A while back we test drove the Razer Tarantula keyboard and DeathAdder mouse. I was pretty happy with the fact that I could go back and forth from working to playing PC games without having to switch out my basic equipment every time.

This time around, the folks at Razer let me get my workaholic paws on their Destructor mousepad and Piranha headset. Before you geek out and say "these have been out for a minute slowpoke!" keep in mind that it doesn't matter when something comes out - if it's good, it's good. So let's ride...

To start, there are a few reasons why these products are awesome for everyday use (we’ll get to the gaming aspect in a minute).

The headphones are pretty simple looking at first glance. I wasn’t sure why they’d call them Piranha, but the crisp sound definitely packs a bite. The headset has that trademark blue glowing symbol, so you can find them easily when the room is dark or when you’ve buried them under papers on your desk.

While I've had these hooked up to my desk computer, I use a pair of beloved Skullcandy headphones with a bass-booster/volume switch on the laptop that are pretty comparable. While I wouldn't walk out of the house with the Piranha on my head (they're not exactly eye candy), they do tend to be a bit clearer than the almighty Skullcandy joints when it comes to sound quality.

The mic reception is crystal clear, so it’s just as good for making your vlogs and video conferencing as it is for trash talking during gameplay.

I don’t know what “Fractal” texture really means, but that’s just one of the many features that the oversized Destructor has to make it a keeper. It doesn’t slide around when you move your hand, it's thin, it doesn’t get hot or uncomfortable like an ordinary mousepad does when you’ve been working on it for a while, and the gracious space and shape of it allows you to move back and forth, up and down as you work, without having to lift your mouse up to reposition it.

Somehow that seems like I shouldn’t say it like that, but you get the drift. Now gamers, let’s get down to the brass tacks:

Destructor specifications:

Razer Fractal™ textured surface for enhanced precision movements

The crux of the Razer Destructor™’s innovation lies in its proprietary gunmetal coating which yields a highly reactive surface. The result is superior tactility, improved responsiveness and enhanced tracking.

Optimized to improve optical and laser gaming-grade mouse performance

The Razer Destructor™ was made with one primary mission in mind: to coax the maximum performance from gaming-grade mice. And the results speak for themselves. Gaming-grade optical mice track up to 25% better on the Razer Destructor™, and gaming-grade laser mice up to 37% better, when compared to other gaming-mousing surfaces which are designed specifically for extremely precise movements.

Ultra-wide size

Measuring 350mm (length) x 280mm (width) x 2.3mm (height), the Razer Destructor™ provides an ample mousing area for lower-sensitivity gamers accustomed to performing sweeping movements.

• Razer Fractal™ surface for high-precision gameplay
• Optimized for both optical and laser gaming-grade mice
• Ultra-wide size ideal for continuous, rapid swipes: 350mm (length) x 280mm (width) x 2.3mm (height)
• Non-slip rubber base for firm grip on smooth surfaces
• Includes a premium lightweight protective case

Piranha headset specs:

• True-to-life audio quality with superior clarity and bass
• Adjustable, noise-filtering microphone for clearer in-game communication
• Comfortable, ergonomic and adjustable earphones suitable for prolonged use
• In-line remote control with convenient volume and microphone muting adjustments
• Single-sided cable for hassle-free usage
• Durable braided fiber cable protection
• Internet telephony compatible
• Compatible with most major operating systems
• Usable with CD, DVD and digital audio players (via 3.5mm minijack)

Headphones

Freq. response: 18 – 22,000 Hz

Impedance: 32 Ohms

SPL (@ 1 kHz, 1 Vrms): 114 dB

Cable: 3.0 meters

Microphone

Freq. response: 80 – 15,000 Hz

Sensitivity (@ 1 kHz, 1V/Pa): -38 dB

Impedance: ~2 kOhms