Razer Naga 2014 - Ergonomic MMO Gaming Mouse

It's a high quality mouse with lots of buttons. I'm pleased with it.After several years of enjoying my original Razer Naga, and many millions of abusive clicks later...I finally wore out out the left click button. I had become quite addicted to my Naga!So I picked up one of these 2014 models to replace it.The quality of mouse is excellent...so if it fits your hand and mouse style well...the device itself should not disappoint. The Naga is typical of nicer gaming mice in that it has the usual shielded/braided USB cord with gold plated contacts. It can work straight out of the box with no added software (the buttons and scroll wheel will be a standard 1-5 and the side key-pad acts like the 1-0, -, and = sign on the top row), but to get the most you'll want to go to the Razer Web Site, download, and install Razer's Synapse software.Synapse does require you to register the device and set up a simple account on Razer's servers. It provides the tools needed to customize the tracking of the mouse, and it also allows universal assigning of the various buttons and wheels on the mouse. You also get tools for building timed or untimed macros, and quite a few interesting options to tie multiple Razer devices together in a more seamless fashion (I.E. binding a key-map change on a Razer keyboard to a button on the mouse, or vice verse). Synapse also provides optional custom add-ons with extra abilities and in game UIs for some popular MMO games (like World of War Craft). Synapse also provides optional online cloud storage for your configuration profiles, which can come in quite handy if if want to use the mouse on different computers, or have lots of users sharing a machine (they can each set up their own cloud management space so the mouse is tailored to each user of your PC simply by logging into Synapse under their account).While some don't like the registering an account, and cloud aspects of Synapse I personally find it offers far more pros than cons. First, I always register my devices anyway, as that's generally step one to getting good warranty coverage with ANY product. Next, it is NOT bloated spyware that thrashes and shares personal info, or that gets in the way...the purpose is simple...to check for the latest updates, and to offer more abilities and functions to the end user. Once registered the software can easily be forced to stay offline with one click, so it is zero problem to opt out of auto updates, cloud storage, or to use the software without being connected to the internet. Finally, it offers quite a few features that to me, are a very welcome addition, such as the optional online cloud storage (on a family PC, it really removes alot of headaches for me...we can all have our own profiles and as sysop, I don't have to worry about losing them if the system crashes or has to be updated. If a friend uses my rig...all s/he has to do is login to his/her Razer account and presto...they have their favorite configs for ALL the Razer gear I have attached).Compared with the original Naga...It lights green instead of blue.I like the finish better than the original Naga. The 2014 has a more textured feel.I like the side buttons better than the original...these are more mechanical and have a bit of a click to them.The tracking sensor technology is much improved and far more configurable than the old Naga (and it was already quite good).The new scroll wheel adds some rocker switches (left right scroll...programmable to whatever you want of course, or even disabled if desired), and there is a change of position for buttons 4 & 5 to the center of the mouse. The scroll wheel is also positioned further back in a way that is better for index finger use as a wheel, but less comfortable (for me) as a third button for the middle finger. These are pretty radical changes from the previous Naga, of which I think I'll get used to in time. Really it depends on the game I'll be playing...in some cases I like the new version far better, and in others I wish I had my old Naga back.For the most part, I think this new Naga design will better fit daily use, as well as 'most' games I've thrown at it. As an MMO mouse...yep, for me, the new 2014 layout is better. I do have a couple of games (console ports like Batman and Assassin's Creed) where I'd rather have that third button (under the scroll wheel) better positioned for middle finger presses like the old Naga. In this respect, I guess it's just a trade off...the new design offers far more, but for a few games it'd be nice if the scroll wheel was further back like the old Naga (games where you'd like to have a mouse button under the tip of the middle finger).On the position of the scroll wheel...it's really good, don't get me wrong. If I had not grown so used to the old Naga, I'd never have noticed! I probably would have played games a bit differently to begin with...and put those functions elsewhere on the mouse and just learned the game that way. To try to clarify with words the difference...on the 2014, the wheel is further back towards the palm of the hand...the position is prime to flick the wheel with the tip of the index finger, while in the original Naga, it was further forward on the mouse, away from the palm, and directly under the tip of the middle finger.This means that on the 2014, when your hand is positioned in a way that you can reach all the side-keys, the ring finger rests most comfortably in a comfort groove at the side of the mouse, and the wheel falls under the second knuckle of the middle finger if you want to shift it over to use the scroll wheel (In a few console port games like Batman Arkham City, I used to keep the ring finger on the #2 right mouse button, and the middle finger on the scroll wheel for three across clicking). In short...the 2014 model's wheel is set up to be used by the index finger, where on the old Naga, it was more suited to switch between either index or middle finger use. Of course you can still use the middle button with the middle finger...but for me, it'll take some training to get used to it being under that knuckle instead of the finger tip.For me at least...this mouse discourages using all three fingers (index, middle, and ring) to click across the top of the mouse. On the bright side of this however...I've found that I get less wrist stress if I follow the design contours of the mouse and keep the ring finger out of the clicking equation, and there were only like two games in my collection where I initially 'learned to play the game' by relying on scroll wheel clicking anyway.Buttons 4 and 5...On both the original and the 2014 version, I find these buttons almost unusable for rapid use. On the original they are extensions of the left mouse button 1...way up on the front edge of the mouse. On the 2014, they are just under the scroll wheel, and are set too far back to use without pretty much taking your hand off the mouse (or really hooking the heck out of a finger). They are quite nice to have for assigning things like key map changes, resolution changes, heck, you could even put your audio volume controls on them...but don't expect to get much 'fast action' use out of these two buttons.Hand placement...For me, the Naga 2014 does better with a higher hand position. I find I can't be as lazy wristed as I could with the original Naga (resting the palm flat on the table) and still reach all the side thumb keys. There is a fix though...I highly recommend a good wrist pad with some height under it so you can get to the thumb buttons faster, and with less stress. Just tune up the resolution so you don't have to move the mouse much...Summary:If you're looking for a high quality gaming mouse with a ton of buttons, the Naga 2014 has it in spades.Will it fit you? It is alot of buttons...so if you've never used this type of mouse before...it'll take some muscle training, and some trial and error to get what you're actually paying for in this mouse (lots of buttons). To me, it's well worth it...I really like both of the Naga designs I've used (Original and 2014 models).

At first I was gonna go with the Logitech G600 since I've always found them a reliable company, but I've decided to try out the new Razer Naga 2014 since I don't think I would've liked the G600's G-Shift button. Although the mouse with my favorite feel was the Microsoft Intellipoint 3.0, but the DPI was really low and decided that I had to upgrade. I got this and I really loved it, the feel was really good and even though the feel wasn't as good as my previous one, it's for the better since it'll fit more hands in general. I have used the other Razer MMO and Moba mouses, but first time owning one. These are your 2 primary buttons, scroll click button, mouse 4 and 5 below the mouse wheel, 12 side buttons, and 2 from tilting the scroll wheel left or right, so it is a total of 19 buttons. The 12 side buttons will come in handy for Photoshop, Blender, and Dota 2 which I really like. The DPI is 8,200 which is really nice and it feels so much better with this much DPI. The mouse buttons are very responsive and clicky and overall makes you feel like you have more control over the mouse. Overall this is a very nice mouse with tons of control for this mouse. The biggest problem in general with this mouse though, doesn't affect me, but will to some, there's no adjustable side panels. It is rather a one size fits all type of mouse and it does have a great shape. The others are $10 cheaper right now, excluding Epic. Also fyi, if you're a lefty, then you can get a lefty version.I haven't used the Logitech G600, so I can't compare which mouse is better, but it looks like I'd probably prefer the Razer Naga 2014. Still haven't tried the Logitech G600, but tried the 2012 version at a friends place and used my bro's Hex before.tl;dr the first partPros:-19 buttons total-One size fits most hands-Easy to tell which buttons are which on the side-Synapse allow tons of customization to the mouse's function-8,200 DPI-Congrats Razer Naga 2014, first MMO mouse with a lefty edition ^_^Cons:-The the other versions are cheaper right now (Excluding Epic)-No wireless (doesn't affect me, but some people likes their wireless)-No adjustable side panels like 2012 and EpicPreferences:-Nice finish imo, not slippery. Finish is matte btw and has a rubber part for your pinky to rest on.-The finish isn't glossy :( But I think it's for the better-the glows are amazing :3Comparisons to the other popular MMO mousesNaga 2012 (gonna add assumptions on Molten and Epic) vs. Naga 2014 vs. Naga Hex (This one is Moba, but similar enough for a comparison and also, I might add one for Logitech G600 later when I get a chance to use one)Naga 2012:-17 buttons total-Side buttons aren't mechanical, so not as clicky-Adjustable side panels-You're gonna have to use trainers probably to get used to using the side buttons at first, well for some-Glossy side finish, prepare to clean it when all that gunk gets on the side-Max DPI is 5,600-MOLTEN ONLY (Also applies to the original): Mouse 4 and 5 are located on the left click button, top left corner of it-EPIC ONLY: There's a wireless optionNaga 2014:-19 buttons total (The additional 2 buttons are the tilt scroll whell, left and right)-Side buttons are mechanical, more clicky in terms of sound-Side panel can not be adjusted-Side buttons are easier to tell which one they are-Side finish is not glossy, the whole mouse is matte and has a little rubber part for your pinky to rest on, keep in note that when the mouse was glossy it got dirty more easily and I don't like that personally.-Max DPI is 8,200-No wireless-This mouse is wider than the other one, just fyi.Naga Hex:-11 buttons total (Only 6 side buttons rather than 12)-Side buttons are mechanical, more clicky in terms of sound (Main reason why some got Hex over regular and the fact that Hex was easier to tell than the other versions, the new one shows pretty much no point to use it over the Naga 2014 other than finish and size or feel)-Side panels can't be adjusted. T.T-Side buttons are easy to tell which one they are (Again reason why some people prefered Hex over Regular Naga, but the Naga 2014's side buttons are also really easy to tell)-Whole mouse is glossy and looks REALLY nice imo, but get prepared to clean it often if you get a lot of gunk on it.-Max DPI is 5,600-No wirelessSo you can always use this comparison as a reference to which one you would want. And look through the images and think which shape would fit your hands the most, do you actually need the adjustable side panel? Think about the advantages the Naga 2012 had and think if you ACTUALLY need them or not, well the only ones it had as far as I know is it is cheaper and adjustable side panels, along with the glossy side finish. If not, then dip in some extra cash or eat a little bit less lunch and be a little more patient to get more bang with the buck if that's the case. In general 2014 is better in my opinion, but 2012 can work better for you and maybe even Hex would do fine for you. I hope this review helped and again, will try continue updating it as things go on.