The concept of wireless communication was not immediately accepted. The absence of a direct connection line certainly provided obvious ergonomic advantages, but the mechanics of interaction with the manipulator at first left much to be desired. This was largely due to the imperfect communication of the first models, but the situation soon changed. The A4Tech Bloody R8 model, reviewed below, became one of the first wireless mice to become widespread among gamers. This was partly due to the ease of operation, but the list of significant advantages of the device also included rich software with extensive settings. And yet, operating practice has also revealed some disadvantages of the A4Tech proposal.

General information about the mouse

The Bloody R8 model is far from the first mouse in the manufacturer’s line aimed at the gaming segment. The game series has been formed for a long time, and the fifth modification can only absorb the best features of previous developments. If we talk about the fundamental differences of this proposal, then the main one will be the hardware and software component. The creators of the A4Tech Bloody R8 have completely subordinated the hardware to the needs of modern ergonomics, placing a considerable part of its parameters directly under the control of the user himself, who can make fine adjustments.

Another feature of the model is its close interaction with the gameplay. The gamer has the ability to adjust the manipulator not only to the physics of individual control - he also has access to detailed settings regarding the game components. Of course, such attractive features could not but affect the cost of the A4Tech Bloody R8. The price of the model is about 2000 rubles. This is not at all the limit for gaming mice, but in its class the device is quite highly valued for the money.

Equipment

The packaging in the form of a box is implemented according to the proprietary design with a basic compartment and a characteristic shape of the opening lid. This design allows you to easily remove the device right from the display case and evaluate the quality of the design. Along with the mouse, the kit contains two cables. One is designed to charge the manipulator from USB-MicroUSB interfaces, and the second serves as an extension cable for the same USB. The manufacturer also provided a basic set with a cloth for cleaning A4Tech Bloody R8 surfaces, instructions and stickers with company logos. You could call the lack of a software disc an omission, but that would be unfair. The company did not save on software at all, but only took into account the uselessness of its delivery in the current version against the backdrop of regular program updates.

Design and Construction

The contact areas with the hand are covered with a soft-touch coating, which increases the grip of surfaces. This treatment is present, in particular, on the sides and top of the case. The prominent side of the top panel features a skull print and an illuminated logo. In general, the textured design emphasizes the aggressive design of the structure, also hinting that the manipulator belongs to the gaming line. What can immediately repel is the persistent chemical smell (dissipates over time) and the abundance of illumination. However, lighting is more a matter of taste. In addition to the logo, the flashing red stripe located at the back of the case will also provide light emission. If desired, the luminous elements can be turned off. In terms of shape, the wireless mouse of this model is a combination of a classic body and modern experimental manipulators, which are more like handles. A departure from today's fashion in the gaming class is the symmetry of the design, which is obviously focused on the ability to use two hands in the control process. Non-standard solutions include the presence of metal legs, although the bottom of the case is made of ordinary matte plastic.

Model characteristics

The hardware and technical part corresponds to the general trend in the segment of wired manipulators. Traditional mice are often ahead of their wireless counterparts in this regard, but the Bloody R8 showed the opposite example, which is confirmed by its characteristics:

• The response speed of the manipulator is 75 inches/sec.
• Resolution - maximum 3200 dpi, adjustable.
• Image processing is about 368 megapixels per second.
• Operating frequency - 512 Hz.
• Overload resistance - 30 g.
• The response speed of the buttons is up to 18 ms, but it also provides the ability to configure the parameter.
• Memory - 160K.

It is noteworthy that the power supply system is based on a modern lithium polymer Li-Pol cell, while most wireless manipulators are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In terms of capacity, the A4Tech Bloody R8 battery has an average value of 600 mAh, but if it is possible to replenish the charge from the USB interface, this characteristic does not matter at all. By the way, you can charge the mouse without interrupting the gameplay.

Ergonomics

If the same hardware is steadily developing according to established laws and mistakes made quickly find their solutions, then the problems of physical ergonomics are largely solved by random discoveries. It’s difficult to say how natural the success of the A4Tech designers was in developing the shape of the manipulator, but in practice it shows itself more than worthy. Dimensions, geometry, and weight - everything is balanced in this device. The buttons also do not let you down, providing a pleasant and clear operation. As for the wheel, its texture provides grip and stability without a hint of noise. Special recesses are provided for the little finger and thumb, which also makes the control process more convenient. In general, if you need a wireless mouse with a body that is comfortable for your fingers, then this option is more likely to suit you. There is only one thing to be wary of - this is the increased slip coefficient. But this drawback can be eliminated by choosing a mat with an optimal texture for the surface of the case.

Technological features

From a workflow point of view, the main discovery of the developers was the Holeless Engine technology. On its basis, the function of a new generation optical sensor is implemented. Unlike other sensor elements, A4Tech lenses do not provide a special hole for integration. That is, there is a hole, but it is covered with a light filter. In practice, this feature helps to improve dust protection function and positioning. Dust does not accumulate on the working surface of the A4Tech Bloody R8, which in other optical mice clogs the optics and affects the quality of the device. Another unusual solution was the ability to monitor the battery condition. In conditions of a critical energy level, the mouse control program can automatically adjust the parameters of its operation - for example, turn off the backlight, increase the response time, etc. The saving mode for individual parameters is initially set by the user himself.

Device setup

The mouse is operated in close interaction with a program designed to control its parameters. At a basic level, the user can set the sensitivity characteristics that suit him. This section offers several settings options, including optical resolution, refresh rate, and response speed. By default, the buttons respond at a speed of 1 ms, but the A4Tech Bloody R8 setting allows you to increase this time to 18 ms. It also provides the ability to reassign buttons - by the way, there are 8 of them and each can have its own function from an extensive list. An unusual offer from the manufacturer is the Guard section. It is responsible for the security parameters of the mouse connection. That is, if desired, the user can install protection for the wireless data transmission channel from the mouse to the computer.

Operating modes

In addition to specific settings, the gamer will be able to select operating modes of the manipulator, which already contain parameters for a particular operating style. For example, the Core 1 mouse usage format is aimed at office workers and lovers of simple strategies. In Core 2 mode, it is convenient to play in the FPS genre with the ability to fire bursts after a single press. Installing Ultra Core 3 will allow the FPS gamer to customize macros, adjusting recoil compensation and trajectory using the A4Tech Bloody R8. In Ultra Core 4 mode, it is recommended to run MMO games provided by the Combo panel. In this format, it is possible to customize the sequence of actions.

Positive reviews

The model has many strengths that allow it to compete even with representatives of a higher class. In the list of positive qualities, users themselves note the ergonomic design, extensive settings and stability of the wireless connection. The owners also point separately to the A4Tech Bloody R8 power system - reviews emphasize the long time it takes to maintain the working state and the rapid replenishment of energy (only 1 hour). What’s also important: the battery has a modest weight, which is why the mouse turned out to be lightweight - this makes it stand out from other wireless models that are weighed down by built-in power supply elements.

Negative reviews

The practice of using the manipulator and its shortcomings were revealed. First of all, many criticize the model for the lack of a wired operation mode. You can work with it via the charging cable, but this is only a temporary solution. There are also complaints about the mechanical setup. The device is flexibly and comprehensively adjustable via the program, but using buttons, for example, you cannot switch DPI. Usually there is a separate key for this function, but the A4Tech Bloody R8 mouse does not have one.

Conclusion

Despite all the shortcomings for its time, the model was in many ways a breakthrough. And even today it can be considered as an example of a combination of ergonomics, functionality and precision. This set of qualities previously characterized wired models - only they could provide sufficient physical comfort during gaming sessions. In turn, the A4Tech Bloody R8 wireless gaming mouse demonstrates the same level of connection reliability, which distinguishes it from competitors in its segment. During the game, you can count on eliminating the stuttering and freezing that characterize many wireless controllers. The creators of the mouse were able to eliminate other “diseases” of remote mice that were reflected in the power system. The manufacturer used a modern lithium-polymer element, which slightly increased the weight of the case compared to wired models, but at the same time provided the ability to operate autonomously for 12 hours without interruption.

August 8, 2013 at 11:54 am

Demon Without Wires - Bloody R8 Review by A4Tech

• Wireless technologies

Today I will talk about Bloody R8 - the latest wireless mouse from A4Tech. It has not yet gone on sale, but has already been tested in detail. Main features: metal legs, comfortable body, instant response and functionality-rich software. Here you can not only customize the buttons, select different DPIs on the axes, select macros and monitor the consumption of the built-in battery, but also set a unique recoil suppression. By the way, the settings are stored directly in the mouse, for this there is 160Kb of its own memory.

For me, it all started quite a long time ago, when the first wireless mice just entered the market. I tried, experimented, but it didn’t suit me. I've been on the wire for many years, but that slavery has ended with the A4Tech R4. The mouse turned out to be extremely comfortable, easily switching between office mode (125Hz) and gaming mode (512Hz). The response reached 3Ms, three times longer than modern Bloody.

But it was difficult to call the R4 a gaming device: everything seems to be in place, but the functionality is lacking and the back is too big. So I played more often on the X7. But today, after spending several weeks with the Bloody R8, I don’t even think about returning to the wire, and here’s why:

A good mouse starts with a comfortable grip and weight: the appearance has changed radically since the R4, except for the design with skulls, the two models have nothing in common. The R8 is made of a rubberized coating on top and matte soft-touch plastic on the sides. The left and right sides are made in the form of ribbed surfaces, expanding towards the base. The little finger lies outside the mouse or on the lower part and does not get tired. There is a little gloss, but the hand does not touch it, the bottom is completely matte.

Now in details: the top of the mouse is decorated with menacing art, emphasized by the light of the wheel, the glowing logo and a whole stripe at the base. I’m not a fan of this kind of application, it’s a little old, but in this case it looks more than decent: on the rubberized surface there is a skull and a pile of bones underneath it. Flying this demon, given the modern fight against piracy, can be seen as a black flag.
The wheel changes color depending on the mode between red, green and yellow. Modes are switched using buttons 1, N and 3 located above the wheel. The logo also changes color when the mouse is charged: the red palm turns yellow.

The wheel itself has become much better as a control element: a large profile, a wide rubberized surface, a clear scroll step and a simply amazing click. The interesting thing about the left and right buttons is that they can be swapped using the Bloody app. The buttons create a single line with the rest of the surface, they are pleasant to the touch and have a confident click. The manufacturer indicates that the new buttons will withstand 10,000,000 clicks.

There are a couple of side buttons on the left, initially they are assigned forward and backward functions in browsers, but they are programmable - you can assign almost anything, just like the left, right and wheel. Function keys are customizable, but only in Core1 software mode.

At the bottom, in addition to matte plastic, there are two key and extremely important innovations: a sensor without a hole, the outer lens of which is level with the bottom itself, and legs made not of Teflon, but of metal. The second is optional, but it’s worth choosing them. Metal legs are purchased for the entire life of the device; they will last for hundreds of kilometers (the Teflon we are used to is hardly enough for 5). To be precise: the remaining mouse components will fail earlier. Even so: the owner of the device will not be able to erase such legs for decades.
The feel of the legs is unusual: the ride is smooth, they roll well on tables and are compatible with play mats.
The gadget is charged via a MicroUSB-USB cable, and a miniature sensor installed in a USB port is used for control.

This mouse comes with a rich set: all the necessary wires, instructions and even more. There are just no spare legs familiar to gamers - why are they needed if the chances of the extinction of an entire civilization are higher than that of the legs wearing out over the period of using one mouse?

The box, as usual, is made in the form of an opening lid and a main compartment. You can open one right in the store and see your purchase before purchasing - conveniently and clearly. Once upon a time, it was this opportunity that directed me to the X7 mouse.

The kit includes two wires: the first is red and black, serves as an extension cord for USB, and allows you to save battery power on the mouse due to the shorter distance between the signal source and receiver. The second is USB-MicroUSB for charging the mouse. In addition, there is a cloth for caring for the mouse, instructions (my kit does not include it) and several stickers with the Bloody series logo. There is no disk with the software in my kit, instead there is a small business card indicating where to download the software. This is understandable: while the device reaches the buyer, the software is updated once or twice. However, it may also appear on sale with a disc, let's take a closer look at the matter.

The Bloody4 program is chic. Now we get all the settings, macros and functions in seven windows (the eighth is About, information about the program). There are three modes, the so-called kernels. They differ in their operation and are designed for different gamers: for RPGs and Core1 Strategies, even functional buttons are scripted. For simple shooters, there is Core2 - function buttons switch shooting modes and Core3 - a mode with a recoil suppression setting.

You can get acquainted with the software in the following video:

By the way, if you liked it, we have a video note about the flagship of the wired series, Bloody V7.

Having created the world's first computer mouse in 1968, he had no idea how much his brainchild would evolve. The inventor came up with a one-button device in a square wooden case on metal disks designed to move along a surface, which is connected to a computer via a wire.

But after a couple of years, the gadget received its first update, which changed its design, added buttons, and discs replaced the ball and rollers. Then optical ones appeared, and even later wireless ones. Ultimately, they began to be distinguished not only by form factor and internal structure, but also by purpose - ordinary (office) and gaming. It is precisely the second type that optical

Equipment

You look at the packaging, and you get the feeling that there is something really worthwhile inside. A cardboard box resembles a book, primarily because it opens the same way. It is made mainly in gray and black colors. The front side of the “book” is decorated with an image of a manipulator and the Bloody corporate logo in the form of a bloody right hand. Moreover, it can be seen along the entire perimeter of the box. All other information, which is probably more than in the instructions, concerns the advantages of the gadget, but more on that a little later.

The mouse lies in a red plastic tray. There you can also find a USB charging cable, a nano-receiver, a USB extension cable, stickers in the form of the Bloody logo and instructions for the A4Tech Bloody R8, which does not contain a word in Russian. Although this is not so important, because all the useful information is on the packaging.

Design

Whoever worked on the mouse design had clearly had the project in mind for a very long time. You can't think of this right off the bat. Moreover, the aggressive appearance of the device is combined with high practicality. Take, for example, the design of the A4Tech Bloody R8; on top it has a skull-shaped design. Its shape is symmetrical, as it should be, so the mouse itself has bilateral symmetry, making it comfortable for any hand.

At the bottom, the wireless A4Tech Bloody R8 has four red legs that follow the contours of the base. They look great, but that's not the point. They are made of metal using special Xglide technology. Super-sliding, durable and sensitive - on such legs the “rodent” will run for hundreds of kilometers.

In favor of the appearance, one can note the rubberized matte surface of the gadget, both in the area of ​​​​the buttons and in the place where the thumb and little finger touch. This has a positive effect on the grip of the palm on the device. In addition, soft plastic is more practical than rubber, which wears out quite quickly.

Ergonomics is important!

The convenient location of the mouse controls is of great importance, especially for a gaming option like the A4Tech Bloody R8. The USB receiver for communication with a computer is located in a recess made in the base. Well thought out. During transportation, a small part will not be lost anywhere, at least without the device.

In addition to the main three buttons, the mouse has an additional two under the thumb and three under the wheel. Their purpose is to switch between modes that are configured in a special program. There is also a sensor resolution control; to do this, you need to quickly double-click to make the wheel blink, after which, by rotating it, you can start making settings. True, the software responsible for most settings is often updated, and with it the assignment of the keys also changes. However, they can always be reconfigured.

All this was done for a reason, but only for the convenience of users. This is evidenced by flexible settings, the correct shape of the device, and high-quality materials used in its manufacture. Judging by the reviews, the hand does not get tired, even after working with the mouse for many hours.

Characteristics and Features

A lot can be said about the characteristics of a manipulator. Firstly, it uses an optical sensor made using Holeless Engine technology. Thanks to it, the sensor is reliably protected from dust, which can later cause interference.

The response time of the A4Tech Bloody R8 mouse is also impressive - 1 ms is enough for the computer to understand what is required of it. Other characteristics are also noteworthy. The sensor resolution is adjustable, its maximum value is 3200 dpi. The device is quite durable, the buttons can withstand up to 10 million clicks, and the legs can withstand up to 300 km of run. A big plus is the presence of wireless signal protection due to Wireless Guard technology, which allows you to synchronize and monitor the signal, as well as select a channel to ensure a reliable connection without interference.

It is impossible not to note the versatility of the mouse, which is manifested in three game modes that can be configured for the left button. To be precise, there are four modes, but you will have to buy the last one. Moreover, there is no need to configure it again each time, everything is saved on 160K of built-in memory.

Software

Now about the unique software that the developers are so proud of. After all, the A4Tech Bloody R8 wireless gaming mouse can fully reveal its potential only with the Bloody 5 program installed. It’s worth noting right away that a player with average gaming needs can easily do without this utility.

The program would not be so interesting if it was intended only to configure and expand the functionality of the mouse. No, what’s more interesting is that it is capable of working with four modes, which are otherwise called cores. Each of them suits specific needs, and some offer additional opportunities.

How it works?

Very simple. The A4Tech Bloody R8 gaming mouse can adapt to several types of games. For example, Core 1 is more suitable for real-time strategy and first-person games. Moreover, the response to pressing a button is the fastest here. You can also configure the key assignment, sensitivity and response time.

The second core (Core 2) has a narrower specialization. Or rather, the general settings are the same, but a new Guns tab is added. For fans of regular FPS shooters, this is the most suitable mode. We are talking about three keys located under the wheel of the A4Tech Bloody R8 mouse - 1, N and 3, which are assigned to the left button. Thus, one press will fire one, two and a series of three shots, respectively. Even snipers, judging by the reviews, are satisfied, because they can change the CPI so that it is easier to aim.

Let's move on to the third core (Ultra Core 3), which is designed for FPS shooters that involve shooting a large number of weapons. Here the settings are even wider, especially for the sniper rifle, and the Guns tab has received the Ultra prefix. In addition, it is now possible to attach macros to additional buttons on the A4Tech Bloody R8 mouse, and after working with the Headshot tab, you can customize shooting from certain types of weapons. To be honest, everything here is so confusing that it will take several days until we understand what’s what.

And finally, the fourth mode. By the way, in Bloody 4 it was paid, but in the new version such a need has disappeared. But it’s too early to rejoice; not everyone will get out of this swamp. In a nutshell, this is a mode for online RPGs, where, to simplify things, you can combine several keys into commands using the Oscar Macro and Super Combo tabs. If it’s completely unclear, which is by no means surprising, but you want to configure the A4Tech Bloody R8 mouse, look for a round icon with a question mark inside, which more or less explains what the point is. However, there are even instructions here, albeit in English, but for many this will not be a problem.

Autonomous operation

Some players are probably interested in how long the A4Tech Bloody R8 wireless mouse holds its charge. It’s a logical question, because she can “leave the game” during a heated shootout and turn events unfavorable for the player.

The device has a built-in 600 mAh battery, the charge of which should be enough for 12 hours of continuous use. In general, if you don't live in the game, this should be enough. But everything will depend on the intensity of pressing the buttons. As a last resort, the A4Tech Bloody R8 mouse can be connected to a USB port.

Conclusion

There is no point in convincing someone that this is the ideal mouse for computer games. After all, many will immediately weed it out on the wireless basis. And they don’t care that manufacturers don’t consider this fact a limitation. Although during use there were actually no problems with the mouse response.

We can definitely say that the A4Tech Bloody R8 gaming mouse has an interesting design, is comfortable for the hand and is a device with very wide functionality. True, you will have to be patient to deal with the Bloody proprietary software, version 5. But, most likely, these efforts will be rewarded in the future.

At the most popular Asian IT electronics exhibition, Computex 2013, many well-known companies working in the field of computer equipment presented their new creations to users. Among them was the company A4Tech, which has been delighting users with its affordable computer peripherals for several years now. The founder and head of A4Tech, Robert Cheng, personally demonstrated several new devices to journalists and exhibition visitors. These included two game controllers and the company's first mechanical keyboard. One of the latest new products is the top model of the manipulator called Bloody Zero Lag R8a. This is exactly what our review today will be dedicated to. But, before moving on to the product description, we suggest paying a little attention to other representatives of the Bloody gaming line.

The first thing that sets A4Tech apart from the rest is the budget class of its products. The manufacturer gained its popularity among the gaming audience thanks to the X7 series of gaming controllers. Mice from this line were in good demand due to the combination of affordable prices and decent functionality.

Having grown stronger and gained experience, the company decided to continue its development in the field of gaming peripherals. The next step was the creation of a separate brand called Bloody. The Bloody line of game controllers included several models at once, namely: V2, V3, V5 and V7. The gradation of the model range is determined by the structural features of the body of each individual specimen. Otherwise, all models have the same functional features and technical characteristics, up to the same laser sensor resolution of 3200 dpi.

The Bloody Zero Lag R8a model is positioned by the manufacturer as a top product. Key features include: wireless interface, ergonomic body shape, special metal legs and a modern laser sensor with a maximum resolution of 3200 dpi. Like some of its predecessors, the Bloody Zero Lag R8a supports Ultra Core 3 software technology with auto-recoil suppression and trajectory adjustment.

In this review, we will try to get acquainted with all the capabilities of the Bloody Zero Lag R8a in as much detail as possible, identify the strengths and weaknesses, and also test the device in games and everyday work.

First, let's take a look at the technical specifications.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Bloody (A4Tech)
Products webpage	http://www.bloody.tw
Model	Zero Lag R8a
Interface	Two operating modes (wired and wireless)
Type	Gaming
Resolution, DPI	200-3200
Number of buttons	8
Maximum acceleration, g	30
Maximum speed, inches/sec	75
USB port polling frequency, Hz	From 125 to 1000
Response time, ms	1
Internal memory, KB	160
Scroll	1
Scroll vertical/horizontal	+/-
Power (for wireless mode)	Li-ion battery
Dock cord length, m	1,15
Ability to change weight	-
Possibility of adjusting the shape of the case	-
Cable material	Fabric nylon braid
Housing surface material	Soft touch
Color	Black (combined)
Backlight	+
Backlight zones	Scroll, longitudinal slot and logo in the palm area
Leg material	Metal
Software
Dimensions, cm	12.5 x 8 x 4.2
Battery operating time, h	27 (continuous play)
OS Compatibility	Windows 8/7/Vista/XP
Additionally	Programmable side buttons, three mode change buttons (1/N/3)

Delivery and configuration

The device is delivered in a small cardboard box, decorated in a mixed style. The unusual packaging design may well intrigue some users.

The front part is decorated with high-quality printing. There is an image of the controller, the model name is indicated and key features are briefly listed: wireless interface, support for Ultra Core 3 technology, etc.

The front side of the box is a flap secured with two Velcro strips. Along the contour of the body, the mouse is securely fixed with a transparent blister insert. On the spread there is a graphic image of the legs located on the bottom of the manipulator, and the advantages of using special metal pads are listed.

The back of the box schematically shows the main and additional controls. At the side is a detailed technical specification and description in several languages.

Despite the fact that the vast majority of A4Tech products belong to the budget class, the Bloody Zero Lag R8a package also failed to please us with additional accessories. So, the package included:

• mouse;
• dock station;
• USB-mini/USB cable;
• coupon (card) for downloading software;
• user guide;
• cleaning cloth.

Appearance and Design

The external design of the mouse fully corresponds to the Bloody brand name. Unlike previous models painted black, the manufacturer decided to give the Zero Lag R8a some uniqueness. To implement this idea, the case was decorated with spectacular airbrushing, covering 90% of the surface of the top panel. The drawing in the form of a skull with ghostly eyes looks interesting and unusual from the outside.

The Zero Lag R8a's shape is similar to that of the V7. The same applies to the location of the controls. The mouse is symmetrical, suitable for control by both right and left hands. The universal form factor is complemented by wide flaps in the sidewalls. According to the engineers, the little finger and thumb should be located in this area.

The high back is ideal for palm grip control. The use of other types of grip is also possible, but not all of them will be equally comfortable. The shape of the body is not entirely suitable for a “claw” grip due to the same raised back, with a height of 4.2 cm.

The physical dimensions of the device are far from compact. The length is 12.5 mm, width is 8 mm. The wide body can be easily grasped by an average hand. It will not be convenient to operate the mouse with a small palm, since reaching some of the controls with your fingers will be a difficult task.

The main part of the body is made of durable plastic with a soft-touch coating that is pleasant to the touch. The extremely soft surface provides a comfortable tactile sensation and high resistance to fingerprints. On the matte surface, complemented by non-linear graphic patterns, abrasions and stains from sweaty palms are absolutely invisible.

In addition to matte plastic, the body has rubberized and glossy parts. The scroll area with additional buttons is made of glossy plastic. This is where most of the visible traces from use accumulate. The sides are covered with rubberized inserts with a soft surface. The sensations when working with such a manipulator can be compared with the rubberized sides of Logitech MX-series mice. The quality of the material frankly surprised us. The model was tested for a week. Even such a short period of time was enough for us to understand that the material will serve the user faithfully for a single year.

The upper part of the back has a streamlined shape with a slight elevation running along the central part. A peculiar ridge divides the body into two equal parts. We encountered a similar body shape when testing the Gigabyte Aivia Krypton.

In the under-palm area, the front panel and the bottom part are separated by a thin longitudinal slot, through which a bright backlight shines after connecting the manipulator to the PC.

In the center of the same area is a small Bloody logo in the form of a human handprint. The logo is engraved and therefore backlit.

The body is light. Moving on the playing surface occurs without problems and without applying additional effort. The build quality and materials used are at a decent level. Of course, in some aspects the level of performance is slightly inferior to products from more famous brands, but overall we were satisfied. All panels are tightly fixed to the base, the gap between the joints is minimal. No serious backlashes were noticed on the tested sample. The only thing that needs to be noted is a slight creak in the scroll area and additional buttons. We did not pay attention to this drawback at all, since it did not affect the ease of use.

The manipulator has eight buttons distributed around the perimeter of the body. Half of these elements are fully programmable.

Let's start with the main keys. The boundaries of the main keys are separated by a scroll wheel and three additional buttons. The right and left keys are easy to press. When the mechanism is activated, the user will hear a muffled sound. The manufacturer claims that the buttons can withstand serious loads in the heat of gaming battles. Their stated life cycle is 10 million clicks. Naturally, we cannot confirm or refute these data.

Between the main keys there is a scroll wheel. The scroll is small, its width is 8 mm. The base is made of transparent plastic, illuminated by LEDs. Along the entire rubberized rim there are notches that help control the scrolling speed.

The wheel turns too easily, the transitions are almost not felt. This is the first significant drawback of the product under review. When scrolling quickly, it is very difficult to catch the speed and this directly complicates both the work and gaming process. The wheel was not fixed tightly enough, which caused the geometry to be disrupted and squeaks to appear. The quality of the scrolling work raised many questions and complaints from us. In addition to its main purpose, scrolling forward/backward, the scroll functions as an additional button.

Above the scroll there are three buttons for changing the operating mode of the left key (1/N/3). Initially, users may confuse these controls with traditional touch sensitivity buttons. Mode parameters are configured in Bloody3 proprietary software. Each button performs a specific function depending on the selected mode or the so-called “Core”.

There are two programmable buttons on the left side. Oddly enough, Bloody engineers decided to equip only the left side with switches. Most gaming peripheral manufacturers install similar switches on both sides of the case. This is done intentionally, for the convenience of activating these buttons with the left/right hand.

The location of the side switches always raises a lot of questions. Some users believe that such elements should be located closer to the front of the case, while others, on the contrary, insist that the buttons should be left in the center. In the Zero Lag R8a mouse they are in the middle. Given the need for an anchor point for the thumb, the additional buttons were placed as close as possible to the edge of the front panel. The programmable side buttons are elongated and made of glossy plastic. The stroke depth is small and pressing is difficult. With factory settings, they perform browser functions, namely forward/backward navigation. The side keys can be programmed at your discretion or completely disabled if frequent erroneous presses occur. Certain functions/commands are connected using proprietary Bloody3 software.

At the front end of the case there is a barely noticeable mini-USB connector. It is designed to connect a removable cable and further charge the battery.

A kind of docking station serves as an extension cord for charging the controller. It consists of a small pedestal with a USB 2.0 connector. The stand is made of ordinary glossy plastic. The Bloody logo without backlight is placed on the front panel.

The docking station cable is protected by a thick fabric braid. Its length is 1.15 m. You can connect a mouse cable to the USB connector of the docking station or attach a radio receiver.

The radio receiver is presented in the form of a miniature transmitter the size of a coin. The connection connector is standard USB 2.0. In case of transportation, it can be placed in a special compartment on the bottom of the device.

The backlight is concentrated in three zones: the scroll wheel, the longitudinal slot and the logo in the under-palm area. All three zones are illuminated independently of each other. The color of the scroll wheel diodes changes depending on the selected mode. By pressing the “N” button in Core 3 (Senior FPS) mode, the scroll is highlighted in green, the “3” button changes the LEDs to yellow. The remaining zones are highlighted only in red.

The backlight is not too bright. The soft glow does not tire the eyes at all in the dark. Level-by-level adjustment of the backlight brightness is carried out through proprietary Bloody software. It is not possible to select the backlight operating mode. The LEDs in the depth of the longitudinal slot and on the logo operate in constant pulsation mode.

Four metal legs are evenly distributed along the edges of the bottom. The manufacturer decided to use metal rather than the usual Teflon material.

While the legs of previous models of Bloody mice could run for about 3 km before they were completely worn out, the special metal coating of the Zero Lag R8a can withstand a run of up to 180 km. The difference is certainly impressive. Special metal pads are designed to improve the smoothness of gliding and positioning of the mouse on any type of surface. The bright red legs stand out clearly against the background of dark plastic.

In the center there is a laser sensor eye, the model of which, unfortunately, could not be determined. This information does not appear on the product box or the official website. To minimize operational disruptions due to dust, the sensor eye is covered with a thin transparent plate.

The installed sensor cannot boast of high sensitivity. The maximum dpi value does not exceed 3200 units.

Bloody3 proprietary software

To configure all possible parameters of the Zero Lag R8a, the user will need to use proprietary software. Without installed software, the mouse operates in normal mode, that is, more than half of the device’s functions simply will not be available. To fully use all the capabilities of the manipulator, you will have to understand all the intricacies of the proprietary software, which can be downloaded from the official Bloody website. There are two versions of the software available in the download section. The Bloody1 version is compatible with manipulators of the V1 model range. In turn, Bloody3 is intended for V and R-series controllers. Since we received an R-series product for testing, we installed Bloody3 software, the most current version (V13.0611A) at the time of writing. The installation took literally a couple of minutes; fortunately, there were no unpleasant surprises during the software download process.

The interface of the proprietary software is Russified, but not completely. The translation of the text describing the functions of the tabs is not done correctly, and the names of the main tabs are presented in English. Even this fact will not prevent domestic users from understanding the meaning of the inscriptions in each section.

When launched for the first time, the software independently scans the device and determines the desired model. Let’s immediately make a reservation that the Bloody3 interface contains a lot of sections and additional tabs, the purpose of which will not be entirely clear even for experienced users. This is not to say that the interface is absolutely inconvenient, but we wouldn’t dare call it intuitive either. This is due to the wide variety of functions with the ability to configure detailed parameters. We will try to describe as clearly as possible the functional purpose of each section of the proprietary software. Let's start in order.

The first tab of Ultra Core 3 is related to the functioning of additional keys. Here three modes are available to the user: Core 1, Core 2 and Core 3. When changing the mode, the necessary drivers begin to load.

The process is indicated by a loading bar in the lower right corner and takes about 15-20 seconds. While updating scripts, the mouse sensor is disabled.

The Core 1 module is designed for use in RTS and RPG games with minimal response time. In this mode, all three additional buttons 1, N and 3 are inactive. In fact, the mouse performs standard functions. They are sufficient for working with office programs and undemanding games. It is also important to note that the Oscar Macro, Ultra Gun3 and Headshot tabs will not be available in this mode.

The Core 2 module is designed for dynamic FPS games with a lot of shootouts. Additional keys are active in this mode. When you press button 1, a single shot occurs, i.e. regular left click. Activating the N button provokes a double click, and the 3 button provokes a triple click. In Core 2 mode, we lose the ability to use the settings on the Oscar Macro and Headshot tabs.

The most interesting and technically advanced is the Core 3 module. This mode can be recommended to true connoisseurs of first-person shooters. As shocking as it may sound, to use this module along with the Oscar Macro and Headshot sections, gamers must additionally purchase a special code through the official Bloody online store. The activation code costs no less than 20 US dollars. To understand the need for further use of Core 3, users are given a trial period that ends after 1000 clicks. The very idea of ​​activating some sections of Bloody3 proprietary software immediately seemed absurd to us, since none of the well-known manufacturers of gaming equipment dared to pursue a similar strategy for the development of their own software. For example, in the cloud service Razer Synapse 2.0, SteelSeries Engine or CM Storm Recon software, macro editing/creation functions are freely available.

The actions of buttons 1 and 3 in Core 3 mode are similar to their functions in Core 2, that is, single and triple clicks. The N button allows you to fire a continuous burst of shots with recoil suppression and trajectory alignment during strafe. You can also adjust the interval and trajectory of shots in real time.

When you double press the N button, a window in the form of an optical sight appears. Parameters can be changed by scrolling the scroll bar. All possible adjustments to shooting modes are made on the Headshot tab.

The Headshot window is presented in the form of a table containing columns such as: type of shooting, name and model of weapon, choice of activation button (N/3-Key), monitor resolution and sensitivity value. The list contains many ready-made presets for specific types of weapons.

Clicking on the Headshot button opens a new window. Here you can create your own preset by programming its action to the left key.

The A-Bust tab adjusts the Offset and Time Interval parameters for rapid fire weapons. In total, you can fire a burst of five shots. The firing rate is adjusted step by step, taking into account time periods. To improve shooting accuracy, you need to set the exact resolution of your monitor and adjust the offset along the X and Y axes.

B-Strafe almost completely repeats the settings of the previous section, with the exception of a few points. Here you can set a burst of eight shots with a repeat cycle.

C-Machine settings are more suitable for weapons such as machine guns. The main emphasis is on increasing the accuracy of fire; the time interval after each shot will be the same.

D-In Game is focused on sniper shooting. Here again the offset and time interval parameters are adjusted.

Previously created Oscar Macro Gun macro commands are linked through M-Macro.

The shooting mode is activated in parallel with the activation of such actions as jumping, crouching, etc.

You can test the shooting modes after making adjustments on each tab.

Recording complex macro commands is available on the Oscar Macro Gun tab. The main advantage of recording macros there is the enormous selection of parameters.

The user can change delays when recording/recording, set mouse coordinates, add/change the order of combinations, etc.

The Guard tab allows you to adjust the brightness of the backlight, battery power saving, and the transition from sleep mode. On the left side of the window there is a list of parameters for the mouse to operate in wireless mode: “RF synchronization”, “Zero-frequency offset”, Exclusive channel, “RF detector signal” and Strengthen Power.

Each of the above parameters optimizes the synchronization of the mouse with the PC, regulates the radio signal strength and the choice of data transmission channel.

The Buttons tab allows the user to program any key. For example, each key can be assigned to certain keyboard functions, macros, launching applications, or even disabled altogether.

The Sensitivity tab provides multi-level adjustment of sensor sensitivity, USB connection polling frequency, and response speed. DPI sensitivity can be adjusted within the range of 100-3200 units. The step is 100 dpi. More detailed sensitivity adjustments are made separately along the X and Y axes. The USB polling frequency is adjustable in the range of 125-500 Hz. By default, the manipulator operates at a frequency of 125 Hz.

All settings are saved in the internal memory of the mouse, the total volume of which is 160 KB.

Ergonomics and testing

Practical testing of the Bloody Zero Lag R8a began from the moment the controller was synchronized with the PC. At first, we had serious concerns about the stability of the wireless connection. In fact, the mouse held the signal perfectly well at a distance of up to five meters. Delays and failures occurred only at a great distance from the source of signal reception. The radio transmitter operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. Battery life is a critical metric when considering wireless peripherals in particular, such as a mouse or keyboard.

The continuous operation time declared by the manufacturer without recharging is 27 hours. In practice, from a full charge with a sensitivity of 3200 dpi and the backlight activated, the Bloody Zero Lag R8a worked for about 18-20 hours. That is, even with the most active use of the controller, the battery charge will consistently last for two days. The required time to fully charge is 3 hours. While charging, the gamer can fully use the mouse and not be distracted from the work process. The power source is a built-in Li-Ion battery. The lack of separate battery indicators makes wireless use difficult. The problem is partially solved by adjusting the scroll backlight mode. When the charge level is low, the lights on the wheel rims begin to flicker randomly.

When testing the Razer Ouroboros wireless gaming pad, we more than once encountered sensor system failures when the device exited sleep mode. Bloody Zero Lag R8a did not have this problem.

The mouse fits comfortably in your hand. After long gaming settings, hand fatigue is practically not felt. During the first hours of use, we noticed that there wasn't enough room for the ring finger on the side. After a couple of days, the fingers became more adapted to the shape of the body and we practically did not pay attention to this feature. The maximum sensor resolution of 3200 dpi is, in principle, enough for comfortable work. In the fast-paced firefights of Battlefield 3, this resolution was sometimes not enough for lightning-fast reactions. Users will most likely have to come to terms with this problem.

The device showed acceptable results in everyday use in office applications and games. More attention was naturally paid to virtual battles. In the shooters Medal of Honor Warfighter, Call of Duty: Black Ops II and Battlefield 3, Metro 2033 Last Light, we decided to try out the vaunted Core 3 mode with automatic recoil suppression and fire trajectory adjustment. The overall results improved noticeably and this was visible to the naked eye. Strafes are executed almost perfectly. A burst of five shots at an opponent is fired with a high degree of accuracy.

For Team Fortress 2, a C-Machine script was created in advance with settings for the machine gunner’s weapon, and through the D-In Game module, the optimal shooting settings for the sniper’s weapon were selected.

It is also important to select the weapon model and recoil reduction parameters. By choosing the wrong balance, you will not improve, but rather reduce your results. Adjusting weapon parameters in Bloody3 software takes a lot of time. Although the result obtained fully compensates for the effort expended. This is worth paying close attention to. No matter how good the Core 3 mode is, it is essentially cheating. Thanks to high-speed shooting with high accuracy of hitting the target, you have a significant advantage over your opponents. Naturally, each gamer himself decides whether to use this mode or not. At the same time, you must be aware that a ban received from the administration of the game server will be a fair punishment for conducting an unfair battle.

The possibilities of using macros in our time can hardly surprise anyone, but the absence of such a function will certainly affect the overall impression of getting to know the product. Luckily, the Bloody Zero Lag R8a doesn't have to worry about that.

The controller legs turned out to be completely undemanding in terms of surface types. The metal pads glided perfectly on the Goliathus Alpha Control Fragged Edition fabric carpet and a regular silicone surface.

Results

Bloody Zero Lag R8a is a rather interesting product that combines not only functionality, but also workmanship. The design of the mouse is completely different from other models of the company's manipulators. It is this feature that gives the device some exclusivity and status. What pleased us most was the quality of the materials used and the level of assembly in general. The pleasant plastic front panel with soft rubberized sides brings a lot of pleasure from the control process itself.

The manufacturer has been producing gaming peripherals for several years now, but this is the first time we have seen the demonstrated level of performance. We sincerely hope that this trend will affect subsequent products.

It should be noted that there is a wireless interface. The implementation of such a function always entails problems associated with the stability of data transmission, response speed, etc. During testing, the controller worked reliably in wireless mode and did not cause any inconvenience. The charge of the lithium-ion battery lasts for a long period of time, which is also an important factor.

At the time of writing, we did not have specific information regarding the cost of the manipulator. For this reason, it is difficult to identify those products that can provide real competition to the hero of our today's review in terms of functional and technical characteristics. Overall, we were pleased with the device. Of course, the modest technical characteristics of the Bloody Zero Lag R8a do not allow it to compete with the products of more famous brands, but the company’s desire to reach a new level is very commendable.

It cost only 750 rubles, and surprisingly did not slow down at all. I was finally able to play normally Dota 2,Quakelive And Starcraft 2, forgetting about the wire constantly clinging to everything.

The other day I discovered that A4Tech has released a new wireless mouse for gamers: A4Tech Bloody R8. You can find it in retail from 1150 rubles, which is quite inexpensive, considering how much analogues from Logitech And Razer: Logitech Wireless Gaming Mouse G700s (3520 rubles) and Razer Orochi 2013 (3250 rubles).

Without thinking twice, I purchased Bloody R8 and studied it thoroughly. First of all, I was interested in how the older model differs from the younger one, and whether it is worth replacing.

Appearance

Bloody R8 is available in at least two versions: with a pattern in the form of a pile of skulls, and without it.

R8 vs R4

The mouse looks great - you can immediately see that it is a gaming device. There are three LED lights: in the wheel (changes color), an image of a hand, and a jackdaw at the base. In addition to the aesthetic purpose, the backlight signals the status of the mouse: waiting and working (green), charging (red), changing mode (yellow). When you move the mouse, the LEDs blink. In idle mode, the LEDs turn off.

The left and right sides are made of plastic, which is just great. If the sidewalls were made of rubber, then sooner or later it would tear. In addition, rubber collects dirt strongly. It is clear that A4Tech designers are analyzing feedback from players.

Control

On the left side there are two buttons standard for gaming mice. You can hang the skills of Dota 2 heroes on them, for example. There are three buttons behind the wheel. The third is best reserved for regime changes.

The V-Track R4 had a small button between the wheel and the left mouse button. I used it to call a courier in Dota 2. In Bloody R8, the buttons are located behind the wheel - it’s less convenient, but you can get used to it.

Software is provided to configure the mouse Bloody 5. It is well Russified and allows you not only to assign macros and commands to buttons, but also to fine-tune them. I only use two mouse modes: one for Dota 2 (skill hotkeys and courier), the other for office (copy/paste). When I played Starcraft 2, I assigned tank layouts and landings to the side buttons.

You can set an alarm depending on the battery charge, change the focus of the sensor - in theory, it can help configure the mouse to work better on different surfaces, but in practice it is better not to touch anything, sensitivity and much more.

You can also check how far the mouse is from the computer and what the signal strength is. When you have a wireless mouse, this is very useful.

The software is highly tailored for shooting games. You can add macros that will allow firing bursts with minimal projectile spread (apparently, the cursor position is adjusted). Moreover, such macros even have built-in protection from systems that catch cheaters.

Bloody 5 even has two paid modes - for really hardcore gamers. The software is intuitive and simple.

Equipment

The box contains a USB extension cable with a thick fabric wrapping - important for desktop computers, when the sensor may be located far from the mouse. There is a micro-USB cable, a cloth for wiping the mouse, a couple of stickers and simple instructions.

By the way, I must say a special thank you for the instructions - a clear and concise brochure with sensible pictures. Minimum text, maximum action.

The box itself is very nice, and will delight the owner just standing on the shelf next to the computer.

In progress

The mouse operates without delay and does not slip. The buttons are clear, the manipulator fits well in the hand. In a word, it’s convenient to play.

Having worked and played with the Bloody R8, I can’t help but note three main things, without which I now cannot accept other wireless mice.

Instant awakening. Just touch the mouse and it will wake up from its sleep. It happens instantly. In the settings you can set the time after which the mouse will automatically turn off. It is curious that the Blody R8 does not have a shutdown button at all - and this is good, there are fewer body movements.

Metal legs. Oh, it's just a miracle. A mouse with metal legs glides even on a fabric carpet much more easily than a mouse with Teflon stickers on a plastic surface. You can feel it right away. You get pleasure even from simply moving the mouse. I never paid any attention to the quality of mouse gliding - apparently the point was that a mouse with Teflon legs does not glide very well on any surface.

Metal legs also last much longer - as much as 180 km of run versus 3 km for conventional legs. But this, of course, is just marketing - my mouse legs haven’t worn out in recent years anyway. Rather, it is an indicator that the legs are reliable.

Built-in poly-lithium battery. When working with the V-Track R4, I always had to keep spare batteries on hand. When the batteries ran low, the mouse began to slip or freeze. For serious games and tournaments, I had to buy new batteries to be completely sure that the mouse would not fail.

The Bloody R8 has a 600 mAh battery. Charging is carried out via a USB cable, connection is via micro-USB.

The software is able to detect battery charge and signal if the mouse needs to be recharged. It is very comfortable.

In addition, since the battery is not NiMH, it can be recharged at any time without the risk of draining it.

Bottom line

A4-Tech Bloody R8- representative of a new generation of wireless mice. If you choose a wireless gaming mouse, then definitely take not the R4, but the R8.

Three main advantages outweigh the relatively small difference in price:

• built-in battery and charge indication, which eliminates the need to carry spare batteries and constantly worry that the mouse will fail at a crucial moment,
• metal legs- instant +100 bonus to ease of gliding on any surface,
• instant awakening(sleep mode is simply invisible to the user) and the absence of a shutdown button.

In my opinion, there is only one minus - the lack of cargo. Some players will find the mouse too light, although, in my opinion, this is a matter of habit. In addition, for the advertised price, it would be simply arrogant to demand additional cargo.

Lately I have only positive emotions from A4-Tech gaming products. It is clear that the developers love to play and are actively collecting feedback from users. If the first A4-Tech mice were cheap and cheerful, and often failed, today the company's products can boast of high reliability, high-quality assembly and truly useful functions.

Specifications A4-Tech Bloody R8:

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Main mode: 3 game modes
• Ergonomics: left and right hand
• Number of buttons: 7 buttons + scroll
• Sensor: optical
• P/D frequency: 2.4G
• Connection: USB (2.0/3.0)
• Receiver: USB Nano Receiver
• Charging cable: micro-USB
• Battery: Poly lithium battery (600mA)
  

GAME CHARACTERISTICS

• Maximum resolution: 3200dpi (adjustable)
• Image processing: 368 MP/sec
• Acceleration: 30g
• Tracking speed: 75 D/sec
• Baud rate: 125~500Hz
• Response time: less than 1ms
• 160K built-in memory

BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS

• Recharge amount: max 500 times
• Full charge: 2.5 hours
• Charge duration: 27 hours
• Sleep mode (movement): 300 hours
• Sleep mode (click): 2 years