HardwareFreaks

Tag: Gaming accessories

  • Turtle Beach KP7 Review: The accessory that does everything

    Featured image Turtle Beach KP7 Review The accessory that does everything

    The Modular Keypad That Redefines Gaming Peripherals

    In the world of high-end gaming and productivity, finding a peripheral that perfectly balances features, form, and function can feel like searching for a unicorn. For many users, the desire for a dedicated, full-sized number pad is just as strong as the need for sleek, responsive gaming keys. Enter the Turtle Beach Command Series KP7—a modular keypad designed not just to add functionality, but to redefine how we interact with our hardware.

    The design philosophy behind the KP7 centers on flexibility. While it fits seamlessly into the larger Turtle Beach Command Series ecosystem, the keypad itself is built as a powerful, standalone device that doesn’t rely solely on being tethered to a full keyboard. It manages to step out of the traditional role of a simple number pad and embrace the complex demands of gaming input.

    The magic lies in its modularity. The KP7 is a 28-key device featuring a programmable dial and specialized functions, allowing it to morph into various configurations. When paired with the flagship Turtle Beach Command Series KB7 keyboard, the keypad hooks onto either side, effectively turning the setup into a full-size keyboard complete with a number pad and extra macro keys. However, its true brilliance shines when operated independently.

    As a standalone unit, the KP7 performs admirably. It offers a sleek design, featuring a brushed aluminum top plate set on a plastic chassis, coupled with low-profile linear switches and bright, customizable RGB backlighting that extends to a comfortable silicon wrist rest. This attention to detail brings an elegant feel to the device, making it feel less like a utility tool and more like a high-performance gaming accessory.

    For dedicated gamers, performance is paramount. The keypad utilizes magnetic Hall Effect linear switches, which deliver ultra-low latency and lightning-fast responses. With an 8,000 Hz polling rate, this technology ensures that input commands are processed with incredible speed. This high-speed switching makes the KP7 feel like a single-handed controller, capable of delivering the responsiveness of a full magnetic keyboard layout without the bulk.

    The physical design is intentionally ergonomic for demanding use. It features an extendable thumb bar that allows users to position critical keys for comfortable one-handed gaming input. Furthermore, the entire assembly can be adjusted by raising and lowering the base unit, offering adaptability for different typing or gaming stances. The thoughtful integration of the wrist rest, which accommodates extended thumbs while maintaining lighting effects, further elevates the user experience.

    Beyond the physical build, the software offers robust customization. Programmed via Turtle Beach’s Swarm II software, users can fine-tune every aspect of the KP7. This includes adjusting switch actuation points, enabling features like Rapid Trigger and ReacTap, and layering up to four distinct modes—including standard numberpad mode, game mode (which shifts center keys to WASD for gaming), and Easy Shift for quick access.

    While the keypad is designed to integrate perfectly with the larger Command Series, testing revealed that operating it independently often yielded superior performance. The flexibility allows users to exploit its potential as a high-speed controller or a specialized input device. Although its price point of $99.99 places it firmly in the premium category, the KP7 proves that versatility and cutting-edge technology can combine to deliver an incredibly valuable experience.

    Credit: Tom’s Hardware

  • Dbrand cancels Steam Machine Companion Cube, confirms it was ‘unlicensed’

    The dream of the perfect gaming accessory hit a sudden, sharp halt. Dbrand has officially cancelled its highly anticipated Portal-inspired Companion Cube case for the Steam Machine, pulling the plug on a project that saw significant investment and huge demand.

    What started as an exciting idea quickly became a complicated legal saga. While the company opened pre-orders earlier this month, the listing was swiftly removed, prompting Dbrand to explain the abrupt end to the venture.

    The core issue, as Dbrand confirmed, lay in intellectual property. The Companion Cube enclosure was developed without explicit permission from Valve. Although Dbrand created an initial concept render when the Steam Machine was first announced in November 2025, the immediate popular interest caused them to turn the concept into a tangible product.

    The journey to this point involved serious commitment. Dbrand invested heavily in the project, spending months redesigning the enclosure and even renting a university campus to film the launch video for the product.

    When the case finally launched on June 22nd, it performed brilliantly, quickly establishing itself as Dbrand’s second-fastest-selling product ever. This success only intensified the legal challenge from Valve.

    Shortly thereafter, Valve’s legal team reached out to the company. They asserted that the Companion Cube is intellectual property belonging to Valve and demanded the removal of all listings and promotional material. Despite Dbrand’s attempt to negotiate a proper license, Valve declined the request.

    Dbrand reflected on the situation, noting that their approach—building first and seeking permission later—was ultimately a fair answer given the circumstances. They have since announced that refunds for all orders will be processed by the end of the week.

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    Credit: KitGuru

  • Nintendo Switch 2 is once again $399 at Woot for new customers, $419 for returning customers with code — save up to $50 while supplies last

    The hunt for the perfect gaming deal often ends with a bang—or in this case, a sold-out stock. The recent frenzy surrounding some of the hottest tech bargains has officially reached its conclusion, as one highly sought-after deal vanished in a flash.

    A major price adjustment cycle has been underway for the Nintendo Switch 2, leading to intense demand among gamers looking to upgrade their handheld experience. Despite the market shifts, savvy shoppers still have opportunities to snag incredible value. One striking offer saw its inventory evaporate almost instantly, proving just how irresistible these limited-time deals can be.

    For those aiming to dive into the world of the Switch 2, understanding the platform’s capabilities is key. This handheld powerhouse boasts a vibrant 7.9-inch 1080p screen, offering stunning visuals, and it shines when docked, delivering true 4K gaming at an impressive 120 frames per second.

    The console is bundled with the versatile Joy-Con 2 controllers, which offer maximum flexibility, allowing users to attach them for enhanced gameplay or detach them for other uses. While the base unit includes 256GB of internal storage, serious gamers know that expanding space is often the next challenge.

    To future-proof your setup, optimizing storage becomes crucial. For those looking to maximize their content without constantly worrying about slow loading times, upgrading internal space via microSD Express cards is a highly recommended step. The speed and endurance of these expansion cards make all the difference when diving into massive game libraries.

    To tackle this storage puzzle effectively, some accessory makers are stepping up. For example, high-speed solutions like the Samsung P9 Express card provide blistering sequential read speeds of up to 800 MB/s, making it one of the top choices for boosting performance on your Switch 2.

    The true magic often lies in finding the right combination of product and price. Smart shoppers are leveraging specific codes and outlet platforms to unlock significant savings. For new customers on select retail sites, a unique code can drastically reduce the entry cost, turning a high-end console into an absolute bargain.

    Whether you’re new to online shopping or a seasoned veteran of deal hunting, capitalizing on these flash sales ensures you get top-tier gaming technology without breaking the bank. Keep an eye out for similar opportunities as the market continues to evolve.

    Credit: Tom’s Hardware