Gaming mice get objective rankings

by Kyle Orland { Dec 12th 2006 at 2:15PM }

Evaluating high-end gaming mice has always been a somewhat subjective process, relying more on a reviewer's opinion of the mouse's "feel" than any quantifiable measures of performance. Now, a writer at ESReality seems to have solved this problem with an inventive setup that can compare mice objectively on their own merits.

By clamping a mouse over a controlled-speed turntable, the author has created a system to accurately gauge the exact speed at which a mouse goes from "perfect control" to malfunctioning randomness. How much sensitivity is necessary depends largely on your play style, but it goes without saying that a higher top-speed is generally preferable to a lower one.

When the final results were tabulated and weighted the overclocked Logitech MX500 reigned supreme, giving perfect control even when zipped along the surface at a blazing meter per second. If you're moving your mouse any faster than that, may we suggest looking into some sort of program for caffeine addiction.

[Via Digg]

Tags: benchmarks, comparison, mouse, review

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

steve @ Dec 12th 2006 2:29PM

You can overclock a mouse? Does it need extra cooling?

kudos @ Dec 12th 2006 2:30PM

we're overclocking mice now?

let not let pc gaming to down the toilet here folks.

Lorben @ Dec 12th 2006 2:32PM

Logitech knows how to make a mouse. I’ve been using a MX510 for a couple years now. I’ve never had a mouse more comfortable or one with better button placement. Eight buttons, and all easily accessible so you never have to take your fingers off WASD in an FPS.

#1

It's overclocking the USB port, not the mouse itself. No, it doesn't need extra cooling.

ackmondual @ Dec 12th 2006 2:43PM

seems simple enough. Now they need something to test various other mouse motions (jerkiness, moving back and forth rapidly) button tactileness, and scroll-wheel performance.

Riley @ Dec 12th 2006 2:44PM

Logitech does know how to make a good mouse. However (and off topic I know) I bought a logitech headset for conference calls and its horrible, I was very disappointed!!

Squeek @ Dec 12th 2006 3:22PM

Lorben, I wholeheartedly agree.

I used a Nyko Air-Flo mouse for a year and it worked great. The fan in it really did its job. The optics, unfortunately, did not. It crapped out on me after a year.

That was when my friend recommended the MX510 (blue, obviously. Who wants a red mouse?) and I snatched one up for $40. It's honestly the best mouse on the market.

I don't know how I lived without the fast scroll button. I use it so much that within three months the arrows had rubbed off. The best part is that you can use the fast scroll in a window that doesn't have focus! So if I have an essay I am writing windowed in front of an article I am citing for my paper, I can scroll down the page without taking focus away from the essay.

Really comes in handy. Oh, and of course, it feels comfortable too. And it's pretty durable; I've taken it on countless LAN parties and just thrown it in a duffel bag when I ran late.

And no, I don't work for Logitech. I just really like this mouse >_>

steve @ Dec 12th 2006 3:31PM

#3 Yeah, I read that in the article. I still like the idea of overclocking the mouse itself, and needing to buy a heatsink/fan for its chips. That would look very... stupid.

Duo @ Dec 12th 2006 3:38PM

He forgot to include aesthetics into the equation, but I suppose that to the very serious gamer that doesn't matter too much.

But it does for me, so I'm gonna stick with the Razer Diamondback instead of going for a Logitech.

Burnt Meatloaf @ Dec 12th 2006 4:13PM

MX300 is awesome, largely because it is perfectly symetrical. I'm not left-handed, but as a graphic artist, I do appreciate more versitile designes. Almost everything ergonomic these days is uncomfortable, which pretty much defeats the purpose.

JPRacer @ Dec 12th 2006 5:25PM

I've been using a MX700 for more than 3 years now. The best mouse I've ever had.

Jonathan Greene @ Dec 12th 2006 6:35PM

I never liked the look of any of the Logitech mice until about a year and a half ago I purchased a Logitech G5. Cloth braided cord, 2000 dpi, on the go dpi switching, plug and play, and completely no stick. This mouse is where its at, forget the others. Wireless mice were always kind of pointless to me as I'm at my desk anyways and no need to confuse things more.

Durinthal @ Dec 12th 2006 7:30PM

I still prefer Logitech's Marble Mouse (it's a trackball) by far. I have yet to find an equal.. the only thing I don't like about it is the lack of a scroll wheel.

And yes, I do play FPS games with it.

Andy @ Dec 12th 2006 7:40PM

I got one of the newer Logitch VX Revolution. I think it's great.

LaughingMan @ Dec 12th 2006 8:10PM

"Now, a writer at ESReality seems to have solved this problem with an inventive setup that can compare mice objectively on their own merits."

Now the next step is to kiss a girl! Ok lets say you did perform a lot of tests on your mouse to determine performance and came to some interesting conclusions. Who would you tell? I mean who would you tell that wouldn't laugh behind your back. It's like that scene from 40 year old virgin where the guy is explaining how his weekend consisted of wanting to make and eat a sandwich. Only this mouse story is much funnier.

ABigSmall @ Dec 12th 2006 8:41PM

Hey LaughingMan, you're soooo funny! OMG LOL!!11!1

Looking at ESReality's "referers" stats, that article has been seen over 11,500 times. Haha, I guess nobody cares about this!

Ass.

Andy @ Dec 12th 2006 9:08PM

Logitech MX600 lasted me a good while. I recently switched to the G7, which has been a wonder so far.

ABigSmall @ Dec 12th 2006 9:19PM

Hey LaughingMan, you're soooo funny! OMG LOL!!11!1

Looking at ESReality's "referers" stats, that article has been seen over 11,500 times. Haha, I guess nobody cares about this!

Ass.

ABigSmall @ Dec 12th 2006 9:21PM

Damn it, I only meant to insult you once, LaughingMan.

PiratePete @ Dec 13th 2006 3:04PM

I have a Razor Copperhead (Same as the one in the pic but mine glows red) and it's great. I didn't think that I would of gotten used to the form factor coming from using Logitech mice, but it's very comfortable. I have mine cranked up to 2000dpi all the time.
It's great!