Zalman FPSGun FG1000

We've tested some crazy mice over the years, from ergonomic wonders designed to prevent RSI to dedicated gaming mice shaped like an actual handgun, but the new Zalman FPSGun is one of the oddest-looking designs we've ever tested. We approve of its neutral-grip, sensor-forward design, but the actual implementation has resulted in a mouse that's just too small for the vast majority of gamers to use.

We very much like the sensor-forward design for certain types of shooters. By moving the 2000dpi adjustable-resolution optical sensor away from the area directly beneath your hand, Zalman gives you much more precise horizontal control than a typical mouse offers, although it comes at the expense of vertical control. For gamers who play lots of headshot-oriented tactical shooters, such as Counter-Strike or Call of Duty 4, this could be a very good thing. For games that require as much vertical movement as horizontal, you'll need to load up the included software and tweak the vertical sensitivity pretty heavily.

Zalman got quite a bit right with the design, placing two triggers on the forward-facing edge of the grip, but moving the mouse wheel beneath your thumb. There's also a pair of thumb buttons and a profile-switching button on the front portion of the mouse. While the mouse ships with three default sensitivity profiles, you can manually adjust the sensitivity- and refresh-rate settings for each profile using the included software, and you can instantly tell which profile is active by looking at the multicolored, illuminated scroll wheel.

Unfortunately, the mouse is much too small to comfortably hold if you have normal-size hands. Because you hold the FPSGun with your hand in a vertical position, the blade of your hand rests on the mousing surface. In order to keep your fingers on the trigger button, you need to splay your pinky out to the side of the mouse, which can become quite uncomfortable—not to mention the dirtying effect your grubby mitts will have on your mousepad. Factor in that its unique design makes it difficult to use for more typical desktop work, and it's difficult to endorse this rodent.

Zalman's crazy-looking gaming mouse has a lot of potential; it's just much too small for anyone but the daintiest-handed gamer.

Zalman
http://www.zalmanusa.com

Microtus agrestis

Increased horizontal accuracy seemed to help in shooters. Multiple profiles and mousewheel placed in unique location by thumb.

Rattus rattus

Too small for most people to use. Gain horizontal control at the expense of vertical movement. Poor documentation.