Introduction
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| Cyborg 3D USB Gold Box Shot |
Saiteks Cyborg controller line is one of their more aptly named series of products. If youve ever seen one of the Cyborg joysticks in a print ad before, youll know what I mean when I say they look like exquisitely designed, ultra modern implements of gaming death. Just take a look at some of the pictures weve taken, and youll see why people usually go crazy over this thing. And its a design that was hashed out over a year ago, and yet still dominates as one of the most aggressive, and cool looking joysticks on the market.
Well its the year 2000, and as with all other things in the new millennium, gaming peripherals are all getting facelifts and upgrades. The Cyborg 3D USB Gold is what you can call a nice millennial update to an already excellent product. Whats new? The all USB interface, an all new colour scheme, and the inclusion of the latest Saitek Gaming Extensions (SGE) utility for programming and customizing the stick.
In truth, if you already have a Cyborg 3D, you may not have any use for the newest version of that hallowed stick. The two are physically identical, save for the new gold coloured handle, and the change in the utility software. Those looking to get a stick and considering the Cyborg line should definitely opt for the Gold USB though.
The Cyborg Gold combines some of the most unique design aspects you are likely to find on any joystick. This is one of the most feature full joysticks I have ever come across, both from a gaming perspective, and from an ergonomic perspective. This is easily the ergonomics king of gaming joysticks in this price range, with its many physically adjustable properties.
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| Side Profile of the Cyborg 3D |
First off, the stick features a very convenient rubberized rest pad for your wrist and lower palm, near the lower portion of the handle. You dont even have to look too closely to notice this strange looking bulge that comes out from the handle. This rest area has got to be the most convenient and ergo-friendly design feature of the Cyborg, because it takes the strain off of your arm during those long flight sessions. Whats even better is that this rest pad is completely height adjustable, and can even be remounted for left handed users. The beauty of the height adjustments is that it puts your hands in a better position to reach the hat switch and the top mounted buttons. In its default configuration, I could not comfortably reach for the hat switch while resting my hand on the rest pad, but with a quick, 20 second adjustment, I was good to go and could easily access all of the sticks buttons. For even more customization, the tilt of the hat switch can be modified to bring it closer or further from your thumb. There are three levels of adjustment, and while I kept the stick in its default position, you may find that changing the positioning can improve your response time and comfort. The left-right angle of the top portion in the handle can also be tilted off axis, so that it is either rolled a little to either the right or left. This came in really handy for me, and being a rightie, I tilted the head towards the left and was gratified by the improved ease of access to the buttons.
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