Logitech G5--Not Impressed

[DrLuke2003]

I got my shiny new Logitech G5 Laser mouse about a week ago. It's shape is the same as the old MX 5xx line, which is good. But I think the mouse is a step backwards from the MX 510 I am now back to using. The G5 is now on its way back to buy.com for a refund.

The G5 has a stange texture for the grip that makes it difficult to hold on to. I found myself fighting just to get it to move the way I wanted it to, as I was constantly losing my grip.

The scroll wheel is raised up, and the click function on the wheel is very difficult to use. It requires far too much force to be usable in games, or even for general desktop mousing.

I found the resolution switching to be highly tempramental. Sometimes it would switch, other times it would simply refuse, particularly while gaming. Since this is what it's supposed to be great for, I found this quite disappointing.

The new driver from Logitech isn't all its barked up to be either. it's quite bloated, and demands to run in the system tray (there's no way to get it out of there if you want the driver's expanded functionality). The USB polling rate switching is no where to be found, and customized button programming is hit or miss when using it in desktop applications.

Anyone else picked up a G5 and have any thoughts?

--Zach

 

[judicators]

I just picked one up as well, being recommended from several review sites. After having it about a week, I'll agree that it's not the perfect mouse, but it's not bad.

I happen to like the new texture, I think it makes it easier to grip, but my friend picked it up (after using a mx500) and immediately showed disgust for it (in stronger words than that). But personally, I've never had any problems with the texture.

The scroll wheel I'll agree with you. The problem is not necessarily the middle mouse wheel clicking, but the fact that doing so often clicks the mouse wheel forward or backward, so in programs like firefox it ends up missing what I was trying to middle click on and just middle clicks somewhere else on the page. Also, the tilt wheel seems a bit shady, as clicking it to the right seems hard to do.

The switching of resolutions, I agree, is problematic. It generally does the first time you press it, but repeated use doesn't work too well (i.e. trying to switch resolutions and then back quickly). It should work better, there is no doubt about it.

I don't really have a problem with the driver, it seems to work as advertised. While you can't get it out of the system tray, it doesn't seem to make a noticable difference on my system (although it's pretty much brand new...can't speak for older systems).

Overall performance I think is better than my previous mouse (the 500 my friend has now). The resolution is impressive, and using a normal optical mouse seems to lag in my opinion. However, the lack of two buttons on the side (only has one now) kind of sucks, but now that I think about it, I never really used both in one game / application anyway. So is it worth the extra money? Basically you're looking at extra money for extra performance...the bottom line being if you like the new texture. Neither mouse (518 or G5) is going to do you wrong, although the drivers for both mice are lacking (the mouse driver for my 500 used to crash my computer before they updated it and then it still sucked). But if you like a smooth mouse, go with the 518. If you don't, go for the G5 (you may like the customizable weight, as well...personally, I like the mouse as light as possible). That's my 2 cents on this one.

 

[solofly]

I want to get the G5 but there's still shortage around. I have MX518 so Im curious which one works better for games.

 

[QuantumPion]

Originally posted by: solofly
I want to get the G5 but there's still shortage around. I have MX518 so Im curious which one works better for games.

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=30&threadid=1703862&enterthread=y

I'll sell you mine if you really want it. It's still brand new.

 

[solofly]

I appreciate the offer but I prefer to get my stuff locally.

Where I live you can't beat these guys with selection and prices...

 

[Giantwasp]

Personally I am quite pleased with my G5, I like the grip and the resolution change. I do use it with on linux with default drivers so I can't really comment on the software.

 

[Wewpt]

Argh how disappointing. I bought SEVEN of these things (while trying to forgive and forget Logitech's history when it comes to crap drivers etc) for some new systems and I have to say I agree.

Functionality is ok, the dpi is sweet, I can live with the design.

BUT the drivers...

Not being able to get rid of the system tray icon is irrelevant (you can always hide it).

However the fact that even basic functionality isn't actually built into the drivers themselves (why can't AT LEAST the 3 default speed settings be modified?), coupled with my current problem where SetPoint seems to die...as in the icon in the taskbar is functional and works as expected, but every once in a while it will just stop working.

On clean systems (OS, updates and patches), and on my own computers at home I run into the same problem. OS boots, SetPoint loads and works fine...until I do something...launch a word document, scroll down a page in IE or Firefox, browse my favorites, browse through Windows Explorer, whatever...it just dies. Accelleration is defaulted to basic settings rather than the ones defined, and none of my custom key assignments work anymore. Double-clicking on the taskbar icon and closing it again results in SetPoint accelleration settings working again, but it seems the only way to get back my custom button assignments is to close SetPoint, close all current programs and apps, relaunch SetPoint, and try again. Even this doesn't always work.

IMHO delegate the custom game assignments and such to SetPoint, but put basic functionality (button definitions, scroll-wheel speed, BASIC STUFF) into the drivers themselves. The G5 doesn't even install as a configurable mouse via 'Mouse' in the control panel, why is this? WHY isn't it there?

I dunno, maybe I'm just too picky, but I'm getting tired of companies selling apparently 'high end' devices with CRAPPY driver/software support.

If I'd known I was going to have these problems, I'd have steered clear of the G5 and gone with some MS mice and kept using my Razer for gaming.

Sorry for the rant, perhaps my experiences will be helpful to those considering purchasing one.

If anyone has any ideas as to why the software is misbehaving, I'd be grateful for any advice offered.

All systems running XP Pro (2 do not have SP2 installed at the clients request).
Otherwise all patches and updates installed.
Mouse connected directly to onboard USB 2.0 port.
Latest G5 software installed.

 

[Rubycon]

The newest setpoint is NOT on the CD as of the 17th of Oct fellas.

And yes you can make it not display the icon in the tray if you choose. It's in the settings.

G7 user here with no problems.

The wheel does have too much resistance IMO too.

 

[Ph0b0s]

Out of interest how many of the buttons on the mouse are programable? I assume the, left, right, thumb, wheel click and wheel tilt. But are the sensitity buttons programable to something other than changing the sensitivity of the mouse? Giving a total of 8 programable buttons for this mouse.
I don't use this funtion even with my razerback, so wanted if they could be used for something else. I see from some screen shots they show up in Logitechs software, but I don;t know if thet can be change to anything but "sensitivity +" and -

 

[Polish3d]

Has anyone been able to get the side to side wheel action to work in games?

 

[Finns14]

No sensitivity can't be changed with drivers that they give you not sure if any one has come up with something to get around this

 

[biostud]

I wonder why they removed one of the thumb buttons, I use both when surfing the net and for that single reason I wouldn't exchange my mx518. Also I doubt I would benefit for better resolution.

 

[0roo0roo]

i need two thumb buttons like the mx700

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
i need two thumb buttons like the mx700

Yea, I love my MX700. It sucks that they don't make it anymore :brokenheart:

 

[Makaveli]

I own a MX500, just recently purchased the G5. And so far I love it. much more responsive then my MX500, and the precision is much better. Gonna test it out in some CS S in abit. But so far for desktop use i'm in love.

 

[vailr]

The G5 mouse has a firmware update to version 1.1:
Text

 

[Markbnj]

I'm happy with my G5 as well. But then I upgraded from a Cordless Click Plus that was really sloppy and tough to use with any precision. Just did the firmware update, and can't say I see a difference, but the update went very smoothly.

 

[Mike Altieri]

The G5 is a nice mouse, but I still prefer my MX518.

 

[DanDaMan315]

I like my mx1000, but I've always been a big fan of wireless.

 

[Makaveli]

Ya I just did the update aswell, didn't notice any difference. Was playing some more CS S love the adjustable DPI. 400DPI is great for sniping, 800 for just running around.

 

[w00t]

sounds like you would really like the mx-518 if you wanted to go wireless mx1000, g7.

 

[TrueRush]

the ones complaining about the g5's wheel being too hard to turn. if you're adventurous enough try opening it up and checking the wheel mechanizm to see if there is a steel rod or steel hook. if there is one try bending down a mm or two and placing it back and keep testing for the desired stiffness you require. i have done this with most of my mices to feel more like ms's wheel mice.

its easier browsing the web with it.