IE Explorer 3.0, the true gamers mouse?
With the sudden influx of “Gamer Mouses” being created from almost everyone these days - Even Quake 4 Player Fatality has his own - theres a very elite club of gamers that are sticking to there old 5 year old mouse and at times even paying over £100 to get there hands on a new one.
I am of course taking about Microsofts IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0, how did Microsoft get it so right and then oh so wrong?
Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0, is by no means an average mouse, but by no means revolutionary. This mouse’s predecessor, the Intellimouse Explorer, was one of the first iterations of mice to break away from the traditional “beige box” design. Its internal components are encased in an attractive mix of grey and red, the optical sensor captures data at up to 6,000 frames per second, it’s form fitted for a right handed person, features USB connectivity (with included ps/2 adapter), and boasts programmable buttons.
The included software is not necessary if you are looking for just basic functionality within windows. But, it is known that the IntelliMouse Drivers can infact cause “skipping” problems with the Explorer 3.0 so i would NOT reccomend using them, unless you desprately need to rebind the mouse buttons.
With 5 programmable buttons ( 3 on top and 2 on the left side ) the Explorer 3.0 gives your standard game enough choice to use this mouse anyway they wish, although due to it being alot older then the current batch of gamers mice it is missing such features as a tilt wheel and a weight system.
There was also a few re-branded versions of the Explorer 3.0 created for Alienware, which are now such complete collectors items you can find them going on eBay for over £100
Now i know most people will shun the Explorer 3.0 just because its over 5 years old, but trust me why would people pay £35-£100 and almost all of Team3D still use this mouse today if it wasnt the true gamers choice?
Its less about which mouse you have, and more about how good you are with it.
Warmach1ne is undoubtably one of the best CSS players in the world, and he uses an MX518.
Very true, but i think you will find a lot of high end gamers use the IE 3.0 and tend to move on to mice like the MX518 due to them not being able to find anywhere
I know what your saying duff, however the key in any high octane sport is setup and when you get to a certain level it’s the slightest things and Explorer 3.0s are legendary mice and i’ve tried them all. Would be nice to see microsoft remake thie 3.0.. with a better tracking system.
nice article phunky. tbh theres no perfect mouse as its all about personal preference, but i agree the IE 3.0 is a great mouse, i hope they do a remake. as phunky said, the fact that so many pros still use them dispite them being so old shows how good they are. iv actually got one myself but i use an mx510 atm cos im used to that atm. might try going back to the old skool sometime.
p.s. love the new site!
try the explorer with these settings :
disable pointer precision
disable mouse accel with reg patch
up mouse hz to 500hz
now them settings really perk the mouse.. fantastic.
i agree this mouse rocks i brought one of ebay for 35 quid two weeks ago !
its also true about team3D .. i wasnt suprise to see in person in singapore them all using 3.0s.. that goes for most of other top teams that where there.. 3.0s all over.
I used to have a 4.0
this 3.Ohh has sparkd new life in my css, gettin those wristflikz Hs back again
nuk po muj me i ra ne fije qysh me lue qtu cs ak mudnsi me me dregue