While gaming mice have come a long way in terms of aesthetics and optics, the basic input method of a few buttons and a wheel has remained more or less the same for years. But the creative minds over at Sandio just don't seem to think simply moving an optical sensor over a two-dimensional surface is the best way to manipulate objects in our increasingly three-dimensional computer environments. Their previous offering, the "Game O'," added a game pad-like control stick to the top of the mouse, and debuted last year. Now they're about to unleash their second generation 3D mouse, the Typhoon, which not only adds two more control sticks, accessible by your thumb and ring finger, but is an entire redesign, both in hardware and software. Oh, and if you hit the lights, you (and if you're near a window, your neighbors) will notice that Sandio packed enough LED lights into this mouse to adorn a USB Christmas tree.

The added controls make it possible to move around in a a first person game without using the WASD keys, which frees up your other hand for mashing more keys. Other 3D apps, like Google Earth become more compelling with the Typhoon, because you can really control movements in three dimensions using one hand.

The bundled software includes a training program that lets you manipulate a cube in a three-dimensional space. While this isn't exactly exciting, it's kind of necessary, as your fingers aren't exactly used to doing all this extra work. Unless your want your tough-as-nails level 37 Death Knight to jerk around like he has a neurological disease, be prepared to spend some time getting used to this new way of mousing. While your thumb is likely already dexterous enough to manipulate a joystick, your pointer finger is likely a bit less so, and your ring finger is a bit spastic, by comparison. Not to mention the fact that moving two or three joysticks around while working a scroll wheel and still moving the mouse is a bit more multitasking than your hand is used to. But given a few hours, it starts to feel more natural.

An application with pre-programed settings for many popular games and a software is included, and making your own profiles for other games is as simple as a few mouse clicks and flicks. Keep in mind though that the program will have to remain running along with the game, and you'll have to launch it separately ever time you fire up another frag-fest. It's not difficult, but could be a bit more streamlined.

The real problem with anything like Sandio's 3D mouse, though, is that you have to essentially relearn the way you mouse. Not unlike rearranging the traditional keyboard layout, it's a potentially good idea that many people are never going to accept, because the way you learned to use an input device however many years ago is the way your brain likely wants to keep doing it. If you're a casual gamer, you might not want to tackle the learning curve of this mouse. But if you use 3D CAD software a lot, or are a hardcore gamer looking to do anything for that extra frag, then Sandio's Typhoon is worth a serious look. It launches in October, but you can preorder it now for $79.99.

Post by Matt Safford