedicated controls to invoke RGB Fusion and fan control (this takes up a USB 2.0 header). The company didn't reveal pricing.

CORSAIR is apparently readying a new version of their iCUE ELITE CAPELLIX Liquid CPU coolers (H100i and H150i), an AIO solution meant to carry good looks and the performance to justify them. If you've read our own review of the original iCUE ELITE CAPELLIX H150i - which released just last September - you already know it got our Highly Recommended award, due to their stellar performance - even if that performance does come at a relatively high price. Users planning on reducing their rigs' dependency on black, however, needed look elsewhere - until now.

Videocardz managed to snag some renders of the upcoming all-white version of the iCUE ELITE CAPELLIX - and no surprises, it's white (with an extremely puzzling lower-half of the CPU contact block being painted black), although this version only features the translucent pump cap to increase the RGB's effectiveness. There appear to be no functional changes, and the new product aims for a squarely aesthetic revision. CORSAIR is introducing this all-white revision to both the H100i and H150i.

GELID Solutions unveils the latest 140 mm case fan featuring sophisticated Addressable RGB (ARGB) LED lighting and enhanced cooling techniques. The LYRA is a product of GELID Solutions GAMER product line. The LYRA introduces a perfect mixture of top-notch technologies orchestrated in the 140 mm fan size. It comes with 8 hub-mounted ARGB LEDs and 16 frame-mounted independent ARGB LEDs to illuminate stylish Dual Ring Lighting and create spectacular RGB effects.

The fan also boasts Double Ball Bearing which adds to improve mechanics and ensures ultra-durable functioning. The new impeller is optimized with a high-airflow blade profile to deliver enhanced cooling. And the carefully designed PWM IC, a core part of the LYRA, eliminates any clicking noise. Additionally, the intelligent GELID PWM (Pulse Width Module) drives the fan in the speed range from 750 RPM to 1600 RPM, it constantly keeps the fan silent but accelerates speed whenever higher airflow is needed. The LYRA also bears daisy-chain capable ARGB cabling with a male-plug adapter included to facilitate connection of multiple fans in your system.

Phanteks today announced their very first all-in-one liquid CPU coolers, the Glacier One 240MP, 240MPH, 280MP and 360MP. Developed in collaboration with Asetek, they are capable of cooling powerful CPUs while operating silently. The Glacier One is optimized to offer a noise-performance ratio that is best in class with the new silent Phanteks MP fans that now have a higher maximum RPM (2000-2200RPM). The new 120/140 MP PWM fans are premium cooling fans designed with radiators and heatsinks in mind and will also be available separately with the Glacier One launch.

The Glacier One coolers feature a tempered glass infinity mirror pump cap with smooth D-RGB lighting integration. There is also a white edition, the 240MPH, that comes with additional white HALOS D-RGB fan frames to light up the MP fans. The full cover pump cap has a low-profile design that can be mounted magnetically to the pump module to cover all mounting parts, which creates a clean and integrated appearance with the motherboard. Installation is a breeze thanks to the pre-filled all-in-one solution, better clearances, flexible braided tubing and Phanteks Tube Clips that help route the tubing and fan cables for a clean PC interior.