Tech Hardware & Peripherals

24Apr

By StuartNo Comments

RIG 900 MAX HS Headset Review

The RIG Headset range from Nacon has always been about pushing boundaries. That is exactly what they are trying to do with the RIG 900 MAX HS headset. We were lucky enough to be sent a set to try out. So we unboxed it, fired up the headset, and away we went. Big RIG So, what do you look for in a headset? Is comfort the most important factor, or do you prefer to have deep, rich bass notes? Well, we will try to let you know just what makes the RIG 900 MAX HS worth your time. Design The RIG 900 MAX HS features the same aesthetic as the majority of the RIG headset line-up. A minimalist but futuristic headband featuring cut-out sections. As well as the lift-to-mute microphone. It looks like something out of Minority Report. Coming in a black colourway, the headset features a nice, comfortab...

23Apr

By NathanNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

Edifier R1 Open-Earbuds Review

Edifier really don’t need any introduction. Here at Thumb Culture, we’re big fans. They seem to be churning out so many new audio devices I’m struggling to keep up! Trying to choose that new set of earbuds though can seem so daunting. There are just so many out there where do you even begin? Thankfully, the Edifier R1 aren’t your run of the mill earbuds. They are open-ear earbuds, at a budget friendly price point of only £59.99. Intrigued? Read on to find out what makes these so unique. Bud-get Smart, Ear-resistible Comfort If you love all things tech and audio, feel free to check out some of our previous hardware reviews here. Design Edifier designs are often wildly varied. They’re not afraid of going bold, as much as they’re happy to offer a traditional aesthetic. The R1 fit...

17Apr

By Stuart1 Comment

Hardware & Tech

Thrustmaster Sol-R 2 Hosas Duo Review

Thrustmaster has been releasing flight sticks since its first launch in 1991. And as each year passes, the sticks got better and better. With some absolutely heavy-hitting sticks, such as the Warthog and the Viper, it was only a matter of time until space exploration was at the forefront. With the Sol-R you get exactly that. A stick specifically designed with space in mind. Let's see what it's all about, then, shall we! Space, But Not As You Know It Now, don't get me wrong, it isn't a cheap setup, retailing at £299.99 for the duo, or £159.99 for a solo stick. At this price point you are going to have to be an avid flight sim or space sim gamer. It's an investment, though, right? Getting a decent flight stick is the same as spending money on a brilliant GPU. Invest in your setup and it wi...

16Apr

By Alex Crooks1 Comment

Hardware & Tech

Fantech MAXFIT6 QMK Wireless Keyboard Review

As a writer at Thumb Culture I've been lucky enough to test out a number of Fantech products including the Maxfit Air and the Aria II Pro. And today I bring you more! This time it's the turn of the MAXFIT6 wireless keyboard, the latest release from the company. I have tested it across many silly games and many boring work days to see whether it's worth investing. Tippy tap Fantech is back You can grab the MAXFIT6 for £41.00 which is relatively cheap for a mechanical keyboard but does the low price point compromise the quality? Design The MAXFIT6 is available in two colours - black and white. I received the white version of the keyboard and honestly I really love the simplicity of it all. The two transparent keys add a little bit of character without looking cheap or tacky. You can...

10Apr

By JasonNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

iFi Zen DAC V3 Review

Few products in the world of desktop audio gear have made as much noise in the budget audiophile space as iFi's Zen series. Known for delivering excellent sound quality at a price that doesn’t scare off newcomers, the Zen DAC line has steadily evolved. Now, with the third iteration—the iFi Zen DAC V3—the company brings modern updates while keeping the spirit of the original intact. But does this compact DAC/amp combo still deliver enough value to justify the upgrade? Let’s dive in. Design & Features At first glance, the Zen DAC V3 doesn’t stray far from the now-familiar silhouette of its predecessors. The curved metal chassis still sports that premium, sturdy feel and fits neatly on any desktop without hogging space. It’s stylish enough to blend in with minimalist setups, yet distinc...

2Apr

By CharlotteNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

NZXT Capsule Elite Microphone Review

My NZXT Elite collection is complete with the addition of the NZXT Capsule Elite. Just as with the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless and the Function Elite MINITKL I got sent the wonderfully sleek white edition of this new microphone. There is also a black edition if you prefer a moodier colour set up. For those based in the UK the NZXT Capsule Elite can be purchased from the official NZXT Amazon store for £85. Hear Me Now Having previously used the Streamplify Mic Pro I was excited to try this latest NZXT offering out. So let's get into it. Design As with the rest of the NZXT Elite collection, the NZXT Capsule Elite looks beautiful. There's no denying the design team know what they're doing. I loved the square design as it visually pairs really well with the Function Elite MINITKL. Again t...

NZXT Function Elite MINITKL Keyboard Review

28Mar

By CharlotteNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

NZXT Function Elite MINITKL Keyboard Review

I love a noisy keyboard. If it doesn't clack as you're typing are you really using a keyboard? Probably, but it's not as satisfying. So when NZXT dropped into the inbox offering the opportunity to review their new Function Elite MINITKL I couldn't say yes fast enough. Available in black or white, I opted for white as it just looked incredibly sleek. Plus, I had to match my NZXT Lift Elite Wireless didn't I? The key to a good set up Available in the UK from the NZXT Amazon store for £170 this keyboard promises a lot of things. Let's see if it's a key item for us gamers. Design There is no doubt the Function Elite MINITKL is designed to look good. I can only speak to the white edition but it looks beautiful straight out of the box. As I've mentioned I am a big fan of a click-clacky k...

Razer Seiren V3 Chroma Microphone Review

27Mar

By StuartNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

Razer Seiren V3 Chroma Microphone Review

It's always difficult to review a microphone. After all, it doesn't really do much. Aside being one of the most important pieces of equipment that you might need. Here comes Razer to the rescue, with the Seiren V3 Chroma microphone. This retails at around £129.99, that is unless you want the white or quartz colourway. That will set you back an extra £10. Is it all worth it though? Seiren Song Let's get this all set up, and we can give this microphone a really good test. Design The setup of the Razer Seiren V3 Chroma was easy, it really is plug-and-play. Just screw the main microphone onto the base, or boom arm if you are using one. Then plug in the USB-C cable and away you go. You know you have done it correctly, mostly because there is only one port on the back. But you get greeted wi...

27Mar

By CharlotteNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

NZXT Lift Elite Wireless Mouse Review

The NZXT Lift Elite Wireless is the latest gaming mouse to hit the NZT Lift series. Available in the UK from the NZXT Amazon store this little thing will set you back £75. Which by gaming mice prices is really not a lot at all. So does the price reflect the quality? Let's find out. Squeaky clean The NZXT Lift Elite Wireless comes in black or white. Thanks to the lovely folks over at NZXT I got my hands on the very clean looking white edition for this review. Look at it all shiny in the box. Design Typically the design section of a hardware review can be the hardest to write. Luckily for me whilst this mouse looks clean and simple, it's got far more to it then that! At just 57g this may be the lightest mouse I've ever used. Being lightweight really made a difference to it's manoeuv...

Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma Controller Review

26Mar

By StuartNo Comments

Hardware & Tech

Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma Controller Review

In a time where its commonplace for a controller to cost £200+, you might think that it's all a bit much. I'm here with a Razer offering originally released back in 2021. But amongst more expensive modern competitors does the Wolverine V2 Chroma hold up? Could this be the controller you've been looking for? Razer Sharp Coming in at around £100, the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma looks the part. Does it perform? Let's plug it in and check it out. Design As with most controllers these days, the key question being is it Xbox or PlayStation layout? Well, in this instance we are firmly in the Xbox layout. Mostly because the Wolverine V2 Chroma was designed for the Xbox. So it's got those comfy asymmetric thumbsticks alongside the traditional face buttons. However, if you flip it over, you will b...