Logitech G5 Laser Mouse and G7 Laser Cordless Mouse Review

Introduction

The world of high-end mouse controllers usually comes down to two different camps, with one espousing the benefits of a wired mouse, with its non-existent latency and sure-fire USB connection, while the other scoffs and promotes a new wireless world, without the need for old school cords, and with performance rivaling, if not equaling, their wired counterparts. Logitech recognizes both ends of the spectrum, and continues to produce exceptional mice for each. The G5 Laser Mouse takes standard corded performance to new levels, while the G7 Laser Cordless Mouse offers 2.4 GHz wireless transmissions, along with the same gaming grade precision of the corded line.

The Logitech G5 Laser Mouse

The G5 Laser Mouse is the next evolution in the Logitech wired mouse lineup, and offers much more than just a basic upgrade to the previous Logitech MX518/MX510 mouse controllers. To start, the G5 Laser is the first high-end corded model to feature the Logitech Laser Engine, which utilizes a 30x30-pixel array to scan at 6.4 megapixels per second. This 2000 dpi laser engine offers exceptional precision, and provides up to 20X the surface detail sensitivity of an older optical tracking engine. Needless to say, optical mouse technology is on its way out, and laser engines are the hot technology.

The G5 Laser Mouse itself has a very similar look and feel to the older MX518 optical mouse. The right-handed design and size is virtually equivalent, but the G5 Laser does make a few noted improvements. The outer base housing is a silver-brown color and remains a one-piece design, but now features a more tactile brushed metal feel that keep finger slippage to a minimum. Even the plastic parts of the housing feature a rougher texture, and while it might take some getting used to, this certainly helps maintain your overall gaming grip on the G5 Laser.

Another change is the addition of an LED display that shows the current DPI setting. As with previous Logitech gaming mouse controllers, this can be set on-the-fly using top-mounted buttons, but this LED does makes it easier to adjust. The buttons are also in a better location, and rather than positioning them above and below the mouse wheel like the MX518, the G5 Laser positions them both above the wheel, for much easier access. There are three hardware sensitivity settings, with 400 dpi, 800 dpi, and 2000 dpi available using the mouse controls, and additional options (as well cover later) available through the driver software.

The mouse buttons have also been toned back, and the Logitech G5 Laser Mouse only offers the standard 3-button + mouse wheel format, along with two DPI sensitivity buttons, mouse wheel tilt left-right, and a single side-mounted Back button. The mouse wheel offers tilt functionality that supports right-left traveling and these two buttons can be mapped using the Logitech driver tabs. The Application Quick Switch (emulates Alt-Tab) and the side-mounted Forward buttons are no longer present on the G5 Laser, both of which were standard equipment on the MX518. These are not missed in everyday usage, but most gamers have already changed these to customized keystrokes, and switching over to the G5 Laser could require a change in game configuration.

To Build a Lighter or Heavier Mouse

The top of the G5 Laser Mouse held some enhancements, but surprisingly, so does the bottom. Logitech has listened to user feedback and upgraded the G5 to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) feet. Polytetrafluoroethylene is basically Teflon, and if it can survive the in the harsh environment of non-stick frying pads, then its certainly good enough for a mouse. Previous Logitech mouse controllers used standard plastic feet, which were not as smooth or durable as this synthetic polymer. The mouse feet on the G5 Laser have also increased in size, while offering a thinner footprint, both of which contribute to smoother tracking and better operation.

Hardcore gamers can be notorious for their pickiness regarding game controllers, with many being like Goldilocks looking for that just right hardware mix. Controller weight is one of the most important factors, and with the G5 Laser, it is now possible to customize it. The Logitech G5 Laser offers an ingenious method of adjusting mouse weight through a removable weight cartridge. This cartridge has eight open slots, and the retail package includes eight 1.7g and eight 4.5g weights (complete with metal box) that can be mixed and matched to supply the required heft. Then just insert the cartridge into the open slot in the bottom of the G5 Laser, test out the feel, and then remove and adjust if needed. This is an excellent feature and once your perfect weight is found, the G5 Laser will feel incredibly comfortable for gaming.

The latest generation of Logitech mouse controllers has finally moved away from the PS/2 connector and formally adopted USB as the interface of choice. The G5 Laser Mouse includes only a USB connector and there is no PS/2 adapter included in the retail box. The mouse cord is also a bit different, and instead of a standard plastic format, it features a braided cloth exterior, similar to what you would find on a quality power supply. This makes the cord more flexible and durable, while also providing higher-end aesthetics. The retail box also includes a hardcopy user manual and driver CD.

* Note that the Logitech G5 Laser Mouse is designed for right-handed use, and is not available in a left-handed format.


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