Founded in 1981, Logitech should be no
stranger to any of us. Traditionally an input device maker,
today Logitech continues to be a leading brand for devices
such as keyboards, mice, as well as webcams, speakers, music
player accessories, and more. Logitech's retail business
accounts for 87 percent of its revenue according to its
website, which talks highly of its brand recognition.
Let's start out by saying that the G5 is
not the only flagship product in Logitech’s current line up
but it also includes the G7, a similarly high-end gaming
mouse but in cordless flavor. So you may say the G7 is the
MX1000 successor, while the G5 is meant to replace our
previous gaming favorite, the MX-518. It’s also a more
obvious competitor to the Copperhead since both are corded.
The G5 inherits some of the features we
used to love about previous Logitech gaming mouse that
includes the on-the-fly sensitivity switch. The G5 also gets
a revamped laser engine matching the Copperhead’s 2000 dpi
tracking.
One of the most controversial changes in
the new mouse was Logitech’s decision to take away the
forward button located in one of the sides. Logitech claims
that they wanted gamers to have one less button that could
accidentally be clicked while gaming. And while this may
sound logical, in my case I don't ever remember accidentally
pressing the extra button. As was to be expected users’
feedback is a mixed bag of people complaining and others
welcoming the change, in our case, we definitely preferred
to have the extra button that by now was a set standard.
Weight customization in the G5 is
probably one of the most welcomed features available in the
G5. It is possible to add up to 36 grams of weight (in
increments of 1.7 or 4.5 grams) to the mouse. A weight
cartridge holds up to eight weights and is placed into a
slot on the underside of the mouse. Because the slot is
spring loaded, you simply have to press a button above the
slot to remove the weight cartridge. It most likely will
take you a few tries before you find a weight that you like.
Although Logitech never really stated
what kind of material the surface of the mouse is covered
with, it works really well. Quoting the G5 reviewer's
guide: “It's not rubber, but it has positive grip that won't
slip.” Rubber can feel wet and isn't good for tournaments
that can last hours".
To finish up my brief analysis of the
G5, I will talk about a common complaint that I have heard
about the G5. I have heard several users claim that they
were having trouble using the G5 on certain mousing
surfaces. I used half a dozen different mouse pads, and
didn't have a problem with tracking on any of them.
