Introduction
This review was initially written as a Member's Review over at our sister site, PCApex; however, after a few months of using the Flexiglow CyberSnipa Gamepad, I felt that it deserved a little bit more exclusive exposure on GameApex.com. The CyberSnipa has performed flawlessly and has actually improved not only my gaming experience, but also my gaming performance. It is a product that I would highly recommend to anyone wanting to get the most out of their FPS gaming. So, without further delay, here is a review of the Flexiglow CyberSnipa FPS Gamepad with a new recommendation.
Rob / GameApex Forum Administrator
I've always collected games with the honest intent of devoting a few hours of my life every week to escaping reality and relieving a little stress. Unfortunately, my "reality" is so time demanding that, believe it or not, I got "Doom 3" in a trade about a year ago and have yet to this day install it on my computer and play it. Wait a minute, you ask. How can you not play for even one hour on a lazy Sunday morning?
Well, I'm somewhat of an addict when it comes to electronic competition. I remember when I installed "Halo: Combat Evolved". I played it for five hours on a Friday evening, then for 19 solid hours on Saturday finally finishing the game on Sunday morning. Now, I've been bitten by the "City of Heroes" bug, a game that appeals to my inner self which is why I recently splurged on a few items to enhance my game play.
Of course, a new mouse and mouse pad was on the purchase order list but I wanted something more than a simple keyboard. USB game handheld controllers annoy me for some reason so I know that wasn't something I wanted. So, what else was there?
Enter...the CyberSnipa!
The CyberSnipa is a wired USB gamepad from the folks at Flexiglow that incorporates the industry default FPS keys into one simple standalone keypad that is designed to enhance (read: IMPROVE!) a gamer's performance. The gamepad is designed in such a way that the keys most FPS (First Person Shooter) games utilize are laid out in the close proximity that you would find them on the keyboard, eliminating the need for any major, or even minor, "retraining your trigger finger". If your FPS game allows you to modify the navigation and control settings of your gameplay, this gamepad is simply something you need to at least consider but at what cost?
Let's take a look, shall we?
Product Specifications:
For what amounts to a simple product, the marketing folks at Flexiglow sure know how to provide a complete "Features" list for their product. Here's what I got from a Cut-N-Paste from their website...
- Designed to improve game control, speed and accuracy
- No learning curve for experienced FPS gamers
- USB device that will operate alongside your keyboard.
- Ergonomically designed navigation and function keys
- Optimally engineered tactile key feedback
- Can be used with any FPS game that allows programmable key mappings
- Built in volume control
- Removable non-slip palm wrest
- 1.8m (6ft) USB power cord
- US and other patents pending
Size (including hand-rest):
Length: 235mm
Width: 153mm
Height: 24mm
From what you've just read, it sounds almost like a gamer's wish list for what they would want and expect to see out of this type of product. One of the main features that impresses me and attracts the eye is the non-slip palm rest. As a victim of carpal tunnel syndrome, I quickly learned to dread the site of a keyboard until the ergonomic keyboards hit the market. Think that this product will aggravate or alleviate my weakness? Read on and find out in the performance test later!
