Zalman FG1000 FPSGun Gaming Mouse

Introduction:

With the considerable number of gaming mice out there, it's sometimes easy to become lost in the sea of features and specifications. Do I need 2000, 3200 or even 4000 DPI? What about extra buttons? Wireless or wired? And, above all, is it comfortable?

For much time now, the main options for gamers were offerings from Logitech or Razer. While we've seen some nice products from both of them, it appears that both followed roughly the same formula: Have a sensor with an insane DPI and make this adjustable; then add lots of other features. No one is disputing the validity of this method; after all, it did produce mice that I enjoyed using and rated highly.

Zalman, perhaps better known for their heatsinks, has decided to take a step out into the unknown with the design of their newest gaming mouse, the FPSGun FG1000. While I was initially very skeptical (how could you not be?), read on to find out how I was pleasantly surprised at this quirky, yet very-well designed product.

Specifications:

Looking at the FPSGun might give you the initial impression that it is some sort of Light Gun that you point at the screen. It is not. Instead, it regular mouse that somewhat resembles an inverted handgun. Thus, you hold it somewhat like you are gripping something, dare I say the handgrip of a "gun". The bottom of the mouse still has to rest on a surface; you aren't expected to hold this in the air. Instead, you move the FPSGun around approximately the same way you'd move a mouse around, sliding it on a surface. (The bottom has mouse feet just like any other mouse)

The main difference between holding this and a regular mouse is that your palm is almost facing sideways, as opposed to facing down with a regular mouse. This is apparently a more "neutral" position with respect to your wrists and arm, since you don't have to turn your wrists inward. Whether this makes it easier to use for people who suffer from RSI or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, is another story.

• Full Specifications

Besides the funky design, the FPSGun has a standard list of mouse features, such as five configurable buttons, a wheel and a dedicated button for cycling through DPI settings. The resolution of the sensor is 2000 DPI. It is wired, as most gaming mice are.

The FPSGun comes in a box that showcases itself well. Opening it up, you'll find the FPSGun itself along with an installation CD and a small manual describing how to use the software - fairly sparse contents, but you have everything you need.

The FPSGun.

Back.

What's included.

The FPSGun has a very weird look and shape that gives you the impression that it'll be very painful to use. However, I'm happy to report that it actually feels quite decent and natural to use - surprisingly, even on the first time using it! The design of the unit has two main parts - the grip with most of the buttons and a forward part that stabilizes the whole things and makes it usable.

Side view.

Other side.

Top view.

There are two "triggers" on the front of the grip, best operated by your index and middle fingers. On the side there are two more buttons, operated by your thumb. They are fairly stiff to prevent accidental activation since your thumb is so close by; it's also pretty easy to tell them apart by feel and location. The scroll wheel rests right under where you'd put your thumb. It's also quite easy to use, and pressing it requires quite a bit of force, again preventing accidental triggering. The last button is on the front part, facing the grip; it's the DPI switcher button. Though it's in an odd location, it's within reach of your middle finger.

Grip and buttons sculpted to fit your grip.

Looks even weirder from the front.

Bottom has many Teflon feet.

Overall, I was impressed with the design. Clearly, a lot of thought went into the layout and shape of this device, as there were many places where Zalman could've gone wrong but did not. The result is that the FPSGun feels very natural despite it's insane appearance. All buttons are within easy reach and feel easy to operate. Those that are close to where your thumb rests are prevented from accidental activation by increased stiffness. The DPI switcher button is out of the way so you'll never inadvertently hit it, but at the same time is in a distinct position so that you'll know where it is.

Size comparison.

Size comparison II.

Raised bottom section.

There were a few design deficiencies, unfortunately. At the bottom of the grip is a raised little section; I suppose it's for resting your hand on. Unfortunately, it gets in the way unless your hands are very small. Placing your hand so that it rests on top of this piece moves all of your fingers up so that you have to use your middle/ring fingers for the triggers - not very ideal, and also uncomfortable. I ended up just placing my hand so that my pinky finger was at the bottom, wrapper around that weird elevated piece. While this was more comfortable, it still felt weird. I don't know why this was included; getting rid of it would make the FPSGun feel a lot better to hold.

DPI switcher button up front.

Cord angles out from right side.

Textured grip.

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