Ideal mouse for this casual gamer?

As pointless as the title sounds, I am considering purchasing a gaming mouse simply for the higher build quality and better designs. The fact that I don't take gaming so seriously means that I'm also open to "regular" mice that don't have ten trillion dpi. I do take mousing pretty seriously, because I'm sick of ambidextrous lumps and tiny touchpads. X_x

I'm a palm-gripper (though I can adjust to others) and right-handed. Fell in love with the Performance MX, but it's just too dang expensive. If I have no other choice, I may give in... I'd love a wireless mouse; though not a necessity, it's a serious bonus! As I'm going to college, the last thing I want is to constantly plug in and out on the go! And lastly, the design should be relatively refined. The original WoW Steelseries mouse had a perfect balance of brushed aluminum and LEDs, both polished and cool. Long story short, I'm greedy as heck and would love a full-sized, wireless, and nice-looking mouse.

My budget is hopefully $50, though I can push it $60 if necessary. As a non-serious gamer, it's hard to justify spending so much. :/


I was considering the WoW Steelseries (though I'm worried how it works if I've never even thought of playing WoW), Deathadder Black Edition (which sadly isn't wireless; perfect otherwise), Ikari Optical (apparently, more comfortable than the DA while sacrificing design), and, obviously the Performance MX (which is perfect except for the price). Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated; thanks in advance!

 

My vote: Razer DeathAdder.

It's got a 3,500 DPI optical sensor, generally considered one of the best mouse sensors, if not the highest DPI. It's a classic, lightweight, ergonomic 5-button gaming mouse. It's $45 on Amazon.

Failing that, there's also the Logitech MX518. It's similar to the DeathAdder in that it's a 5-button ergonomic optical gaming mouse...it's a generation older than the DA, though, and only has 1,800 DPI. Still plenty for most medium to low sensitivity players. It's older, but cheaper.

 

I would take the Deathadder or the Performance MX.

Why get the black edition DA though? Black edition does not have LEDs

 

It's got different grip material. I've heard it's quite nice. And LED's, while pretty, don't really affect performance

 

I took a look at the DA black ed on youtube. The all rubber grip seems really nice, but the lack of LEDs is a fail imo.

 

I play just fine with my Logitech Performance MX, and the SetPoint driver suite is really well coded. ;D
Just wish it was more like the MX Revolution but Darkfield tracking is a nice tradeoff.

But like you said, it is rather costly but worth it.

 

The Performance MX is an excellent mouse. I would've dished out for it but found a cheaper alternative in my G9x ($49.99 on Newegg). It gets the job done and I don't mind the wired connection. Never have to worry about its charge.

Here's a link. It appears that the sale is no longer available. $60 now.
Newegg.com - Logitech G9x Black Two modes scroll USB Wired Laser 5700 dpi Gaming Mouse

 

Everyone knows this is the hierarchy of gaming mouse features:

Grip < DPI < SICK LEDs BIZNATCH!

colored lights are the most important part of any mouse.

 

Thats the marketing strategy of Razer.

 

Well, the mouse actually kills you if you don't play WoW with it within 3 hours of opening the box.

 

The lack of LEDs in the Black Edition is the only reason I'd consider a DeathAdder.

 

Just for the record, you can turn them off on the regular DeathAdder via the driver software. Same goes for any other illuminated Razer mouse.

 

i like the black series for the rubberized side panels and lack of led's.

 

I've always wanted to try a Razer mouse haha, so the DA is most likely going to be my new mouse! ^_^ I'll miss the LEDs, but my hatred for glossy plastic is far greater than my love for fancy lighting. XDD

Sorry to further extend this, but how are the ergonomics of the DA compared to a more sculpted mouse like the Steelseries Ikaris or Mionix Naos? After playing around at BB, I've found that sculpted ring finger and pinky rests are really, really comfortable!

 

I can give you a general answer, but I cant compare to Ikaris and Naos as I do not own these two mice.

As you can see in my sig, I own the following models: Naga, Copperhead, Deathadder (Respawn), Boomslang. I find the DA very good, but in my opinion I find the Naga better to hold.

Of the mice I own, I would rank them in this order in terms or ergonomics:
1) Naga
2) Deathadder
3) Boomslang
4) Copperhead

The ergonomics of the DA will not disappoint you at all. The DA is actually very famous for its erogonomics.

 

Razers are also all named after reptilian creatures. Intangibles.

 

The DeathAdder is pretty much the most comfortable mouse I've ever held. I'm currently using the Mamba, which shares the DeathAdder's shape.

The mice are. Snakes, specifically. The keyboards are named after spiders, mouse pads are named after insects, and the audio equipment after sharks.

 

Death Adder black is a good choice, nice and sleek. It just lacks the extra buttons.

 

I personally like the feel of Logitech mice. A G400 or G500 is a good mid-range mouse that is right near the price range, and it's also a good general purpose mouse.

 

Ive heard nothing but great things from the Logitech G400, i might be getting one myself soon, very good, cheap mouse for the casual gamer. The on-the-fly dpi is a huge plus for me too.

 

Just missed out on Logitech G500 for $38.

If a sale's going, go for a G500/G400.

If you need it now, MX518 will serve you well, as it's served millions of others being the bestselling mouse. Ever.

Logitech has UNMATCHED customer service; it's warranty is the main reason you'd choose it over Razer.

If your mouse dies within 3 years, you get a new one, no questions asked. If the model you buy is refreshed (as with the MX518), you get the newer model.

If your mouse dies after the 3 year period, you get a 50% "warranty discount" on your next purchase.

 

Hmm, to be honest, I just always wanted to try a Razer. XDD Once it dies, I'll probably be in grad school and need Logitechs for their reliability haha!

So, the Naga is on sale at JR.com, bring its price down to just $10 over the Deathadder. Can anyone else vouch for its comfort? And would the numberpad prove useful for a very math-oriented engineering curriculum?

 

Razer mice have two years' warranty coverage. It's not three, but it's still a considerably long time. My original DeathAdder from 2007 is still working, and that's 4 years old now. My 2009 newer DeathAdder and Orochi, and my Mamba from last year also have had no trouble.

 

I'd say the numberpad on the Naga is as useful as those old Casio calculator watches. Personally, I much prefer a 10 key numpad for heavy math sessions.

The Naga is very comfortable; I chose my G9x over it (and the Performance MX: price) because I did not need 12 buttons. It has a true 3rd finger rest, and is also very attractive to boot. A nice piece of kit, but I chose a different route.

Well worth the investment.