RenhetatmoDid you choose the Carcharias yourself, or was the gift unguided?
I chose it myself and I don't regret it. What are you getting at here? Are you just trying to be an elitist wiener garbler or what? OP wants suggestions, people are contributing with products they have tried and liked.
My stuff has never broken because of something I did. If you treat things well, they'll last and and work well worth your money. I play better than a lot of people with my Deathadder and Carcharias, and Steelseries mousepad. All three were gifts from people who know computers and video games, by the way. I trust them not to give me garbage.
Just to clarify, my pointed comment was towards gaming gear/peripheral companies' forays into audio only (although there's something to be said for their attempts at keyboard too). I can't fault your choice of mouse or mousepad.
There's no need to be homophobic by the way.
@Flutter - depends on your use. If it's solely for gaming, best to get a Creative card with CMSS-3D. I think the Titanium HD is the mainstay. If you have multiple uses (music and videos too) then you're probably better served by an external (USB) DAC/amp like Behringer 202, FiiO E17, Aune T1, Objective-2/ODAC, Schiit Magni/Modi.
Some good resources:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/593050/the-nameless-guide-to-pc-gaming-audio-with-binaural-headphone-surround-sound/
http://www.head-fi.org/t/534479/mad-lust-envys-headphone-gaming-guide-updated-3-5-13-akg-q701-minor-update