Logitech G5 Laser Mouse: When an update is not worthy of a new name
by Gary Key on July 25, 2007 12:01 AM EST- Posted in
- Peripherals
Design
One of the most noticeable changes from the original design is the new color scheme. Instead of having a faded metallic color scheme like previous Logitech urban design motifs, the main body now consists of black-on-blue color scheme that mimics dry and cracked earth. The sides retain the flat black look that features a unique textured grip surface, which is very good. The other main feature, is of course, a second thumb button on the side that returns this layout design to that of the MX500 series. A change that we wholeheartedly welcome and are glad to finally see.
While the number of buttons first appears to be minimal, the layout design conceals the fact that there are seven available button/wheel choices. The horizontal capable scroll wheel can be configured as three buttons (left, center, right). An additional two buttons are located below the scroll wheel (DPI adjustable) along with the two side buttons, all of which are configurable via the Logitech SetPoint software.
There are a set of 4 LEDs just on the left side of the top of the mouse that are used to indicate power on and the choice of three DPI settings. We found their placement to either be near perfect for taking a quick glance at the current DPI setting or they were completely blocked during usage depending upon your hand size. DPI switching is supported in hardware and features the default 400/800/2000 settings. You only need to install the SetPoint software if you want to customize the DPI settings from the default levels.
The right side of the mouse has a slight indentation that allows the third finger to rest comfortably and allows for precise movements with the mouse. Each side of the mouse is coated with a textured grip surface that allows for a very comfortable feel. On the left side of the G5 we found the thumb grip design gives you a slightly curved surface to rest your thumb on. It feels very comfortable and natural while resting your hand or during quick movements. The top of the mouse has a non-slip texture design as well. Overall, this is one of the most comfortable mice we have used but it is basically a right hand design only.
The bottom of the G5 is fairly ordinary. There are three low-friction polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon based) feet designed to reduce resistance and improve gliding across most surfaces. We found the material on the feet allowed the G5 to glide better across our various mouse pads or desktop surface a lot easier than previous Logitech offerings. In fact, the difference was noticeable the first time we used the mouse when compared to the MX518. The other feature on the bottom of this mouse is a slot for the adjustable weight system that we will discuss next.
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| Click to enlarge | |
One of the most noticeable changes from the original design is the new color scheme. Instead of having a faded metallic color scheme like previous Logitech urban design motifs, the main body now consists of black-on-blue color scheme that mimics dry and cracked earth. The sides retain the flat black look that features a unique textured grip surface, which is very good. The other main feature, is of course, a second thumb button on the side that returns this layout design to that of the MX500 series. A change that we wholeheartedly welcome and are glad to finally see.
While the number of buttons first appears to be minimal, the layout design conceals the fact that there are seven available button/wheel choices. The horizontal capable scroll wheel can be configured as three buttons (left, center, right). An additional two buttons are located below the scroll wheel (DPI adjustable) along with the two side buttons, all of which are configurable via the Logitech SetPoint software.
There are a set of 4 LEDs just on the left side of the top of the mouse that are used to indicate power on and the choice of three DPI settings. We found their placement to either be near perfect for taking a quick glance at the current DPI setting or they were completely blocked during usage depending upon your hand size. DPI switching is supported in hardware and features the default 400/800/2000 settings. You only need to install the SetPoint software if you want to customize the DPI settings from the default levels.
 |
 |
| Click to enlarge | |
The right side of the mouse has a slight indentation that allows the third finger to rest comfortably and allows for precise movements with the mouse. Each side of the mouse is coated with a textured grip surface that allows for a very comfortable feel. On the left side of the G5 we found the thumb grip design gives you a slightly curved surface to rest your thumb on. It feels very comfortable and natural while resting your hand or during quick movements. The top of the mouse has a non-slip texture design as well. Overall, this is one of the most comfortable mice we have used but it is basically a right hand design only.
The bottom of the G5 is fairly ordinary. There are three low-friction polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon based) feet designed to reduce resistance and improve gliding across most surfaces. We found the material on the feet allowed the G5 to glide better across our various mouse pads or desktop surface a lot easier than previous Logitech offerings. In fact, the difference was noticeable the first time we used the mouse when compared to the MX518. The other feature on the bottom of this mouse is a slot for the adjustable weight system that we will discuss next.
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cjb110 - Wednesday, July 25, 2007 - link
The weight system is a good idea in principle, but the with the current setup the weight difference isn't noticable. They need to have a greater range, say adding upto 100g, rather than the paltry 36g.yacoub - Wednesday, July 25, 2007 - link
Eagerly awaits an article about modding the G5 by cutting your own lead weights for uber weight advantage / wrist building scheme. ^^Deusfaux - Wednesday, July 25, 2007 - link
This is another major issue with past mice like the G5 that have sideways middle clicks.Did you guys experience a lot of incorrect button presses when attempting to do a middle click? ie, did you hit middle left or right instead or AS WELL as hitting the middle?
With the MX518 hitting the middle click is easy and always guaranteed...
Gary Key - Friday, July 27, 2007 - link
We did not have any incorrect middle clicks during testing. The main reason is the fact that you have to firmly press down on the middle button which made reaction time slower to some degree until you get use to it. I prefer the MX518 middle click but several others liked the G5.Capt Caveman - Wednesday, July 25, 2007 - link
I find that using the right/left tilt buttons on the middle wheel to be faster and more useful than the second thumb button and middle wheel button.MX518 - second thumb button/more responsive middle wheel button = right/left tilt buttons on middle wheel of G5/G7
Nullvoid - Wednesday, July 25, 2007 - link
That you received some new 'Razer' units not RAZOR.flyboy84 - Wednesday, July 25, 2007 - link
...you are correctandepro - Wednesday, July 25, 2007 - link
Did any1 come across this article?:
http://www.esreality.com/?a=post&id=1265679">http://www.esreality.com/?a=post&id=1265679
Gary Key - Friday, July 27, 2007 - link
We had been working on something similar but decided in the end that the amount of testing required for each mouse (G5 as an example, 3dpi/6 USB polling settings x various weight points plus multiple path movements) still would not really tell us anything conclusive about how the mouse operates without knowing the conditions it would be used in. We are still figuring out how to do something more scientific while trying to cover the major variables.
strafejumper - Wednesday, July 25, 2007 - link
have seen it, this esreality article is not perfect, but way beyond any other mouse reviews i've seen anywhere.its written by competitive multiplayer gamers for competitive multiplayer gamers.
haven't read it in a long time but i believe one of the things it covered that really no one else does is negative acceleration. Negative acceleration meaning if you move the mouse x distance at a slow speed, it tracks differently than if you move the mouse the same distance at a fast speed. I would have liked them to test a ball mouse to see if it has any negative acceleration.