By Jim Rossignol on July 30th, 2009 at 8:38 am.
A minor disaster has befallen me. My Razer Krait, my long-standing ultra-minimal mouse, has developed a slight left-click fault. It only works about 50% of the time which, as you all know, is no good for gaming. I need 100%. After years of service this mouse will have to be put down, buried in a shoe box in the garden, while I fire three shots into the air with a home-made water pistol. This also means that it’s time for a new mouse. But what do I get as a replacement?
The kneejerk reaction is to go for the something obvious, like the Logitech G5. It looks a bit like a magic slug, but I’ve always done well with Logitech in the past (my Quake III days were powered by an old Logitech optical) and I’ve heard lots of people say the G5 is a good deal. The customisable G9 just looks a bit silly for my tastes.
Of course I could stick with my previous brand, and go for the Razer Lachesis, which specs up as about the most hi-tech beast on the market. It’s a little expensive, but perhaps the quality is worth it. And just look at it. You could kill a man with those lines.
But then there’s also the impulse to get something outlandish, like a mouse made of wood, or something custom-built from stainless steel. Browsing around for such outlandishness, I ended up finding this monstrosity:
Could I go for it, and live the nightmare steampunk dream? Maybe not, and besides I’d have to get someone to hand-craft the bugger for me. But that’s not to say there isn’t some outlandish nonsense in the mainstream mouse market. I mean look at this crazy-machine, the Evoluent Verticalmouse 3, designed to combat RSI:
Would you really be able to sit at a desk with your arm stretched out onto this thing, like you were flying a spaceship from the 1970s? Seriously?
Anyway, I really can’t decide on the perfect mouse, and I need some kind of community lowdown on mouse excellence. So I throw the flaw open to the mob. Denizens of RPS, speak your ergonomics!
30/07/2009 at 08:44 abigbat says:
Good lord, that last one is a little extreme.
30/07/2009 at 08:46 DSX says:
First things first, did you try disassembling Johnny-five and cleaning everything? Q-tip and some rubbing alcohol often do wonders.
30/07/2009 at 08:47 Freeks says:
After my Saitek Cyborg died, I had the same decision to make. High-Tech-mouse, stylish mouse, simple mouse. I chose the simple one and bought after 2 years my third Microsoft Intelli Explorer 1.1 best and most comfortable mouse ever :)
30/07/2009 at 08:47 Spindaden says:
If you liked the krait stick with it. I have a steelseries ikari optical and would not recommend them, but a mouse is a very subjective thing, you don’t need to get the newest on the beat -the Lachesis is a rather extreme twitch mouse compared to the krait and I never liked logitech personally for their shape but particularly their driver software.
30/07/2009 at 08:49 Howard says:
As much as it pains me to say it, M$ still make the best rodents, IMO. Personally I would go for:
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/148285
(Also sorry to pimp Ebuyer – Cannot stand them but its first place I found it in stock!)
30/07/2009 at 08:52 Uglycat says:
I prefer the Mx518 over the G5/9
30/07/2009 at 08:52 Joppe w says:
If you do opt for the Lachesis, remember to also get a very thin and hard mouse pad, as every click will otherwise miss its mark by a few annoying pixels. It is also a very large mouse which might be a dealbreaker for some. Technologically, though, it is quite the marvel.
30/07/2009 at 08:52 McGhee says:
I have a G5 and it works well. Some of the other Logitech ones like the MX518 are also recommended.
30/07/2009 at 08:56 The Sombrero Kid says:
I’ve got a lachesis and it’s amazing, the difference between that and the bog standard Microsoft mouse i was using before, was like the difference between a using a mouse and using a heavy rock to control your game.
30/07/2009 at 08:57 John says:
G5. End of chat.
Comfy to use, customizable dpi rate, enough buttons without making you wonder where you bound crouch.
30/07/2009 at 08:59 Heliocentric says:
No one ever surpassed the Mx1000 in my mind. But, then, i like hella buttons.
30/07/2009 at 09:02 Sunjammer says:
I guess it’s a real love it or hate it kind of deal, but i play damn tightly with my Wacom Intuos2 tablet. Originally to solve a wrist pain issue, it just feels natural to use now, even in relative mouse mode. Could be i”m deluding myself, but i swear to god my Quake Live headshot ratings are complete crazytime over what they were when i played Q3 with a mouse.
30/07/2009 at 09:02 MrBejeebus says:
If you want to stick with Razer’s then a diamondback or lachesis are good, although lachesis’ are very expensive.
I’ve had mine for almost a couple of years, I’ve never had a problem with it except for the teflon feet at the bottom getting worn out which was sold with a bit of teflon tape.
I’ve no knowledge of any other mice really, up until about 3 years ago I’d just been using normal mouses so I bought a diamondback, that failed on me after a year (powerchord) and now I have a Lachesis which I like.
I am left handed though so I have to settle for ambidextrous mouses.
30/07/2009 at 09:05 Ffrank says:
Razer Deathadder is a good (cheaper) alternative to the Lachesis.
I use one with a Steel Series mini, it’s as smooth as polished butter.
30/07/2009 at 09:05 l1ddl3monkey says:
Mice are a “horses for courses” thing in my opinion.
I went from a G5 to a Death Adder and after some time the left mouse button stopped working. It seems to be a common fault with Razer’s output.
I have returned to a new G5. It’s bigger and less pretty than the Razer but 1) I don’t have particularly little hands and 2) it’s hard as nails. I also find it easier to control (sorry but 2000dpi is too much for me; it’s like playing while suffering from full body tourettes – no offence meant to anybody who may actually be afflicted with that condition).
30/07/2009 at 09:06 James G says:
Ahh, my boss has that last one. It is ridiculously sensitive, no idea why he hasn’t knocked the sensitivity down. (Other than he probably doesn’t know how to, but I’ve let him know that it can be done and he hasn’t asked me.)
30/07/2009 at 09:06 purplespud says:
I have the Evoluent Verticalmouse, it took a fair bit of getting used to but i love it. Had to get it due to QUAKE/MOH/COD = carpal tunnel surgery. It’s not optimal for gaming but is indeed for wrist pain.. and a couple foot pedals fixed it’s lack o’ extra buttons. http://gamingmouse.com/weapon.php?pid=30
30/07/2009 at 09:06 Hunty says:
I personally get on quite well with my Habu, which is basically an old Intellimouse shape (the best shape, in my opinion) with all that nifty gaming button and sensor business added in, plus some extraneous blue strips round the edges. Comfortable, accurate, nifty.
30/07/2009 at 09:07 MrBejeebus says:
If you have a large hand you might want to go for a Sidewinder, I know they’re very large supposedly
30/07/2009 at 09:07 Vanguard says:
The Razer DeathAdder is quiet good especially if you are already familiar with the Razer ergonomics.
30/07/2009 at 09:07 JoeDuck says:
I have the Lachesis and it’s a very nice mouse, it feels nice, the quality of the materials is good and it is really precise. You can change the resolution on the fly, so if you are twitching inside an FPS with super high resolution and you want to come out of the game to browse or whatever, you can go back to normal with a click on the mouse, easy and fast.
Still, I would only recommend it for someone with big hands as it’s a big mouse.
And finally, the best part is the blue logo on the back part of the mouse.
It is actually a led that pulsates all the time the mouse is on, basically showing you the rodent’s heartbeat…
30/07/2009 at 09:08 Ian says:
Lots of buttons scare me. I just use a normal mouse.
30/07/2009 at 09:09 Yargh says:
I’ve been very happy with my G5 for the last year or so, I also got my hands on one of Evoluent’s vertical mice a while back (HR actually took our receptionist’s RSI claims seriously) and they are surprisingly comfortable to use but don’t expect it to give you high precision at speed.
I found that the vertical position of the hand removes your impression of direct control, possibly because the index finger is so far removed from the desktop.
30/07/2009 at 09:11 Cirdain says:
Ok from the looks of it im gonna say your budget is $80 if it’s really good.
Logitech VX Revolution $70-ish
the Razer you chose
Cyborg Mouse by Saitek (Probably one of the most mental designs ever)
GM3200 Laser Mouse by Saitek (This is what I have. It was a small budget).
I would go for the Razer and a Saitek keyboard.
30/07/2009 at 09:12 Don says:
I bought one of the first wireless/optical mice, the Logitech MX, and it served me well for a decade or so. A couple of months back I realised that the frequent BSODs I was getting when I booted XP to play games were not due to crappy Microsoft/driver/game code but due to the mouse going bezerko, so I had to go through a similar exercise.
I eventually opted for a Microsoft Sidewinder X8 for its neat recharge system. In terms of use I found the jump in dpi over the MX too much at the highest setting and had to dial it down. And in a typical Microsoft fashion it starts a process called dbupdchk.exe at boot that supposedly checks for updates to the driver. Why such a process has to run all the time makes no sense, to make it one that you can’t turn off is just plain rude. You have to noodle around with security policies to squash this waste of RAM and cpu time. To add insult to injury it didn’t even do its job, before I suppressed it I noticed that a driver update had been released courtesy of the web, which is more than the update checker ever did.
These minor glitches aside after the usual bedding in period I’m finding I’m almost as good in L4D and similar as I was with the MX, just a bit twitchier than before.
30/07/2009 at 09:15 CaseytheBrash says:
I also have enjoyed my G5, the cord is a bit stiff, but rugged, other than that it fits my paw well and has been reliable. I fully weighted mine and it track well on almost any surface. I think my current mouse pad is a flattened beer can and it’s fine.
30/07/2009 at 09:16 Jim Rossignol says:
A mouse is something I feel quite happy spending lots of money on. Like a bed, it’s something that actually impinges on daily life on a constant basis.
30/07/2009 at 09:17 Greg Wild says:
I’m currently using a Razor Krait myself. Good mouse.
I’d say go with Razor :D
30/07/2009 at 09:20 Eben says:
The basic Microsoft optical mouse, i will never use another
30/07/2009 at 09:20 JS says:
I’ll also recommend the mouse I’ve been using for a couple years now: the Razer DeathAdder. Since you’re already familiar with Razer, that’s a plus, and on the Xtrac Ripper pad, I love the thing.
30/07/2009 at 09:21 Naiive Melody says:
I recently decided to go from having a crappy $40 Logitech KB+M set to a quieter keyboard and new mouse. I picked up a Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0, which, while having a retarded name, seems pretty solid for a low price. It’s wired, which I guess in this day and age is kind of silly, but it’s got five buttons, it’s black, and it was cheap – $30. Maybe I should have gone the extra mile and picked up a good Razer for $60 or $70, but this works perfectly for me in TF2. Also, I love that it’s lighter because it doesn’t have two AA’s in it, and I also love that I don’t have to replace batteries every week.
30/07/2009 at 09:21 Gwyd says:
Well at least you’re not left handed, just try and find a half decent gaming mouse for us south paws…I dare you!!
30/07/2009 at 09:22 Rrrrraaaaasssssmmmmmuuuuusssss says:
How do you home-make a water pistol?
30/07/2009 at 09:22 dingo says:
Razer Deathadder. Lights in cool blue :)
30/07/2009 at 09:23 Bruut says:
Personally, I’d screw open your old one, clean it (as said before), and replace the switch. I’m guessing it’s just a simple microswitch so worth a try.
30/07/2009 at 09:24 Schmung says:
My G7 is coming to it’s end as well. The pads have worn unevenly and I’m swapping out the battery in it with alarming regularity now. Not sure I want to go back to something with a wire – otherwise a G5 would be the logical choice. Bleh.
30/07/2009 at 09:27 FunkyB says:
Your mouse is very probably fine, it just needs a clean.
The microswitches in my MX1000 and my guitar stompboxes have both gone exactly as you describe from time to time and I’ve returned them back to perfect simply by opening the case and spraying the microswitch with contact cleaner.
http://buy.maplin.co.uk/Free_UK_Delivery/Contact_Cleaner_4153/Contact_Cleaner_4153.htm
Seriously, switches just get gummed up sometimes! :) My MX1000 is still perfect and I’ve had it since they were released. I’ve had to clean the switches twice though.
30/07/2009 at 09:27 Alex says:
I’m still clinging loyally to my Logitech MX-1000 even though the middle-click doesn’t work too well anymore. Mostly because I’m cheap.
30/07/2009 at 09:28 mihor_fego says:
I’m using Microsoft Habu Razer, which looks pretty similar with the Lachesis in design (only difference is a cheesy blue light streak you can turn off). I don’t know if it’s got all the features of Lachesis, but I must say it’s the best gaming mouse I’ve used.
I still use my Intuos A3 for Adobe apps though, for it’s way more accurate for design purposes.
30/07/2009 at 09:29 Gnoupi says:
If you want solid and reliable, go for the classic MX518.
If you want one of the best with “extravagant” precision and hardware, go for the
30/07/2009 at 09:30 Eidolon says:
Either a Razer Deathadder or a Microsoft Laser Mouse 6000 (Wired)
30/07/2009 at 09:30 pignoli says:
Another vote for the Razer Deathadder here, I love mine. Stupid name, awesome mouse. Useless if you’re a lefty though. I think the Lachesis is basically the ambidextrous iteration of the Deathadder. Also, the best mouse mat is a large sheet of craft foam taped to the desk. Fact.
30/07/2009 at 09:31 FunkyB says:
Just to clarify, Bruut is right that if the switch is borked you’d have to replace it and I understand if that is a bit fiddly, but what I’m suggesting is nothing more than pointing the cleaner at the switch and blasting it. Give it a soaking, click the switch lots, and them another blast for good measure. Takes about 20 seconds once you’ve got the mouse open and it’s never failed me.
30/07/2009 at 09:32 Tzarkahn says:
Don’t the Razer mice have some sorta uber warranty?
My left click went, I contacted them and they took it for repairs and sent it back.
I have a Diamondback, the blue one, been chugging along for about 6 years now with the 1 repair incident, despite my many attempts to drown it and dip it in beer and/or food.
30/07/2009 at 09:33 Subject 706 says:
The G9 looks silly? Why? I have it and I love it! Go for a G9 or a G5 I’d say. Then again I prefer Logitech’s mice. Tried the Razer Lachesis, but I found it really uncomfortable. Actually all Razer mice I’ve tried have been really uncomfortable for me. Are my hands malformed?
30/07/2009 at 09:34 FunkyB says:
@Alex, it is the middle switch on my MX1000 which gets gummed up too. Get some of the cleaner I suggested, it worked for me.
30/07/2009 at 09:34 Centy says:
I personally use the Razer Lachesis which I got to replace my Razer Pro 1.6 took a few days to break my hand in to the new shape but it was worth it. It’s a very solid little thing and the on the fly sensitivity changing with the buttons is something I can’t do without in games now.
Thing is you’ve had a Razer for so long now surely it would feel very unusual to use a logitech one now.
30/07/2009 at 09:36 Gnoupi says:
And i missed my link…
I repeat, so :
If you want solid and reliable, go for the classic MX518.
If you want one of the best with “extravagant” precision and hardware, go for the Roccat Kone (http://www.roccat.org/Products/Gaming-Mice/ROCCAT-Kone/)
30/07/2009 at 09:38 Mr Pink says:
Razer mice and a love them or hate them device I think. I have a Diamondback 3G, which is a great value for money mouse IMHO. If you’re used to Razer I say stick with them.
Having said that, I would try FunkyB’s suggestion first :)
30/07/2009 at 09:40 MacBeth says:
+1 for Razer DeathAdder – just bought one a week ago, with the fancy Xtreme metal mousepad and it’s super smooth. I was using a particularly slow high-friction mousemat before that but even so the new combination set is a joy to use.
30/07/2009 at 09:42 MikeP says:
I’m using a G5 and I can’t recommend it enough. I specifically remember choosing the wired 5 over wireless (7?) because I never wanted to change batteries. If I had a complaint it’s that after 3-4 years the middle mouse click sometimes scrolls as well, which is pretty annoying. Other than that I’ve had a good experience.
30/07/2009 at 09:43 Falwell says:
I’m picky as hell about a mouse and, like you, don’t worry about the price tag so much.
I’ve owned a G5, G7, G9, Razer Death Adder and currenty a Microsoft Sidewinder. Believe it or not, the sidewinder blows em all away. Save for one thing, the G9 has the best mouse scroll wheel out there.
30/07/2009 at 09:45 dartt says:
Microsoft Intellimouse 3.0 here, I’ve had intellimouses for years and years now and the shape is so familiar I’m not sure if I’d ever feel comfortable changing to something else.
30/07/2009 at 09:46 Azhrarn says:
Using a 1st generation G5 myself at the moment (without the silly blue snake print, but a lovely copper and steel look), and I really like it.
Because of the adjustable weights you can make it as heavy or light as you want, 2000 dpi max resolution is enough to satisfy most twitch gamers I imagine. (Mine rarely leaves the 800 dpi default setting)
And most importantly in my opinion, it feels solid in my hands, which for my own gaming experience atleast, is rather important.
Whatever mouse you decide to purchase please make sure you’ve actually had it in your hand and moused with it a bit, to simply get a feel for the thing. Sometimes a mouse can look great, but once you get your hands on it feel worthless.
30/07/2009 at 09:46 Mike says:
The great thing about those RSI mice is that they tend to just damage other bits of your arm, albeit ones that aren’t yet damaged by RSI.
30/07/2009 at 09:46 coupsan says:
Logitech MX518 is amazing. I would not use anything else even though it is an older model.
Razer is nice if your hands are incredibly tiny.
30/07/2009 at 09:47 coupsan says:
Or maybe just normal-sized.
30/07/2009 at 09:51 Bobino says:
I would not recommend the G5 at all. I have compared it with my “old” Logitech mouse (same prices at the moment – 2005 ? – forgot the model) and its accuracy is obviously worse. Trying to draw a circle with the old one, for instance, I have something.. more or less circular. With the G5, I can only draw squares. Even veeery slowly, a curve is almost impossible to get.
Plus, as usual, installing the infamous driver only gets things worse. Buy something else.
30/07/2009 at 09:54 Lu-Tze says:
Verticalmouse is way more useful in an office environment; for gaming it would be like taking one of those split down the middle “ergonomic” keyboards. A lot of people here use them, because they sit behind a computer all day and don’t want their wrist to fall off before they hit 30, but I certainly wouldn’t recommend one for gaming.
30/07/2009 at 09:58 Some Guy says:
Love the G5, brilliant mouse and the back button is so usefull on the web. Nice respons, and ability to change sensitivity ont he mouse is great. THe weights work well and the feet are nice. Did have trouble with a frosted glass table so i had to use a mousemat.
30/07/2009 at 10:02 schizoslayer says:
I’ve been using a G9 for about 2 years now and have never known a better mouse. I play noticeably worse with my cheapo MS mouse at work compared to when I’m using my G9. The weights thing sounds stupid but it does let you get the feel of the mouse just right for you.
Above all though it moves so smoothly over my desk that it feels like it’s floating and I have never had to clean out hair or gunk from the laser.
30/07/2009 at 10:03 Michael Birke says:
http://www.roccat.org/Products/Gaming-Mice/ROCCAT-Kone/
I would have recommended you the Roccat Kone, but many Kones have a flawed wheel that breaks easily after a short time of use. Which is a pity, as it has wonderful ergonomics and excellent control.
The other issue is the driver, I just cannot stand a mouse that totally depends on the installation of driver, utilities and all that just to run properly.
My beef with the G5 is the surface. I do not like the feel of this blueish stuff on its back. BUT: There is a grey Star Wars edition that does not have the weird blue pattern and is smooth to the touch.
I recommend you Logitech’s “Corded Mouse M500″!
Yeah, no gamer mouse! But 1000 dpi is enough, it has a good form and 2 side buttons and a superior wheel: http://bit.ly/1oK6u
30/07/2009 at 10:06 Tei says:
wen my mouse die, I automatically buy the next “Logitech Pilot” mouse, or whatever Logitech mouse makes some sense (like Logitech G3). It seems there are byzarre Logitech mouses, I just ignore these. It seems there are other companys, I just ignore these.
there are Microsoft mouses, and look good, and are cheap. But If you buy a Logitech mouse, his lifespan is soo long, you only need to buy One, If you buy a different company mouse, It seems you have to buy a different mouse every 6 months, because don’t last long.
thats all I have to say about mouses. Hail Logitech!
30/07/2009 at 10:08 spinks says:
I like the logitech vx rev (it’s a laptop mouse but I have really small hands and the desktop mice are just too unwieldy for me).
30/07/2009 at 10:08 Po0py says:
Don’t knock the G9. I have one and it is not silly at all. The customizing is basically a bunch of weights, two choices of a little grip things that hook over the back of it, one of them smooth and one rough, and a dpi switcher button. I set the whole thing up once when I first got it. And a year later it’s still at the same settings and serving me very well.
That said, it was an upgrade from the MX518 which was a perfectly fine mouse for 4-5 years before it was overcome with the same left click cancer that befell your own little rodent.
30/07/2009 at 10:13 Collic says:
Get the G5. Cheap and easily good enough for gaming. Plus it comes with weights, which are fun to play with in the first few hours you get it. It’s a mouse with extra gadget-fu !
Plus, logitech has uberoptions- a fan made improvement to the driver software (ask google) going for it; with it you can map any keystrokes to one of the buttons. It’s excellent for getting around the poor mouse support of some games.
30/07/2009 at 10:13 Novotny says:
You’re an old Quaker, Rossignol: you need an MX518.
I recently bought a fancy Razor and matching metal mousepad. Matching metal mousepad stayed, Razor was given away and I ordered new mouse feet for the old 518.
It’s a classic.
30/07/2009 at 10:14 Novotny says:
Who the hell installs mouse drivers? Madness.
30/07/2009 at 10:17 RuySan says:
I tried to use the Logitech 518mx and didn’t like it. It’s too big (and i have big hands) so my palm has to sit on the mouse all the time and it gets really sweaty. I prefer to use the fingers. I traded for a 14€ a4tech gaming mouse and its really good and confortable.
30/07/2009 at 10:18 hydra9 says:
I used to use pretty much any mouse (It was a Microsoft mouse for years that slowly went from white to yellowy-beige). Now I use the Logitech MX518 and boy, do I feel like a fool for putting up with inferior mice all those years! The mouse does look a bit silly, but it’s an ergonomic and precision dream.
30/07/2009 at 10:20 MrMud says:
I have still not been able to find a mouse that is better than the G7 and this is starting to become a problem as my old mouse is not long for this world.
30/07/2009 at 10:20 rhizo says:
The most important thing about the mouse you get should obviously be the feel of the thing against your palm. In my experience this is where the Razer and Logitech mice differ the most. If you have any preference there that should be the deciding factor.
Quality is also important and having had several Logitech mx-series devices break due to button failure I’d have to give the quality points to Razer. I have been literally unable to break the buttons on that thing (though the Copperhead I have lasted for about 2 days before having to change the cable).
My personal preference is the G5, the feel is just right and although I doubted it at first, the removable weights make a difference especially in FPSs. The side buttons are also much better than on the Copperhead. Even if you’re not a hardcore twitch gamer the G5′s feel still works well in other uses.
Can’t really say much about MS mice, the one I owned was promptly replaced by a Logitech mx518 once I started to play competitively. I’m sure they’ve improved a lot since then.
Overall I’d recommend the G5 but if you’ve gotten used to the feel of a Razer, it might be the better choice. Definitely get a hands on session with any mouse you’re considering, the stats do nothing for you if the feel is wrong.
30/07/2009 at 10:20 dingo says:
@pignoli:
Razer names their mice after poisonous snakes which I think is pretty spot-on: Sneak to your opponent and then BOOM! bite him (in deathmatch online). ;)
30/07/2009 at 10:22 CMaster says:
I’ve always had a great time with Logitec mice. My MX700 served me well for years and I have no complaints with my currennt MX-somethingorother, although I would have much prefered an MX-1000.
What I would say about logitech is that their gaming mice, and stuff like the MX Revolution make things more complicated that necessary – you’re actually better off, in my opinion, sticking with the MX series.
Oh, and I had a Saitek keyboard once. Was crap and barley even lasted a year before going very screwed up.
30/07/2009 at 10:23 Aaron says:
G9 G9 G9 G9 G9 G9 G9 G9 G9 G9 G9 G9 G9 G9 G9 G9 G9 G9 G9 G9 G9
Come on man! This thing is awesome! You can change how much it weighs!
30/07/2009 at 10:29 dAvik says:
Alex says:
I’m still clinging loyally to my Logitech MX-1000 even though the middle-click doesn’t work too well anymore. Mostly because I’m cheap.
Exactly the same here, although there isn’t an ideal replacement for my lovely MX1000 out at the moment. I need wireless, and I need buttons.
30/07/2009 at 10:29 negativedge says:
I love my Mx518 quite a bit. It’s not very often that you buy something and just never have a problem with how it works or feels. I’ve had it for about four years now, and provided it ever breaks I’ll do my best to replace it with the same model.
30/07/2009 at 10:30 Wurzel says:
Wired G5 works brilliantly for me, absolutely no complaints with it.
30/07/2009 at 10:31 Alexander Norris says:
Get a G9 if you can stomach the price (hint: you should stomach the price even if you can’t. eBuyer had them up for a measly £39 or so). I have owned both a G5 and G9, although I had to give the latter as replacement to a friend after his Lachesis suffered an unfortunate case of Jameson and coke infusion.
What the G5 does amazingly well (ruggedness, reliability and comfort along with stupidly high sensitivity) the G9 does even better (seriously, the replaceable grip is amazing for comfort, and 3200dpi is just plain crazy; oh, and the sensitivity changer is way better, meaning you can set what levels you want and go from run and gun to precision sniping fast enough for it to be useful in an FPS).
Bottom line: I’ve owned a G5 for two years now, and apart from a little bit of resistance on the left click (which shows up every few months and then goes away again without ever actually impeding the left click), I have had no problems whatsoever. I only owned the G9 for about two months, but in those two months, it turned out to be better in every respect than my G5 is. You should really get a G9 (which, for all those people recommending the MX518, is pretty much the MX518′s youngest brother after the G5, all of which are stellar).
30/07/2009 at 10:31 Larington says:
I’ve never been into spending lots of money on the mouse & keyboard, prefer to pump the cash into the most overspecced motherboard I can get.
30/07/2009 at 10:32 Dan(WR) says:
I have a friend who swears by the Cyber Snipa Stinger (which I’m on the brink of ordering). It’s got adjustable DPI and replaceable weights.
It’s either that or a G9, but the G9 is funny looking. Is it really comfortable in the hand?
30/07/2009 at 10:33 pignoli says:
@Dingo: I know this. Deathadder is still a stupidly macho name.
30/07/2009 at 10:34 Alec Meer says:
I dearly regret buying a G9 when my G7′s battery expired. Wish I’d gotten a G5 instead. The G9′s a great performer, but it’s a little like clutching a brick.
30/07/2009 at 10:36 Jayt says:
I use a mx500, after my mx518 mouse broke. Really go for what feels right in your hand, if your used to the Razers just stick to them. Otherwise Mxseries or G5 from logitech. I agree, G9 looks and sounds silly.
30/07/2009 at 10:38 Darkflight says:
Love my Razr Habu, only annoyance is the stupid blue lights come back on when I reboot and need turning off again.
30/07/2009 at 10:39 Jerricho says:
I got a Logitech VX Nano last year for my laptop. Its so nice to use I’ve started using it with my PC as well and its what I use at work.
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/mice_pointers/mice/devices/3271&cl=US,EN
Its light and accurate and very very comfortable.
30/07/2009 at 10:45 Fringe says:
G5! cha cha cha.
G5! cha cha cha
30/07/2009 at 10:46 MD says:
I’m no expert, but my MX518 has served me well for several years of FPSing (among other things).
30/07/2009 at 10:47 mickiscoole says:
+1 For G9.
Its a weird coincidence, because my Laptop’s RMB has broken just recently. While I have my trusty G9, I can’t sit on the couch playing Monkey Island Special Edition and watch tv at the same time anymore :(
30/07/2009 at 10:47 Chris says:
I’ve been using a G5 for over a year now, and it is a great little mouse. Sadly mine has recently developed a slight fault, stemming from spending time in the holds of a plane.
What can I say? Touchpads are nice, but I didn’t want to try to use one for two weeks.
30/07/2009 at 10:48 mrpier says:
MS Intellimouse Explorer 3.0, I’ve bought it twice now, not because the old one broke, but just so I could have one spare in case MS stops producing them again. I also had a razer diamondback, which I was very happy with, but the 3.0 just fits my hand better.
30/07/2009 at 10:51 Ben says:
If you’re into steam punk check out this one:
http://tinyurl.com/steampunkmouse
He has also made a matching keyboard!
30/07/2009 at 10:52 Schmung says:
I really wish that they’d not discontinued the G7 as I’d happily just buy another one. I’m not sure I want to go back to a situation where I’m tethered by a cable.
30/07/2009 at 10:56 Max says:
Being a lefty my choice of mouse is limited, so I’m not a fan of Logitech / Microsoft and their ergonomic, left handed people are inferior and should be rounded up and put in to correctional camps, design. Fascists!
I use the Razor Lachesis with an Everglide Titan MonsterMat which, after a year now, has become encrusted with ash and specs of rolling tobacco and smells slightly of what I imagen to be the cellar of a 1920s speakeasy. Amazingly it still works as well as the day I bought it. As you said above you dont mind spending money on a mouse so I cant recommend the Lachesis enough. Sleek, sexy, accurate, responsive and the optional soft glow of the blue is oh so very cool.
I cant think of any criticisms of it, except the price.
Get it, love it, use it, abuse it.
30/07/2009 at 10:56 cliffski says:
I owned a £50 habu mouse for a year and it was phenomenal, better than the intellimouse explorer, which has been my mouse of choice since it was released. the habu died after a year though, so id dragged an intellimouse out of a drawer.
If you don’t mind it flaking out after a year, definitely get the habu one.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Habu
30/07/2009 at 11:00 lefishy says:
I am a huge G5 lover. Mainly because they are huge, and comfy and blue.
That is just me. I bought my G5 after my MX518 died actually so I guess I’m a logitech man really.
30/07/2009 at 11:00 Lack_26 says:
You don’t need any expensive mice, I’ve had a PC LINE PCL-WSO1 (about £17 on amazon, but I’ve found it for a fiver at other places), it’s served me excellently and is of a very good quality.
30/07/2009 at 11:03 Jabberslops says:
I have been using my MX518 since ’05. I had to replace the feet once so far. It’s been a great mouse except for the front thumb button which is the only thing I hate about it. I can’t use the front thumb button because its just out of reach of my thumb for a quick flick like the larger rear thumb button. In Cod4/WaW I use the rear thumb button for quick melee.
30/07/2009 at 11:07 Rudolfo says:
well, the mx518 is the best…i always notice slight delays with cordless mice…
30/07/2009 at 11:08 gor says:
My old diamondback had a similar problem and i repaired it by putting a folded piece of paper between the plastic of the left mouse button and the contact
30/07/2009 at 11:11 vagabond says:
I have a Lachesis, and I’d certainly recommend it. But expensive? I’m currently trying to convince myself I don’t need one of these: http://eu.razerzone.com/gaming-mice/razer-mamba/
30/07/2009 at 11:11 RGS says:
G9. It’s been updated to the G9x now.
Have had mine for a couple of years, thought it was starting to develop a clicking problem where when holding down the left mouse button it would ‘release’ it for a split second, which was infuriating, especially for work in 3DSMax. Been fine for months now though, fingers crossed…
Other than that issue this really is an excellent mouse, personally I prefer its plain black finish and squarer lines to the G5. The precision grip feels nimble, works really well for me in all genres of game and work.
Good luck with the hunting!
Rob
30/07/2009 at 11:11 Dante says:
I’ve only ever used regular mice myself (often pinched from work), what would people reccomend if I were to make the transition to proper gaming mouse?
Bearing in mind that:
a) I don’t really want to spend massive amounts of money
b) I have very large hands
c) I don’t like extra buttons on the sides (I always press them by accident)
d) I’m really not a twitch gamer, my mouse sensitivity would be low by most standards.
30/07/2009 at 11:12 VelvetFistIronGlove says:
I’m also a big fan of the G7, and I own four of them. Two of them I’ve been using regularly for three years, and I’ve not noticed any battery degradation: if I use it all day, I need to swap the battery once a day. I bought two more just this year (refurbished, not new), one of which I use at work.
Doesn’t the UK have any suppliers like Battery World in Australia who can supply batteries? Although the plastic battery casing is no doubt custom for the G7, I expect it’s just got standard cells in it, which should be pretty easy and cheap to replace through a company like that.
30/07/2009 at 11:13 hexapodium says:
G5 2nd edition (with the blue faux-snakeskin grip), always- I switched from wireless intellimouse 4 (great) to the weird baseball intellimouse (good but terrible wrist pressure) to the G5, and never looked back. Drivers are a bit heavyweight but a necessary evil if you want to change DPI. It tracks well on a fairly challenging wooden desk, too. My hands are huge though, so it’s not for everyone (i.e. if you can’t stretch an octave on piano, it’s probably too big)
30/07/2009 at 11:13 .mld says:
Just as purplespud, I use a VerticalMouse 3. Not because of a surgery, but because I try to skip that one, actually.
I also use on of those “split down the middle ergonomic keyboards” – as Lu-Tze calls them.
I’m approaching my 30s too, but no body parts falling off ..yet.
Does it take some time to get used to? Yep. But after two weeks I got accused of cheating in those quaky war games again. So? Just don’t be afraid of trying new things.
Would I go back to a “standard” mouse again, after using a VerticalMouse for 2 years now? Never ever!
Embrace changes, don’t fear them.
30/07/2009 at 11:18 Schaulustiger says:
I have tried so many mice over the years it’s not even funny any more. I could never get used to the Logitech chunky form so that left only two seriously considerable companies: Razer and Microsoft.
The Boomslang from Razer was one of the best mice I ever had. Being non-optical, it relied heavily on a dust-free environment which meant cleaning every day but hell! it was worth it. Never did I have a more comfortable feeling. It served me well in my Q3 era back in the days but it broke after 2 years. Sadly, this mouse is no longer produced (with the exception of a ridiculously overpriced special edition some months ago). From Razer I also tried the Diamondback, the Mamba, the Copperhead and the Krait. Despite their tendency to be get a bit too small or odd-shaped for my big hands I liked them – the Diamondback most which also happened to be the longest lasting mouse I ever had. Like 4 years or so.
Nowadays I got back to one of my old loves. The Intelli Explorer 3.0 from Microsoft. I can’t describe what exactly it is about this mouse but for me it just provides pure control. It has the absolute perfect shape, great responsiveness and no useless flashy stuff. Just a pure and simple mouse reduced to one thing: precision. I love it.
30/07/2009 at 11:30 Demon Beaver says:
Microsoft Basic Optical Mouse
Yeah, I’m that cheap…
30/07/2009 at 11:31 Frye says:
MS peripherals are awesome, just bought a second xbox 360 gamepad yesterday. Unlikely but true. Using my Hewlett Packard mouse that came with my PC atm which is so good i never felt like digging in my basement to get my old MS one out. I’ll never go back to Logitec because i break em. I sort of smack my mouse on the table when i die in multiplayer games and Logitec stuff can’t handle my usage. I don’t believe in cordless stuff (except maybe keyboards), not sure whether that is realistic, but i fear it gives me a tiny bit of lag.
30/07/2009 at 11:31 schurem says:
I use a logitech revolution wireless jobby. It serves me and my gaming well. Looking back, I might have gone for a wired mouse with even more buttons, say the G5.
30/07/2009 at 11:38 DarthInsinuate says:
Buy the Mamba. Go on, I dare you.
Take it and a laptop on to a train, and play something while looking really smug eating a croissant and telling everyone about your £100 mouse.
30/07/2009 at 11:43 Duke says:
If you want something useful and still weird and outlandish check out the .
My favourite mouse by far. It its completely customizable, has no drivers, keeps all settings in its internal memory and has no moving parts so it takes real effort to wear it out. It’s not a mouse for everyone, though. You move it with your fingers and not your hand and it has pressure sensitive points instead of a scroll wheel. If you’re not afraid to try something different then give it a go :)
30/07/2009 at 11:43 Nero says:
I haven’t used many different mice in my time, but the one I’m using now, MX518, is absolutely the best I’ve used. Just too bad that recently the left mouse button has to be pressed quite hard at times to make it work, makes being a medic in TF2 difficult :(
30/07/2009 at 11:43 pepper says:
G5 all the way. fell in love with mine after my MX 510 died on me. Also after years of duty. I say go for it. They havent changed the exterior design. and it just feels good as always.
30/07/2009 at 11:43 Duke says:
Oops… messed up that link. But it still works :P
30/07/2009 at 11:46 Wedge says:
Got a DeathAdder off Woot recently for someone else (funny how much Razer refurbs show up on there…) and it was ok for that price, but to think it retails for higher than a G5 is a joke. It’s light, has a stupid polished surface, and feels cheaply made compared to a logitech.
G5′s are solid, large, heavy (with full weights), and no stupid shiny coating. Got one for Christmas last year and have been incredibly happy with it. I can’t speak for issues with logitech drivers because I don’t bother using them and it works fine (Unless you need something OTHER than the 3 default DPI’s, you do not need the drivers to change that, and I rarely change it off 1800 anyways).
30/07/2009 at 11:47 Mousemechanic says:
I had this problem too and it can be solved by opening the mouse and heating up the solder joints under the microbutton with a soldering iron.
30/07/2009 at 11:49 Jambe says:
Have you opened up your old mouse? If so, and you find that the button being depressed is a tiny little nub which sorta fits into an equally small depression on the underside of the button, just get something and build up the surface of the depression a bit (a glue or hardening epoxy works fine, and is a helluva lot cheaper than a new mouse).
If you can’t be bothered, the G5 would be a good replacement. OCZ’s Behemoth is another mouse I’m experienced with and quite like.
30/07/2009 at 11:51 Senethro says:
Everyone has an opinion about mice. I’ve got several.
Jim, how are you holding your mouse – by the fingertips, a claw grip, or a whole palm grip? Are you a low or high sensitivity gamer? How far does your mouse move to turn 360 degrees in an FPS – more or less than 20cm?
If you are answering palm grip and more than 20cm then you’ll probably benefit from a logitech brand mouse. You can get a good grip around them so you can really throw them about the mousemat for those quick turnaround flickshots. I find the grip necessary because I play FPS at 45cm/360, but I acknowledge I’m a horrible mutant. Oh, and a nice big clothmat goes well with a logitech.
If you’re aiming with fingertips and wrist using small adjustments or are left handed, then razer brand mice will probably have the edge here.
30/07/2009 at 11:51 jalf says:
My mx518 is still going strong too. I can’t even remember when I bought it. Must have been 5+ years ago. Looks like I’m not the only one though. Impressive piece of hardware.
I don’t know what I’ll do when I have to replace it. Hopefully it’ll last a few more years though.
30/07/2009 at 11:52 NickS says:
Heh, I feel so damn old with my Logitech MX500. Complete with missing pads, slightly stuffed mouse wheel and slightly degrading plastic. Still works despite 6+ years of abuse.
30/07/2009 at 11:53 marvelza says:
mx310 died on me after years(best mouse ever), got the habu…awesome except that the smallest piece of dust would throw it off totally, its like its almost too good :p
reckon its back to logitech for me, mx518 or g5
30/07/2009 at 11:57 Hoernchen says:
I just upgraded from copperhead to lachesis, and it’s just awesome.
30/07/2009 at 11:57 MrBejeebus says:
another thing, ive been using the lachesis the whole time ive had it on a bare wooden table, which is probably why the teflon wore out
30/07/2009 at 11:59 PetitPrince says:
I miss my G7 very much. When it broke I got a G9 (free !) instead, which is ok but doesn’t have really the same feel than the G7.
30/07/2009 at 11:59 Dan says:
G5′s your boy. Go for the rusted gunmetal finish if you can find it.
30/07/2009 at 12:05 dinopoke says:
No one has said Novint Falcon? :P
30/07/2009 at 12:06 TooNu says:
no no no
Razer Diamondback OR Razer Deathadder. I prefer the former, but my next mouse will be the latter.
30/07/2009 at 12:08 Christian says:
Hey, great topic, as I’m currently searching for a new mouse myself (after using my Mouseman Dual Optical for quite some time now, great mouse btw, it just won’t break ;) ).
My main problem with mice from any other company than Logitech is simply the scroll-wheel. Either the wheel is to hard to turn, doesn’t have proper feedback or turns too easily.
Logitech seem to have just the right mix of these: they are easy to turn, have decent feedback (the slight clicking sound and the fact that it stops the wheel from endlessly spinning) and don’t feel to cheap.
How are Razer-mice in comparison to that? I hate it when the wheel isn’t precise..
Other than that I totally agree on the fact that a mouse is well worth spending some money on..after all it’s the main tool you use when computing.
30/07/2009 at 12:08 Steve says:
Everyone’s a Logitech whore!
I replaced my aging MX500 (scroll wheel stopped scrolling properly!) with a Steelseries Ikari Optical. It doesn’t really have any useless features like weights and LCD screens and stuff. Which makes it great.
30/07/2009 at 12:10 Nighthood says:
I have a Slider X600, which is rather comfortable but rather expensive. Just throwing that into the mix.
30/07/2009 at 12:12 The Genetic Freak says:
There’s no need to get a new type of mouse, just stick to what you know you’ll be comfortable with. Buy another Razer Krait, woo woo woo, you know it.
30/07/2009 at 12:20 Jonas says:
I really like my G5, I’ve had it for a couple of years now and it’s never failed me yet. I had a G7 before it, but it guzzled batteries like a bastard. Cords for the win, in my opinion.
30/07/2009 at 12:22 Frye says:
Off-topic, but does anyone know a good keyboard with keys you can see in the dark?
30/07/2009 at 12:29 The_B says:
Another vote for the G5 here. I’ve got the first generation one (with only one side button) and it’s served me well, the only thing I think could improve it is indeed the second mouse button the second one provides, but it doesn’t bother me enough to feel the need to exchange it. But if I was buying a new one tomorrow I’d have no qualms with getting the new G5. I had my hands on a G9 recently, and immediately was put off by the feel of it, it did not feel natural.
30/07/2009 at 12:29 Limes says:
Go for the Steelseries Ikari or one of their other new mice, I have a deathadder which is awesome, but I have heard great things about the Steelseries mices
30/07/2009 at 12:30 Nighthood says:
@Frye: The Logitech G15 is a great gaming keyboard, with LED lit keys. Though, if you are going to get one, get the older, blue model. It’s better.
30/07/2009 at 12:31 Owen says:
Have been using the Logitech MX1000 for what seems like forever now. Will absolutely buy another when it eventually breaks.
Fits like a glove, wireless battery lasts for ages and you just plonk it in the cradle to recharge, which doesn’t take long. Few extra buttons here and there but crucially, they don’t get in the way.
30/07/2009 at 12:32 Machina says:
In direct contrast to comment poster number 4, I am going to recommend the Steelseries Ikari. It’s a very nice mouse, particularly if you like minimalist yet well-thought design.
30/07/2009 at 12:38 Dave says:
Handsdpwn the best mouse ive ever used is the Roccat Kone.
Ive had two now as the first one broke with a faulty mouse wheel, but theres now a v2 of it with the wheel strengthend.
30/07/2009 at 12:47 Kast says:
Excellent timing – my own mouse has recently regurgitated its optics and I’m in serious need of a replacement. I too automatically thought of the G5.
30/07/2009 at 12:52 HiScores says:
I use G5 mouse and since getting it I now no longer know how I lived without adjustable dpi settings for shooters.
I head-shot about 20% more of the time now. :)
30/07/2009 at 12:54 Waste_Manager says:
I’ve used this labtec http://www.labtec.com/index.cfm/gear/details/AMR/EN,crid=29,contentid=745 for a few years now. Comfortable, sensitive enough for TF2 sniping and 5 buttons – couldn’t ask for more.
30/07/2009 at 12:54 Surgeon says:
I really like the Razer brand, particularly the mice.
I’ve been using a Razer Copperhead for a while. The side buttons are a little fiddly, but it is very comfortable otherwise. The oversized buttons are great.
The strange, slightly rubbery, finish does cause it to get very dirty though. The buttons on mine are covered in a very thin coating of something quite horrible. Lovely.
I’ve just ordered an Evoluent Mouse though, as I am also feeling the effects of mild RSI.
30/07/2009 at 12:58 Maykael says:
As many others from this thread have said, don’t tread on the G9. It’s a great mouse. Very precise, customizable (you get a grip for FPS and a grip for strategy/adventure/etc. and it work great), incredible scroll wheel. The only bad thing I’ve noticed and that goes with all Logitech products is that the paint from some of the buttons wears of through time, but it’s not something of a deal breaker (I’ve got one of the arrows from the side buttons fade away).
30/07/2009 at 13:03 The_B says:
@Nighthood Although bear in mind there’s now the G19 with a colour screen. For those with lotsamoney.
30/07/2009 at 13:05 El_MUERkO says:
i’m using a razer mamba, it is the shiz
though you need a perfectly flat surface to play on at the highest settings
30/07/2009 at 13:08 antonymous says:
A good M$ mouse for me. The cheap ones are trash and die quickly, the good ones like Laser 6000 are really top.
It’s probably down to personal taste, but I’ve never really liked anything from Logitech.
30/07/2009 at 13:22 Persus-9 says:
I’m also a big G5 fan, it’s by far the best mouse I’ve ever used. It’s a rock solid design and it’s functionally pretty damn perfect. I’d recommend it to anyone right handed.
I was using a Razer Copperhead before that and just found it to be style over substance garbage, functionally I found it a step down from my old dead £15 MS Intellimouse and to top it all off it failed after about nine months in similar fashion to yours. I don’t mind spending a bit on mice but I do expect them to see out the year at least.
30/07/2009 at 13:24 Subject 706 says:
“I dearly regret buying a G9 when my G7’s battery expired. Wish I’d gotten a G5 instead. The G9’s a great performer, but it’s a little like clutching a brick.”
No, no, NO, Mr. Meer. The G9 is very comfortable. The fault must lie with your hand. Please attach a picture of your mouse hand so that we can diagnose your dysfunction.
30/07/2009 at 13:26 Nocode says:
It’s a bit old now, but esreality did a good round-up in 2007 of the current mice on the market. It can be found
30/07/2009 at 13:27 Nocode says:
Oops, bawls that up! The link can be found here:
http://www.esreality.com/?a=post&id=1265679
30/07/2009 at 13:31 MrBejeebus says:
I’m wondering is this the most commented page on rps?
Alot of people want to help :D
30/07/2009 at 13:34 DaemonSpawn says:
Logitech G9 is a good mouse – I use one for a half a year – but Microsoft Habu is better though technically inferior. The only problem with it was the requirement of a extremely good surface while G9 is good on anything including my table, covered with ancient orange juice.
G9′s custom grips are crap because just EVERYBODY uses the same grip from the available pair.
Weight tuning is useless for all but the most hardcore maniacs, so it’s basically an excellent mouse with great precision, speed, handy grip and everything… but overpriced as hell.
If it wasn’t a gift I’d still be using my old Habu which is at least twice as cheap and lacks all G9′s techy gimmicks.
30/07/2009 at 13:39 Turin Turambar says:
G9 here, and happy with it. It’s perhaps too much of a l33t mouse, but the 9 customizable buttons are useful.
30/07/2009 at 13:39 Bob says:
This does fine for all my gaming needs, had it since 2004 maybe 03, it still works fine!
http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Peripherals/Mice/Microsoft+Intellimouse+Optical+-+?productId=14707
30/07/2009 at 13:50 clippa says:
Your bog-standard microsoft optical wheel mouse – http://www.ebuyer.com/product/106194
I’ve tried fancy expensive high dpi mice and there’s just nothing better than this for gaming. This mouse is just the perfect size and shape. So long as they keep making them, I’ll never buy another mouse :D They last for ages too.
30/07/2009 at 13:50 Cooper says:
I’ve got a Razer DeathAdder
(yes, very cool name there marketing guys – I sure don’t feel like a twat when I say that – well done)
Which is a step down from the Lachesis, but does me very well. It only has two extra buttons on the side, not the two by the wheel the Lachesis has, but the 1800dpi is fine if you get a good mat to go with it. My only quibble would be that the location of the two side buttons are a bit odd for my hands.
30/07/2009 at 13:51 ascagnel says:
I’ve been using a Logitech Mx518 since 2005, and its amazing. Works great once you (very quickly) disable the “change window” button on the center of the mouse. The two side buttons are great for gaming (the larger of the two always gets remapped to “reload” and the other to melee or voice chat). Even better, they’re dirt cheap. NewEgg had them on sale for $20USD last week, and they’re usually $30USD.
My only issues with it are that OS X doesn’t quite support the extra buttons properly and that the outermost layer of plastic has started to come off. The plastic coming off isn’t what it sounds like (think of a snake shedding its skin) and hasn’t hindered use of the mouse at all. Even better is that exposure to the air will mape the newly exposed surface quickly take up a feel exactly like the fallen-off surface.
30/07/2009 at 13:55 Shigeko says:
How about something more unusual?
I use a Elecom Scope Node and i love it.
Replaced a Microsoft Sidewinder, wich was to heavy for my taste and clacked on the mousepad.
Razers feel cheaply build every time i touch one.
30/07/2009 at 13:57 Markoff Chaney says:
My Logitech MX510 is still going strong after a good 5 years of gaming. Cosmetics be damned, I love that mouse. It’s on its third computer so far. Increased DPI and ability to customize weight will move me to a G5 (or whatever will be its iterative offspring from Logitech) whenever she moves her final pixel.
I have to end with a proviso, however: The plural of anecdote is not data.
30/07/2009 at 14:03 Pags says:
Another Logitech MX510 lover here, my dad uses a G5 which is also wonderful. To be honest, there are other mice out there but it’s a no-brainer choice for any buyer really.
30/07/2009 at 14:06 Tuor says:
I’m dreading the day when I’m going to have to replace my MX1000. IMO, Logitech stopped making it because it was TOO GOOD: it’s durable as hell and the battery lasts for a long time, plus it recharges pretty quickly. It also doesn’t have that annoying (to me) free-spinning scroll wheel.
I tried the MX Revolution and really didn’t like it. I may have to get a corded mouse again next time unless Logitech can hit another one out of the park like they did with the MX 1000.
30/07/2009 at 14:09 Simon says:
I’ve been through two separate Razer mice over the years, both developed mechanical failures within a couple of years of purchase. Much as I like their mice, my personal feeling is that they are not built to last.
After my last Razer died (a Copperhead) I went digging through my old hardware drawer and found a Logitech MX500 (which was basically the 510 before it went ‘gamer’) so I decided to use that. It’s been fine.
One thing I really like about Logitech is they have decent warranties and it is very easy to exchange a defective mouse – I had an MX1000 that had an issue with the wheel – the click only worked 3/4 times. I called up Logitech to see if they’d repair it and they just sent me an MX Revolution instead.
30/07/2009 at 14:19 T-B0N3 says:
i agree with nocode
http://www.esreality.com/?a=post&id=1265679
is the best mouse review ever.
also i recommend the deathadder, it is way above the rest if you compare its malfuction and control speeds with other mice.
30/07/2009 at 14:19 reaper47 says:
The Logitech G% gave me terrible wrist pains. I had to return it after a day. It spread my little finger into an unnatural position and was so high, I had to bend my wrist near 90° to hold it properly. And I have no small hands either. It’s a shame Logitech seems to have switched their design from sleek to bulky. (Admittedly, I seem to be the only one having this problem, maybe my hands are super-special…)
Personally, I would get another Razer.
30/07/2009 at 14:36 Nallen says:
MX518, if you can still get it
30/07/2009 at 14:44 Smurfy says:
Sidewinder X8 is pretty cool, except I disabled all the extra buttons. I suck at using extra buttons, I’m like “Yeah I’ll use them for copy and paste that’ll be cool” and then I never remember them.
It’s wireless and you can charge while you use it which I think is cool. Never loses connection either.
30/07/2009 at 14:47 Zyrxil says:
MX518 is still the champ.
I hate Razer micel; The Deathadder everyone raves about is terrible, IMO. The button springs are so weak, you can accidentally right click just by resting your fingers. The construction is poor – the mouse wheel rubs against the right mouse button when it is held down. The shell design is badly thought out – the front mice feet are so far back you can tilt the back of the mouse up if you put too much pressure on the front. The only thing I like about it are the two large thumb buttons which are perfectly positioned, unlike all other mice which have me reaching uncomfortably to hit the front thumb button.
30/07/2009 at 14:48 Cormac says:
Another vote for the deathadder – been using it for about 6 months now and couldn’t be happier. When I looked at the G5, I felt the the mouse wheel was placed a bit high and the click very hard. Though I guess thats something one can get used to.
30/07/2009 at 14:50 RC-1290'Dreadnought' says:
The Logitech basic optical mouse. The Microsoft version has been mentioned a few times, and I have the feeling it’s almost exactly the same. Only real difference is that you have a cool feeling ellipse on top with the Logitech logo on it.
Wait a second… oh no! The ellipse has been scratched! After all these years!
30/07/2009 at 14:51 fishoil says:
I’ve had an optical intellimouse for about 5 years an it’s still going strong
30/07/2009 at 14:53 Dave says:
I don’t notice latency on wireless mice. I was issued a Wireless Intellimouse Explorer 2.0 at work, loved it, bought one for home, bought two for my parents. The shape is perfect, the mouse wheel is perfect, the placement of buttons 4 and 5 are perfect. In the five years I’ve had mine, I’ve worn the silver paint off the left mouse button, but otherwise, all four of them are still going strong.
I’ve worn the silver paint away on the left mouse button
30/07/2009 at 14:54 Dave says:
whoah, there’s an echo here. :D
30/07/2009 at 14:57 .Xaos says:
Spend your money on a Razer Mamba or Logitech G5. These are the only sane options.
30/07/2009 at 14:59 elaking says:
I have a G9 and it’s easily the best mouse I’ve ever had.
Before it I had a G7 where I got LMB clicking problems.
30/07/2009 at 15:04 The Innocent says:
After a couple years away without access to a computer a friend of mine built me a custom rig, complete with screen and mouse and speakers, so that when I came back I would have something and not have to worry about building it myself. He gave me a Logitech M500, and that was nice, but I only had it for around a month. My friend’s mouse broke, and so he took the one he had given me back (yeah, the bum), and I was left with my very old (and very noticeably so) laser mouse.
So I went to the store and tried some out. I settled on the Logitech MX Revolution, and I must say, it’s the best mouse I’ve ever personally used. I’d give it a look, though I suppose it has potential downsides. It doesn’t have a gazillion buttons, but for my tastes it has more than enough.
30/07/2009 at 15:09 PaulMorel says:
Personally, I will swear by the Microsoft Intellimouse. It is the only mouse I will ever use for gaming. Why?
The primary reason is that it has shoulder buttons on BOTH SIDES of the mouse – not just on the left. These are commonly known as “forward and back” buttons because that’s what they do in web browsers. These buttons make games with difficult control schemes considerably easier to play. If a game has a difficult control scheme, then I will map strafe-left and strafe-right to those shoulder buttons. This frees up my wasd configuration for fancier sh!t.
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=004
30/07/2009 at 15:17 bear_hugs says:
Purchase the G9. I know some of it’s features might seem silly; but keep in mind so is the design on most gaming mice. When you get the G9 on the desk you will never turn back. The scroll wheel is great, the click buttons are great, the 4 and 5 buttons on your thumb are in the perfect place.
The ONLY negative thing i have to say is that the scroll wheel button press is a little too firm to allow you do it rapidly without some pain, but it also keeps accidental inputs in check.
The sensitivity switch is in just the right place; you can press it on the fly and yet somehow it’s out of the way enough to never accidentallly hit it.
The outside of your G9 wear down from too much use? Snap on another cover grip.
30/07/2009 at 15:25 Ketch says:
I have a Logitech G9 personally and its the most durable comfortable mouse I’ve had in all my gaming days! I got it as an upgrade from the Logitech MX518 (Just because I like to buy new fancy things every now and then!) Which leads me to my next point! Logitech stuff never ever breaks (under normal use of course) The weights that come with the G9 are fairly useless and barely noticeable but I think its forgivable!
I never buy anything other than Logitech and I think if you buy the G5 you’ll be a happy man and if you buy the G9, you’ll be an even happier man.
30/07/2009 at 15:25 A-Scale says:
Do NOT go for the G-5. I bought it hoping for the best, but the mouse never felt comfortable in my hand, the texture felt like something that was caught in a fire, and it always seemed to be pointing the wrong way in my hand.
I originally had a Copperhead (identical to your Krait, it seems), and I finally settled on a Razer Deathadder. Get it. Trust me, you will never be more pleased with a mouse. It fits the hand perfectly.
30/07/2009 at 15:27 jonfitt says:
I like my G5, it has performed very well and is comfy.
It does have problems on any surface that is remotely shiny, but since I bought an enormo, thin, smooth, cloth mousemat: http://www.steelseries.com/us/products/surfaces/qck/information
it’s been great.
30/07/2009 at 15:28 theanorak says:
@Gwyd, Bejeebus, Max
There really aren’t many left-handed mouses around. At work, I’ve got a left-handed Logitech MX610 which was pretty much the only LH mouse I could find. I find it verycomfortable but (whether this is typical of MX610s, or just my bad luck) it’s either very prone to interference or a bit broken, so it will go through patches each day when it stops tracking movement for fractions of a second. It’s also hard-wired to be left-handed, which means I need to have the logitech software installed to reverse the buttons back to RH.
No idea what it’d be like for gaming though — when it’s not freaking out, it’s very responsive, so I’d suspect at least “not bad”.
30/07/2009 at 15:28 CaseytheBrash says:
“Alec Meer says:
I dearly regret buying a G9 when my G7’s battery expired. Wish I’d gotten a G5 instead. The G9’s a great performer, but it’s a little like clutching a brick.”
You never know, good sir, when one may be called upon to defend one’s self or their country with nothing but a mouse. I dare say the heft will serve you good then.
Although when it goes off the edge of the desk it does sound a bit like dropping an anvil down stairs…sign of quality? I love my little G5, not too fussy and not shaped like a weapon from TRON. The blue, umm, hide it has is a bit… well, it’s dark in here.
30/07/2009 at 15:29 jonfitt says:
@A-Scale It fits the hand perfectly.
Ah the international SI standard hand. It’s a good job someone has designed a mouse which perfectly fits the entirely identical human hand.
30/07/2009 at 15:32 jonfitt says:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logitech_G5
Hmm seems like the blue one has some additional features not just the silly colour. Mine’s the original and the rusty orange doesn’t look too bad.
30/07/2009 at 15:32 Y3k-Bug says:
I echo the sentiment for the MX518. It works just as well it did the day I bought it 2 years ago. And when it dies someday, I’m going for the same exact model. I find laser mice to ne gimmicky, as the MX518′s optical tracking has NEVER failed me.
30/07/2009 at 15:34 Forscythe says:
I think they’re getting a bit hard to find, but I like the G3 best of all the Logitech G series. It has most of the fancy features (laser, adjustable dpi, shoulder buttons) but cheaper, in a symmetric form factor, and with a slightly more conservative style that I am not embarrassed to let strangers see.
30/07/2009 at 15:41 Thrawny says:
Buy something really expensive, with a crazy name attached to it, you know something that won’t help you at all while you are being owned by a 12 year old using a crusty old ballmouse.
30/07/2009 at 15:43 wviperw says:
Another vote for Ikari Optical if you like the minimalist approach to your mouse/mouse software.
30/07/2009 at 16:00 A-Scale says:
The unnecessary sarcasm and twattiness of some people never ceases to amaze. My mistake, I should have said that it fits MY hand perfectly. On the other HAND, however, I do believe that most human hands fit the same general model (5 fingers, space between, etc), and as such I think the Razer mouse is probably going to be a better fit for most people. Your claw/ham fisted/paw related experience may differ.
I should also mention that I have absolutely massive hands, and the Deathadder takes care of that issue perfectly. The size of the G5 couldn’t make up for its awkward shape.
30/07/2009 at 16:04 cjlr says:
Yeah, I’m going to have to toss my word in for the MX518. I bought that, what, two years ago? Maybe last year? Anyway, for straight-up performance I don’t think there’s any real gains to be had over it. Ridiculous bells and whistles, sure, but who needs those?
30/07/2009 at 16:06 Mahnsikir says:
I’d highly recommend the lachesis, I love mine, plus its lefty friendly :)
30/07/2009 at 16:09 Jokers says:
Please, get a Logitech, razer cost alot, but after buying their stuff for 2years, it’s so as good as Logitech :)
30/07/2009 at 16:18 menki says:
I quite liked my MX518 when I had it, until it decided to die in the oddest possible way.
It made a constant high-pitched noise. It sat in my room and made a constant high-pitched noise. I thought I had tinnitus for a week until during a fit of madness at 3am I started running around lifting various objects in my room to my ear.
I now own a G7, shame about them being discontinued, I love the weight and the slidey teflon pads on the bottom, only thing I miss from the 518 is the browse forward button.
30/07/2009 at 16:22 Duckmeister says:
GET THE LOGITECH G5!
I have one (it was a replacement to the wireless version of such, the G7), and it is the best mouse I have ever owned. That might not be saying much, but you will like it.
You can customize the weight of the mouse, which is nice. 9 buttons is certainly plenty, and the software used to program it all is very user-friendly.
Plus, it’s cheap for a high-end gaming mouse (in price, not quality), so you don’t have that much to lose.
Seriously, this mouse is serious seriously good, serious.
30/07/2009 at 16:23 Blather Bob says:
I have a MS/Razer Habu, but I wouldn’t really recommend it. It has a nice shape (uses the body from an MS Intellimouse Explorer), and the basic functions work well enough, and the DPI adjust buttons are a nice feature. But it also has the firmware upgrade process from hell, profile programming that is forgotten everytime you reboot (the lights come back on, and the previous/next buttons on the side swap places every couple of weeks), and the internet is full of reports that after a year or so the cable breaks right where it enters the mouse, just like in the original Intellimouse Explorers. Both Microsoft and Razer seem to have abandoned the mouse as a bad idea best forgotten, with microsoft just redirecting you to Razer’s site, and Razer having only very old drivers available. The best thing is when you get it, it has a manual with firmware upgrade instructions, stickers stuck on the USB plug with installation instructions, and the driver download instructions, all of which disagree on what to do. And I’ve been told you’re in for quite a bit of registry fiddling if you accidentally plug the mouse in before the drivers are installed.
The Lachesis is apparently pretty much what the Habu was trying to be, with all the problems fixed, and a better sensor to boot.
30/07/2009 at 16:25 C0nt1nu1ty says:
Every time I upgrade my computer I decide that I want an ultra mouse, a mouse of kings, splash out oooh a half dosen tens of pounds. Then I dont, I get a microsoft and its bland and functional in a way that makes me forget its even there, but thats what this kind of thing is really about isnt it? Forgetting your manhandling a plastic rodent
30/07/2009 at 16:25 Theo says:
had a g5 for a LONG time, its really a great mouse. cant say enough about it simple, very comfy, and great dpi + quick selection of speed.
30/07/2009 at 16:27 partyhat says:
Razer DeathAdder is good, no complaints.
I didn’t like the Krait, the lack of buttons got irritating.
30/07/2009 at 16:27 Mike_in_Akron says:
go with the G5 for sure… I love my slug
30/07/2009 at 16:29 Andreas says:
Like people have already said, MX518 is a very good mouse for its price.
30/07/2009 at 16:37 Jeeva says:
I’m still on my G7, it’s lovely, but the receiver seems to be packing in a bit. Sad-face.
I’d honestly consider the Razer Mamba if it came down to about £65ish, which is odd since I think that the refurb G7s are too much at about 50-60. =\ (never mind, just sorted that in my head- refurb)
Other than that, if happy with the cabling, from testing friend’s mice and anecdotal/review evidence, both the G5 and [...I've just forgotten the other one. Fairly new brand. Sorry] are my picks. =)
The MX Revolution (by the way, I do seem to have quite a Logitech heavy bias. They just seem to work nicely, not break etc) is a darned nice mouse in OS, but I find it has too many buttons for gaming, odd as that sounds. But I’ve not used it for weeks at a time, so… YMMV.
BTW, I’m told that the default hand position on mice is forefinger on LMB, middle finger on RMB, moving middle finger for movement of scroll wheel. Am I odd in the fact I use my first three fingers on the mouse (middle finger on scrollwheel, that-other-finger on RMB)?
(and finally, @Jim)
But… it all depends on your hands and usage. So you’re the only guy who can actually get this right without guessing. Harrrr.
30/07/2009 at 16:46 suibhne says:
The only improvement I wish for the Logitech MX518 is configurable weights. Otherwise it’s a nearly perfect mouse imo, and tracks better than newer laser mice based on tests run by ESReality. The laser mice might have overcome their (admittedly minute) tracking problems in the last year or two, but older opticals remained superior up to that point.
Of course, that’s a judgment from a site devoted to competitive gaming; most of us wouldn’t notice a difference. My preference for the 518 is really based on ergonomics, price, and reliability.
30/07/2009 at 16:52 Dan says:
I use the lachesis and it has been nothing but great.
30/07/2009 at 17:09 h4plo says:
I’ve gotta throw my weight behind Logitech’s mx518; I’ve gone through three of them over the years, and I’ve never used a mouse that felt .. just so godamn /right/
The side buttons are also placed for optimal spam-clicking when necessary, and it’s comfortable enough for hours of dicking about on the tubes.
30/07/2009 at 17:26 bhlaab says:
Logitech Mx518
Set the side buttons to page up/pagedown, and remap the sensitivity buttons to home and end. then set the extra button to new tab.
voila, you are a web browsing MACHINE
30/07/2009 at 17:32 JimmyJames says:
I’ve been using the G5 for about a year now for gaming and would highly recommend it. It’s nice and heavy when you use all the removable weights, enough buttons and adjustable sensitivity. I wish it had the nice scroll wheel the MX revolution has, though.
30/07/2009 at 17:34 BabelFish says:
I’ve always been the kind of person who uses their mouse… intently. I’ve never been able to find a mouse that was both high performance enough and sturdy enough to last more then 6 months (the logitech and razer mice always end up breaking about 4 months in) until I met steel series:
http://www.steelseries.com/us
Quite pricey, but I will honestly never go back to logitech or razer for mice. These are both very high quality and sturdy.
30/07/2009 at 17:36 Novotny says:
It just occurred to me why I love the MX518 so much.
I use my thumb and my third finger on either side of the mouse to make contact with the mat, with pinky splayed gaily to the side.
Reason being that for small aim adjustments, I can rely on my thumb and third finger for sensitivity, larger swings of the barrel rely on my thumb and pinkie.
I also use what could be reasonably described as a fast mouse speed in most titles, because as an old quaker, I have to 180 without shifting my wrist.
This is why I hated Razors.
If you play like that, go with the MX518. A design classic.
30/07/2009 at 17:38 Novotny says:
Oh btw: amusingly, I’m a lefty. That’s how damn good 518s are, they go both ways.
30/07/2009 at 17:39 Dave says:
@ PaulMorel:
The left-side placement of both buttons 4 and 5 is actually one of the things I love about the intellimouse explorer 2.0. I wouldn’t like having one on the right side, since that’s where I grip the thing.
30/07/2009 at 17:49 Lafinass says:
I’m sure I’ll be stared at like I’ve got a third eye, but I switched over to a trackball two years ago and I won’t go back. I went for the pricy Kensington Expert because it has a centered full palm ball and a scroll wheel. After a bit of a learning curve where my aim was just all over the place, I’ve found the trackball to be immensely more precise and controllable. Not just for gaming, but when working in photoshop it produces much smoother lines.
30/07/2009 at 17:51 Lemming says:
My Razor Deathadder is 3 years old and going strong, easily the best mouse ive ever owned.
30/07/2009 at 18:02 Howl says:
I went through two Vipers and then they stopped making them!! It’s only recently I’ve found out that the Krait is exactly the same shape as the old Vipers.
I’m SO getting a Krait, or two. The Copperhead and Death Adders I’ve had since my Vipers died have just progressively gotten bigger and clumsier. I’m want mouse heaven again.
30/07/2009 at 18:17 cowthief skank says:
I use one of those vertical mice. A little odd at first, but if you have any aches or pain in your arm or shoulder or neck, and you use the computer much, I would recommend one.
My old mouse was an Intellimouse Explorer 3.0. It broke. The day I decided to get a new mouse, by the evening my wrist was aching so much from being twisted out of shape on the normal mouse that my arm was shaking. That was the final straw. Vertical mouse helps immensely.
It does, however, still feel a little awkward with games. I suspect this is down to me not gaming much since I got it; I would imagine it takes time to learn the precision required for games.
They do left-handed models too for anybody who is the wrong way round.
30/07/2009 at 18:21 Grey_Ghost says:
I use a MouseMan CR32 from 1993, I kid you not.
http://www.tcocd.de/Pictures/Peripheral/Logitech/cr32.shtml
I have performed surgery on it countless times to extend it’s life. I also use an old EverGlide thick hard plastic grainy mousing surface (god I wish I could buy a new one).
I’ve tried several times to get a new mouse, but it has always ended in failure. Either I couldn’t get used to it, or it’s software was a giant piece of crap (I’m looking at you Creative Fatal1ty!). All I want is to be able to easily use 3 buttons, with a mouse-wheel that doesn’t get in my way. Why are mouse-wheels such thin & uncomfortable machinations which are hard to click?
I’m quite afraid of my mouse dying… I really need to find a replacement, and give it a well deserved retirement.
30/07/2009 at 18:22 Lex says:
I vote for the Steelseries Ikari as well. It just feels so good.
mmmmmmmmm
30/07/2009 at 18:34 A-Scale says:
I don’t think that’s Quake exclusive. I’ve always been told that 1 inch of movement should translate into 180 degrees. Works for me.
30/07/2009 at 18:41 Zyrxil says:
Browsing the Steelseries site, I found their MMO Gaming Mouse, which actually has a very cool 4 way thumb button. Too bad all the reviews say it’s a poorly made piece of shite; I wish some other company would make thumb buttons like that.
30/07/2009 at 18:46 Στέλιος says:
I know some people may think I am bonkers but my Logitech G7 cordless has both survived MULTIPLE “drop-bounce-roll-where’s-the-battery-gone” incidents and has been reliable in every FPS I have tried. Having the receiver also be the second battery’s charger really helps, too.
30/07/2009 at 19:00 Fat says:
I use a Sidewinder mouse as a few seem to. I’ve tried Razer mice and they just feel like they were made for style and not ease of use. Some people say the Sidewinder is best for large hands, but i have the tiniest man hands of all an it’s the best mouse i’ve tried.
30/07/2009 at 19:01 Kate E says:
I actually have an Evoluent sitting on my office desk. My job requires a lot of mousing, and repetitive injuries are fairly common. The first day on the job, my supervisor was arranging to have physical therapy for the pain in her arm from mousing. I suggested an Evoluent. Within two days, her arm stopped hurting.
That said, and while I think the response time is pretty decent for a mouse used exclusively for productivity work, it does look like a toaster. It’s sitting atop a Radzpad.
For gaming, I have a Logitech G5. The Lachesis does look cool, though. I’m just not convinced that it would complement my technique. My G5 is an older model with a copper finish to it. Even so, I’ll admit that it looks a bit like a slug.
30/07/2009 at 19:04 Timofee says:
I’d give my backing to the MX518.
I own two, the first has lasted me a good 2 and half years so far and the I bought the other one recently to discover they fixed the only issue I have ever had with the 518 which is the 5 little feet started to come off a bit whereas the new version has two or three large pads and it still glides happily on the desk without the need for a mouse mat
30/07/2009 at 19:43 destroy.all.monsters says:
Deathadder then Lachesis. I own both and they feel quite different from each other. Lachesis being more twitchy.
I am part of the Razer religious fanatic base though having owned them since the original Boomslang. I have smallish hands and they work in a way that fits my style. I do not like Logitech or their horrible buggy software. I bought a Revolution mouse from them due in large part to the metal scroll wheel and it just didn’t fit my needs at all as I could never get comfortable using it.
30/07/2009 at 21:08 anon says:
mx518, bang for the buck
30/07/2009 at 21:17 Max says:
After my Razer Diamondback broke I copped out and went with the G5. I feel like I kind of wasted my money though. It’s a great mouse of course and I love the on-the-fly sensitivity switching, button placement, etc. But the included software is useless and the customizable weights are just silly. I feel like I paid too much.
30/07/2009 at 21:40 Lightbulb says:
Mx518 – Tis a thing of beauty and comfort.
30/07/2009 at 22:14 Quentillius says:
Hurrah to my first post on RPS!
I highly, HIGHLY advise going for Microsoft. Most comfortable mouses by far. I’m currently using the intellimouse 3 and that it is the mouse I advise. Don’t get any of that silly shit like logitech and razor. Microsoft ftw to be honest.
30/07/2009 at 22:37 Requiem says:
@Lafinass I’m currently using an old Microsoft Trackball Explorer and I dread the day it dies. I’ve never tried a palm operated ball, just thumb and fingertip designs, do you play many FPS games? If so how comfortable is the Kensington Expert for games where you have to hold down the right mouse button to use the iron sights/scopes?
30/07/2009 at 22:45 DarkNoghri says:
I dearly love my Razer Deathadder. This is, I believe, one of Razer’s only non-ambidextrous mice. Fairly simple, 4 buttons + mousewheel. Has three DPI settings (I only ever use one) as well as an on-the-fly sensitivity switch. This last bit is the part that I love. I hold a button down and scroll the wheel and go from 2 sensitivity to 4.5 to move from sniper to heavy in TF2. I ran the mouse for a year and a half on a desk, and then got a Razer Goliathus cloth mousepad, which is also awesome.
On the other hand, almost all of my online friends appear to have a G5, which is supposed to be quite good.
30/07/2009 at 22:45 Jack says:
I’ve had the G9 for a year and love it. It does look a bit weird but for me it was all about performance and ergonomics. I wanted something that fit my hand well and was nice and accurate- this fits the bill nicely. Best mouse I’ve ever owned.
30/07/2009 at 22:53 argh says:
If you’re comfortable with the Razor I would just buy another one. The technology in mice haven’t advanced very much so getting the latest and greatest isn’t always ideal. The number one factor should be comfort. I own a Microsoft Explorer 3.0 which has served me for a long time and I plan to buy another one very soon for backup.
30/07/2009 at 22:56 WOoogabooga says:
Deathadder 4 life
30/07/2009 at 23:45 Guhndahb says:
I still keep buying MX518s despite many newer mice with some more advanced features coming along. This is because it has the best button density/placement of any mouse I’ve used, and that’s the most important thing for me. I’d prefer if it were larger, though. I used to love the feel of one particular version of the Intellimouse Pro, you know, the really big one that didn’t last for long.
The programming software, SetPoint, particularly with UberOptions, does everything I need. My only complaint about SetPoint – and I don’t use the newest version due to not liking some of the changes – is that it works on game .exe names and not game exe paths, which can be a problem for some games where you have different games using the same named executable (I’m looking at you hl2.exe).
31/07/2009 at 01:41 ztrauq says:
If you can find one, I swear by the MonsterGecko PistolMouse FPS for shooters (I use an old Razer ProSolutions mouse for RTS and similar). Basically, the PistolMouse is how it sounds – a fully modeled pistol sitting atop a large mouse base. While it’s highly unusual and isn’t loaded with buttons, it makes FPS games feel more realistic, and I have a ton of fun using it. Of course, being so unusual (and fairly impractical for anything that’s not a shooter), it didn’t sell all that well, but the plus side is that if you can find one, they’re available for dirt cheap (I’ve been stockpiling a few because once they’re gone, I doubt anyone is going to make anything else quite like it). As an added bonus, the vertical grip gives you the same sort of benefits as RSI mice, without feeling quite as weird to use.
31/07/2009 at 01:42 Chriller says:
You really should consider the Razer Deathadder. Technically I believe it’s still the best out there, it has great specs, and most importantly it has an infared sensor which will outperform (i.e. never skipping frames/crapping out at fast movements) any shitty (by which i mean all of them) laser mice out there (razers new models included), and even the good ol’ opticals. :)
31/07/2009 at 02:11 gryffinp says:
I am a huge fan of the MX revolution for one reason: Thumbwheel. Fucking Thumbwheel. With programmaable buttons, I have found a use for that damn thumbwheel in every game more complex then Plants Versus Zombies. It got the the point where after I broke my first one by slamming it into my wall in a fit of tremendous rage (Long story) I found it VERY difficult to play Team Fortress Two, because I had it set up such that pushing it forward is primary weapon, pushing it back is secondary, and clicking it is melee. Using any other weapon switch method was just so much less efficient. (Also, I used the “One Touch Search” Button to scope the hunting rifle in L4D, so that was also unusable.)
In summary: Thumbwheel. So good.
31/07/2009 at 02:12 Eli Just says:
Razer by far makes the best mice I have ever used. I have the Diamondback, which is not the nicest Razer, but I love it. Stick with the Razer!
31/07/2009 at 12:07 cncplyr says:
G5 here, my mouse history is a bit strange, had some OEM thing for a long time, was pretty good with it too, then went to a logitech mediaplay, which I loved (my keyboard doesnt have media buttons on it, so being able to pause/play music in game was amazing! and it was wireless!) Sadly I spilt one too many drinks on it, and it was time to move on so the blue G5 it is, and it is great! Only thing is, if you can handle 400, 800 and 2000 dpi, don’t bother with the software.
31/07/2009 at 13:04 Muzman says:
I’ve had a regular old Intellimouse (not even Explorer) for aaages. Admittedly I’m not much of a twitch gamer these days. But it’s lasted the distance. It even got smashed up at one point (I can disassemble it with a squeeze in the right place) but is still going (will occasionaly scroll me to the top of the page at random tough).
Most mice I encounter, with lots of features, are either too big or too narrow (I even find Intellimouse Explorers a bit chunky). If I had to get a new one, I never quite got over how cool the Mac Mighty Mouse is, since I used it a lot at work. The side scrolling ball thingy is absolutely awesome and it’s just the right size, solid and nicely constructed. I’ve never seen a side scrolling thing on a PC-centric mouse that’s anywhere as good. It performs exactly like a fast, light and precise scroll wheel, but sideways as well. It becomes indispensable in video editing, has few other uses, but is so cool! The secret buttons seem to work great too. I don’t know how someone looking for a mouse straight out of Janes Magazine or Tom Clancy’s:Calloused Finger would rate its specs, but there you go.
31/07/2009 at 13:44 Chemix says:
I use a logitech laptop mouse, and it’s quite good, and the wireless USB plug… thing, I guess, is TINY; though if you have bluetooth installed on your comp, you might as well get a mouse with that instead, but what desktop has bluetooth anyway? *hides*
31/07/2009 at 14:42 sinister agent says:
Get a 360.
Fleeee!
31/07/2009 at 14:51 Jeeva says:
@gryffinp I liked the MX (great battery life, a plethora of buttons, shapely ;)) but still can’t get used to the lack of conventional middle button. =(
The second mouse I was to name was the Roccat Kone. Which breaks, but is regarded fairly well otherwise, it appears.
31/07/2009 at 16:10 whaleloever says:
YOU CAN CHANGE THE COLOURS OF THE LIGHTS ON THE G9
31/07/2009 at 17:00 Deadjim says:
@ Sinister agent: lol
On the subject of mice get an Mx 518, its nice and light and extremely comfortable have had it for 5 years now with no complaints at all
31/07/2009 at 17:11 Boldoran says:
I am using my second Logitech MX518 right now. Had the first one for some years until it stopped working. When I had ordered the replacement i found out that the reason was that the usb cable hat broken inside its isolation. I soldered it back together and am using the repaird mouse on my other pc now.
Really the MX518 is excellent for its price. It has more than enough buttons and if you really want to you can even configure the minibuttons on top of it to do usefull stuff (used to do that for WOW, need to use the config software for that though)
31/07/2009 at 21:08 xaxis says:
I also use a Wacom (old A6 Graphire 2). Got it for arty stuff, ended up using it for general desktop usage and eventually gaming. Wouldn’t ever go back to mice again, they feel bloated and unresponsive in comparison.
Most games support tablets natively, for those that don’t (free camera games mostly) you can toggle the tablets posistioning mode, which works flawlessly. My Q3/CS accuracy has increased massively, microing ability in SC has also seen a boost. Can flick the pen about a lot faster than a mouse.
01/08/2009 at 06:01 blackberry829 says:
Many people are suggesting the MX 518. I have to agree with them. I remember using an MX700. It’s pretty much the MX 518 only wireless, and a bit bigger. I didn’t really enjoy it because it weighed too much.
The MX 518, on the other hand, is a bit smaller, lighter, and has a wire. This way, you don’t have to go looking for batteries all the time.
01/08/2009 at 07:47 DarkNoghri says:
My recommendation for the DeathAdder up above still stands (the LED PULSES), but I also have a Logitech mx510. At least I think it’s a 510. Anyway, its a good mouse, still holding up against years of abuse (excluding the feet which need replacing), but it’s quite tall. The shape of the mouse is almost a half circle, and much prefer my DeathAdder. Then again, I don’t palm mice, I use my fingertips. It also has two side buttons, if memory serves, but I never use them, as I don’t tend to play games on the laptop with it very often.
My advice is to go to a store that sells lots of mice. In the US, I would recommend Best Buy, but whatever floats your boat. Just try a bunch of different mice. See which ones fit. See if you like some shapes more than others. Try clicking, feel the construction.
@Larington
I spent good money on a mouse, but my keyboard is a generic Dell. My motherboard had all the features I desired, and was quite cheap. All my extra cash went into the most overspecced monitor I could get. And I expect it to last me several computer builds, at least.
01/08/2009 at 19:10 Hank says:
This is obviously a popular topic.
I used to have a Logitech trackball mouse and I liked it quite a bit. Gaming was slightly more difficult than the previous regular mouse, but no longer did I get a sore spot at the wrist-to-table contact site.
Having sold that trackball along with an old PC, I bought an MX518. Several reasons: nostalgia, smaller size, adjustable speed, and good experiences with all but one Logitech product (USB speakers; customer service, however, was excellent and after some sensible troubleshooting help a replacement was shipped no charge).
MX518 works for me. Haven’t used any of the other fancy marks mentioned here.
01/08/2009 at 22:30 Novotny says:
Rossignol: Have you bought a bloody mouse yet? Or did Logitech get wind of this thread and send you every product they’ve ever made?
I need completion. 200 odd responses, ffs tell us what you’re going to do.
01/08/2009 at 23:11 Hyperion2010 says:
I got an mx518 about 5 years ago and a g5 (with the two buttons) 3 years ago, and honestly I absolutely hate the scroll wheel on the g5. I’ve been considering picking up another 518 just in case. I actually dislike my g5 enough to have lent it to my ex for the last year and a half.
01/08/2009 at 23:28 Cargo Cult says:
Get an Apple Mighty Mouse. It’s so stunningly, phenomenally awful that absolutely anything else will be a massive improvement.
(I replaced it with a ten quid Logitech thing with a ball. It’s lovely, and doesn’t do the stupid optical thing of randomly forgetting which direction it’s going in if I’ve actually cleaned my desk recently.)
02/08/2009 at 01:10 gryffinp says:
@Jeeva Actually if you use the setpoint software you can set the middle button to work like normal. Downside: averted.
02/08/2009 at 15:36 Yann Best says:
Just to reiterate what some have already said: Real Men Use Trackballs (also, Plumbers Don’t Wear Ties, but that’s irrelevant).
Microsoft always made the best finger-controlled ‘balls, but have sadly stopped manufacturing them. Bastards.