Logitech G5 Laser Mouse Preview

Logitech announced during E3 that it was launching a new G-series line of "extreme-performance peripherals made for the technologically demanding universe of PC gaming." The statement didn't include any specific product announcements, but it did hint that G-series peripherals would follow in the footsteps of the Logitech MX518 gaming mouse. We recently had the opportunity to get hands on with the MX518's successor, the new Logitech G5 Laser Mouse.

The Logitech G5 has a handsome multicolor metallic paint job that gives the mouse a worn, battle-tested look. The mouse surface has a very fine texture that grips well without uncomfortably attaching to your hand. The MX518, in comparison, has the same basic shape, but the glossy mouse surface makes it stick to the skin a little too well.

The G5 has two extra-large feet and an "outrigger" foot on the left side that helps even out contact with the mousing surface to provide an even glide when you need to swing around frantically for whatever reason. The new feet ensure a smooth mouse movement. In another excellent touch, the G5 has a braided mouse cable that's pliant enough to absorb an accidental nudge, since knocking the plastic cord on a normal mouse often results in an unpleasant cursor jerk in-game.

The G5 has a "gaming-grade" laser that we assume is better than the "email-grade" and "word-processing-grade" lasers used in regular desktop mice. The mouse has a 2,000dpi resolution, and you can adjust between three sensitivity settings on the fly with two buttons located below the scrollwheel. The left side of the mouse has a dpi status bar that indicates which dpi setting the mouse is currently using. The USB mouse polls at 500Hz, or four times the average mouse update rate for excellent responsiveness.

The Logitech G5 is fairly light, like the MX518, but the mouse has a removable cartridge that lets you add weight for extra customization. You can eject the cartridge from the bottom of the mouse with the press of a button. The plastic container has space to hold up to eight 4.5g or 1.7g weights in any combination (just make sure to space them correctly to keep the mouse balanced), and you just slide the cartridge back into the mouse when you're finished. The unit comes with a small tin containing eight metal slugs of each weight type--like a small package of very heavy Altoids.

The Logitech G5 Laser Mouse will be available in September with a $70 MSRP.