Logitech G500s, Logitech G700s
Logitech G500s
Logitech came out swinging this year with several 'S' variants, including a refreshed version of the popular G500 (now the G500s), which is set around $70 and has features on par with that sum. The overall design is not too far from its predecessor and we don't mind a lack of flashy LEDs, which makes this model more appropriate for an office or other environments where muted aesthetics might be valued.
Weighing 120g, we found the G500s a little light for its size and felt more comfortable after adding half of its 27g worth of weights. There are a handful of 4.5g and 1.7g weights and you can insert up to six of either at once.
Measuring 128mm long x 76mm wide x 43mm tall, the G500s is quite comfortable using a claw grip, but we found ourselves moving to a palm grip more naturally. Meanwhile, the device's slip-free coating protects against sweat and fingerprints.
Ten fully programmable buttons will cover most gamers (or at least offer the basics to MMO players), with each one being well placed. After an hour or so, we felt right at home with the side buttons and the tilt-scroll wheel, with few if any misclicks from the jump – something that always spoils the fun of a new mouse.
As is slightly customary with the Logitech mice, one side slopes away a little more than usual in a shape that we find really comfortable.
As is also typical of Logitech mice, its quality exterior is matched inside with a superb 8200DPI sensor that feels deadly accurate from browsing to editing to fragging.
It's apparent that a ton of thought has been put into Logitech's software. It installs easily, it has a simple UI, and the onboard memory lets you take your settings with you. The software comes with basic preset profiles for a good portion of the games out there and covers the usual gamut of features along with detailed macro builds.
Logitech G700s
Continuing with the S series from Logitech, we have the company's G700s wired/wireless rechargeable gaming solution, which is set at a reasonable $80 considering its spec sheet, though some people will be turned off by the paint job and right-handed orientation (lefties should definitely keep looking).
At a fairly solid 150g (without the charging/data cable) and 127mm long x 79mm wide x 45mm tall, this is a hefty unit to be swiping about your desk and although it doesn't have any weights, its rechargeable battery contributes to its bulk.
That said, after giving the G700s a chance, it proved to be extremely comfortable and well balanced despite lugging extra junk in its trunk. While claw grip can be used, we prefer to palm it. Of note, folks dragging gorilla mitts might have a hard time thumbing the rear side buttons.
The G700s has been upgraded with new grip sections, however some of us found both the G500s and G700s skins to feel a little too grainy. It's probably best you try one in a store if you feel this could be an issue for you.
As with the G500s, the G700s' 13 programmable buttons are fantastic to use. The top two buttons from the four on the side are molded to stick out further, meaning there should be no excuse for misclicks with all of them easy to find and reach for those with small to average hands at least.
The sloped right side takes some time to get used to if you typically use pinky buttons as there aren't any here. Those types of issues are easily forgiven if you care about wireless performance though, as our accuracy and scores remained consistent in shooters when switching from Razer or Gigabyte models and we honestly forgot it was even wireless during productivity.
Unfortunately, there's a but: the data/charge cable is just too stiff and annoying. However, with daily use we managed to get through nearly a week on average (without turning it off either) before eventually recharging.
Between that and the LED display that shows battery and DPI levels, we're sure you can manage recharging around your work and/or gaming schedule without much hassle. If it ever becomes an issue, you could always look into buying a second rechargeable battery.
As would be expected, the G700s' onboard profiles make it easy to take it on the go, as does the fact that you can store its wireless receiver inside. Its software seems identical to the G500s' with macros and all.