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Background
I have used the Logitech MX518 for a little over a year now, and it has replaced my Intellimouse Explorer 3.0. I use it primarily for gaming - mostly first-person-shooters but an occasional RTS game as well. It also serves as my everyday mouse for surfing the web, word processing, etc. I had sampled a few Logitech MX series mice when I was playing PC games at friends houses, and liked the style and performance more than the Microsoft mice.
Installation and Setup
The mouse comes in a pretty package with a quick-start guide and a CD. The CD contains the drivers and the SetPoint software. Included is a USB-to-PS2 adapter in case you don't have a USB port, or if for some reason you really want to use the PS2 mouse port. Installation of the mouse and the SetPoint software was a breeze, and the mouse is up and running within 5 minutes of opening the box. However, it does require a reboot once you complete the installation of the driver and software.
Use of the mouse and Advantages
Thus far, I am extremely impressed with the MX518. Listed below are the features that are most important to me and the reasons why this mouse really stands out from the rest:
- Tracking and consistency --- the 1600 DPI optical engine delivers as promised here. Under no circumstances have I experienced any skipping or mis-tracking during game play. There are a lot of technical specs that Logitech tries to throw out as features, but the bottom line is that tracking and response is smooth as silk and always consistent.
- Comfort and ergonomics --- the contour and shape of this mouse takes a little bit of getting used to, but after using it for a few days I find the design and shape to be very comfortable. The left side of the mouse has a thumb support area that feels very natural (after using it for a few days) and allows you to more easily use your thumb to grip the mouse. Your hand naturally fits into the groove for the thumb and you do not have to bend your thumb at all to grip the mouse. The weight of the mouse is a little heavier than my previous one, but it is not overly heavy compared to other mice.
- Construction and reliability --- time will tell if this mouse is rugged enough for hours and hours of game play, but the construction and the quality of the materials feels solid. The mouse is backed by a 3 year warranty if anything does happen to go wrong. As an added bonus, you can register your product online at Logitech.com. This is much easier than filling out the registration card and mailing it back in.
- On-the-fly sensitivity adjustment --- unique to the MX518, this allows you to adjust the sensitivity of the mouse without the need to exit the game (or any other application) you are currently playing. This is a cool feature that allows you to adjust the sensitivity from 400 DPI, 800 DPI or 1,600 DPI using plus or minus buttons on the mouse. This is useful in games where you want different sensitivity for different situations. It takes some getting used to, as it is a brand new feature not available on any other mouse, but I have found a few specific instances where it is useful. When you switch to a weapon needing pinpoint accuracy (such as a sniper rifle), the lower sensitivity is helpful. I have found that switching between 1,600 DPI and 800 DPI is all that is needed for the games I play, especially because it is a hassle to have to hit the - button twice to switch from 1,600 DPI to 400 DPI. On the plus side, the sensitivity change is virtually instantaneous once you click the + or - button.
SetPoint software
The SetPoint software is very intuitive and easy to use. It provides the ability to customize the various settings and buttons. Basic functions of the software allow you to adjust the wheel scroll speed, pointer speed, and default DPI sensitivity. More advanced functions allow you to change the programmable buttons and create settings that are saved for a particular game. I have not yet tried to program the buttons or to create and save settings that are specific to a game, because I do not really have a need for that. But some people may find this level of customization to be useful.
Drawbacks
I have found very little to dislike about this mouse, but here are my only gripes:
- Price --- this is not an inexpensive mouse. But, at least in this case, you get what you pay for.
- Feet are not super-slick --- Logitech advertises these mouse feet to be super-slick, and they certainly are as slick as other gaming mice, but there is nothing that makes them special.
- Right handed only --- This mouse is designed to be used by right-handers only, and will not be comfortable for left-handers. I am right handed, so this doesn't matter to me, but will definitely matter to lefties.
Conclusion
Overall, I will stand atop a mountain and sing praises for the MX518. It has been vastly superior to other mice I've used in tracking, consistency and ergonomics. The drawbacks that I listed are really inconsequential. I highly recommend it, as long as its continues to be reliable. It may be an indulgence, but many hours of gaming will be made even more enjoyable using this gem of a mouse!
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