How old is your 518? If its still under warranty (3 years, iirc) Logitech will replace it pretty much no questions asked
Otherwise the Death Adder is probably the best choice here as a replacement upgrade. Its in the same size/shape/weight range, has a slightly better sensor, onboard firmware will retain DPI and polling rate settings (ie if you install drivers on your computer you can set the mouse to be 900dpi and 1000Hz from the default 1800dpi and 125Hz and then it will operate @ 900dpi and 1000Hz whenever you plug it into a new computer, even without drivers. Unfortunately it doesn't have memory to retain remapped button functions or macros, but at least it will retain those most crucial sensor settings) and a new firmware even offers to turn off mouse prediction (artificial smoothing of lines), something the MX518 has but cannot be turned off.
The Diamondback 3G isn't "just like" the DeathAdder like Pie suggests, it doesn't have an upgradeable firmware and doesn't even support polling rate increases, even through the drivers. This means no sensor settings can be changed and retained internally in the mouse without software, and in the case of polling rate, the DB3G needs 3rd party registry hacks to operate at a higher polling rate. It is because of these factors that I would consider the DB3G inferior to the MX518, and a potentially huge mistake if you're grip on the mouse is heavily accustomed to that of the MX518 (ie more palm oriented)
The Habu does offer amazing value for its feature set, however I don't think I can recommend it in good conscience because of its first generation laser sensor. While I can admit much of the hate against laser sensors is over the top, I'm not a low sensitivity user and even I have had my Habu flake out on me under high speed movements. Truly, if the Habu had either a tried and true optical sensor or a newer laser, it really would actually be one of the best gaming mouses on the market.
I own all 4 said models and of the 4 I would choose the DA hands down. Of course my games of choice tend to be FPS. Someone playing MMO/RPG might actually benefit from a mouse like the Habu (games that rely less on demanding input from the sensor) with its 7 fully programmable buttons (macros included) and onboard memory to retain settings across computers without drivers.
That being said, I do own more than those models and my current mouse of choice is the Razer Salmosa, and it does fall within your price range. There is a catch though - the Salmosa is clearly oriented more towards a fingertip style grip (very small and lightweight) and it only has 3 buttons (left, right, and wheel)
Originally posted by: TC91
The razer deathadder is an amazing mouse, but make sure you are right handed.
his MX518 that he is replacing is right handed as well...
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