The new Diamondback arrived in the usual Razer package. One of the smart details about the package is that you can inspect the mouse without breaking a seal which means that you can return it if it was found broken on arrival.
On the back of the package you can read all about the specifications of this mouse. Worth noticing is the fact that Razer apparently has plans to release a green and red version of the Diamondback 3G in the nearest future.
The Razer Diamondback 3G comes with a very basic bundle. You get the mouse along with a driver CD, well actually two because Razer apparently decided to go with a newer driver after packing the first samples of the Diamondback 3G.
Closer Examination
When it comes to design the Diamondback 3G has the same basic shell design as its two year older predecessor. The only real change made to the design is that the "palm" plate of the device is now black and features the three headed snake logo instead of being transparent. The new design looks a bit more clean than the old and makes it look more like the other Razer mice available today. The makeover isn't that extensive, but definitely makes it look a bit sleeker than the old one. Since the shape is the same the ergonomics of the mouse haven't changed at all which is OK "if it works don't fix it!".
Since this mouse is ambidextrous it can be used by left-handed users as well as right-handed. The only problem with the mouse is that the buttons are placed too close to your palm making it hard to reach the side buttons if you have large hands.
The cord is attached firmly to the housing of the mouse so it should be able to withstand some abuse. The USB connector is gold plated ensuring optimal transfer.
When it comes to sensor positioning the Diamondback 3G is a bit different than the DeathAdder. The 1800 DPI infrared sensor is placed a bit off center. This makes the mouse "over steer" a bit compared to mice like the Razer DeathAdder or Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 and 1.1. Since the sensor is quite near the center of the mouse the "over steer" is kept to a minimum, but it is still noticeable if you are used to a neutral balanced mouse.
Most high-sensitivity gamers prefer a mouse with the sensor placed in the front of the mouse because it gives you more fingertip control, however, most low to medium-sensitivity players prefer a more balanced mouse with its sensor placed dead center in the mouse.
Here you can see the 1800 DPI high IPS (inches per second) sensor up close. Having 1800 DPI is more than enough for even high sensitivity gamers. The most underestimated performance measurement of mice ever is by far the speed of which the sensor can keep on tracking movement flawlessly. With the 3G infrared sensor from Razer you can rest assured that you will never be able to make the mouse stall due to the fact that it can track up to 120 IPS. This means that the mouse will remain precise even when you move it really, really fast. Of course tracking performance will vary depending on what type of surface you use.
As with all Razer mice the Diamondback 3G features some high quality Teflon feet. This type of Teflon feet is a nice addition because it means that you won't have to invest in high quality aftermarket Teflon tape for your mouse to begin with. Of course when the feet are worn down you have to get some new, this isn't that easy because the Diamondback uses some really odd shaped feet.