When Sierra released Tribes 2 back in 2001, the company launched the game with support for Logitech’s iFeel mouse and sent out a free unit with each review copy. The point of the iFeel line was that the mouse would rumble when the cursor scrolled over objects, in both games and applications. While a force feedback mouse didn’t appeal to me, the design did. Up until that point I had been involved in a yearly tradition that entailed someone getting me a new mouse for Christmas. After numerous knockoffs breaking within a few months, I had settled on the official Microsoft line. The MS line was a little more expensive, but they were more reliable and lasted a bit longer. It got a little old having to get a new $50 mouse every December, but that all changed after I received the iFeel.
It is now 2007, and what mouse do I use? The same Logitech iFeel mouse I received in 2001. The problems I’ve had with the unit are slight, and it has served me well through countless games, documents, assignments, and whatever else a computer can process. I mention the iFeel because it is another Logitech mouse that has come to be my standard. Meet my new replacement: the Logitech G5 Wireless Mouse.
Maximum speed: 45–65 inches/second (depending on surface)
USB data format: 16 bits/axis
USB report rate: 1000 reports/second
Sleep mode: Disabled
The G5 is a mouse for gamers, but I would argue that it is a mouse for just about anyone that wants more accessible control over their input devices. The two things that stand out as setting it apart from a more standard mouse are the chord and design. The chord isn’t a cable but a rope, like a slim shoestring; and the face (as pictured) has a cracked earth look with blue lines set on a black body. The chord I don’t have a problem with, it’s actually quite nifty, but the design I do. It’s gaudy. I know gamers are supposed to be Xtreme and whatnot, but I just find it garish. There are black grips on the side, as well as an indention for the thumb, allowing for a comfortable, if not the most attractive, fit.
The unit’s design means that it’s a rightie-only mouse, but that’s about the only limitation. For those who want to tweak their dpi sensitivity and scroll speed to an almost uncomfortable degree, Logitech’s SetPoint software allows you to do so via a seamless and easy to understand menu system. To be honest, the kind of tweaking allowed by the software wasn’t something I found necessary, but since this is a gamer mouse and there are those out there wishing to do so professionally, here you go. SetPoint also has some of the more basic features that increase functionality, like buttons for driver updates and access to a help center. After spending some time with Saitek’s software, the commonsense layout and ease of use of SetPoint is a breath of fresh air.
Most won’t need to mess with SetPoint, though, thanks to many options being accessible on the mouse itself. Under the scroll wheel are two buttons that change the sensitivity from 400, 800, to 2,000 dpi, complete with a corresponding meter on the left side that lights a square on which level is selected.Two buttons on the left side are used for more basic software functions, such as scrolling up and down on websites; so not so much in the way of altering precision, but comfortably placed all the same. The most surprising of the hardware options is the ability to add weights to the unit itself.
A small cartridge that slides out at an angle has several hallow circles that hold various weights. Up to 36 grams can be added, with a light amount allowing for faster movement and a heavier weight being more fatiguing but more precise as well. This seems very much like a gimmick to those who haven’t had a chance to try it, but it really does make a difference. Myself, I found a comfort weight that sits somewhere in-between light and heavy, but this really does allow for a level of customization that is on a whole other level from what I’ve used before. The weights even come with their own tin can to hold them in. Small touches, you know?
My only real gripe with the G5, aside from the graphical design, is that there is a surprising lack of buttons. I can appreciate wanting to keep a gaming mouse sleek, and that a lot of functionality is available through the buttons that are there, but the absence of more than two useable software buttons is odd considering just about all but the cheapest mouse comes with enough buttons for back and forward web browsing without having to swap out for other functions.
The 2007 G5 Laser Mouse clocks in at a healthy MSRP of $69.99. There are places that sell it for less, of course, but even at that price it’s a good deal. It flints smoothly across all surfaces I tested it on, feels great, perfect for gaming, and is highly customizable. It’s taken 6 years, but I’ve finally found my new mouse.
When Sierra released Tribes 2 back in 2001, the company launched the game with support for Logitech’s iFeel mouse and sent out a free unit with each review copy. The point of the iFeel line was that the mouse would rumble when the cursor scrolled over objects, in both games and applications. While a force feedback mouse didn’t appeal to me, the design did. Up until that point I had been involved in a yearly tradition that entailed someone getting me a new mouse for Christmas. After numerous knockoffs breaking within a few months, I had settled on the official Microsoft line. The MS line was a little more expensive, but they were more reliable and lasted a bit longer. It got a little old having to get a new $50 mouse every December, but that all changed after I received the iFeel.
