Razer mice vs. Logitech gaming mice

[Thetech]

I've been using Microsoft optical mice(intellimouse) but because of their heavy usage I've had 2 go bad on this year, so I've been looking for something that's more durable. Would a gaming mouse be more durable/heavy duty? If not then I'm not willing to pay more for them.

I'd prefer an optical mouse so I've been looking at the Razer krait, and diamondback plasma, also the Logitech MX gaming mice. I'd like some insight as to which might be the better choice, i'm a little concerned about moving to a mouse that has a much higher DPI as compared to what I've been using. The Krait seemed okay but it does lack the extra buttons on the side I like, I also heard that the buttons on the diamondback where difficult to depress, is that true?

Please tell me which mouse you prefer and why? and what your opinion of gaming mice is.

Thanks.

 

[cr0ssfire]

My opinion is that gaming mice are unnecessary investments. In my experience, using something as simple as a Microsoft optical mouse has gotten me to the top of LAN parties. That's right, a basic Microsoft optical mouse with a scroll wheel. It may not have been fancy-schmancy glowing stuff, "no-slip" sides, or with fifty other buttons, but it does the job just fine

I've had the chance to get a feel for the Copperhead, Diamondback, and the Logitech G3 and found all of them to be nowhere near worth their price tag. In fact, they were all at least less comfortable than the basic Microsoft mouse I use now and my accuracy suffered as a result. I also didn't like the higher DPI at all - and believe me, I tried to work with it for quite a while. I'm kind of glad I didn't go with a "gaming" mouse. I can't speak for the G3, but I've had several people tell me about their Razer mice breaking down and dying an early death.

Of course, my hand orientation is probably different than the standard gamer; I'm left handed. As such, I don't have access to any of the right-handed gaming mice that I'm assuming you would have access to as a right hander. Still, my assessment remains the same - if I can win LAN parties and get accused of hacking regularly using a basic Microsoft optical mouse, I'll bet you can too. Pocket the money you would have otherwise invested in a "gaming" mouse and buy something else cool with it

 

[benplaut]

how about a Razer/MS Habu? Made to get people off of their intellimice

 

[43st]

I can feel the DPI difference between different mice, especially wireless mice. I'd recommend the G5 and G7, but not the Mx (Revolution), it has a noticeable resolution issue that effects gaming. I have no experience with Razor mice, but they are designed around high DPI so they are probably a great choice also.

The old wired mice from Microsoft, Logitech, etc. also have plenty of resolution for good gaming. It's once you make the move to wireless that you need to start being careful. I pretty much exclusively use Logitech mice now, and I'd recommend any of the gaming designed mice to FPS gamers.

 

[Thetech]

Cool, are they more durable then the standard optical mice?

 

[43st]

Originally posted by: Thetech
Cool, are they more durable then the standard optical mice?

I've never broken a mouse so I can't say. Maybe put a punching bag near your computer area.

 

[jondl]

In my case, it also depends on if you're used to smaller or bigger mice. I moved from a mx300 to a mx518 and hated it. The mx518 was just too big for my liking and i tried using it for a year and still couldn't get used to it. In the end, i ended up with a logitech g3 and have been loving it since. As for DPI, it really is a user preference. Some people like it and others hate it (me hating it). I run my g3 at default 800 dpi which is a waste but i don't care!

 

[Thetech]

Haha, they break, or what I mean by break is one would double click on single clicks, and the sensor is messed up in another one. I need one that can take heavy use.
I suppose the point of DPI is the fact that it's adjustable, overall I'm just worried about moving from my MS intellimouse(I've always used MS intellimice, from the mechanical ones to the optical ones I use now) I hope the side buttons are just a little harder to depress and the mouse doesn't click too easily resulting in accidental clicks.

 

[Trippytiger]

I own a few different Logitech and Razer gaming mice (Diamondback, Viper, MX518, G3... yeah, I have a problem), and one big difference that I've noticed between the two manufacturers is the quality of the mice. Both are pretty good, but I find that Razers have a much better feel to them - the buttons are rubber coated and have a really solid feel to them and good clicking feedback, and the wheels are wider, scroll better, and are easier to click. That said, Logitech does tend to do side buttons better. In the end, I really do prefer my Razers over the Logitechs, and I'd definitely recommend them.

And if you're worried about moving from the Intellimouse, check out the Razer/Microsoft Habu like benplaut suggested, or the Razer Deathadder (when it makes it to retail - I don't think it's for sale quite yet). The Deathadder might be a really good choice for you, as it has the same shape as the Intellimouse and Habu, but uses an infrared optical sensor like you wanted.

 

[Thetech]

Originally posted by: Trippytiger
I own a few different Logitech and Razer gaming mice (Diamondback, Viper, MX518, G3... yeah, I have a problem), and one big difference that I've noticed between the two manufacturers is the quality of the mice. Both are pretty good, but I find that Razers have a much better feel to them - the buttons are rubber coated and have a really solid feel to them and good clicking feedback, and the wheels are wider, scroll better, and are easier to click. That said, Logitech does tend to do side buttons better. In the end, I really do prefer my Razers over the Logitechs, and I'd definitely recommend them.

And if you're worried about moving from the Intellimouse, check out the Razer/Microsoft Habu like benplaut suggested, or the Razer Deathadder (when it makes it to retail - I don't think it's for sale quite yet). The Deathadder might be a really good choice for you, as it has the same shape as the Intellimouse and Habu, but uses an infrared optical sensor like you wanted.

I checked out that deathadder like you said, I hope it goes to market soon. It is very exspensive at the Razer website. I'm looking at the logitechs, but I think I'd be comfortable with the lower profile of one of the razer mice, I'll hold off if the deathadder isn't to far off though.

 

[Zap]

I personally like the Razer mice for the shape (I have a Copperhead, Plasma and a Chameleon). However, you HAVE to use the software or in some cases (such as FPS games) the mouse is unuseable. The Logitech mice don't seem to have this problem.

As far as durability, my Razer mice seems to hold up fine. My wife likes the Logitechs (MX510, G5) and they hold up fine for her too.

 

[potato28]

As mentioned, go for the Habu or Deathadder from Razer(Microsoft). I've used many mice, and I find that the Logitech mouse buttons aren't of the quality of the Microsoft and Razer mice, but the side buttons are much better on the Logitech's. O ya, check out my review of the Habu I'll pm u the link.

 

[Trippytiger]

Originally posted by: Thetech
I checked out that deathadder like you said, I hope it goes to market soon. It is very exspensive at the Razer website. I'm looking at the logitechs, but I think I'd be comfortable with the lower profile of one of the razer mice, I'll hold off if the deathadder isn't to far off though.

Yeah, it does seem expensive, which surprised me. I thought that it would be intended to meet a lower price point than the Habu, since it didn't use a laser sensor, but that doesn't seem to be the case. If you wind up going for the Deathadder, definitely let us know how it is. I'm curious to see if having the buttons integrated into the body of the mouse changes the solid feel that I love about my Razers.

 

[imported_DarkPhantom36]

Both companies make solid mice, so I'd just go with whatever feels best to your hand. I use a razer, but that's because I can't stand the shape of the logitech mice. If you like the shape of the microsoft mice, check out the Razer Habu.

 

[Craig234]

I avoid razer because their marketing hype is so outrageous it's offensive IMO. They just 'make crap up'. For example, on RTS games where mice can already work much faster, they argue that their mice which can handle even faster clicking than the hand can do are better to use, when it would seem they're not.

But to make it worse, they toss in that they're also better because of that for MMORPG's - just to try and cash in on the big market there.

I wrote to them and they plan to continue the hype, so I'm avoiding their products. I don't completely rule out buying one, but haven't so far. I told them why. If they get more letters, maybe they'll tone it down and not mislead people as much.

 

[Thetech]

Thanks for offering to send me your review potato28, I'll be glad to read it.
If I do get the Deathadder I will definitely get back to you guys on that. As far as their marketing Craig234 I understand what you're saying about all of thier hype, but as far as who their targeting their mice at, pc gamers of course I'd like to think that they have enough sense to know better. I looked up a review on the krait and realized what razer said was bull, even before reading the review I didn't pay much mind to the concept of faster clicking because of a certain mouse, besides I don't play any games where it even matters if you click that fast.

I think the marketing will mislead the types of people who belive everything they see on TV ads, like those misleading Microsoft,Apple, HP, etc, heck even the Info-commercials on stations that show home improvement stuff is misleading and incorrect, the big problem with that though is most people think just because it's on a home improvment channel means it's correct advice. Construction and electronics are two diffrent subjects, what irks me is you try to explain tech $h*t to people and they make it seem like your a know it all or your just trying to be a professor or a ranter, yet if you had some alpabet soup or some huge sounding certification and a high lvl tech job people would be all like "ohh ahh" "that guy really knows his stuff".

I guess marketers have already won the tech war where incorrect facts and flashy adds mean more then research and knowledge.
Sorry for the slight rant guys, just had to give my opinion.

 

[Dritnul]

::insert generic razer fanboy post since i own a razer::

 

[Eureka]

I think where it should all come down to is comfort. The Razer has a unique feel and so does the Logitechs. Try out different ice before you're sure of how you want your mouse should feel. I mean, I can still play with a cheap $5 mouse (like I used to), but having a MX510 just makes it more comfortable for longer periods of time.

Norm

 

[shortylickens]

Well for ME, the Razers are pretty nice. Good feel in my hand. Moves smoothly on my desktop and in games. Had the Viper for 4 years now and it works as well as the day I opened it. Use it on my office computer since I got a diamondback.
Had that for two years and its wonderful as well.
As other folks have pointed out these mice are a little too sensitive and you need to use the included software. I had to spend about an hour customizing my horizontal and verticle speeds and accelerations just to be comfortable in games and also on the desktop. But that one hour was worth it.

I'm not a very good UT2004 strategist but even I can drop a bead on an opponent from across the map and hit. (Shock or lightning rifle, that is.)
Wasnt not able to do that with normal mice.
Fast RTS's like Act Of War also benefit from the accuracy and precision of the Razers.

I agree with most of the gaming-mouse haters that they wont make you play better, BUT they will let you see just how good you really can play.
Until I got the Viper I didnt know I was held back so much.

Outside of Razer I had a microsoft cordless optical and a logitech cordless optical.
They were nice but not great. I used to think they were comfortable and smooth until I experimented with the Razer. Now when I use another mouse (friends house or back home with mom) it feels constricting and clunky.

 

[IEC]

For over 4 years I used my Intellimouse Explorer 3.0A optical mouse. I thought it was great for gaming.

Enter 2006. My Intellimouse is dying, and I look for a new mouse. I decide to try out the MX518 because I could get it for $25 or $30. For me, its on the fly sensitivity changes and overall precision boosted my playing ability quite a bit. Combined with a Belkin Nostromo n52 speedpad...

Let's just say I'd never use a basic 600-800dpi mouse again

Edit: Typos

 

[43st]

Gaming mouse reviews Pretty good review of a bunch of mice. The older Logitech mice take the prize, followed by a few Razer's (not all though?!?!).

 

[bunnyfubbles]

Originally posted by: 43st
Gaming mouse reviews Pretty good review of a bunch of mice. The older Logitech mice take the prize, followed by a few Razer's (not all though?!?!).

Its mostly a bunch of crock and maybe only applies to the ridiculous swipers out there.

According to that review, the MX500 is not only the best mouse in terms of price/performance, but the best mouse period.

What he did was basically found a potential weakness that only a very very small number of people might ever encounter and then weighs it heavily against such mice even though that weakness is never going to be a problem to its user.

Then he also discredits DPI (or CPI, whatever the hell you want to call it) for the wrong reasons. Yes, increasing the DPI without doing anything else will make the mouse more sensitive, but if you back down your pointer speed within Windows (or whatever OS you're using) and/or within the games you play you can enjoy the increased resolution (accuracy) without increased pointer speed.

I think the only good that came from this article is the emphasis that the difference between expensive mice and older ones you might already own might not justify the cost - a "gaming mouse" is one of the last pieces of hardware you'd even want to consider setting aside budget for when throwing together a gaming rig.

 

[43st]

The author addresses the final numbers in the comments section, thus why the mouse buttons issue ended up effecting the final tally. I also agree with the comments left about most gamers not feeling any difference in quality over 1.5 m/s of movement. Still more in-depth than anything else I've come across regarding mice. Maybe a good departure point, rather than buying guide.

 

[Thetech]

Thank you. As far as the "gaming mice" thing goes, I'm just looking for a better quality mouse. I got attracted to the razer mice and other gaming mice because of the increased resolution of the optical sensor, I'm not willing to pay those extra high cost for the latest and the greatest laser mice.

EDIT: I also need the higher resolution for basic graphic work.
@bunnyfubbles, I didn't know that the higher sensitivity would still be there if I lowered the mouse speed.

 

[Thetech]

Ok the reviewer said that the buttons on the side of the Razer Diamond back were too easy to accidentally click, in other reviews I've read most have said that they are more difficult to click . Which is it? I accidentally hit the buttons on the side of my MS Intellimouse sometimes, I wouldn't mind if the buttons on the diamond back were about the same or a little harder to hit.