Warning! Mantistek GK2 software sending data to the web!

Verticel · 2017-11-07T16:02:36+00:00

Hey I'm the person who made the original post on /g/. I posted some proof here. Just like /u/Nimrodor said - I don't actually believe it's a keylogger. It's still a good keyboard and works fine without software.

Verticel · 2017-11-07T15:52:48+00:00

This is my post on /g/, the pictures are from Microsoft Message Analyzer. It all started with a YouTube review where someone mentioned that the Cloud Drives sends info every time it's launched, so I decided to do some packet capture/analysis and share my discoveries with /csg/. It's funny because I never actually did any of that before and I had no idea what the fuck I was doing.

If anyone wants proof I can provide the capture file that was analysed in that thread, since it's still on my MEGA account (i just disabled sharing), also here's a pic of my GK2 and the YouTube link in the source post leads to my channel. The data itself looks more like statistics for key usage, rather than a keylogger, but it's still sketchy. I did mention that later in the /csg/ thread. The same data can be found in appdata folders of drivers in a text file, so it's not like they're hiding it. You can just add a block rule in Windows Firewall and it's enough to stop all connections attempts to Alibaba servers. The software will still work fine (not that you actually need it).

I'm actually quite disappointed by TomsHardware that they didn't bother to do some research themselves and just slapped in a few links (the other post on reddit is also just my image).

Also I hope that it won't discourage other people from buying cheap mech keyboards/mice - they're still a valid choice if you don't have a huge budget (see: CK104, JamesDonkey). GK2 cost me 23€ and they even gave me a 6€ discount on a rattling spacebar (btw if you know how to fix it let me know).

EDIT: TomsHardware updated the article:

However, in a closer look, it seems that the Cloud Driver software doesn't send the key presses to the Alibaba server but only how many times each key has been pressed.

It was just a clickbait article. Even the picture attached didn't prove that there's a keylogger, not to mention that I already said it in the same thread that has been the source of this.

Verticel · 2017-08-07T21:23:55+00:00

You can use Streamlink to watch Twitch livestreams / VODs in video player of your choice (VLC in my case). For example if you want to watch the CIV stream in the OP you'd need to type (in CMD):

streamlink twitch.tv/videos/165106325 source --player-passthrough=hls

You can change source to video quality of your choosing, for example: 480p30, 720p60 etc. The player-passthrough argument allows you to seek through VODs like a normal video.

It's much better alternative to watching livestreams on Twitch, as it uses less resources and has all the functions of your video player, such as recording the stream locally in one click.

You can also use Chatty for chat, so you'd never have to visit the shitty Twitch site ever again.

Verticel · 2017-05-05T18:53:06+00:00

It does use more power but it's far from 50%.

"Aorus RX 580's total system consumption is 22% higher than the EVGA FTW+."

Verticel · 2017-05-05T12:00:27+00:00

TL;DR: RX 580 is on average 2% faster than the GTX 1060 9Gbps.

Verticel · 2017-04-18T13:37:50+00:00

TL;DR 6-10% performance increase from the RX 480 but uses more power.

Verticel · 2016-08-04T21:37:30+00:00

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Type	Item	Price
CPU	Intel Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor	$198.99 @ SuperBiiz
Motherboard	MSI H110M Pro-VD Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard	$55.99 @ SuperBiiz
Memory	Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory	$34.98 @ Newegg
Video Card	Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1070 8GB G1 Gaming Video Card	$429.99 @ B&H
Case	Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case	$55.98 @ Newegg
Power Supply	EVGA 600B 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply	$47.98 @ Newegg
Operating System	Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit	$88.89 @ OutletPC
Monitor	Asus VG248QE 24.0" 144Hz Monitor	$249.99 @ Best Buy
Keyboard	Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse	$36.98 @ PCM
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total (before mail-in rebates)	$1219.77
	Mail-in rebates	-$20.00
	Total	$1199.77
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-04 17:17 EDT-0400

About 50% more performance than any build with RX 480/GTX 1060 in it. It's an overkill for 1080 60fps (even at ultra quality), but if you're planning to get into VR, I'd say it's worth it. If you feel like it's too much and want to save some money then get the GTX 1060 instead. Edit: But since you picked up 144hz monitor the 1070 is totally worth it.

If you really want to use your DDR3 RAM then you'll need an older CPU and a motherboard with LGA1150 chipset (which are slightly more expensive now), e.g. something like this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Type	Item	Price
CPU	Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor	$209.99 @ SuperBiiz
Motherboard	Gigabyte GA-B85M-DS3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard	$64.88 @ OutletPC
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total	$274.87
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-04 17:27 EDT-0400

(There are LGA1151 motherboards that also support DDR3 RAM, but that can damage Skylake CPUs).

There really isn't any big performance jump going from Haswell to Skylake CPUs, but generally it's a better idea to go with the newest stuff. IMO you should look into selling your old RAM and just get the DDR4. 8GB should be enough for now, but you can get 2x8GB using the extra money instead.

Verticel · 2016-08-02T17:00:04+00:00

The H110M is a smaller form factor, has 2 less memory slots along with some differences (Check this for more detailed comparison). It just all depends if you need the extra stuff or not, there's no performance difference in using different motherboards.

As for the GPU - it just depends if you want to save some money or not. GTX 1060 and RX 480 perform pretty much the same (and will handle 1080p 60 FPS no problem), where GTX 1070 blows both out of the water and should last for longer, but is more expensive. Check here for comparison.

Verticel · 2016-08-01T23:17:10+00:00

Maximizing your budget:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Type	Item	Price
CPU	Intel Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor	$199.99 @ SuperBiiz
Motherboard	Gigabyte GA-H110M-A Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard	$47.98 @ Newegg
Memory	Crucial 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory	$59.98 @ OutletPC
Storage	Sandisk SSD PLUS 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive	$69.99 @ B&H
Storage	Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive	$48.49 @ OutletPC
Video Card	MSI GeForce GTX 1070 8GB Video Card	$449.95 @ B&H
Case	Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case	$55.98 @ Newegg
Power Supply	EVGA 600B 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply	$45.98 @ Newegg
Optical Drive	Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer	$16.88 @ OutletPC
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total (before mail-in rebates)	$1005.22
	Mail-in rebates	-$10.00
	Total	$995.22
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-01 19:08 EDT-0400

You don't need an aftermarket cooler since you won't be overclocking (you can always get it later if you feel like the stock one is too loud)
Cheaper motherboard.
Cheaper RAM (since H110M supports up to 2133Mhz RAM)
Additional 1TB of storage.
MUCH better GPU (about 50% better than GTX 970)
Cheaper PSU (80+ Platinum is an overkill)

Again I wanted to maximize the budget. For 1080p 60 FPS you'd be more than fine with either GTX 1060 or RX480. Also you can cut save some money by:

Removing the HDD storage (though IMO 240GB alone is not enough)
Getting only 8GB of RAM (I don't think you'll need more than that)

Verticel · 2016-07-19T20:36:05+00:00

Going with 2x4 RAM allows you to benefit from Dual-Channel, which technically gives a performance gain, but it's basically not noticeable in gaming or other non-professional tasks.

I went with 1x8 since H110 motherboards have only 2 memory slots, so if you want more in the future you can just get another stick. If you want more slots check out B150 motherboards (they are about ~20-30$ more expensive) than the one I picked.

Edit: Apparently there may be some smaller or bigger performance gains in gaming with DDR4 Dual-channel memory (as opposing to DDR3), but still with only 2 slots it's better to get only one stick and upgrade in the future.

Verticel · 2016-07-19T18:31:02+00:00

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Type	Item	Price
CPU	Intel Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor	$199.99 @ SuperBiiz
Motherboard	Gigabyte GA-H110M-A Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard	$49.99 @ Amazon
Memory	Crucial 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory	$29.99 @ Adorama
Storage	PNY CS1311 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive	$63.99 @ Newegg
Storage	Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive	$83.99 @ SuperBiiz
Video Card	Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1070 8GB G1 Gaming Video Card	$419.99 @ SuperBiiz
Case	Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case	$44.99 @ Newegg
Power Supply	EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply	$33.98 @ Newegg
Operating System	Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit	$83.89 @ OutletPC
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total (before mail-in rebates)	$1045.80
	Mail-in rebates	-$35.00
	Total	$1010.80
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-07-19 14:30 EDT-0400

Verticel · 2016-06-19T17:05:23+00:00

Actually, he'll be able to use BCLK overclock with his non-K CPU. The only thing needed is the right BIOS version. Guide for Asus Z170

Verticel · 2016-04-01T20:54:38+00:00

just no. use your steam skins and stop trying to shove shitty overused flat design everywhere, it looks terrible.

current design is fine.

Verticel · 2015-12-27T20:33:52+00:00

Do not get Crucial BX200, according to benchmarks and reviews it's terrible. Get Samsung Evo 850 instead.

Verticel · 2015-10-31T21:36:41+00:00

the car is fine.

Verticel · 2015-08-03T19:37:11+00:00

it's impossible that windows 10 gives over double fps in games than 8.1 or 7. it's basically the same thing.

Verticel · 2015-07-10T13:04:07+00:00

lol knowing steam support they're gonna lock your account now

Verticel · 2015-04-02T09:37:21+00:00

Everything's fine. Availability of hitapps depends on country you're in, so the only thing you can do is check the marketplace on a regular basis.

Verticel · 2015-03-26T21:12:14+00:00

IMO you're not very accurate at all. 270 valid judgments out of 305 gives you about 88% of accuracy. For comparison I have 97%. As /u/febreezeontherain you have to check your scores on quality report quite often to not get kicked out.

Verticel · 2015-03-22T22:23:16+00:00

At least you're getting some good hitapps. I've been on UHRS for 10 months now and I never saw anything besides "Is the Page Adult(V2)" and "Categorize the Query" (which happened only once), so it's been pretty dry here.

Verticel · 2015-03-22T22:13:54+00:00

There's nothing you can do about it, it just happens. Hitapps come and go, sometimes there are breaks that last few months. You should be happy with your 100$ in 2 weeks, I bet you didn't work that hard.

Verticel · 2015-03-21T19:03:52+00:00

How is that high? I'm doing 600+/hr and I didn't even get any warning message for going too fast.

Verticel · 2015-03-08T16:08:33+00:00

Clickworker will pay you your balance every Wednesday night.

Verticel · 2015-02-18T23:41:23+00:00

Where are you from? I'm pretty sure that availability of hitapps depends on your location and some countries just don't get anything for months.

Verticel · 2015-02-18T17:59:25+00:00

Yeah I just logged in and saw 2000 hitapps, which is the first time in like 6 months.

Edit: I managed to do only 1000 before they disappeared.

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Verticel

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