Fanatec Headshot Controller Review

Name: Fanatec Headshot Controller
Brand: Fanatec

Darksaber

on Oct 20th, 2007,

in Mouse Pads.

Manufacturer: Fanatec

(1 Comment) »

Performance

Using the Headshot Mouse requires the gamer to get used to a few things. First off, the spring back effect of the mouse when it is hooked up to the arch of the aURa is nothing to be ignored. The mouse feels great and the weight of the unit is well balanced, but does feel a bit weird with the left high-injection mold removed. The DPI settings beyond 800 DPI are incredibly sensitive, especially on the aURa surface, but gaming is a real pleasure with this mouse and it is great to see that there are still manufacturers out there going for quality instead of rebranding no name mice or opting for lesser quality.

Focusing on the aURa pad, it can be described as smooth - very smooth. The mouse and any other pointing device tested on the surface simply fly across with very little force. Any normal gamer should be happy with the area of movement of the aURa but low sensitivity gamers will find themselves desperately looking for more area. I can also see high sensitivity gamers suddenly turning this setting down a bit as soon as their favorite mouse hits the aURa surface. Fanatec has created a very solid and well performing combination with the Headshot Controller.

Value and Conclusion

The Fanatec Headshot Controller sells for $99.99 or 99.00€ at the Fanatec online store. While this may look like alot, any high quality gaming mouse in combination with a high quality surface will set you back about the same amount.

Great build quality
Great feel and weight
Carrying suitcase included
Mouse works perfectly on included pad
Well built pad
USB 2.0 ports included
Awesome lighting effects possible
Mouse can be parted
Very solid software
Great customizations possible
Power supply included
Should look amazing at a LAN party

Price is still more than you may want to spend
Complicated setup
Wheel could move a bit easier
Mouse surface a bit too smooth
Anything past 800 DPI is very sensitive
Spring cable is something you need to get used to

Fanatec is trying to supply the complete package at a, believe it or not, reasonable price. The Headshot mouse is of very high quality and can be considered even better than those of large companies like Logitech or Microsoft. The Headshot Controller may be a bit more complicated to set up, the included suitcase should help during transportation. Endor the company behind the Fanatec Brand has done a great job, but may have gone a bit overboard with the lights and smoothness of the aURa. While the lighting does look great, imagine all three sources pulsating at a LAN party. It will surely get the attention of anyone close by and may even be a bit bothersome for someone in the middle of a fierce fire fight. The aURa surface is so smooth that you will find yourself playing at a lower sensitivity or DPI setting than ever before, but then does very well. The Headshot Controller is a worthy contender in the high-end gaming market.