Massive options
On the software side, OCZ includes a Behemoth configuration tool that requires no installation. The executable is a standalone application and its settings are stored within the mouse’s onboard memory for unrivaled portability. The software also allows you to create a library of stored profiles. You can save settings as profiles in your library, save your current mouse settings as a profile in the library, or push new settings directly to the mouse without saving them anywhere.
New functionality can be assigned to every button and scrollwheel axis the Behemoth offers save for the left mouse button. Button reassignment is robust and includes options for keyboard macros, multimedia keys (play, stop, pause, etc.), scripting, DPI changes, or disabling the button. The mouse (and keyboard) can also be assigned a “Keepshot” which allows you to auto-fire in fast, medium or slow rates with a single button.
Keepshot options range from 1-254, while selecting 255 will make the key press loop continuously. The mouse’s “fast” keepshot setting is defined as 30 times per second, while the keyboard’s “fast” setting is 15/second. Medium is 15/second and 10/second, respectively, while slow is 6/second for both keyboard and mouse.
As mentioned, the buttons can all be remapped to run one of six scripts, though scripts five and six can be twice as big as the first four. Assigning a script for the first time takes you to an editor that records keystrokes to serve as the script. The timing of the keystrokes can be recited as recorded or executed with pre-set delays. The script can also be configured to fire once, loop until pressed again, or keep firing, which will loop it as long as the user holds the button down.
The middle, forward and back buttons can also accept “macro” functions in addition to the scripts, though the macros appear identical to scripts aside from the shorter character limit. Mouse wheel assignments are limited to keyboard keys, other mouse buttons, or disabled.
Clicking on “configuration” in the profile section will permit you to set the number of switchable DPI settings from one to four; this section also allows you to change what DPI those settings represent. By default, level one is 800 DPI, then 1600, 2400, and 3200 DPI for level 4. The same screen also allows you to change the USB polling interval, which can be set at 125MHz, 250, 500, or 1,000MHz.
When experimenting, remember that the mouse technically has four stored profiles: Default, 1, 2, and 3. No matter what you set in the Behemoth control application, nothing will happen with the mouse until you cycle to your profile with the toggle on the bottom of the Behemoth. Your active profile is indicated on the forward and back buttons: forward lit corresponds with profile 1, back with profile 2, and both with profile 3. Unlit means default mouse actions all around. Similarly, the Behemoth’s current DPI is displayed by lights next to the DPI selector on the top of the mouse: Unlit represents setting one, while three lights represents setting four.
Testing
I was impressed with the Behemoth’s form and function in my two weeks of testing. The 3200 DPI is plenty responsive for all but the twitchiest of gamers, and the 1,000MHz USB polling rate means very quick response times. The rubberized grip was comfortable in practice and wasn’t prone to collecting hand sweat. The Behemoth’s buttons were all well placed, though I did notice that the left and right mouse buttons are tougher to click than other gaming mice. After several gaming sessions, however, I cannot say that resistance has bothered me any.
The Behemoth’s ergonomics felt unnatural at first, as I felt the full-palm grip would work my wrist more than other mice that only require my fingertips. My acclimation period was brief, however, and now I realize how hard it is to go back to narrower mice. It feels very natural to place your entire hand on the mouse, and while it might encourage you to rest your arm on your mousing surface, movement isn’t any more difficult if that happens.
The Razers are pretty and certainly capable, but I think the Behemoth might be my primary mouse for the near future.
Final thoughts
If I could nitpick at one flaw with the Behemoth, it would be the location of the profile selection button. Located on the bottom of the mouse, this button is inconvenient. I believe the mouse would still be comfortable if this switch were located in a finger groove for easy access. Still, the ability to switch between profiles on the fly is more convenient than many mice, and having profiles at all is clearly a win.
In all, the Behemoth is a comfortable, wonderfully ergonomic mouse with a very robust button reassignment scheme. With onboard profile storage and a self-contained configuration tool, this mouse is truly portable. The 3200 DPI is plenty snappy for almost any user, and configurable weights give you more control in matching your mouse to your mousing style. At no more than $30 online, this mouse is a damn steal (the Behemoth mousepads are also recommended). OCZ has put out a real winner with the Behemoth, and I’ll happily recommend this piece of kit to anyone.
Pros:
- Ergonomic
- Multiple profiles
- Onboard storage
- Variable weighting
- Inexpensive
- Portable configuration tool
Cons:
- Profile switch button location
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