A "NEW" VETERAN ENTERS THE PC WORLD

December 16, 2015
Product review by Jimmy "ShinJN" Nguyen - Level Up, LLC Chief Operations Officer and Co-Founder
Consoles, laptops, tablets, PCs, Macs, handhelds, and mobile phones. What do these all have in common? They have a metric ton of accessories and peripherals consumers can purchase to protect and enhance their hard earned investment. In the world of PC peripherals, you can find a vast array of keyboards and mice that help you get through the day-to-day tasks as well as assist in gaming activities. This world now has a new presence and it is a company you probably would have never thought of.

HORI, a brand name synonymous with joysticks, console peripherals, and handheld accessories is getting their feet wet in the PC world with the release of their EDGE 101 Mouse and EDGE 201 Keyboard. With high quality, unique designs, and an established reputation already behind their name, this is a very bold and smart strategic move that positions HORI as one of the go-to companies for input solutions for both console and PC.

Let’s take a look at HORI’s new keyboard and mouse.

HORI EDGE 101

Optical Gaming Mouse

MSRP: $69.99
SKU: EGU-101
Product Link:
 HORI USA - EDGE 101

Features

  • 11 Buttons
  • Uses HORI switches
  • Customizable, multi-colored LED lighting side buttons (with software)
  • All metal soles/feet
  • Two weight options
  • PixArt SDNS-3988 optical sensor
  • 200 IPS tracking speed
  • Four polling rates: 120 / 250 / 500 / 1000 Hz
  • Weight of 0.29 pounds (130 grams or 4.23 ounces)
  • Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, Vista, Windows 10 (used for this review)
  • Expanded functionality with EDGE 101 software
  • Full details and manual: EDGE 101 Website

PACKAGING

The EDGE 101 packaging is simple and very informative. The brushed silver of the logo, front, and side play off of the design and color scheme of the mouse.

OUT OF THE BOX IMPRESSIONS

  • Ambidextrous – both left and right handed people can use this mouse
  • Simple, uniform design with enough buttons (three on each side) for gaming
  • Gold plated USB connector
  • Has a good weight to it but with only two weight options: with weight or without weight
  • Soles/feet are made of smooth metal instead of Teflon and will last much longer than Teflon
  • Cord is braided
  • USB cord is quite short at 6 feet; this may pose problems for those that like to cable manage and have their PCs on the floor further away
  • No tool is included to remove the weight at the bottom of the mouse
  • Quite large and might be an issue for consumers with smaller hands

OUT OF THE BOX FUNCTIONALITY - no software installed

Nowadays, most mice come with software to enhance their functionality. I am not a fan of installing lots of software so I always use mice straight out of the box first to test their versatility and ease of plug-and-play before installing software. Let’s see how the EDGE 101 functions out of the box.
  • Left Side Buttons
  • Button 1: Forward button in a browser
  • Button 2: Back button in a browser
  • Button 3: No function
  • Right Side Buttons
  • Button 1: Page Up
  • Button 2: Page Down
  • Button 3: No Function
  • Scroll Wheel and Buttons
  • Works as a scroll wheel
  • Has a middle click button
  • Button 1: No function
  • Button 2: Changes mouse sensitivity (5 presets)
  • The two buttons on each side of the mouse light up and change colors using a breathing pattern
  • Colors alternate in and out; Red, Green, Blue, Yellow, Cyan, Purple, White
  • Screws that secure the weight on the mouse are not conventional flathead screws and finding the right tool may be a challenge for some
  • Fits well in the palm but those with smaller hands may find the mouse to be too big and a bit tall
  • The scroll wheel makes a faint clicking sound when it is scrolled to a certain position
  • The faint clicking can be heard and felt during operation of the scroll wheel but does not trigger unwanted action
  • The click happens at the same spot on the wheel each time
  • The faint clicking can be heard and felt during operation of the scroll wheel but does not trigger unwanted action
  • Cannot program macros without software before installing software
  • Works with IOGear GCS634U 4-Port USB KVM and software is able to detect the mouse

USAGE WITH EDGE 101 SOFTWARE

To unlock the full potential of the mouse, you will need to install the EDGE 101 software. Currently, there is no portable version that you can run from a USB drive or any location on your hard drive. Upon launching the software initially, it may be using the Japanese language for the User Interface (UI). To change the language, click the rectangular button next to the circular refresh button at the very bottom-right of the software and choose English.

One thing to note is that the software has an auto-save feature that applies your changes to the mouse immediately. The “Save” button has no function and HORI should consider removing it.

One excellent feature of the software is you are able to export and import your settings. This will allow you to maintain a backup or share your settings with colleagues.
Main Menu
  • This is where you will be able to change the functionality of each button on the mouse
  • You can also bind specific mouse profiles to game executables
Sensor Menu
  • Various settings can be changed in this menu, such as DPI for the five presets, polling rate, lift-off distance, and speed
  • Mousepad profiles can be created if you use many types of mousepads
Macro Menu
  • New and existing macros can be added and edited in this menu
  • The timing between key presses and key releases can be fine-tuned or use a fixed time interval
  • You cannot record mouse clicks when creating a macro
Light Menu
  • Allows the user to change the color, brightness level, and blink speed of the two side buttons on the left and right sides of the mouse
  • Unfortunately, there is no option to enable alternating of colors which is strange because out-of-the-box, the mouse alternates through seven different colors
Test Menu
  • This menu has two fun tests to see how fast you can click and how fast your reaction is.

HORI EDGE 201

Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

MSRP: $169.99
SKU: EGU-201
Product Link:
 HORI USA - EDGE 201

Features

  • 109 Keys with height of 19mm
  • Full key stroke distance of 3mm and “On” key engagement distance of 1.5mm
  • Function keys
  • HORI original mechanical switches with 55G actuation force and 75 million keystroke life span
  • Blue LED backlighting
  • Four polling rates: 120 / 250 / 500 / 1000 Hz
  • Gaming Mode, Anti-Ghosting and N-Key Rollover technology
  • Weight of 2.09 pounds (950 grams or 33.5 ounces)
  • Dimensions: 17.32 inch x 7.48 inch x 0.86 inch (not including height of keys)
  • Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, Vista, Windows 10 (used for this review)
  • Expanded functionality with EDGE 201 software
  • Full details and manual: EDGE 201 Website

PACKAGING

The box is dominated by the brushed silver color which compliments the aluminum alloy face of the keyboard. The back of the box contains information about the keyboard and other details.

OUT OF THE BOX IMPRESSIONS

  • Unique design; makes cleaning easier
  • Keys are raised above the face of the keyboard; new HORI Mechanical Switches are visible
  • Keys themselves are shallow
  • Keys are easily removable – a simple lift with fingers is all that is needed
  • Brushed aluminum faceplate/base is sleek and pleasing to the eye
  • Faceplate/base is thin but the edges are not sharp so no need to worry about cuts
  • Gold plated USB connector
  • USB cord is quite short at 6 feet; this may pose problems for those that like to cable manage and have their PCs on the floor
  • USB cord is not braided
  • USB cord is not detachable
  • Ample amount of rubber feet to prevent keyboard from sliding
  • The rear risers have rubber feet in both open and closed positions
  • No USB ports, speaker jack, or microphone jack available on the keyboard
  • Lightweight
  • Palm rest feels low-quality
  • HORI mechanical switches are completely smooth during travel of key press and release; there is no noticeable snap of the keys
  • Keys do not make clicking sounds but do emit some noise like any other keyboard
  • Small keys are easier to press than larger keys
  • Larger keys have a bit more resistance to them (Backspace, Enter, Shift, etc)

OUT OF THE BOX FUNCTIONALITY - no software installed

Like the EDGE 101 mouse, I like to use keyboards straight out of the box to test versatility and base functionality. I want to see how much I can push this keyboard (no pun intended) before I need to use the software. Let’s go over what I found.
Compatibility with Typical Hardware
  • Works with IOGear GCS634U 4-Port USB KVM and software is able to detect the keyboard
  • Works with USB hubs and software is able to detect the keyboard
The Keys
  • All keys are backlit with blue LEDs
  • The 1.5mm “On” engagement of each key works as advertised
Palm Rest
  • The palm rest piece is easy to put in and it swings up and down to accommodate the height of the KB whether the rear risers are used or not
Profiles
  • There are five built-in profiles in the keyboard
  • FN + 1 through 5 (keys above the letters) can be used to select the profile
  • Selecting a profile temporarily disconnects the keyboard from the operating system and can be problematic for some games
Function Keys
  • Mute, Vol+, and Vol- work as expected
  • Previous track, Next track, and Play/Pause work as expected when a media player program is open
  • Backlighting decrease, increase, and all ON/OFF work as expected
  • Turning off backlighting of individual keys work as expected
  • Turning Gaming Mode ON/OFF works as expected
  • Turning ON/OFF Macro mode works as expected but you must choose a profile first
  • Choosing between five profiles works as expected with FN key + 1 through 5
Macros
  • Out of the box, pushing FN + F9 to turn on Macro mode does not work
  • You must select a profile first before FN + F9 works
  • You can clear any recorded macros using FN + F9, FN + ESC, Y-key
  • The only caveat is that all macros are cleared and you cannot clear just a single macro
  • Any macros recorded are stored on the active profile and remain stored even after unplugging the keyboard
  • After you finish pressing the key sequence for your macro and before locking it in with FN + F9, the keys will flash in the order you pressed so you can confirm the sequence
  • You are unable to control the delay between keypresses when programming macros through the keyboard
Gaming Mode
  • Gaming Mode is turned ON/OFF by using FN + F10
  • When Gaming Mode is on, Caps Lock and Windows Key are disabled
  • The product manual says Tab and Alt are also disable but this is a misprint; key combinations Alt + F4 and Alt + Tab are actually disabled
  • Turning ON/OFF Gaming Mode temporarily disconnects the keyboard from the operating system
Backlighting Adjustment Mode (BAM)
  • FN + PRT SC (Print Screen) is used to turn ON/OFF BAM
  • When not in BAM, FN + F11 decreases the brightness of all lit keys and FN + 12 increases the brightness
  • When in BAM, FN + F11 turns off all lights and FN + 12 turns on all lights
  • When you turn on BAM, the keyboard will go black for a second and then turn back on
  • You are now able to individually turn ON/OFF any key that has a light
  • Press FN + PRT SC to turn off BAM
  • There is no visible indication letting you know when BAM is turned off

USAGE WITH EDGE 201 SOFTWARE

The EDGE 201 software is where you will be enabling and disabling various features of the keyboard. Like the EDGE 101 software, it must first be installed before you can use it. When you first launch the software, the language may be in Japanese. To change the language, click the rectangular button next to the circular refresh button at the very bottom-right of the software.

The software allows you to change and customize the keyboard to your liking. Unlike the EDGE 101 software, all changes that are made must be saved by clicking the SAVE button in the bottom-right of the software. You are also able to export and import your settings in the EDGE 201 software.
Main Menu
  • This is the menu where you change the polling rate, enable Gaming Mode, change key functions, and bind specific profiles to your selected games’ executable.
  • Enabling Gaming Mode also enables the N-Key rollover function
Macro Menu
  • New and existing macros can be added and edited in this menu
  • The timing between key presses and key releases can be fine-tuned or use a fixed time interval
  • You cannot record mouse clicks when creating a macro
  • The software randomly crashes at times when programming a macro
Light Menu
  • Emission Mode
  • Always On
  • Breathing
  • The duration of each breath in (fade in) and breath out (fade out) is controlled by the “Breathing Speed” dial
  • Reactive
  • The keys light up as you press them
  • The duration the keys are lit can be set between 1 and 60 seconds
  • Linear Reactive
  • The row of keys that contains the key you pressed will light up in a ripple effect starting from the key that you pressed
  • Ripple Reactive
  • This effect will create a water ripple effect starting from the key that you pressed and will light up the entire keyboard
  • All keys ON or OFF radio buttons
  • Turns all backlit keys ON or OFF
  • Brightness Level Dial
  • Adjust the brightness of the backlit keys
  • Breathing Speed Dial
  • Only works when Emission Mode is set to “Breathing”
  • UI needs a better indication to the inform user when dial cannot be used
  • Keyboard Layout
  • Allows the user to individually turn ON or OFF the light of a key by clicking on the key
  • This is the same as going into Backlight Adjustment Mode on the keyboard itself and pressing individual keys
Test Menu
  • Allows you to test the N-Key rollover feature of the keyboard.
  • Gaming Mode must first be turned on for N_Key rollover to be active

CLOSING THOUGHTS

After spending two weeks with the EDGE products and using them for my day-to-day work with occasional Tetris and Rising Thunder sessions, I have to say that HORI is off to a great start with PC peripherals. The EDGE 201 is near perfect and the EDGE 101 is a great entry level mouse. There is a great balance of function and simplicity which I like with my keyboards and mice. You can use them as is and when you want to get adventurous, launch the software to unlock the full potential. I also love the design of the 201 keyboard; a unique design I have not seen before. The best part of the 201 design is cleaning is such a breeze. Just make sure you take a picture of the keyboard prior to popping off the keys.

Below is a list of improvements I would like to see to the 101 and 201. I hope HORI will take them into consideration for their next iteration of keyboards and mice.

EDGE 101 Mouse

  • ‍Consider replacing the scroll wheel with a higher quality one to remove clicking sound and provide a more rigid feel
  • Shorten length of the mouse for consumers with smaller hands or consider rebranding the current mouse “XL” and release a smaller version
  • Include a tool to remove the weight at the bottom of the mouse
  • Reduce the excessive travel of the top two buttons on the left and right sides of the mouse after buttons are pressed
  • Move third buttons on the left and right sides of mouse higher for easier access
  • Consider making the software “portable” to eliminate the need to install it
  • Remove “SAVE” button if software already auto-saves changes
  • Add alternating color option to software

EDGE 201 Keyboard

  • Add USB, headphone, and microphone ports to keyboard
  • Braid the USB cable
  • Extend the length of the USB cable to 10 feet
  • Lighten actuation force needed to engage the larger keys to match the smaller keys
  • For the mechanical switch, reduce the actuation force to 50G to accommodate consumers with lighter typing
  • Improve the hinges that hold the palm rest to the keyboard as they seem to be the weakest point of the rest
  • Improve the Macro portion of the software to eliminate random application crashing
  • Consider making the software “portable” to eliminate the need to install it
  • Add better indication when exiting Brightness Adjustment Mode on the keyboard

Final Verdict

I highly recommend the EDGE 201 keyboard. I am more of a heavier typist and push my keys with a little more force and it suits me well. It has replaced my work keyboard and has caught the eyes of some coworkers. If you are looking for an advanced, entry-level gaming mouse, I also recommend the EDGE 101 mouse but I would like to see what HORI has in store of their next mouse.

WHERE TO BUY

You can purchase the EDGE 101 and 201 at the HORI store or on Amazon.

HORI Store
EDGE 101 on Amazon
EDGE 201 on Amazon
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