If you’re in the market for new gaming keyboard, SteelSeries has announced a new gaming keyboard called the Apex. The most interesting thing about the keyboard is that it has lots of color customization capabilities. Keyboard has five independent lighting zones each capable of displaying 16.8 million colors and eight levels of brightness.

The keyboard also has 22 different macro keys with 10 on the left side of the keyboard and the remainder above the function keys. Those macro keys support four different function settings giving you a total of 88 macro keys. You can also customize the color of those macro keys independently making it a bit easier to remember where you bound your commands.

The keyboard also has anti-ghosting technology supporting up to 20 simultaneous key presses. The keyboard also has something I’ve never seen on a gaming keyboard before, it has a pair of extra arrow keys. Typically you get left, right, up, and down arrow keys and the Apex keyboard adds in diagonal left and right up keys. The Apex keyboard will be available for $99.

[via EverythingUSB]

The Free Mobile Wireless Controller is a small and lightweight cross-platform gaming controller. The controller has a common button layout and is similar to a Nintendo or PlayStation controller. It has a D-Pad on the left, four buttons on the right, and a pair of small analog sticks. The controller also has a pair of shoulder buttons.

The controller is powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery good for 20 hours of casual game play or 10 hours of nonstop play. The controller automatically turns off after 20 minutes of no use and charges using a USB cable. The controller supports PC or Mac users, and mobile users can download an app that allows the device to be paired with Android or iOS devices. The controller is available now for $79.99.

The Flux Headset is available now for $99.99. It’s designed to be a cross-platform headset with 40 mm drivers. The headset folds for storage and portability. It comes with two interchangeable cables. One of the cables allows the headset to plug into computers, and the other is for mobile devices.

Of course, the purpose of a screen on a mouse wouldn’t be to display anything overly rich – for one thing, your palm would cover it most of the time, and for another, these screens (if that’s what they are) seem way too low-resolution to be of any use there. No, I’m betting that they’re a method of visually confirming polling and refresh rates. Most high-end gaming mice allow players to actively change the refresh rate of the optical or laser sensor, making for a tighter or looser control. Previously the only indication of this has been eithersome rudimentery LEDs on the mouse itself or a manager program on the PC, neither of which is an ideal method of checking in the heat of multiplayer online battle.

Here’s an up-close photo of what appears to be the screen:

Whatever SteelSeries has cooking, we won’t have to wait too long to find out: the company claims they’ll be unveiling something new next week, probably at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. Will yet another method of input feedback woo famously finicky PC gamers? It all depends on what kind of utility the mouse or mice have, not to mention how much they cost.

The SteelSeries Ion Bluetooth controller is designed to offer the same full game controller experience, but leaves out all the bulk. This way it can be just as easily portable as your mobile devices. The Ion is roughly the size of a business card and about an inch thick, yet molded to fit the contours of your hands.

Besides weight and size, battery life is just as important for portability. And, the Ion doesn’t disappoint, packing a 20-hour rechargeable battery. SteelSeries expects to ship the Ion in the second quarter or early third quarter of 2012. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet.

[via VentureBeat]

The mouse has a light-up Fnatic team logo and contains the ability to be the most customized mouse on the market. For example the logo and the rest of the lighting on the device has three zones of 16.8 million color illumination options. Light it up in green if you’re using it with a computer with an NVIDIA processor, for example. Inside you’ll also find a 32 bit ARM processor for calculations on the mouse itself, you needing no software drivers to do so, no computer needed! Of course you’ll need a computer to do anything with the mouse, but have a peek at this: sensitivity settings that can be changed in increments of one from 1 to 5,700 CPI and an “overclocked” Double CPI that’ll let you bump it all the way up to a massive 11,400 DCPI. This mouse will cost you a cool $99.99 / €99.99 MSRP.

For the products above and below, find out more about how to purchase at SteelSeries.

The headset contains 50 mm dynamic driver units for fabulously detailed and rich sound, fabulous “mood setting music” as they say, and critical 3D positionable sounds and alerts. The padding around your ears is made to block out all ambient noise and the SNDBlock hybrid ear cushions as they’re called are made of both cloth and leather. WHat we’ve got here is sound isolation from the inner leather layer and comfort for your head with the outer cloth layer. You can dismantle the whole set into four pieces for compact transportation and ease in cleaning if that’s something you do with your headsets, and the whole set will cost you right around $139.99 / €114.99 MSRP.

The inline control has a mic and controls for volume and calls. The design of the headphones has a neckband that sits behind the user’s neck for comfort that is covered with a cloth foam pad. The mic is retractable and works for the iPhone when pulled out.

The headphones are going to sell for $79.99. It will ship soon and the retail locations and exact ship date are unannounced at this time.

The MMO keyset provides gamers with a new way to play their favorite titles, without having to spend the money on a dedicated MMO keyboard. The SteelSeries Shift keyset features things like a button for trading and dueling, and many more common tasks. You’ll also get buttons for emotes. The full-size keyboard also features customizable macros, which you can map to any key you wish.

And, when you’re done playing the game, you just switch out the keyset, and put on a different one, for whatever other task you need to get done. The MMO keyset will cost you $24.99, and if you haven’t already purchased the Shift keyboard, that will run you $89.99

[via CrunchGear]

SteelSeries has teamed up with PayNearMe to allow gamers to pay for cool SteelSeries gear using cash. This is perfect for gamers that don’t use credit cards or those that are too young to have a credit card or check card at their disposal.

To use the new service the customer picks their gear online, adds it to the cart, enters their zip code info and then chooses the closest 7-Eleven location to go pay. The catch is that if you live in an area like me where there are no 7-Eleven stores you can’t use the service.

The new glasses have a distinctive design that is exclusive to SteelSeries. Like the other glasses, the new Scope from SteelSeries promises to reduce glare, extend peripheral vision with large lenses, sharpen the wearer’s sight, and are lightweight and comfortable. The Scope glasses are offered in regular lenses with just a tint for folks with normal vision and can be had in prescription lenses for those needing vision correction.

The glasses have a yellowing tint that helps reduce glare with the idea being the reduced glare means less eye fatigue. I have used Gunnar branded glasses before and they do actually help reduce eyestrain caused by glare to some extent. They also have a slight magnifying effect on the screen that does take some getting used to in my experience. Pricing and availability are unannounced at this time.

The MMO gaming mouse is specifically designed for the upcoming Cataclysm expansion that’s due out in December. The mouse shares a lot of the same features as its predecessor, with 14 programmable buttons that can handle 130 or more preset commands. You’ll also be able to store up to 10 character profiles thanks to the added software, and one additional character on the mouse itself.

The Cataclysm mouse will work with your PC or Mac right from the start. You’ll watch as your mouse glows, thanks to the LED lights running down along the back of the mouse. The software that’s included with the mouse will control four different pulsation levels. As for a release date, that’s schedule for December, along side the release of Cataclysm. It will cost you $100. Check out the full press release below.

Press Release

SteelSeries Announces New MMO Gaming Mouse Designed for Blizzard Entertainment’s World of Warcraft®

SteelSeries’ World of Warcraft®: Cataclysm™ MMO Gaming Mouse Offers Players Enhanced Functionality and Superior Ergonomics

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, SteelSeries, the leading manufacturer of professional gaming peripherals and creator of the original World of Warcraft® MMO Gaming Mouse, announces a new MMO gaming mouse co-developed with Blizzard Entertainment. With a unique exterior that evokes the armored plating of Deathwing the Destroyer, the World of Warcraft: Cataclysm™ MMO Gaming Mouse delivers superior ergonomics and an intuitive button layout with advanced software functionality.

“Since the release of the original World of Warcraft MMO Gaming Mouse in 2008, we’ve received feedback from thousands of World of Warcraft players, both Horde and Alliance, on how they’ve customized their World of Warcraft mice and what they would like us to do next,” said Bruce Hawver, SteelSeries CEO. “For two years, our R&D team worked hard with Blizzard Entertainment to incorporate the great feedback and to enhance the mouse technology and game integration. The new Cataclysm mouse is the result of that collaboration: it provides a wide range of customization options and delivers a more comfortable, intuitive, and ultimately better experience.”

Armored Comfort and Control

The ergonomically designed SteelSeries World of Warcraft: Cataclysm MMO Gaming Mouse has an intuitive 14-button layout. Its fine tuned ergonomics and button positioning provide players with the ability to comfortably use all the extended buttons. Macros and controls can be assigned to all buttons directly from within the game. Together with its 16-million color illumination options, 4 pulsation levels, the ability to save up to 10 character-linked profiles in the software and 1 profile directly on the mouse, players have a wide range of options to customize their gaming experience.

The drag and drop software empowers players to:

Program all 14 buttons with more than 130 preset game commands
Create custom macros and/or use the in-game macro scripting language
The SteelSeries World of Warcraft: Cataclysm MMO Gaming Mouse features best in class technical specifications including:

Frames Per Second: 11,750
Inches Per Second: 150
Counts Per Inch: 90 – 5,040 ( DPI / CPI )
Lift Distance: 1 – 5mm
14 Programmable Buttons
Cable: 2.5 m / 8.2 ft Braided Nylon
Mac and PC Compatible
The SteelSeries World of Warcraft: Cataclysm MMO Gaming Mouse is $99.99 USD / €89.99 EUR MSRP and will be available at the December 7, 2010 launch of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm. The mouse will be previewed to gamers for the first time at the SteelSeries booth during BlizzCon® on October 22-23, 2010.

About SteelSeries

SteelSeries is a leading manufacturer of gaming peripherals and accessories, including headsets, keyboards, mice, software and gaming surfaces. SteelSeries has been on the forefront of professional gaming gear since its inception in 2001, thanks to continued innovation and product development in cooperation with leading professional gamers. All SteelSeries products are developed in cooperation with professional gamers to ensure optimum performance and durability. SteelSeries supports the growth of competitive gaming and electronic sports through professional team sponsorships and community support all over the world. For more information, please visit www.SteelSeries.com.

About Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

Best known for blockbuster hits including World of Warcraft® and the Warcraft®, StarCraft®, and Diablo® series, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating some of the industry’s most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard Entertainment’s track record includes twelve #1-selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company’s online-gaming service, Battle.net®, is one of the largest in the world, with millions of active players.

SteelSeries has announced that it will be offering a custom keyset for Medal of Honor from EA. The special Shift keyset isn’t all that the company is offering that is specifically for the game. It will also have a version of its Xai mouse with a Medal of Honor skin on it. There will also be a pair of headphones branded for the game.

The headphones will include the SteelSeries 5Hv2 headphones that are sized for travel, dismantle into three pieces, and have a retractable mic. The Spectrum 5xb will also be offered that are designed for the Xbox 360. The keyset for the Shift keyboard will be $24.99 and will launch with the game and the keyboard with the keyset will be $99. The mouse and special mouse pad will be $89.99 and $14.99 respectively. The headphones will come in early Q1.

The Shift keyboard features an interchangeable keyboard. The design is specifically meant for those who may change games frequently enough to warrant needing to specify which key does what in a more obvious fashion, instead of relying on just your memory. The keyboard features a built-in microphone, two USB ports (of which, one is powered), and an audio-out port.

As is normal for SteelSeries, the keyboard is said to be made to be sturdy, and should offer plenty of construction goodness for anyone who wants to pick one up. Pricing is set at $90 for the default keyboard, and it will cost you an additional $25 to get extra keysets.

[via CrunchGear]

First up, is the high-end Spectrum 5xb. Designed for someone who wants to spend the extra money, the 5xb features extra large-sized, hear-through cloth ear cushions, designed to make wearing the headset for extended periods of time comfortable, and not just bearable. It features custom-built soundscape 40mm SunDancer (SCS) speakers, which means that you should be able to pinpoint just where something explodes, or someone’s walking, just through the speakers. The double-braided nylon cord should mean you won’t be losing any quality any time soon, and it dismantles into three parts, making storage easy enough (not that we have any problem storing headphones). The microphone is adjustable and retractable, so you won’t have to adjust your mouth to reach the mic: you can make it work for you. And, thanks to the AudioMixer that’s included in the box, you get an extra control that will adjust volume and your mic level on the fly.

As for the 4xb, this one’s more of the entry-level sort. It has the same extra-large hear-through cloth ear cushions though, but it doesn’t feature the optimized speakers. It does have the same retractable and adjustable mic, though, as well as the AudioMixer. We should also mention that the AudioMixer isn’t only for the SteelSeries headphones, but they make it possible for you to connect any headphones/mic that have a 3.5mm jack into it, meaning you could, potentially, use any headphones you want. Not sure why that’s bundled with headphones, but hey, stranger things have happened. No word on pricing quite yet, but they should be available some time in the third quarter this year.

Press Release:

STEELSERIES INTRODUCES NEW AUDIO PRODUCT LINE AT E3: STEELSERIES SPECTRUM FOR XBOX 360® GAMERS

Three New Products Will Expand the Xbox 360® Line – SteelSeries Spectrum 4xb, SteelSeries Spectrum 5xb and the SteelSeries Spectrum AudioMixer

LOS ANGELES – E3 – June 15, 2010 – Kicking off the Entertainment Electronics Expo (E3), SteelSeries, the leading manufacturer of gaming peripherals and accessories introduced a new audio line specifically created for Xbox 360® gamers. Since 2001, the gaming peripherals from SteelSeries have been used by competitive gamers to win world championship tournaments and millions in prize money, all thanks to the extensive testing and product development exclusively done with the best gamers on the planet. It’s with this knowledge and expertise that SteelSeries introduces the first three products of the SteelSeries Spectrum line. The SteelSeries Spectrum 5xb, a premium headset with refined gaming audio designed for both comfort and convenience; the SteelSeries Spectrum 4xb, an entry-level priced headset packed with outstanding sound quality and functionality; and the SteelSeries Spectrum AudioMixer, an accessory that extends Xbox 360 gameplay and communication to any headset with 3.5mm jacks.

“For more than a decade, SteelSeries has created peripherals to meet the needs of the most discerning PC gamers and provide a competitive advantage based on comfort, technology, and design,” said Bruce Hawver, SteelSeries CEO. “With the new Spectrum line, we’re leveraging what our award-winning PC headsets are known for, which are superior levels of comfort and sound quality. We’ve added unique features, specific to Xbox 360 gaming, in order to meet the demand for premium console headsets.”

SteelSeries Spectrum 5xb and 4xb headsets present players with an advanced soundscape, providing the ability to pinpoint the directional sounds of footsteps and grenade drops without them being drowned out by deep bass sounds from explosions or in-game chat. Comprised of new features intended to enhance a gamer’s audio experience, the headsets include:

Easy access to independent audio and voice controls provides players with complete and intuitive control of volume levels for in-game audio and Xbox LIVE® communication.
SteelSeries LiveMix offers players the quick-button option to improve the balance and mixing of Xbox LIVE chat and in-game audio, so that voice communication is mixed perfectly with or over the sounds of gunfire and explosions, without having to increase the volume of the headset and risk hearing damage.
SteelSeries Spectrum 5xb
Designed as a premium quality, wired headset for Xbox 360 gamers, the SteelSeries Spectrum 5xb has XL-sized, hear-through cloth ear cushions that fit comfortably around the ear. With the custom-built soundscape via 40mm SunDancer (SCS) units, gamers can pinpoint the direction and locations of noises and movement throughout the game. The SteelSeries Spectrum 5xb features a durable double-braided nylon cord and dismantles into 3 separate parts, at the headband and at each earcup making it compact and easy to fit into a carrying case for storage and/or travel.

A retractable, unidirectional microphone is featured on the entire SteelSeries Spectrum headset line, making the voice communication for Xbox LIVE users adjustable, convenient and clear. As a familiar SteelSeries feature, the microphone can be stored in the left earcup when not in use, while a control on the included Spectrum AudioMixer independently adjusts in-game audio and microphone volume.

SteelSeries Spectrum 4xb
As the entry-level, wired headset designed for Xbox 360 gamers, the SteelSeries Spectrum 4xb is a lightweight headset featuring XL-sized, cloth covered foam ear cushions that surround the outside of the ear for long session comfort. The circumaural design enhances the gaming experience through carefully adjusted sound reproduction. Similar to the Spectrum 5xb version, the Spectrum 4xb also features the signature retractable microphone and an optimized soundscape for gaming.

SteelSeries Spectrum AudioMixer
SteelSeries introduces a new Xbox 360 mixer alongside the introduction of the Spectrum headsets. When sold separately, the Spectrum AudioMixer allows any headset with a microphone and 3.5mm jacks to function with Xbox 360 gameplay and Xbox LIVE chat. The mixer is also included in the box for the SteelSeries Spectrum 4xb and 5xb headsets.

The new SteelSeries Spectrum product line will be available in Q3 2010. Be sure to check out SteelSeries.com and follow us on both Facebook and Twitter to stay updated on retailers that will carry Spectrum, as well as promotions, giveaways, and who in professional gaming will be using SteelSeries Spectrum headsets to help them win tournaments.

The keyboard also gets quick access to volume, mute and audio controls, though not the audio or USB ports from the SteelSeries 7G.  As for the headset, that breaks down into four pieces for easier transportation, has interchangeable leather or foam ear cushions, and features a retractable microphone arm.  A USB version is also available with virtual 7.1 surround sound support.

The SteelSeries 7H headset is available for preorder now, priced at $119.99, while the USB version – the SteelSeries 7H USB – is $149.99.  As for the SteelSeries 6Gv2, that’s up for preorder for $99.99.

Press Release:

SteelSeries Introduces New Mechanical Gaming Keyboard: the 6Gv2

Modeled After the Award-Winning SteelSeries 7G, The New 6Gv2 is the Straight to the Point Gaming Keyboard Option

CeBIT 2010
HANOVER, Germany–(BUSINESS WIRE)–SteelSeries, the leading manufacturer of gaming peripherals and accessories, today, during CeBIT in Hanover, Germany, introduced the SteelSeries 6Gv2 keyboard. Designed with 18-karat gold-plated mechanical switches, the keyboard offers quicker reaction times and advanced key combinations for more Actions Per Minute and a lifetime more than 10 times that of conventional keyboards.

Like the SteelSeries 7G, the new keyboard utilizes a powerful buffer-system created specifically for gaming, supporting as many simultaneous key presses as there are keys on the keyboard. The “anti-ghosting” feature allows users in first person shooter games to move, crouch, aim, fire and even check the scoreboard, simultaneously. The SteelSeries G product line is the only series of keyboards on the market that allows this type of functionality all at once.

“We’ve been watching professional teams such as Fnatic, SK Gaming, Evil Geniuses and others win grand slam tournaments with the 7G as their weapon of choice and have seen it recognized as one of the most impressive performance keyboards on the gaming market. Keeping that rockstar mentality, we designed the slimmed down SteelSeries 6Gv2 to pack the same punch without compromising response time, durability or performance.” said Bruce Hawver, SteelSeries CEO.

The new keyboard will incorporate SteelSeries’ Media Controls allowing quick access to volume, mute and other audio controls. Features not present in the keyboard, compared to the SteelSeries 7G, are the audio ports for headphone-in and microphone-out, the two USB ports as well as the removable plastic handrest.

The mechanical tactile system is ergonomically designed to ensure ease-of-use, while the no-click switches and iron-infused plastic makes SteelSeries G Series of keyboards both comfortable and durable. The SteelSeries 6Gv2 also has a switch lifetime of 50 million operations, which is more than 10 times the lifespan of a typical “membrane” keyboard known for a maximum of only 1-5 million total keystrokes in a lifetime.

The SteelSeries 6Gv2 Keyboard is available now for pre-sale at Amazon.com for an MSRP of $99.99 USD.

Press Release:

SteelSeries Introduces the 7H Headset

The Newest H Series Headset Provides Gamers With Superior Noise Reduction and High-Quality Sound In A Durable, Easy-Travel Design

CeBIT 2010
HANOVER, Germany–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Kicking off CeBIT 2010 in Hanover, Germany, SteelSeries, the leading manufacturer of gaming peripherals and accessories, introduced the new high-end SteelSeries 7H headset. Designed and built for competitive gamers, the SteelSeries 7H presents a superior soundscape in an exclusive design that travels well and offers two ear-cup choices, hear-through cloth and noise dampening leather.

“We’re introducing the SteelSeries 7H as our high-end headset for gamers who want choices in the type of comfort and sound they need to experience”
The SteelSeries 7H headset features 50mm drivers in the ear-cups which fully cover the ear and delivers a clean soundscape of high, low and mid tones from background, mood setting sounds in MMO games to 3D positional alerts in FPS games. The closed-type headset features superior passive noise reduction, specifically developed in cooperation with competitive gamers for use at loud tournaments and LAN-events. The SteelSeries 7H additionally comes with two interchangeable ear-cushions that offer the option of leather cushions with noise dampening foam or hear-through cloth covered foam.

“We’re introducing the SteelSeries 7H as our high-end headset for gamers who want choices in the type of comfort and sound they need to experience,” said Bruce Hawver, SteelSeries CEO. “The 7H features were developed based on direct feedback from our sponsored Counter-Strike and QuakeLive players, who need to hear their teammates while practicing at home and need to eliminate external noise while competing at loud tournament venues.”

The new SteelSeries 7H all black stealth design features subdued chrome elements around each ear-cup and at the base of either side of the headband. Easily dismantled into four pieces, at the headband, the right and left ear-cup, and at the cord, the SteelSeries 7H is ideal for tournament players who travel often. Its left ear-cup features a retractable, uni-directional microphone that can be hidden when not in use. The durable braided cord is detachable, offering both safety and travel convenience and features a built-in volume and microphone control. An additional 2m extension cord is included for extra convenience.

The SteelSeries 7H headset is available now for pre-sale at Amazon.com for $119.99 USD.

A USB version of the SteelSeries 7H headset is also available, offering optimized sound profiles for first person shooter (FPS), massively multiplayer online (MMO), and real-time strategy (RTS) players as well as customizable environmental settings. The USB version provides 7.1 virtual surround and ensures gamers the exact same sound and settings no matter where they are in the world or at what computer they are playing. The SteelSeries 7H USB is also available at Amazon.com with an MSRP of $149.99 USD.

The Ikari mouse has a camouflage paint scheme and the mouse pad has custom artwork from the Sudden Attack video game. I have never heard of this game, evidentially it is a popular online shooter in Asia.

The mouse has programmable macros for RTS and MMO games and a sensor that is good for 40,000 samples per second. The mouse also features FreeMove tech that can be set to kick in and correct the gamers movement. The mouse pad is covered in cloth and is 6mm thick. The Ikari mouse sells for $79.99 and the QcK mouse pad sells for $11.99.

The big deal about the Big Bang mainboard is that the board has the Lucid Hydra 200 chip that allows it to support multiple video cards of different brands and models at once. This lets you get the extra performance from your old video card and you new card even if one is NVIDIA and the other is ATI.

Update: We’re told that the Lucid Hydra 200 chip has been delayed, and that the ‘board will use the NF200 chip.

The special Big Bang-Trinergy edition mainboard includes an exclusive Big Bang messenger bag, 8-year limited warranty, a SteelSeries KINZU mouse, and a SteelSeries QcK+ mouse pad. Other features of the board are the same as the basic Big Bang. Pricing is unannounced at this time, but the board will be one of the more expensive units on the market.

The adapter is called the SteelSeries Adapter for mobile devices. The adapter plugs into the 3.5mm headphone jack of the iPhone, iPod, or any other 3.5mm device. Once plugged in the adapter’s mic and headphone ports let users attach headsets designed for PC use directly to their iPhone.

The adapter works with any 3.5mm set of headphones with a separate mic and is fully compatible with SteelSeries headsets like the Siberia v2 that we talked about back in September. The adapter is available now on Newegg and Amazon for $14.99.

First up is the Xai, which offers an ambidextrous design, a 5,000 CPI laser sensor, seven programmable buttons, and an LCD on the bottom. You don’t even need drivers because the mouse has built-in memory for storing your settings.

The other mouse is the Kinzu, which is a bit smaller and has a 3,200 CPI. It still has seven buttons, however and the LCD. Both work with PCs and Macs and will be available in August for about $80 and $35, respectively. Also announced today was the 9HD, a mouse pad that has a texture plastic surface. You can get it next month as well for about $35.