Razer Kabuto: Simple but Special

So I just got my Razer Kabuto from Amazon ($18.80 with FREE 2nd Day shipping; Prime) and I'm quite impressed. The size of it is perfect for the M11x as it covers almost the entire surface. I also like the fact that it is composed of micro fiber which is perfect for wiping the screen down before use. I couldn't have asked for anything better. Definitely worth the invesment.

Now I'm just waiting for the Logitech G700 to come out so it can sit on top of it.

 

I avoid using it to clean the M11x because I'd rather not have to clean it anymore than necessary. Microfiber cloths accumulate oils, dirt and dust pretty quickly and keeping them clean ensures they'll clean well. I'd rather use my inexpensive good microfibers for that duty.

I also stopped using it as a screen protector since it's a tad too thick for my tasted and I'm concerned about stressing the hinges anymore than opening/closing it already does.

Other than that, love it!

 

This thing is really thin though. I doubt it stresses the hinge at all. Also, the microfiber should be alright to use for light wiping as it is composed of high density micro-fibers. The tight space between them doesn't allow for accumulation of contaminants as other types. A simple flick and you're good to use it to clean.

My only question is... is this thing machine-washable?!

 

slickie is right, any towel can get dirty, especially one that gets double duty as a mouse pad. If you use it to wipe the screen any dirt particles could scratch the screen. Whether or not you notice or care about these minor scratches is a different story.

 

How scratch resistant is the M11x screen anyways?! One thing is for sure, the chances of this scratching the screen when lid is closed more than the keyboard is very very slim. I'll take my chances laying this pup in between them.

 

I'd say it's moderately resistant, but that's not really what you want when there's repeated contact with something else such as keys.

And yes, I know all about the Kabuto. I own one. Just stating that there are better things suited to cleaning and protecting your screen without the /potential/ of adding stress to the hinges. You're free to use it as you see fit.

 

I own a Kabuto too. Yeah, cleaning the screen is not what it's for. However if like me your screen touches the keyboard it's awesome. Plus, it's a great mouse mat and between the screen it's like you are not carrying anything.

 

i love miens too fits fine in the m11x no gaps whatsoever

 

Glad you guys like it, i ordered this earlier today along with the Orochi mouse. Cant wait to get it!.

 

i would say its not machine washable only because the other side of the pad has a rubber stick side?

 

I bought one and don't like it much, it offers too much resistance to the mouse (logitech G500) for smooth mousing. Also when placed between screen and keyboard the laptop won't close fully with gentle pressure. I guess I regret buying it.

 

I wouldn't use it as a spacer between the keyboard and screen.

 

why not? Is it bad that the hinges do not fully close?

 

yep ^^ it doesnt.

 

I use the little pc of cloth that came with the M11x protecting the screen, The kabuto is just nice to have as a mobile pad.

 

If you need to wash this mouse pad, hand wash it. Never ever put anything in the washing machine that does not say "Machine Washable" on it. A washing machine is like a 60-minute roller coaster without a stop button.

The agitation from machine washing could damage the rubber backing by causing it to crack or tear. The agitation or harsh laundry detergent could also cause the adhesive between cloth and rubber to separate. The threading around the edge of the cloth could easily start to fray and unravel. These may be minor things, but I want my mouse pad to stay as close to 100% pristine as possible.

 

Yes, stressed hinges are likely to break.. use something perferably paper thin.

 

Me too, it's like it was designed to fit perfectly

 

i just wont suggest washing a mousepad at all. its a lint catcher but its 20$...

 

What do you guys suggest for a keyboard/screen cover besides the Razer Kabuto? Right now I am using that white sheet that came with the m11x until I get something more suitable.

Also for cleaning the laptop (not just the screen), any suggestions? I am a huge fan of the monster cleaners (I bought like 5 bottles before I left best buy) as I use them for all my electronics but I have a feeling it won't work as well for the m11x.

 

Yea i like mine too. It works alot better than i expected it to.

 

In my last laptop (Dell XPS M1330), I bought a screen protector to protect the keyboard and screen when closed. It was essentially just a black microfiber cloth that was cut to fit a 13.3" laptop. That works great as a screen protector and cleaning cloth. I am sure you can find a similar product designed to fit a 12.1" laptop that will work fine with the M11x. A 13.3" cloth would be slightly too big.

As for what to clean with - I always use a clean cloth (soft cotton or microfiber) and some water. I never use any kind of chemical cleaner on any of my LCD screens or TV's, because I am worried that it might eat through whatever coating or plastic glossy panel the manufacturer used. I have never had a problem cleaning off oil, dust, or random grime from my screens using that.

 

I agree. Warm water and a good soft microfiber are all you really need for cleaning every surface on a laptop.

As for inserts to use for protecting the screen, I've tried the Kabuto (too thick), the original cloth inset (not durable over the long run and starts to look ratty) and have finally ended up with a perfectly cut sheet of that stuff that brand new monitors have taped to bezel in order to protect the screen - whatever that material is called. It's thin enough, durable, easy to cut to size and cleans up very easily.

 

You know what's sad?! We shouldn't have to protect the screen. I haven't owned any other laptop that had the problems with the keys touching the screen. It's kind of a big deal to me and I'm sure many others here. You figured AW would feel the same and would have addressed the issue with the R2s.

 

My unibody MacBook Pro's keys touch its screen and always leave oil marks. The difference is that its screen in made of glass rather than plastic.

 

Btw I suggest these threads too:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m11x/473680-m11x-razer-kabuto-query.html

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/478196-m11x-razer-kabuto-moray-mini-review.html

This guy found some nice alternative:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m11x/473680-m11x-razer-kabuto-query-4.html

 

The alternative doesn't seem to be a mousepad. Just a screen protector.

 

Yeah unfortunately the other one doesn't work as a mousepad. But it fits much better.

I owned another one that had the same problem. Maybe not too shocking - Dell XPS m1330.