Logitech G5 Laser Mouse (mini-review)

Introduction

Logitech may have introduced the first laser mouse about a year ago with their MX1000, but I heard numerous reports that the mouse had problems, the most notable which was a lag which would happen when the user lifted the mouse and dropped it back down, a common happening in games. Logitech has resolved many of these issues and has delivered a remarkably refined and solid product with its G series mice. I picked up the G5 (wired version) today, so here are my thoughts on it.

Package Contents

- Logitech G5 Laser Mouse
- Adjustable weight cartridge
- Tuning weights and aluminum case
- CD w/ SetPoint software
- Installation Guide
- 3 year limited warranty

Design/Ergonomics

The design of the G5 is stunning for a mouse. It has a silver/rust finish that goes perfectly with a gaming rig or any high end system. Logitech clearly paid attention to every little detail when designing this mouse. The buttons are comfortably placed and easy to press. The scroll wheel is a bit stiff at first, but it eases up after a little use. The side of the mouse is lined with rubbery material, giving traction. Even the cord is surrounded by nylon and it's memoryless (meaning that it doesn't hold its shape), a nice touch for the overall package.

All in all, this mouse is well-designed and comfortable to use. It's not the smallest mouse out there, but for desktops and gaming laptops, you can't do much better than this.

Features

The G5 is fairly feature packad without being excessively so. Perhaps one of the most useful options is one for adjusting sensitivity on the mouse itself. This feature is useful when you find yourself wanting to move the mouse around the screen at a faster or slower pace than normal. Being able to fine-tune sensitivity will give you that edge in a game like Battlefield 2 or Counter-Strike.

In addition, Logitech lets you configure all of the buttons to perform the tasks you want. For example, you can set the scroll wheel to jump more lines forward. I find 3 lines to be a good setting for this.

Speaking of the scroll wheel, the scroll wheel on this mouse is not your standard scroll wheel. It can actually tilt in all FOUR directions. Combine this with the ability to configure any buttons to any action and imagine the possibilities in games and even for normal web browsing.

The final feature worth nothing is the weight adjustment system. It involves tiny weights that you can load into a tray that can be placed inside a slot on the mouse. Being able to adjust the mouse's overall weight in small incrememnts of grams allows for the ultimate in customizing the handling of the mouse.

Handling

This mouse works like a charm. Laser mice simply work on a whole new level from standard optical mice. The mouse is more sensitive which is a boon when working in Photoshop or when playing games.

The feet of the mice are lined with a frictionless material, making it very easy to slide back and forth, much better so than any other mouse I've used. I have not found the need to pick up the mouse and recenter it like I used to and that's a good thing!

The Verdict

There's really not much more I can say other than that I'm very impressed with this mouse. There's little to find fault in other than the $70 price tag. But you can easily go online and pay $50 which is a fair price IMO for a mouse of this great caliber. For avid gamers, graphic artists, or people who simply want the best mouse there is, this is it.


|------------------------------
| RATING
|------------------------------
| 9.5 | Design
| 9.0 | Features
| 10. | Handling
| 7.0 | Value
|------------------------------
| Overall - 9.0
|------------------------------

 

I enjoyed your mini-review! You did an excellent job!

I have a MX1000 - works pretty good, never had any lag. I like the G5's looks better though, seems more ergonomic...I might have to pick one of those up.

LOL, I love mice - I've got 'em all! MX1000, Razer Diamondback, Logitech MX500, etc.

 

Sweet! I never knew it was out yet!

Gonna see if the v400 is out..

 

Yah, this mouse was rather difficult to find in B&M stores (BB, CC, Comp USA, Fry's) despite its being out for almost 2 months. Micro Center carried it although I paid full price for it. I didn't feel that the $10-$15 I'd save online would be worth it, but factor that in if you find this mouse too pricey. (It can be had for $50, no tax, no shipping at Buy.com after a coupon)

 

If its hard to find inb the US, you know how hard it is to find it here!

 

Newegg


I have a MX 1000 ""laser"" mouse and have had ZERO issues with it after 1 year. I play a lot of Counterstrike and never have any delay issues. Of course I don't lift/slam my mouse around like a 14/yr old hormonal teenager...

For a portable mouse, check out the v500. It is just pimp, I really can't say anything more...

 

They don't ship here...