Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical vs. Logitech MouseMan Wheel Optical?

[ktchong]

I'd like to hear from people who have used both Microsoft IntelliMouse Optical and Logitech MouseMan Wheel Optical. Which is a better mouse (in terms of comfort, features, functions, quality, etc.)?

Please try best to be objective and refrain from Microsoft-bashing. Thanks! 😛

 

[Dulanic]

I own the Itellimouse Explorer and I love it.... nothing to say bad about it at all. The only downside... as I have found with ANY mouse I have used..... is the painful pinky finger syndrom after playing a game that needs the mouse all the time.

 

[Super6]

I believe the second generation Microsoft has a faster sampling rate...may be important for gaming.

Super6

 

[ktchong]

An additional note: I have small hands. It's said that MS IntelliMouse Optical is just too big for people with small hands. Also, I have heard that its accessory/thumb button is inconveniently located, and it is impossible not to press the accessory/thumb button by mistake once in a while. Comment?

 

[AL77]

ktchong,
I have used the IntelliMouse Optical extensively, and I like it. My only complaint is when you move the mouse quickly it tends to skip or lose track of its position on the screen, leading to disorientation in a game like Quake3. This is due to the current state of optical technology in mice. The solution in games that I've tried is to increase the mouse sensitivity.

The one I've used is the 1500 samples/second version. The new version comes with "33% improved speed", read 2000 samples/second. I can't comment on whether the improved sample rate delivers.


<< It's said that MS IntelliMouse Optical is just too big for people with small hands >>


You're thinking of the MS Intellimouse Explorer (optical technology), which is a bit on the big side for some people. The MS Intellimouse Optical was introduced several months after the original Explorer. I think you'll find the size satisfactory, about the same size (but not identical shape, owing to its ambidextrous design) as a standard MS Intellimouse.


<< Also, I have heard that its accessory/thumb button is inconveniently located, and it is impossible not to press the accessory/thumb button by mistake once in a while >>


The Optical has 1 button on either side (for a total of 5 if you include the wheel); I have difficulty pressing the right button (as I'm right-handed, I have to use my pinky), but the left button, using my thumb, is no problem. I don't recall pressing the side buttons by accident. Additional info here:Microsoft Mice comparison

So I would recommend the IntelliMouse Optical. The MouseMan Optical has a decidely right-handed shape that is also a bit on the large/tall side. The best advice is to try these out for yourself as people have different ideas for comfort when it comes to a mouse. They both have similar features, although the MS Optical has five buttons to the Logitech's four.

 

[tom3]

If you are right handed, I would recommend the logitech mouse. I have had both brifely, and the optical performance felt the same. But the build quality of the Logitech felt superior to that of the Intellimouse.

The buttons on the intellimouse felt flimsy, and the scroll wheel felt loose. The mouseman, on the other hand felt very sturdy..

try them both out and decide for yourself.. =)

 

[superbaby]

I have both mice and I like the Microsoft one better.

The Logitech wheel is too tight. Too much effort is required to move it and frankly my index finger is a lazy bitch.

The tracking the Logitech seems to be buggy. My mouse cursor jumps a bit now and then and while it's not annoying it's certainly inferior to Microsoft's.

The iFeel thing is a gimmick. The feedback IMO does not promote intuitiveness and the settings to adjust the feedback are ridiculously complicated. Plus even the adjustments don't really feel different.

Driver support on MS' side is better than Logitech's, I always hated Mouseware, however Mouseware's Auto Scroll will scroll ANYTHING, even windows in mIRC - which was a real plus.

The buttons on the Logitech mouse don't feel as clickable at Microsoft's, and the thumb button is too damn small.

I'm not sure about everyone else but my right hand cramped after using the Logitech mouse for awhile, maybe because I wasn't used to such a high arc.

 

[prontospyder]

I prefer the Logitech due to better comfort...

But as others have suggested, try them out yourself at a local store before buying one.