Are newer mice like the G5 a worthy upgrade over a MX300?

[duragezic]

I currently have a Logitech MX300 that I have been satisfied with.

With the tempting Google checkout deal at Buy.com, I couldn't think of much to buy, but perhaps a new mouse?

I don't believe I need wireless at all. With usb ports on my monitor, I rarely notice even using a cord, and my room is tiny so I would never be sitting down elsewere with a KB/mouse on my lap.

So would for example the G5 for $35 shipped be a noticeably better mouse? Would it be due to the weights and sensitivity features or because of the laser tech vs. optical? What about the MX518, or similar mice from other manufacturers? I'm mostly looking at Logitech since they have a good rep, but open to anything good. Also, pretty much has to be online from Buy.com since I have no good local stores, and the $20 off $50+ is what would allow me to buy something nice like the G5.

Also, what about buttons? I only have 3 + the wheel on my MX300, plus an extra which doesn't always detect right in games because I have no Logitech software installed, but I believe it functions as the 4th mouse button in BF2 correctly. Seems like some mice have so many buttons that it'd be cumbersome to use, and easy to accidentally hit the wrong ones. What do you guys like? I don't understand what it means by tilt wheels.


Lastly, do you guys need mouse pads for optical or laser mice? I still use a cheap pad for my MX300 because it doesn't track as well without one, but it seems EVERYONE has gotten rid of mouse pads now.

 

[SEAL62505]

Nothing against the G5 (I use a G7 now, so very similar feel) but you could also check out the new Microsoft/Razer Habu. I think buy.com just got it in today. I ordered it just to try it out (and potentially replace the G7). Although I don't typically worry too much about a nice mouse pad I did recently decide to blow some cash and I bought a Steelpad 5L. VERY large, but once you get used to it the feet on the G7 glide very nice across it. buy.com sells those as well...

 

[Eureka]

Any of the newer mice will trump the MX300... the G5 is a pretty good upgrade.

And no you don't need a mousepad for the most part, so it's pretty neat. And it feels like a charm for right-handers. (even though I'm partial to the Razer Copperhead myself)

Norm

 

[BladeVenom]

I don't like the G5 for one reason, only 1 thumb button. If I have a forwards button, I like to have a backwards button to go with it.

 

[Eureka]

Yeah, I never really liked the G5 for that part... I mean I do tend to use the forward button from time to time. But if you can get past that it's a pretty good mouse overall.

Norm

 

[duragezic]

Ok I figured out the G5 would have one side/thumb button + the two sides of the tilt wheel over my MX300. Why couldn't they make it two side buttons?! Ah.. still at least it has a little bit more than my current, but not as much as the MX518. MX518 is nice since it has a more buttons but doesnt seem to be as good of a mouse overall as the G5. Not sure if it is the laser or optical difference, but then they both do offer on-the-fly sensitivity changes.

Now... what MS mouse were you talking about, RuffRyder? I only see some IntelliMouses on buy.com which I've used before and are fairly nice and basic, but doesnt seem like a gaming mouse like the G5.

And the only Razor ones I see on buy.com are the Diamondback and Copperhead. Copperhead is the newer version... seems on par with the G5, but I read the G5 has a very slight edge as long as you are right-handed (I am).

So, of the reviews I've seen I'm condering the G5 most now. I hope I don't decide in a year that I need a wireless setup, but I guess if that happens I'll buy a cheap wireless kb/mouse combo for browsing, but keep my wired G5 for gaming.

 

[Eureka]

Well, the Copperhead favors people who hold their mice with their fingertips, which I've found to be quite comfortable. The G5 only does better if you grip the entire mouse.

Norm

 

[ubercaffeinated]

hafu?

 

[benplaut]

Originally posted by: makoto00
hafu?

habu?

 

[ubercaffeinated]

habu. blah.