Microsoft IME 3.0 special editions

I don't get it. Why is that mouse $250?

The Steelseries and Quad Special Editions are nothing more than a Painted 2007 1080 FK models with replaced feet....

If you want the honest truth, I consider the Legends Edition superior as the side buttons are actually slightly firmer due to the matte rubberized finish. Real 100% Teflon can be purchased from Hyperglide if that's your main concern.

If you want a "good" 3.0, try to find an early 2002-2005 X08- model. Retail wise, I consider these they best as they have superior shell/coating, build quality, and Omron Japan D2F-10F Switches.


Edit: It seems they soldered in D2F-01Fs in the quad gaming edition, but I doubt the build quality is as good as the older X08/X06 models.
Edited by Skylit - 11/28/11 at 11:39pm

The X08 models are semi glossed. X06 models are matte like the 2007 108x's, but in a lighter color. The Legends is basically a throw back to the x08.

I couldn't find a good 3.0 picture, so a 1.1 will do.



PID: X08-

Year and week of manufacturing: 0425 = 25th week of 2004

2005 models halfway through the year switch from the D2F-01F to D2FC-F-7N switch. Not exactly sure when though. (I personally don't mind)



Edit




2007 108x left, x08 right.
Edited by Skylit - 11/29/11 at 8:38am

Throughout the years, collecting intellimouse has been a hobby of mine, and I have had more than 20 combined, ranging from several of the rare 1.1SE to different colors of the limited 3.0 Alienware versions. Currently though I am using a mod because the chinese have simply become so good at doing fakes they outperform the originals. Here are the intellimouse mice I have right now, all the others I have sold.


From left to right: Chinese SteelSeries 3.0 Chameleon Mod | Original 3.0 Alienware SpaceBlack | 3.0 Legends Edition | Original SteelSeries 1.1, self improved.

From stock I'd say the Legends Edition has the best build quality, but the chinese mod has such a smooth and perfect surface.

The picture I took didnt do it justice, so here is a better one from the same seller.
Notice the cord is a thin braided cord, that I took from an Imperator. I did the standard mwheel fix, to tighten it up, since I use mwheel for jump. I enhanced the build quality by filling all gaps on the inside with tape (removes the rattling sound of the buttons, and makes mouse4 and 5 firm). And Hyperglides MS3 on the buttom of course. Seriously, they are worth it. They will last for ever anyways, and have such an amazing glide compared to everything else.

The SteelSeries io1.1 I mixed with a Zowie 1.1 (the black side buttons), and added hyperglides.


I got my 3.0 Chameleon from aliexpress.com. I have heard rumours aliexpress.com is a scam site, but beware its just like ebay, just with some corrupt sellers. The site itself is not corrupt. I had no problems getting my mouse through that site from this seller. (I'm not advertising, I'll remove if if's against the forum rules). So ultimately I'd say get one from him (there are loads of different colors), and put some hyperglides on. I've had a **** ton of different mice, and for FPS imo nothing beats IO, yet.

h0lm, did they fix the scroll wheel bug in the Chameleon version of IE 3.0?

No, its built the same way, but you can easily fix it yourself by bending the plastic part that holds the mousewheel. Over time it loses strength. You can also add paper under it to keep it in place. Picture illustration.

I was thinking of buying one, but after looking at the price. I change my mind. =( Expensive as hell!