Stuart, Author at Thumb Culture

Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL – Keyboard Review

15Feb

By StuartNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL – Keyboard Review

Those observant amongst you might recognise this keyboard. Yes, you are right. Back in 2019 when Turtle Beach acquired Roccat it took on their product range and as such tweaked and modified some of Roccats classics. Think of this keyboard, the Vulcan II TKL, as somewhat of a greatest hits. With its striking visuals as well as incredible features, it deserves to be mentioned again. This Vulcan Is Aiming For Space Now I could just signpost you to my original review, and update a few features. However, I prefer to just write a whole new review. So hang on and let's see if you should be picking the Vulcan II TKL up in 2026? Design Features Let's start with the looks, featuring a tenkeyless form factor, the Vulcan II TKL is sleek and stylish and would look great on any desk. With neat, narr...

Steelseries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 Headset Review

12Feb

By StuartNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

Steelseries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 Headset Review

Ok, it's no shock to anyone that I'm a bit of a fan of the Steelseries brand. So when they came and asked if we wanted to check out the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 Wireless headset, naturally, I jumped at the chance. Retailing at £179.99, this headset is on the higher end of a lot of people's budgets, but does it warrant that price tag? Coming in three colourways, black, white and magenta, and being a multiplatform headset, it can be used on the PC, PlayStation or Xbox. Sound of Substance? Having recently reviewed the Nova 3X, we are already slightly familiar with the newer design of the headsets. What I wasn't quite ready for was just how comfy this headset is. Let's dive in and find out if that's where it stops. Design Features Featuring a set of Neodymium Magnetic Drivers, giving you an in...

11Feb

By StuartNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

New Products From QPAD

We recently got sent a lovely little care package from QPAD. This bundle featured one of their new keyboards, as well as a couple of mouse pads. We are going to take a look at these products and hopefully, maybe, you might be interested in an update. QPAD Delivers The Goods Starting off this article we are going to take a look at the main part of the bundle. The Keyboard, being the QPAD Flux 65 Model 5. Let's have a little look shall we? QPAD Flux 65 Model 5 This keyboard in its TKL model was great. Featuring some awesome magnetic switches giving you precise measurement of activation. Using magnets, though, ensures that you have longer durability with a faster response. Meaning you get plenty of gameplay out of that keyboard, especially when it's been built for its performance. Thos...

27Jan

By StuartNo Comments

Previews & Early Access

Bladesong – PC Early Access Preview

If you have been living under a rock, then you might have missed this one. Viral hit game by Mythwright, giving you the opportunity to craft swords of your own creation. Bladesong is a game that I've been personally keeping an eye on for quite some time. So when given the opportunity to cover the Early Access build, I couldn't wait! Don't Hold The Pointy End Now you might think that Bladesong is a pretty shallow game. You would be massively wrong. This game has so much below the surface, so sit back and let's find out what you are up against. Gameplay While you may think that Bladesong is just a run-of-the-mill shop simulator, you'd be semi-right. In essence, you are the Swordsmith of Eren Keep, taking orders for new blades as well as requests to repair others. Making sure you craft th...

Acer Predator Aethon 303 – Keyboard Review

15Jan

By StuartNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

Acer Predator Aethon 303 – Keyboard Review

If a budget keyboard is something you are after, then Acer has you covered. The Predator Aethon 303 is a great clicky keyboard with some nice features. The best part is that it won't break the bank. Retailing at around £60, this keyboard will be a great upgrade if money is limited. Budget Price, Top Features Most gaming keyboards these days often come with the same set of features. What sets the Predator Aethon 303 apart from some of the other budget keyboards out there? Well, that is just what I plan to attempt in this review. So sit back and join me on this journey of discovery. Design Features Being a budget keyboard, you don't get some of the more fancier features from more expensive keyboards. However, the Predator Aethon 303 features a lovely set of clicky blue switches. They are...

10Dec

By StuartNo Comments

Features

Alternative Tech Gifts For Christmas

As we steadily approach the holiday season, you might be left pondering on something. Just what do you get the person who has everything? Well, I want to help you out with a little list of great products. Gifts from the great people at Dekoni, Gravastar, Soundmagic, Final and Blacklyte. Pick Up Something Unique So sit back and see the list of a few items that you might just fancy picking up. Dekoni If you have someone special in your life and they like their audio gifts, then Dekoni might be just what they like. With their great replacement earbuds, the Bulletz, you can get replacement earbuds for a fraction of the price of the mainstream companies. They can fit up to 75% of earbuds out in the market today, with a great memory form solution, meaning they will adapt to your ear shape. W...

9Dec

By StuartNo Comments

Previews & Early Access

Restory – PC Preview

If you've been around video games for a while, you know that there is an abundance of similar games out there. The games where you repair, build, buy or sell items to make a profit, to then further your career. Well, that is a little bit like ReStory by developers Mandragora! Although in this game you'll be repairing some tech that you might recognise. Well, kind of! Iconic Tech In This ReStory We got the opportunity to get some hands-on time today before it was officially shown off at the Wholesome Snack Game Awards. So just what makes ReStory different from all the other games of a similar formula? I can sum that up for you in one word: Nostalgia. Gameplay The game logo says it all. A pencil through one of the tape reels, just like we had to back in my childhood. This game exudes nos...

Thrustmaster T248R Steering Wheel Review

2Dec

By StuartNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

Thrustmaster T248R Steering Wheel Review

Sorry for the delay on this one; having been out since September, we've been busy racing. The Thrustmaster T248R has graced our desk, and like the review for the Thrustmaster T598 here, we were excited! Now I hear what you are saying. Oh, the T248 has been out for some time, 2021 to be precise. This new model is an update to the already popular steering wheel for both the PlayStation and PC. Retailing at £249.99 this is a great option for those who are looking to get into Sim Racing. Same Name, New Face With a few nice new buzzwords when it comes to the features, the Thrustmaster T248R is a great new addition to a popular range. The wheels available in the £250-300 range are some great units, with a lot of different positives. So without further ado, let's get strapped in so we can buckl...

27Nov

By StuartNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

Razer Blackwidow V4 75 Review

Here we are, our final piece of the Phantom White puzzle. It's the turn of the Razer Blackwidow V4 75, a customisable 75% keyboard. Making itself look incredible in the Phantom White range, we are once again massively thankful to Razer for sending this through. The Only Phantom That Belongs In This House Retailing at £199.99 for a fully assembled, albeit US layout edition, you immediable see why it's a popular keyboard. We are going to dive into some of its features and let you know whether or not you should be picking this up. Not only that, but whether you should be investing in the rest of the Phantom White range. Design Features The First thing to mention about the Razer Blackwidow V4 75 is that it is massively customisable. You can purchase the keyboard in its barebones form, howe...

Razer Phantom White Review – Part 01, Well 02 Really

25Nov

By StuartNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

Razer Phantom White Review – Part 01, Well 02 Really

On the back of our recent review of the Razer Barracuda X Chroma in Phantom White here. We have also been checking out the Razer Firefly V2 Pro and the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K, both in Phantom White. Retailing at £109.99 and £169.99 respectively, these are not cheap upgrades, and because they look incredible together, we are going to review them together. The Glow Just Gets Better Although these are available in other colours, the Phantom White just shouts nostalgia from the rooftops. So I couldn't be happier when we received them in the post. Let's find out whether or not your hard-earned money should be used on getting a hold of this hardware. Razer Firefly V2 Pro Probably my favourite of the two products we are going to look at today. This large, fully illuminated mouse pad is...