should I get a new mouse, if so which one?

spazo

Senior member
Apr 5, 2004
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I want to buy a new mouse but I don't know if I should. My current mosue is working fine but I would like to know if theres a difference between ball mice and optical mice. I do play fps for the most part but they're not my main priority in life...

Or would is just be better to get a new game? Budget is probably $50 but lower is always better ;)
 

Mem

Lifer
Apr 23, 2000
21,476
13
81
Optical mouse wise the Logitech MX510 is awesome for gaming,very fast tracking,now between this and a new game?.... Hmmm I would go with both even if it`s over your budget ;).
 

sharkeeper

Lifer
Jan 13, 2001
10,886
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I wish they would quit making ball mice!

That said, MX310 would suit you fine.

Best try them for fit at your local B & M.

Cheers!
 

Sheriff

Golden Member
Mar 14, 2001
1,182
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Difference between ball and optical is like night and day. Have a ball at night be see the light of day and get an Optical like the Logitech as suggested
 

Bovinicus

Diamond Member
Aug 8, 2001
3,145
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I'm happy with my MS Intellimouse Explorer. I don't know how it compares to other optical mice, but it certainly feels a whole lot smoother than any ball mouse I have ever used. Combine that with a nice gaming mousepad and you would be surprised at the difference.
 

spazo

Senior member
Apr 5, 2004
344
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I just got the MX510 and I'm loving it but then I found out they sell MX700s at around the same price point...should I get that instead? I really like the idea of having a cordless mouse but I also don't want to have a sacrifice in perfromance...
 

sharkeeper

Lifer
Jan 13, 2001
10,886
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The MX700 has excellent performance. Virtually indistinguishable from corded mice unless you forget to charge it and the battery dies!

Cheers!
 

sisooktom

Senior member
Apr 9, 2004
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I have the new MS wireless mouse, and it's been great. You never realize what a PITA the cord is until it's gone ;)
 

cw42

Diamond Member
Jan 15, 2004
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you'll barely be able to tell the diff between the mx510 and mx500 unless you're a hardcore gamer that plays ut2k4, or cs. personally, i'd recommend the mx500, or ms 3.0 explorer.
 

Cerb

Elite Member
Aug 26, 2000
17,484
33
86
Go to your local staples, office depot, etc. and try out the ones they have on display (My local Staples has the whole MX line-up and the M$ opticals, FI).
The Logitechs are technically the best, but I find the MX series to not fit my hand very well, none of them. An uncomfortable mouse with perfect tracking isn't going to be as good as a comfy one with average tracking.
As far as tracking goes, the Logitech MX310 and 510 are awesome. Silky smooth, even for those with Gamer's Mouse Syndrom (where max sensitivity just isn't quiet enough).

Oh, and get an optical. Games or desktop, optical mice are superior in every single way to ball mice. You will never go back. Even optical trackballs are fantastic--only the big Kensingtons can compete with even the cheap ones.

You'll get Logitech recommendations: believe them.
I now have a used Logitech Corded Optical mouse. The one that wass $14 shipped at Neweggg last I looked. It has survived longer than my last three MS opticals. I have confidence the hgih-end models are just as good.
 

spazo

Senior member
Apr 5, 2004
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On a third thought, I would like to spend less for a good optical mouse if thats possible...$50 is a little outta my league...
 

imported_chrisbtx

Senior member
Jun 8, 2004
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Originally posted by: cw42
you'll barely be able to tell the diff between the mx510 and mx500 unless you're a hardcore gamer that plays ut2k4, or cs. personally, i'd recommend the mx500, or ms 3.0 explorer.

With the MX510 you can program all of the buttons on the mouse to work in games, whereas with the MX500 you can only use the wheel and the two main buttons. That's a pretty big difference for gaming. Aside from that and the way the MX510 looks, yeah, they are basically the same... feel the same anyways. I really prefer my MX510 over anything else that's been mentioned, but I don't feel the need for cordless freedom either (MX700 only has the wheel and two main buttons for gaming also). Just my .02....