The legacy continues…
The Diamondback is, frankly, a stalwart of the Razer product line. First launched in 2004, the model has remained in the company’s range and stays in the market as one of the most popular (and versatile) mice available. The reason for both is obvious: its ambidextrous design. It’s a legacy Razer has rejuvenated for the 2015 model, so again the Diamondback welcomes left- and right-handed users alike.
Yet as nice as it is, the refresh of this market veteran is more than the waft of nostalgic whim. In reality it’s because of the 16,000dpi ‘5G’ mouse sensor the company has. The sensor the Mamba, Mamba Tournament Edition and Naga Chrome models are also now endowed with. And so it is the most sensitive mouse sensor in the world is the driving force behind newer model.
As reasons go, it’s a rather pragmatic one. The company clearly has an edge and a claim currently not matched in the market, and one not likely to soon be. But does a sensor a new mouse model make? Not entirely, and Razer is aware of it: the 2015 Diamondback has undergone a little aesthetic refurbishment, as well as levelling up its abilities.
It’s still matt black of course but is now more akin to the aforementioned Naga and Mamba stablemates. It also now features the 16x LED ‘Chroma’ lighting system Razer has imbued those very mice with. Configured with the company’s Synapse tool, there are millions of colour variations to choose from. Handily, the tool also provides access to all the performance, mouse mat calibration, macro and statistical needs you might require, so there is (rather literally) more than meets the eye.
The Diamondback is certainly worthy of such software support, but the Synapse also highlights a missed trick with the new model: there’s no DPI selector anywhere on the mouse. It's bizarre at best. As with both Mamba models, Synapse allows you to specify a DPI down to a single digit, but in recognising the Diamondback is attached to your PC, the tool removes the interval option from the ‘Performance’ section of the interface. Of course, it is smart to remove an invalid option for an attached peripheral, but the lack of the physical button is frustrating. Is there any reason it shouldn’t be a standard inclusion by now on enthusiast products, particularly when even my £15 Kensington Pro Fit includes one?
It’s odd, but whatever the decision behind the lack of DPI selector (staying true to the mouse’s design heritage?), this Diamondback is smart and well refreshed. Side-buttons adorn either side of the mouse, and the addition of easy-grip rubber just below both sets is commendable (even if both seem at an odd angle). Yet it’s worth recalling that the Diamondback has long been a haven for the left- and righthanded claw-grippers of the market. Not something I, a humble palm-gripper, can perhaps fully appreciate all intricacies of.
What I do appreciate is the inclusion here of the same robust, pimpled scroll-wheel as is present on the Mamba models. Also, the precision with which the light, 89g Diamondback can be used, even as it assures you of its build quality. Another for the ‘slightly odd’ pile is the inclusion of only a single-direction tilt-wheel on an ambidextrous device, but I’m not sure how popular tilt functions really are overall and whether that might prevent a purchase. Personally, I never have need for it.
My thoughts overall? I like it, this new Diamondback. This refreshed 2015, smile-inducing, stalwart. I used its predecessor for a long time as my main ally in the MM shed (circa 2011), and the feel of it under-hand is certainly familiar. With specifications mightily amped and visual effects now in line with Razer’s clear design vision, it’s a welcome return for a faithful name. Kevin Pocock
The Diamondback lives – and rightly so.