INTRODUCTION

   If you happen to like real time strategy and space simulator gamers then chances are you are aware that Starpoint Gemini 2 one of the best space RTS we've seen in a while was just launched. It's not really a breathtaking game since the graphics are not what you'd expect for a 2014 title, it still has some bugs that need addressing (for example ships firing on their own at the end of missions) and it's certainly not of the same magnitude as the upcoming Star Citizen - Squadron 42 by Chris Roberts and Elite Frontier by David Braben (although these focus a lot more on the simulation part) but it's a good way to spend time and if my memory serves me right Steam should have it on sale right now so if you do happen to like space RTS i strongly recommend taking a look. That being said I’ve been using Starpoint Gemini 2 along with Dead Rising 3 for the past week to test several of the latest gaming mice to hit the market and today we can finally bring you the review of the Rapira Elite Laser Gaming Mouse by Attitude One.

   Attitude One was founded in USA in 2011. With many years of experience from the computer and gaming business we decided to start Attitude One. Thanks to our knowledge and our connections in the industry, we can offer products and technologies that are always top of the line. With our unique design and memorable product names our products spread throughout markets of the world.

   When i first got my hands on pictures of the Rapira Elite long before it was released i was surprised to see that Attitude One took some design hints from Mionix since the design of the Rapira Elite is almost identical to their NAOS 8200 gaming mouse. However the similarities between these two gaming mice don't end there since they both 7 programmable buttons and use the same ADNS9800 laser sensor by Avago featuring 8200DPI (dots per inch), 12000FPS (frames per second), 150IPS (inches per second), 30G acceleration and 10.8MP resolution. In case you're wondering this is a good thing since the NAOS 8200 gaming mouse is considered by many to be the best model released by Mionix to date so it's nice to see that Attitude One is paying attention. That being said there are certainly more things to a gaming mouse than just its design and laser sensor so let's see how the Rapira Elite compares to many other gaming mice and of course the NAOS 8200 by Mionix.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

Just like other products by Attitude One the Rapira Elite arrived inside a orange box with a large product image at the front and their logo.

The features, specifications and system requirements of the Rapira Elite are listed at the rear of the box.

If you're curious about the size or shape of the Rapira Elite the front opens to reveal the mouse as seen above.

With the Rapira Elite you are also getting a mini CD with the drivers, 4 replacement teflon pads and the user’s guide.

THE RAPIRA ELITE

The Rapira Elite features a nice rubber coating and is large in size measuring 130mm in length, 83mm in width and 40mm in height with a weight of 150g.

To have a better idea regarding its size we placed it right next to the slightly larger Gamdias Zeus and the smaller Zowie FK1.

The Rapira Elite comes with two programmable thumb buttons on the left side and the company logo at the rear.

The DPI selection buttons can be used to rotate between the 4 available presets and are also programmable.

The pinky rest area is one of the things we all liked with the NAOS when it was first introduced in the market so we obviously like it here as well.

As expected the scroll wheel can also be used as a button and is also fully programmable (the soft feeling needs getting used to).

Four large Teflon feet are placed at the base of the Rapira Elite right next to the Avago ADNS9800 sensor and an on/off switch which for the LED illumination.

It's always nice to see a gaming mouse with a braided cable and a gold plated USB plug.

USING THE RAPIRA ELITE

Although the Rapira Elite comes with a mini CD containing its drivers i recommend checking the Attitude One support page to see if a new version is available.

The control panel is certainly not the best looking one we've ever seen but it's easy to navigate and allows you to program all 7 buttons, create macro commands, adjust the sensor performance settings and control the illumination although you can't change the color of the LEDs individually (zones).

Here you can see the default 4 LED colors corresponding to the 4 available DPI modes (you can adjust the colors from a full RGB pallet).

CONCLUSION

   As soon as i started using the Rapira Elite i have to admit that i couldn't really detect any differences with the NAOS 8200 by Mionix but after 3 days of use i can't shake the feeling that something is different. Now i can't pinpoint the why but the NAOS 8200 felt more accurate than the Rapira Elite (aside the fact that the Mionix control panel is obviously much better although certainly harder to navigate especially for new users). Of course the difference is not very significant and i was able to notice that because i spend over 10 days with the NAOS 8200 so unless you've used it as well this doesn't really matter much. Overall once again the Avago ADNS9800 didn't let us down since it's very fast and accurate especially when used in a large and ergonomic body like the one of the Rapira Elite. Some people may feel disappointed that Attitude One doesn't let you change the LOD but not everyone is a hardcore gamer and A1 is obviously targeting casual ones so i don't consider that as a serious drawback (besides not many gaming mice offer that feature).

   With a current recommended retail price tag of 59Euros the Rapira Elite Laser Gaming Mouse by Attitude One is roughly 25Euros cheaper compared to the Mionix NAOS 8200 and so although the difference is certainly not huge still to some people it might be exactly what they've been waiting for. As mentioned you are not getting the same exact overall performance as the NAOS 8200 and the control software is not as "rich" but for that price tag the Rapira Elite is a very good alternative. Unfortunately just like in the past with other products by Attitude One it may take quite a while for wide availability but i guess that can't be helped. That aside the price/performance ratio of the Rapira Elite Laser Gaming Mouse is undeniable and that's why it gets our Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Ergonomic Design
- Accuracy/Grip (Rubber Coat)
- 8200DPI Avago ADNS-9800 Laser Sensor
- 7 Programmable Buttons
- Braided Cable With Gold Plated USB Connector
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- Current Availability
- Control Software Design