I like the wood, there's something about handshaped wood that screams quality. Not sure bout the design i.t.o. ergonomics, when I move my mouse I grip the sides slightly with my thumb and pinky - having a void under the buttons means half my thumb will not have anything to grip against, that might just be me though, I understand this is in memory of the ff8 gunblade, but I'd rather the wood complete the entire body. Otherwise the brushed metal looks great, I hate the plastic crap that gets made today. The graphics on the buttons are awesome! And it's nicely finished with a metal footing.