REVIEW: GUNNAR Optiks Gaming/Office Glasses - Style MAMMOTH - Frame Onyx - Lens Amber

 

Review by Jon Donnis

There comes a point during a long gaming session where your eyes start fighting back. Colours feel harsher, brightness becomes tiring, and after a few hours you end up rubbing your eyes more than focusing on the game itself. That was exactly why I decided to put the GUNNAR Optiks Mammoth glasses to the test, and after several lengthy gaming sessions, I came away seriously impressed.

The Mammoth glasses sit within GUNNAR’s King Collection, and the name fits perfectly. These are bold, masculine glasses with a thick rectangular frame that instantly stands out without looking over the top. The Onyx frame colour keeps things stylish and professional enough for office use, but they still carry enough personality to feel right at home in front of a gaming setup.

Fit is one of the biggest selling points here. I have a slightly larger head, or so I keep getting told, and finding glasses that do not pinch around the temples can sometimes be frustrating. The extra wide dimensions on the Mammoth frame made a huge difference. They sit comfortably without feeling tight, and even after hours of use they never became uncomfortable. The lightweight polymer frame also helps more than expected. Despite the chunkier appearance, they never feel heavy on the face.

The amber lens tint works brilliantly during gaming sessions. I tested these while playing several colourful modern games on a large television, exactly the kind of setup that would normally leave me with noticeable eye strain after a few hours. The difference was immediately noticeable. Bright effects felt softer, menus were easier to focus on, and my eyes simply felt more relaxed throughout. Most importantly, I finished long sessions feeling exactly as I had when I started, with no tiredness or irritation creeping in later.

GUNNAR’s lens technology continues to be one of the strongest parts of the package. The claimed 65 percent blue light blocking feels genuinely useful in real world use, especially during late evening gaming. The anti reflective and smudge resistant coating also deserves praise because the lenses stay cleaner than expected, even after regular daily use.

Build quality is excellent throughout. The sturdy multi barrel hinges give the glasses a reassuringly durable feel, and nothing about them comes across as cheap or flimsy. These feel like glasses designed to last, which is exactly what you want from something you may end up wearing every single day.

As for negatives, honestly there are none worth mentioning here. They are comfortable, well made, stylish, and most importantly they actually do what they promise. Considering the quality on offer, they also feel reasonably affordable.

At this stage, most people probably already know I am a big fan of GUNNAR glasses, and the Mammoth model only reinforced that opinion further. The quality is exactly what you would expect from the brand, but the standout feature here is definitely the design and fit. They look fantastic, feel fantastic, and genuinely improve comfort during long gaming sessions.

Another excellent pair of glasses from GUNNAR Optiks.

Out now for under £50

https://gunnar.co.uk/product/gunnar-mammoth-computer-glasses-onyx-amber-gunnar-focus

Thanks as always to the great Gunnar Optiks for providing the glasses for review.

REVIEW: Razer Kishi V2 Pro Gaming Controller Accessory

Review by Jon Donnis

The Razer Kishi V2 Pro turns your smartphone into something much more than a basic gaming device. It gives your phone the feel and function of a handheld console, and after spending time with it using my POCO M7 Pro, I can safely say it's a piece of kit that truly elevates mobile gaming. Whether you're into native Android games or full PC and console-style experiences via streaming, this controller has you covered.

Razer Kishi V2 Pro Starting from £66.99 - Razer.com

From the moment you clip your phone into the Kishi V2 Pro's retractable frame, you can feel the quality. I used my POCO M7 Pro that I recently reviewed, It fit securely, thanks to its flexible but solid design, and the tactile buttons, responsive triggers, and smooth analog sticks all combine to give you the kind of experience you'd expect from a premium gaming controller. It connects directly via USB-C, so there's no Bluetooth delay or input lag. Everything just works, fast and fluid. I've tested a few mobile controllers before, and most of them felt like compromises. The Kishi V2 Pro doesn't.

One of the most impressive features is the HyperSense haptics. When playing action-heavy titles, these subtle but powerful vibrations make a difference. It's not just a gimmick, it genuinely adds to the immersion. I tried a range of Android games, including Genshin Impact and Real Racing 3, and they all handled beautifully. The controller helped unlock the full potential of these games, especially compared to frustrating touchscreen controls that tend to cover half the screen and miss half your inputs.

I also tested PC remote game streaming. While I couldn't get the Razer Cortex software to function correctly on my setup, Steam Link worked like a charm. I was able to stream my full PC library to my phone with zero noticeable latency, and the Kishi V2 Pro gave me full control. It felt closer to playing a game on a Switch or a Steam Deck than on a mobile phone. That said, it's worth noting that the streaming experience may vary depending on your PC setup and network.

Beyond Android games and streaming, the Kishi V2 Pro can double up as a regular PC controller. Just plug it in, and you're good to go. That versatility makes it a smart investment for gamers who want one device that does it all. And if you're looking at the newly released POCO F7 Pro (Available at mi.com), there's a bundle available that combines both devices, ideal for those looking to dive into high-end mobile gaming straight away. - https://amzn.to/42HP1AC

The accompanying Razer Nexus app is well-designed and lets you launch and manage your games with ease. It's not bloated and keeps things clean and functional. I just wish the same could be said for the Cortex software, which still needs refinement to offer a smoother streaming setup for users.

In the end, the Razer Kishi V2 Pro is a genuinely impressive piece of hardware. It takes the frustration out of mobile gaming and replaces it with precision, comfort, and control. It's well-built, looks great, and performs like a dream. While the software side still has room for improvement, especially for PC streaming, the core experience is excellent.

If you're serious about mobile gaming and want to ditch the clunky touch controls, the Razer Kishi V2 Pro is one of the best accessories you can get.

I score the Razer Kishi V2 Pro a solid 8.5 out of 10. 

Out now at https://amzn.to/4iCzkko

Thanks to Razer Inc for providing a review unit of the Razer Kishi V2 Pro