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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Zoomer - Saturday, August 4, 2007 - link
What really irks me is the repositioning and shrinking of the thumb button. I really like the mouseman optical style.The positioning was a lot like the ifeel version: http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Station/2137/Hardw...">http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Station/2137/Hardw...
bloc - Friday, July 27, 2007 - link
I've been pestering logitech for ages about getting a 3 button mouse with a scroll wheel on the side.Why?
The old school three button mouse was useful in *nix cause it was the paste button. Pasting with a wheel, or a rebound thumb button isn't the same.
The ergonomics of a scroll wheel is better with the thumb, and not the middle finger. Look at how the other fingers move when you scroll with the middle finger. A scroll wheel on the side is perfect as the thumb naturally moves in that motion.
The last thing they need to do is make the mouse shorter. Palming a mouse isn't ideal for everyone. I rather use finger tips to lift, move and reposition.
Time to rethink the mouse logitech/ms...
strikeback03 - Monday, July 30, 2007 - link
I don't use my middle finger for the wheel - use index for wheel and left button and middle for right button. Ring finger guides the right side of the mouse, pinkie just along for the ride. I also rarely pick up the mouse, I just leave my wrist on the desk and move the mouse with my fingers.kachaffeous - Thursday, July 26, 2007 - link
I have the old G5 and the middle mouse click problem is a deal breaker until it gets fixed. Anyone have the old and new to compare the two?GokieKS - Wednesday, July 25, 2007 - link
The only thing that precluded me from getting the G5 before was the lack of a second thumb button - I ended up searching high and low for another MX500 (which I prefer to the MX510/518) and settled on a MX400. Now that's been rectified, the G5 really will be the best wired mouse available, and I think I'll be picking one up soon.skyyspam - Wednesday, July 25, 2007 - link
It has 10 buttons I can press to do things in games. Technically, the new G5 has 11, but for some dumb reason logitech left out the front-most button that you click with your middle finger (the sensitivity + button). I use this, and all other MX518 buttons, exclusively in games.I want more buttons.
An MX518 with left/right tilt would be ideal right now. That'd be 12 total programmable buttons to play with.
Thalyn - Wednesday, July 25, 2007 - link
I've been using an MX1000 for a long, long while now, simply because it's mind-numbingly convenient having all those buttons (page up/down on the jog buttons, home/end on the rocker, and shift/ctrl/alt on the side) - I could handle 2 (alt wouldn't be a big loss), but going down to one would just be frustrating (at least for a little while).Any word if they're updating the G7 to match?
Omega215D - Wednesday, July 25, 2007 - link
I managed to get this mouse at Best Buy for $50 a while back. I found that the weights on this version of the G5 are easier to remove and the textured surface feels pretty nice. It performs really well when playing FPS but sometimes the stock DPI settings can be a bit too quick but changing them to suit me is really easy.I prefer the new G5 to the my MX518.
GlassHouse69 - Wednesday, July 25, 2007 - link
It is fucking uglyfucking
ugly
next.
copper and faded metal look so much nicer.
fucking
ugly.
yes, the word fucking I said.
Jodiuh - Thursday, July 26, 2007 - link
...and it feels like spidey's love juice...or dead skin, take your pick. It's also not as "cool" to the touch after extended gaming. The 518 always feels cool to touch.