Archive for January, 2010

Choosing The Best Gaming Mouse For You

Finding the best gaming mouse to suit your specific playing style can be hard to do with so many options available. With the huge variety of different mice and the wide range of different features they have to offer, finding the best one for you really goes down to personal preference. Below I’ve provided reviews for 5 of my favorite gaming mice and some customer feedback on them as well. Decide which features you prefer and then make your decision accordingly.

Important features to look for.

Before you read my review, it would help to have a real clear idea of what certain features do and how they will help you improve your gaming experience.

  • DPI (dots per inch) – The DPI of a mouse is a value which correlates to the sensitivity of the mouse. The higher the DPI, the more sensitive the mouse will be. Meaning, a mouse with a high dpi will require much less movement of your hand to move the cursor on the screen.
  • On the fly adjustable DPI – Having on the fly adjustable DPI is a must have in first person shooters. For example, when you’re aiming for a really crucial snipe, having an incredibly low DPI will help you make the most accurate shot. But it’s essential to have a higher DPI for intense fire-fights.
  • Polling Speed, also known as the reports rate. The polling rate of a mouse refers to the speed at which it sends your commands. To make this more understandable, lets say your running a mouse with a  2ms polling rate against an opponent with a 4ms polling rate. Both of you react and execute a command at the exact same time. Because your mouse has the higher polling speed, your command will be recognized first.
  • Wired or Wireless – A couple years ago you would not have seen a wireless mouse in the same category as a gaming mouse. But thanks to improvements in technology this has all changed. In fact the functionality that a wireless mouse will give you more than makes them a very attractive option.

Those are the most important features to look for when reviewing the gaming mice below but I would also suggest paying close attention to what other customers are saying as well. The best way to judge a products performance is by listening to what other people have to say about it.

#5 – Razer DeathAdder 3500 High Precision 3.5g Infrared Gaming Mouse



Save almost 20% off at Amazon

Features:

  • 3500 DPI Razer Precision Infrared Sensor
  • Ergonomic right handed design
  • 1000HZ Ultrapolling / 1ms response
  • On-the-Fly adjustable DPI
  • 5.8 megapixel/second image processing
  • Zero-Acoustic Ultraslick Teflon Feet

The DeathAdder 3.5g is an improvement on the original 3g version. Improvements in both the laser engine that powers this mouse and the polling rate at which it sends reports make this mouse a force to be reckoned with. The DeatAdder features an ergonomic right handed design to help you play with comfort even after long hours of play.The 3.5g infrared sensor gives this mouse 2 times more precision than its predecessor making it perfect for FPS games. Click here to read a more in depth review.

Read what other users think of the Razer DeathAdder 3.5G:

Paul G,
“I really like the DeathAdder 3.5G. It works well on many surfaces and tracks perfectly. I especially like the ergonomics and shape of the mouse. I play alot of Call of Duty and this mouse is right on for twitchy movements and precise targeting. Taking the mouse down to 400 dpi helps making that perfect headshot with the springfield. All around a great mouse and I highly recommend it.”

Urbanspinner,
“This is by far the most comfortable and best gaming mouse I have ever used. The body is curved and it fits in my hand perfectly. I really like the indentation of the mouse buttons, it lets my fingers rest naturally in place. The DeathAdder is extremely precise and I can always maintain surgical accuracy when sniping with this mouse. By far, the best gaming mouse I’ve ever owned.”

#4 – Logitech Gaming Mouse G500


Get it nearly 20% off at Amazon

Features:

  • 5700 DPI gaming grade laser engine
  • On-the-Fly adjustable DPI
  • On-board memory lets you take custom profiles on the go
  • Dual mode scroll wheel both up and down and left and right
  • Weight Tuning system allowing for up to 27 more grams of weight.
  • 10 programmable buttons put customizable macros in your hands

An upgrade to Logitechs original gaming mouse, the G500 is modeled after the design of its predecessor the G5. The first thing to look for is a huge improvement in the laser engine that powers this mouse. With a maximum dpi of 5700, this is one of the fastest gaming mice on the market. Like most Logitech gaming mice the G500 comes with the ability to adjust the dpi on the fly. 27 grams of extra weight lets you customize the mouse to fit your preference and your playing style. Use any of the 10 different programmable buttons to put your macros where you want them. Last but not least, the G500 comes with Logitech SetPoint software to give you maximum customization options with your macros and profiles.

Here’s what current users of the G500 have to say:

R. Lagman,
“If you like MMO’s, the Logitech G500 is for you. Before this mouse I would have 3 keyboard hotkeys setup for combat play. Each of them for a specific sequential action. My left arm was always tired, because I had to keep it hovered over the keyboard. Thanks to the G500, I can accomplish all of the above tasks with just the mouse. Makes my gaming much more enjoyable…and comfortable.”

D. Krepak,
“Before this mouse I used the G7 and I loved it. Now, having said that, the G500 is amazing. The ability to program the buttons with custom macros is perfect for gaming. I really like the shape, it is very comfortable and the textured side feels great. The mouse is a little big for me so I do have trouble reaching the on the fly dpi adjuster and two of the macro buttons. Besides that, this mouse is perfect.”

#3 – Logitech G7 Laser Cordless Mouse



Get it nearly 30% off at Amazon

Features:

  • 2000 DPI laser engine delivers best-in-class performance
  • 2 easy swappable LI-ION batteries
  • Polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) gaming feet gives you an ultra-smooth glide
  • On-the-Fly adjustable DPI
  • 30×30 pixel array sensor shooting out images at 6.4 megapixels per second.

The G7 is Logitechs first go at a wireless mouse actually intended for gaming. Yeah I know what you’re thinking. How can a wireless mouse really be reliable enough for a casual gamer, let alone a serious one. That’s the first thing I thought as well. Well I’m here to say that after having used the Logitech G7, it’s become one of my favorite mice. I’ve never once had a problem with the connection and the shape and smoothness of this mouse is unrivaled. It doesn’t pump out pixels as fast as some other gaming mice, but there can be a point when a mouse gets too sensitive. 2000 DPI is the perfect middleground in my opinion.    Read Full Review.

Current users say:
John H. Austin Jr.,
This is an awesome gaming mouse. If you are a gamer and you don’t have the right mouse, buy THIS one. It’s got the best reaction time for shootouts in FPS games. I’ve never had problems with it being wireless. The connection is flawless and the batteries last a good amount of time. I love never having an annoying cord in my way and I’m convinced that there is such a thing as a wireless mouse for gaming…and this is it.”
S. Black,
“I never thought that a mouse could really have any kind of impact on my gaming experience. I was wrong. After just a few hours of using this mouse I saw a noticeable improvement in my play. I am also a college student majoring in imaging technologies and this mouse works great for my studies and other regular computing tasks. It is very comfortable and fits in my hand perfectly. Definitely a wise buy and its worth every dollar”

#2 – Logitech G9X Laser Mouse


Get it almost 15% off at Amazon

Features:

  • 5000 DPI laser engine -
  • Two interchangeable grips – (Wide Load and Precision)
  • On-board memory – Take your custom profiles with you wherever you go
  • Adjustable DPI on the fly – Take this mouse from 200 all the way up to 5000
  • Weight Tuning System – Add up to 28 grams of weight to personalize the feel
  • Custom Color option for the LED lighting – Make it match the rest of your system
  • MicroGear Precision Scroll wheel – Move up/down and left/right

The Logitech G9x has been called the most customizable mouse on the market and for good reason. Not only does it come stock with two different grips to compliment players with any hand size, but you can also fine tune the weight and the color of this mouse to compliment your specific taste. The gaming grade laser engine that powers this mouse provides best in class precision and performance. Top authorities like the magazine PC Gamer have rated the Logitech G9x as the best gaming mouse…and as you can see, for good reason. Click here see the full review.

Dr Alexander Elder,
“The Logitech G9x is amazingly pleasant to use and simple to set up. The 2 interchangeable grips let you go between the satin feel or the precision grip. The sensor on the G9x is very precise and the weight tuning system allows for perfect adjustments. And for people like me who prefer a different mouse for each different game, you can store up to 5 profiles in the mouses memory. This mouse takes functions that you used to need your PC for, and moves them right into the palm of your hand.”

Omar Siddique,
“This mouse makes use of a high resolution laser targetting system for tracking. I really like the diverse functions of the scroll wheel, it allows you to go both up/down and left/right. The left and right movement of the scroll wheel is perfect for weapon selection in FPS games. My favorite part of the G9x is the on-board memory. If you game on multiple computers like I do, you can take your custom settings with you and it doesn’t require any software. Freaking awesome!”

#1 Razer Mamba Wireless Gaming Laser Mouse

My #1 choose for the best gaming mouse

Save 15% off at Amazon

Features:

  • 5600 DPI Razer Precision 3.5G Laser sensor provides best-in-class performance
  • Zero Acoustic Teflon Feet
  • 1000HZ Ultrapolling technology with a 1 millisecond response rate
  • On-the-Fly adjustable DPI
  • Razer Synapse memory lets you take your custom profiles with you anywhere
  • Ergonomics designed both left and right handed users
  • Indicator for both the battery life and DPI setting

The Razer Mamba was one of the most talked about gaming peripherals to hit the market in 2009. It comes with a 1 millisecond response rate which means that even if you and your opponent react at the same time in a heated matchup, your command will get executed first. This is a game changing benefit to the Mamba and one that won’t go unnoticed. Its 5600 DPI laser engine combined with on the fly sensitivity adjustments allow you to perform pixel precise targeting with a sniper rifle one second and jump into an intense shootout the next second. There’s no doubt about it, the Mamba is one fine piece of equipment. Yeah, its price is pretty steep but its performance and quality is unchallenged to date. Read a more in depth review here.

What others have to say about the Razer Mamba:

Seth P,
“I like absolutely everything about this mouse. I hesitated to buy it at first because of the price tag but I went ahead and took the plunge and I am more than satisfied with the purchase. I will say without a shadow of a doubt that this is the end all be all of gaming mice. It sits comfortably in my hand, and the button layout is perfect. You can adjust the sensitivity right out of the box, using the DPI buttons on the top of the mouse. I have to say, I don’t think I’ll ever buy another mouse. This thing is KING!”

Eric M,
“I’m not going to make this any longer than I need to. The Razer Mamba is the best mouse I’ve ever used. It is awesome for every game that I’ve ever played. The way it feels and the way it works are far superior to any other gaming mouse I’ve used. The battery life lasts for what seems like forever and the option to connect the cable on the fly is great for when you’re in an intense match. On top of all of this, it looks just as awesome as it performs!”

You decide!

Well there you have it. Those are my picks for the best gaming mouse. All of them can really help improve your gaming experience and even your perceived skill level. They all offer a wide variety of options and choosing one really comes down to two things. What features you’re looking for…and how much it costs. I always look on Amazon first. It seems like they are always running some kind of elite special that no one else can even touch. Check out Amazon’s Gaming Mouse Collection.

Got any questions or disagree with my picks? Leave a comment below and tell me what you think!

The Logitech G9X. Improving on perfection.

Save nearly 25% on the Logitech G9x for a limited time at Amazon.com!

Last week we reviewed the Logitech G9 Gaming Mouse. And I have to say, it’s one of my favorites. Read the review here, if you missed it. That being said, we must share with you an improvement on this already amazing piece of equipment. The Logitech G9x has every benefit of that G9 plus a few more very important features.

Improvements in the laser engine that powers the G9x makes this mouse nearly 30% faster without sacrificing any of its trademark features. You can still change the grip, color, and weight of the mouse. However, now you can even create customized profiles to take on the go, thanks to the G9x’s on-board memory. Stay at the top of your game no matter where you are, whether it be an internet cafe or a LAN party.

Take a look at all the benefits the Logitech G9x has to offer:

  • 2 interchangeable grips lets you customize this mouse to your perfect fit and feel.
  • A 5000 dpi laser engine makes this one of the fastest mice on the market, only shadowed by the Razer Mamba.
  • Adjust the dpi on the fly for different gaming situations like sniping or intense fire fights.
  • On-board memory lets you program up to 5 different profiles.
  • Customize specific profiles with different sensitivity, keyboard macros, and even the LED display color.
  • The Logitech G9x comes with 28 grams of weights to customize this mouse to your weight preference.
  • A custom color LED display lets you choose the color of your mouse to match the rest of your gaming system.
  • Micro-Precision Scroll wheel, perfect for easy weapon selection in the middle of the action.

The Logitech G9x is really just an improvement on an already great mouse. The increase in dpi you get with this mouse, combined with all of its customizable features makes it one of the best gaming mouses on the market, and by far our favorite. No other mouse performs this well while allowing you to customize it to your fit and feel like the Logitech G9x gaming mouse.

Take a look at what current owners of the Logitech G9x have to say:
J. Storm,

After using a Microsoft Sidewinder for about a year I decided to try out the Logitech G9x. This mouse exceeded my expectations and blows the Sidewinder away. It comes with two different grips to choose from. The textured grip is great for gamers with small hands and the smooth grip is a bit wider so it fits people with wider hands. The setup for this mouse took less than 5 minutes, and the settings were a breeze to customize. While this mouse is a bit pricey, it provides all the quality and performance I was looking for. I highly recommend it.

John Jones,

This mouse has features out the wazoo. You can adjust the sensitivity from 200 up to 5000 and to top it off you can save your custom profiles to the mouse. This is great for me because I migrate between computers alot. As far as performance goes this mouse is laser fast and the on the fly dpi change works like a charm. All in all, I am very satisfied with the G9x and I can definitely see why Maximum PC awarded it their kick ass award. I give this mouse a 10 out of 10.

Save nearly 25% on this mouse for a limited time at Amazon.com!

Have any questions or something you’d like to add? Let us know by leaving a comment using the form below.