Razer co-founder and gaming mouse pioneer Robert Krakow passes away

Even before gaming brand Razer became what it is today, Robert “Razerguy” Krakoff launched the first gaming mouse. It is now known that the pioneer and co-founder of Razer passed away last week at the age of 81.

In 1999, Razer released its first gaming mouse with the Boomslang invented by Krakow. This was an ergonomic wired computer mouse that retailed for about $70 and was primarily intended to appeal to gamers. The pointing device features large mouse buttons and a mouse wheel that acts as a third button. Four buttons could be set individually via computer software, while the 2,000 dpi sampling rate was supposed to ensure that Boomslang had a higher resolution than many other mice of the time.

Until 2005, Razer was not an independent company, but was just a brand name of Kärna, which in turn also released an optical computer mouse with a 2000 dpi sensor. However, Karna went bankrupt in 2001, on which Krakow co-founded Razer with Mi Liang Tan, current Razer CEO. Razerguy had as a starting point to listen to fans and had the desire to market a mouse designed specifically for left-handers. At that time, the management refused to design such a product, but at the same time, the company also had left-handed mice in its collection.

After his time at Razer Krakow has remained active and established Mind FX Science on, an energy drink brand. He also ran with his wife, Dr. Patsy Krakow Blog with health tips for the elderly† Under the name RM Krakoff, Razerguy has also written books, including Laughing Death: A Novel†

sources:
PCGH† the edge

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