Mouse Review: Logitech's MX518 vs. G5
By Staff Writer - CEVO|Bovis

In the world of consumer laser and optical mice, it seems that Logitech and Microsoft are battling it out for supremacy just like ATI and Nvidia. When it comes to gaming mice, most everyone agrees that Logitech is the way to go. Recently, Logitech created the successor to its extremely popular MX-518 mouse called the G5. The main reason for the upgraded model is the new technology associated with true lasers and not just "optical". However, closer review reveals that a great deal separates these two mice than just the pointer eye technology.

To start, the G5 sports a max dpi resolution of 2000 (dpi stands for dots per inch). The difference between 2000 and the 518's max of 1600 is negligible. Playing both of them at maximum dpi, it is difficult if not impossible to truly feel a difference. Both support on the fly resolution changes. The main difference in this feature is that the G5 has an onboard indicator for what dpi you are using. While that might not appear to be a major difference, it's a nice function and helpful at times.

The G5 has one less thumb button than the 518. I personally did not use both thumb buttons on the 518 so it didn't affect me, but I have heard from many different players that the second button is a major reason they did not upgrade to the G5. The G5 has placed only one button for your thumb, but it is in the perfect spot for my tastes. Also to spice up the mouse's feel, Logitech opted to change the surface of the sides of the mouse to add friction to the feel. I definitely prefer the way the G5 feels in my hand over the 518. I recommend going to a local Best Buy or similar store to feel the difference. It was the first thing I noticed and one of my favorite upgrades. While there, take care to notice the wire for each mouse. The G5 has a very lightweight and pliable wire, while the 518's wire leaves something to be desired, as it easily gets twisted and can get very frustrating if you use very low sensitivity.

I must come right out and say it; I hate the wheel mouse on the G5. Logitech, in their effort to include right and left movement for the wheel, ended up ruining the great wheel that the 518 had. Sometimes when I use mouse wheel down and mouse wheel up nothing happens. It's the most bizarre thing. It worked fantastic for a week and then it become so poor that I use keyboard keys instead of the wheel to change weapons in CS:S. This is not an improvement at all. In fact this is the single most disappointing part about the G5. I am not sure what benefit I gain from the wheel going left to right besides in a more professional role. It's not an addition I would have made.

Now to my favorite addition: Weight! I have been dying for that mouse that feels like a slick brick in my hand. Slides effortlessly on the surface of my preference, yet doesn't feel like I have a child's toy in my hand. There is a slot under the mouse that you can custom add weight to a plastic card. Logitech provides the customer with 8 slots in the card for the small 4.5g and 1.7g weights they included. I loaded it up to its max and I haven't looked back. Prior to upgrading to the 518, I used Microsoft's Explorer 3. This thing was heavy and I loved it. Everything about the 518 was great except how light it was.

Overall, both are great mice and have differences that can make or break the purchase for a consumer. For the G5, I instantly wanted it because of the weights. However, for the 518, many will stick with it because of the second button. The G5 has a much better aesthetic look to it, no longer having strange fake dents all over it. The 518 is a time tested piece of hardware with a deep backing. If you don't have to upgrade, I would hold off. If the G5 has everything you always wanted like me, be sure to consider the loss of a good wheel mouse in the process.