Gaming mice currently occupy one of the most hotly contested product categories around. While so-called “gaming” peripherals used to be the sole focus of only a few companies like Razer, Logitech and the fondly remembered Gravis, it seems like ever company is now making a foray into this lucrative product space. Azio and their new GM-2000 simply represent another stab at creating a mouse that will appeal to gamers, without being too specific or laser targeted in its focus.
One of the main challenges facing peripheral manufacturers is whether to design their product so it excels in offering a narrow spectrum of specialized abilities or make a one size fits all solution. The broad focus approach has worked well in the past and that’s exactly what Azio is offering with the $40 GM-2000.
The GM-2000 isn’t a complicated mouse and its straightforward design will likely appeal to a wide variety of gamers who want a no-nonsense peripheral at a budget friendly price. It also includes a comprehensive features set and gets many of the small things right, though there are some noteworthy absences. For example, Azio hasn’t seen the need to include a comprehensive software suite, rather choosing to go with a plug and play approach for their latest gaming mouse.
Now, the lack of software will likely alienate a large number of potential buyers since it virtually guarantees the GM-2000 can’t be customized to personal preferences. Its LEDs will remain their standard red and game-specific profiles can’t be set up. Then again, with a $40 mouse, we can’t expect all that much, though some similarly-priced competitors do tend to offer a bit more.
In terms of exterior design, the GM-2000 uses a somewhat distinct pear-like shape which leads to very little palm support and its asymmetrical layout means southpaws are pushed aside in favor of right handed users. This isn’t necessarily an issue but Azio doesn’t offer an alternative version so this may limit appeal for some.
Materials also play a large role in most gamers’ mouse selection since the last thing anyone wants is for their peripheral to go sliding around once situations get hot and heavy. Azio has this base mostly covered since the GM-2000 is covered in a soft-touch surface which promotes grip and disperses sweat. There are a few glossy plastic bits which don’t feel all that great but they’re few and far between.
All of the buttons on the GM-2000 are well placed and within reach but a mere 5 interactive surfaces and a lack of software tends to limit choices. You’ll often find yourself customizing in-game for a few minutes if the default configuration doesn’t fit your needs for a specific title. There are however three preset DPI settings of 800, 1600 and 2000, which should cover nearly everyone’s preferences.
While the lack of palm support will tend to favor claw grippers, there isn’t much weight to this mouse, which tends to make it a sub-par solution for those who prefer additional weight for precision in-game targeting. And no, Azio hasn’t included a customizable weight distribution.
All in all, the Azio GM-2000 looks like a well-rounded addition to the peripheral product space but there are several items which hold it back from becoming a great product. Make sure to watch the video above to see our full review.
One of the main challenges facing peripheral manufacturers is whether to design their product so it excels in offering a narrow spectrum of specialized abilities or make a one size fits all solution. The broad focus approach has worked well in the past and that’s exactly what Azio is offering with the $40 GM-2000.
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bcfAcdDR5l0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
The GM-2000 isn’t a complicated mouse and its straightforward design will likely appeal to a wide variety of gamers who want a no-nonsense peripheral at a budget friendly price. It also includes a comprehensive features set and gets many of the small things right, though there are some noteworthy absences. For example, Azio hasn’t seen the need to include a comprehensive software suite, rather choosing to go with a plug and play approach for their latest gaming mouse.
Now, the lack of software will likely alienate a large number of potential buyers since it virtually guarantees the GM-2000 can’t be customized to personal preferences. Its LEDs will remain their standard red and game-specific profiles can’t be set up. Then again, with a $40 mouse, we can’t expect all that much, though some similarly-priced competitors do tend to offer a bit more.
In terms of exterior design, the GM-2000 uses a somewhat distinct pear-like shape which leads to very little palm support and its asymmetrical layout means southpaws are pushed aside in favor of right handed users. This isn’t necessarily an issue but Azio doesn’t offer an alternative version so this may limit appeal for some.
Materials also play a large role in most gamers’ mouse selection since the last thing anyone wants is for their peripheral to go sliding around once situations get hot and heavy. Azio has this base mostly covered since the GM-2000 is covered in a soft-touch surface which promotes grip and disperses sweat. There are a few glossy plastic bits which don’t feel all that great but they’re few and far between.
All of the buttons on the GM-2000 are well placed and within reach but a mere 5 interactive surfaces and a lack of software tends to limit choices. You’ll often find yourself customizing in-game for a few minutes if the default configuration doesn’t fit your needs for a specific title. There are however three preset DPI settings of 800, 1600 and 2000, which should cover nearly everyone’s preferences.
While the lack of palm support will tend to favor claw grippers, there isn’t much weight to this mouse, which tends to make it a sub-par solution for those who prefer additional weight for precision in-game targeting. And no, Azio hasn’t included a customizable weight distribution.
All in all, the Azio GM-2000 looks like a well-rounded addition to the peripheral product space but there are several items which hold it back from becoming a great product. Make sure to watch the video above to see our full review.
Last edited:
