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Choosing a gaming Mouse

I also have this.

I wanted a fancy wired mouse and saw this on special so snapped it up. I love it, my hand feels like it's driving the batmobile.

I can vouch for this as well (I have the RAT 7 - but same basic idea). Fantastic mouse, I don't think I'll ever go back to Razer for a gaming mouse.
 

Alex

Member
Ive had a g9, naga, mx518 and some random cheap razer one that broke, got it replaced and broke again!

I actually like the mx518 the best, it was the most comfortable, especially the scroll wheel,thats what did the g9 in for me
 

LogicStep

Member
Quality control. People claim they fail and begin double-clicking at a rapid rate.

My old Deathadder lasted 3 - 4 years before it died from the double-click syndrome. I was very pleased with what I got from it.

But my new Logitech G700 is the best mouse I've ever owned. Thing is awesome.

This is true, it happened to mine. Now I'm stuck using a cheap Dynex. :'(
 

Dice

Pokémon Parentage Conspiracy Theorist
Without wanting to derail the thread, has anyone seriously tried to use a trackball for gaming purposes? I'm seriously considering an M570 but want to know if anyone's tried this experiment first.
I am on the wired version of one of these. I had the wireless for a while but it was doing the doubleclicking shit and I couldn't take it anymore. They totally suck for gaming. Do not do it.
 
I am on the wired version of one of these. I had the wireless for a while but it was doing the doubleclicking shit and I couldn't take it anymore. They totally suck for gaming. Do not do it.
So how was the trackball for pointing? That's really what I'm most interested in. Given that a trackball doesn't move I don't really care if it's wired... was more just gauging opinions on trackball gaming as my wrist is beginning to hate all the movement.
 

Fury Sense

Member
Logitech-G5-Mouse-Rust.jpg

My G5 has been absolutely solid. It's simple, durable, and functional. Not sure if any newer model is better, I really like the +/- button positions on this because I've mapped them to cut and paste and have the side button as undo.
 

Dice

Pokémon Parentage Conspiracy Theorist
So how was the trackball for pointing? That's really what I'm most interested in. Given that a trackball doesn't move I don't really care if it's wired... was more just gauging opinions on trackball gaming as my wrist is beginning to hate all the movement.
I think the issue is that the ball needs to be bigger or somehow have a better suspension system, maybe to be put on rollers inside with rubber grip. The ball needs a certain amount of pressure before it moves, and when it does, it kind of jumps. This is okay if you're making a big movement, but small movements are really annoying, and slow panning comes out like a series of little jumps.

This makes the other major issue worse. If you have a sensitivity high enough to actually get around the entire screen, it's hard to have smooth, precise control, because that little jump is now a big jump. So you think okay, then lower sensitivity, but then it barely gets around the screen. In windows you can be okay taking your time to get around (or fling it into a free spin), and the acceleration setting in windows is nice, but in games neither of these things is desirable.

For wrist issues, I think getting a light mouse (like steelseries) adopting the claw grip and playing lower sensitivity to use your arm more than your wrist would be best.
 
Awesome, thanks Dice. I wasn't sure if gaming trackballs were (or still are) a chicken and egg thing or if they truly aren't any good for gaming.

I'll just stick with a mouse then!
 

abasm

Member
I'm using a Razer Diamondback 3G (which I guess they've discontinued?) and it has served me well for the past 3-ish years. No complaints.
 

Hejdlond

Member
GAF, I have to confess. I've been a bit of a mouse junkie, but I'm cured now and I've finally settled on using the Kinzu V2. But for a while, I just wanted to try out new stuff. Had the same run with joysticks and buttons for arcade sticks. Sanwa, Seimitsu, Happ, Crown and so on. Guess I'm a bit of a hardware junkie.



Mice in the picture, from upper left:
MCSaite USB 2.0 600/1000/1600DPI Optical Mouse - Black
MCSaite USB 2.0 600/1000/1600DPI Optical Mouse - Black
MCSaite USB 2.0 600/1000/1600DPI Optical Mouse - Black
Clas Ohlson no name optical mouse
Absolute M4, bought it on eBay
3utech V8, got this on eBay as well.

Logitech MX518
Labtec corded laser glow mouse
Ace ML20 Pure Mini
Ace EDGE GX300
Razer Imperator
Steelseries Kinzu V2
 

LCGeek

formerly sane
Been in to razor or logitech mice after I realized the old MS optical mice weren't good for overclocking the pollrate and simply didn't have the dpi for a while. Last few years been switch back between a mx518, deathadder, and now a G400. I really got hooked when I had my first MX510 and someone jacked it up to 1000mhz.

All I can say on choose is get something that fits your comfort style, has decent buttons, and decent dpi. As long as you aren't in super resolution territory 800-1600dpi is more than enough.
 

Hejdlond

Member
I think they just used general description for them all. There's nothing wrong with the Imperator, I just got the Kinzu V2 at a really good price and liked the shape better than the Imperator.
 

HoosTrax

Member
I hate karma...I was trying to find a power adapter for this old USB hub -- took one off of a Logitech joystick because it looked to be the right size. As soon as I plug my G9 in, I see the DPI indicator flash white. Then I realized that the G9 doesn't have white as one of the color options for the DPI indicator and it was actually a white spark as the mouse shorted out.

Not going to be a jerk and try to RMA it since it was my fault. But now I'm stuck browsing the internet with my 360 controller + JoyToKey :'( and trying to find a local place to buy a mouse that isn't ridiculously price gougey.
 
Reading this thread, having bought a Razer mouse a few weeks ago, is making me very nervous.

I picked up a naga for guild wars/D3 mainly and so far I really like it. Still getting used to all the num keys on it but it's really convenient. I can play D3 with just a mouse...so cool lol
 

HoosTrax

Member
Karma part II: The store was fresh out of G9Xs, and the only other viable others were the CM Spawn and the Orochi. I tried the Spawn, and I don't know what the hell they were thinking with the ring+pink finger "shelf" on the right side. Horrible "innovation" -- I'm perfectly happy with those fingers sitting on the mouse pad thank you -- they help me stabilize the mouse when shooting.

So despite myself, I ended up with a third Razer mouse. Temporary situation until I can order a honest-to-goodness G9x. The Orochi will be relegated to HTPC / notebook duty.
 
i was gonna upgrade but after reading all this, fuck that, i think i will stick with my MX 518, it's now 3 years old, still going strong and it feels good...

I got deluded into thinking other mice might feel even BETTER but the ONLY one that managed that feat was my gf's G5, BEST MOUSE EVER for comfort imo, what a damn shame they don't make em anymore, or else i woulda bought one for myself :(
 

ameratsu

Member
After using a few Razer products, including their truly awful 360 controller, you would have to pay me to use anything they make. They are some of the flimsiest garbage I have ever used.

I used random Logitech mice for gaming for years and they were all super reliable, but bought a Steelseries Xai last summer.
 

AwesomeSauce

MagsMoonshine
As much as I loved how smooth the Corsair M60 glided, I got a great deal on a G9x and G105 keyboard for about 70$ together, so I returned the M60.

So far I like the G9x a lot, works well with my hybrid claw grip. My biggest annoyance is Logitech's set point software which is garbage. Never detects my mouse unless I do a workaround. Another annoyance is that the versions I got have MW3 branded everywhere.
 

52club

Member
I would advise going to a brick and mortar store to check out your options. I could post pictures, but how the mouse feels in your hand is more important than looks. While it might be strange don't be afraid to drop some money on your mouse. It is something that will really affect your gaming experience.

Personally I'm partial to Logitech products, I have a g5 for my gaming PC, an MX 1100 paired with my notebook, but for travel I use the Microsoft Arc mouse. I don't feel like I should push you towards any of these because mouse preference is pretty subjective.
 
A lot of g9x fans here. I guess I'm in the minority, as I did not like the mouse. It was uncomfortable, the two grips were worthless, and the scroll wheel was horrible. I ended up selling it to a coworker and per the advice of PoweredBySoy and other reviews I've seen, I ended up ordering the Cooler Master Spawn. Hopefully, this mouse delivers and can't wait to try it!
 
I'm really considering replacing my MX518 with a g500 mainly because the second thumb button on my MX518 isn't comfortable to push and I really want a scroll wheel that tilts. How is the scroll wheel on the G500? It acts as the middle mouse button too right?
 

spirity

Member
I'm really considering replacing my MX518 with a g500 mainly because the second thumb button on my MX518 isn't comfortable to push and I really want a scroll wheel that tilts. How is the scroll wheel on the G500? It acts as the middle mouse button too right?

I found it really tricky to hit the middle mouse click without the wheel scrolling on me. The wheel was just too loose. Mentioned it before in this thread and nobody else seemed to have this problem so I was in a store and they had one on display. I tried it and same thing. I dunno, maybe I'm heavy handed or clumsy. I know my 518 wasn't like that even after years of abuse.
 
I found it really tricky to hit the middle mouse click without the wheel scrolling on me. The wheel was just too loose. Mentioned it before in this thread and nobody else seemed to have this problem so I was in a store and they had one on display. I tried it and same thing. I dunno, maybe I'm heavy handed or clumsy. I know my 518 wasn't like that even after years of abuse.

That's not encouraging. I really like the MX518 but there are a couple small issues I have with it. I really wish the scroll wheel had the tilt functionality. Thanks for the tip.
 
I picked up a naga for guild wars/D3 mainly and so far I really like it. Still getting used to all the num keys on it but it's really convenient. I can play D3 with just a mouse...so cool lol

Yeah I have had two naga's for over a year and love them. The numbers come in handy for all sorts of games.
 
With Diablo 3 coming up, it's time to buy a new mouse. I could really use some recommendations, though. I have a Mac, and when Portal 2 came out last year I bought a cheaper MS mouse since the Mighty/Magic/Bullshit mouse wasn't going to do the trick. I tried every set of drivers I could find, new and old, and never got the mouse running remotely well. Slow, choppy movements, and the feel of the mouse was pretty awful, too.

I want to do things right this time around. I need a mouse that will either a. work correctly out of the box on a mac, or b. one that has drivers that actually work. Working with those MS drivers(frontlight/spotlight/something?) was a nightmare. Beyond that, there are really only a few features I want in a mouse.

- wireless.
- notched scroll wheel. The garbage mouse I mentioned has a free-moving scroll wheel. The worst.
- a couple side buttons.

I used to have a Razer Diamondback when I was into PC gaming and I loved it. Very reliable and comfortable. I looked at their current lineup and honestly, the Naga Epic would pretty much be perfect. However, their mice are expensive, and I was hoping to not have to sell a kidney. Are there any sites that offer good deals on mice? Aside from the slight discounts on Amazon I haven't found anything else.

Any help would be much appreciated.
 
Sexiest mouse ever:
MS 1.1 SE

Also extremely rare and expensive

Used one for years, then thought I needed to go to a "gaming mouse". Bah. I look back fondly on those years I was able to use that mouse. Really the best ever. Why they still don't make that one is completely beyond me. I guess they just don't look fancy enough anymore. Sad, really.
 
Logitech G500's a sweet wired mouse with minimal frills. Variable weighting and tracking sensitivity too.

<3 my Logitech, their warranty is awesome too! My G5 started to short out and they replaced it, out of warranty, and I got to keep my old mouse. That earned them a customer fo life!
 
My Logitech MX500 is still kicking, but i am thinking of getting a Logitech G400 for my next PC build, which is basically a direct descendant of the MX500. It is pretty simple, but it has enough buttons on it that it is enough for most games without becoming overly cumbersome.
 

Torraz

Member
What is the difference between "palming" or "clawing" a mouse? Any screenshots?

I'm on my second mx 518. The first one died after a few years. This second one is on its 3-4th year and still working well.
 

Apocryphon

Member
After the soft-touch coating of the wide grip on my much beloved G9 started wearing off after 3 years of use, and a brief period using the hard plastic precision grip that comes with it I made the move to Razer 18 months ago. I've had a DeathAdder and more recently a Mamba 4G, but neither have lived up to the "feel" of the G9. Instead of buying a G9X (which I seriously considered for a while), I've bought a G700 and couldn't be happier. Wired and wireless performance is superb and it feels much more natural to hold than the Razer mice, despite them looking extremely ergonomic.

Interestingly, when Mad Catz launched the R.A.T. range, I went to a local retailer to see what they were like, and even though they are a similar shape to the G9, I found them to be very uncomfortable. You can adjust all the parts sure, but it just didn't do it for me.

I'm interested in the Thermaltake Level 10 M, even though it looks a little garish. Not even sure when it's going to be released.
 

Dice

Pokémon Parentage Conspiracy Theorist
Woah, just found out about the Cooler Master Inferno. Not quite the full performance of a Steelseries Sensei, but half the price and a better button layout? Yes, please!

What is the difference between "palming" or "clawing" a mouse? Any screenshots?
Not a difference of grip position so much as load-bearing. Is the weight on your palm or your thumb/ring/pinky fingertips?
 

oktarb

Member
This seems like a nice middle ground. Not too many buttons on the side, 14 to me seems like overkill. Also they are arranged in a way I think my thumb can easily understand and locat. Anyone use this?

Capture.jpg
 

Torraz

Member
Woah, just found out about the Cooler Master Inferno. Not quite the full performance of a Steelseries Sensei, but half the price and a better button layout? Yes, please!

Not a difference of grip position so much as load-bearing. Is the weight on your palm or your thumb/ring/pinky fingertips?

Ah, I see, I think. The weight is on my palm if I am only using M1, M2 and the scrolling wheel, but on the finger tips when I have to use both of the side buttons (especially the front one) on my mx 518.



Thanks to both of you!
 

Dice

Pokémon Parentage Conspiracy Theorist
This seems like a nice middle ground. Not too many buttons on the side, 14 to me seems like overkill. Also they are arranged in a way I think my thumb can easily understand and locat. Anyone use this?
Hmmmmm.... Still somewhat hideous, but much better than that hideous green. Sorry, don't know where to buy one.
 
This seems like a nice middle ground. Not too many buttons on the side, 14 to me seems like overkill. Also they are arranged in a way I think my thumb can easily understand and locat. Anyone use this?

If it was wireless I'd buy one in a second. Honestly seems perfect for D3. I think the 12 buttons on the Naga looks like overkill.
 
I love my Deathadder more than words can express. I think that it was made specifically for me (claw grip best grip). I've had it for more than a year and a half and I've never had any problems. Highly recommend.

Basically, go to Best Buy or whatever and try them until you get one that fits you well.
 

TheExodu5

Banned
I love my Mamba, but the build quality is certainly lacking compared to my MX518.

I'm not sure what my next mouse will be. The G400 with the newest sensor/firmware (with no angle snapping) is what I'm leaning towards. I would have went back to my trusty old MX518, but I can't get passed the angle snapping anymore. It feels terrible compared to my Mamba.

The Steelseries Xai is another option. I would consider the DeathAdder Black Edition, but it doesn't seem to have any sensitivity buttons.
 
I love my Mamba, but the build quality is certainly lacking compared to my MX518.

I'm not sure what my next mouse will be. The G400 with the newest sensor/firmware (with no angle snapping) is what I'm leaning towards. I would have went back to my trusty old MX518, but I can't get passed the angle snapping anymore. It feels terrible compared to my Mamba.

The Steelseries Xai is another option. I would consider the DeathAdder Black Edition, but it doesn't seem to have any sensitivity buttons.

I have both MX518/ G400. I feel like the palm grip makes it a bit sluggish for fast clicking games... claw grip mice are much better suited for games like SC2/dota
 

thetrin

Hail, peons, for I have come as ambassador from the great and bountiful Blueberry Butt Explosion
This seems like a nice middle ground. Not too many buttons on the side, 14 to me seems like overkill. Also they are arranged in a way I think my thumb can easily understand and locat. Anyone use this?

Capture.jpg

My experience with Razer has been pretty awful. Their terrible tech support coupled with dubious build quality has kept me away. You might have a different experience, but I've had too many Razer mice brick on me to take a chance with them anymore.

I love my Mamba, but the build quality is certainly lacking compared to my MX518.

I'm not sure what my next mouse will be. The G400 with the newest sensor/firmware (with no angle snapping) is what I'm leaning towards. I would have went back to my trusty old MX518, but I can't get passed the angle snapping anymore. It feels terrible compared to my Mamba.

The Steelseries Xai is another option. I would consider the DeathAdder Black Edition, but it doesn't seem to have any sensitivity buttons.

I would advise against the Deathadder, only because I had 3 of them die on me in the period of a year and a half.

I'm using a Logitech mouse now, and it's far far better.
 

oktarb

Member
I've had too many Razer mice brick on me to take a chance with them anymore.

I would advise against the Deathadder, only because I had 3 of them die on me in the period of a year and a half.

I think your hand has alien magnets implanted within. You should get that checked out.
 
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