Microsoft has always produced great input devices, and its Habu laser gaming mouse is no exception. The result of a partnership with vaunted gaming mouse manufacturer Razer, the Habu is a pricy but quite versatile input device.

One of the Habu's innovative features is its swappable side panel. Depending on your hand size, the two thumb buttons on the side may be out of reach. To address this, the Habu includes an additional side panel that changes the button positions. Depress a catch on the bottom of the mouse and the current panel pops out, letting you snap in the other option. It would be nice if the panel could be placed on the opposite side of the mouse for left-handed users, but it's still a welcome touch.

In addition to the two thumb buttons, there are five other customizable buttons on the Habu. The two small nubbins below the lighted scroll wheel are for on-the-fly DPI changes (from 400 to 2,000), letting you make in-game sensitivity adjustments. Another gaming feature is the built-in 32KB of memory for storing up to five different gamer profiles. These profiles are held within the mouse, so you can take the Habu from PC to PC without having to reset your gamer options. This is particularly useful at LAN parties.

Because the Habu is a wired mouse, you don't have to worry about changing batteries. The wire itself is thin and flexible, so it will remain tangle-free during all but the most out-of-control gaming sessions.

Ostensibly for conductivity but probably mostly for aesthetics, the USB connector is gold-plated, so it looks cool even when unplugged. When plugged in, the Habu really shines -- literally. In addition to the glowing-blue scroll wheel, a blue glowpipe covers most of the mouse's perimeter.

The Habu glides smoothly on three nylon feet, and Microsoft includes a set of replacement feet to lengthen the life of the mouse. Speaking of long life, there's a 3-year warranty, so you're well covered in case of any problems.

The Habu is not for the budget-minded, but if you're looking for a gaming mouse with both customizable buttons and customizable button positions, Microsoft's Habu stands alone.


Pros:  Swappable side panel lets you adjust button positioning, comfortable, eye-catching styling
Cons:  For right-handers only

Warranty
3 years