Mouse for Gaming / College | Laptop | Fingertip Grip | G9x, Deathadder, Lachesis, Sidewinder X8, or G700?

Alrightt, so I'm in need of a new mouse, and it would be nice if it could perform during gaming. I rarely do things without considering all options, so I've narrowed my options down to the aforementioned five: Logitech G9x and G700, Razer Deathadder and Lachesis, and Microsoft Sidewinder X8. At some point I plan on grabbing one in a nice little deal here or there - I've got a month and a half to wait it out.

Now, I know all the technical specifications and things like that, but what I can't (or haven't been able to) read about are things like comfort, responsiveness of buttons (especially middle click!), and how these feel either in or coming from a fingertip grip. If I could get some feedback concerning this, it'd be much appreciated. I tried going to local stores (including Best Buy, Office Depot, and Office Max) to hold the mice myself, but the only decent ones I could get my hands on were Logitech mice (not including the G9 or G9x).

Breakdown:

G9x: Serious contender. Smaller in length and profile (fingertip gripping). Has all the goodies: adjustable profiles with colour, adjustable DPI with indicator, adjustable weights, and two extra buttons to boot.

Deathadder: Gotta be on the list. Well tested and established. No extra buttons though, and might be too big.

Lachesis: Um. Here cause I can find it as cheap as the Deathadder. On second thought though, I guess that would indicate something.. Anyways, it's got extra buttons, and I've got some idea that the extra large back side could help with a type of fingertip grip where my hard rests father back on the mouse.

Sidewinder X8: A mouse I haven't heard much about, but looks like it could really deliver. Plenty of buttons, and wireless D) which happens to be a big plus for me, especially as I'd be using in classes at college. I know wireless mice get plenty of bad reviews on this site, but I don't have a problem charging it in the morning or nights if that's what it takes.

G700: On here 'cause it's Logitech (respectable) and relatively cheap for a good wireless gaming mouse. Onboard memory, adjustable DPI, plenty of buttons. However, being one of the few mice I was able to get my hands on, I had some concerns. Most notably, the top three buttons seemed incredibly soft - not as clicky or responsive as I had hoped for. Also, it seemed a bit big at first impression, but if it happens to be the average size for this range of mice then I could get used to it.

So, any advice? Especially concerning fingertip gripping and responsiveness of scroll button click?

 

The G9x is probably the most natural shape for a fingertip grip, particularly with the smaller Precision grip attachment.

The DeathAdder is a great choice all around. I personally don't have an issue with 5 buttons, but that's up to you. It's comfortable for fingertip-gripping if you hold it a little further back.

 

Just a note, a wireless mouse for college isnt such a wise idea. The Sidewinder x8 uses a pretty large base as its receiver. If i were you, id get the G9X, all the points you mentioned above are huge plus for a good college gaming mouse. The only downside is the long wires, just get a cable tie to shorten the wires, something i did when i brought my Alienware Tactx (G9X variant) to college.

 

i just got a g700 and im usually a finger gripper but i had to use a palm grip for it finger gripping feels awkward

 

Can I make a suggestion?

I have a G500 and I love it to death, it is an amazing mouse! I got it for 57 dollars.

 

Logitech G500 is not on your list, and should be.

I wouldn't pick any of those mice from your list. I would pick the Logitech G500, because the Logitech G500 meets all of the criteria that you listed in your post. High imaging sensor performance, high USB polling rate, adjustable weight, lots of buttons, great configuration software, and supports fingertip grippers. Can be bought for as little as $35 when on sale/rebate.

 

For a laptop, I honestly don't see the point of getting the sidewinder x8 because you have to keep the hockey puck receiver plugged in at all times. It really creates a lot of clutter on your desk. The mouse is definitely not portable. I bought one two days ago and returned it yesterday. The X8 was probably designed more for desktop computers.

I would suggest either the Deathadder or G500.

 

i have a deathadder as a desktop mouse, and it is one of the best mice i have ever had. Unlike my 2 previous logitechs it doesn't stop working after a year. The feet are really nice, and except for their poorly written control panel i have no complains.

 

I have the G9x and I love it, it's not too big and I almost always use the fingertip grip and don't experience any discomfort.

 

You must have gotten lemons, but you didn't know that Logitechs has a 3 year warranty on their mouse?

It why I stick with Logitech mouse over Razer mouse but I can attest that both the Deathadder and G500 are really good mouse. You really can't go wrong with either one.

And don't get any sidewinter aka Microsoft mouse...they are off poor quality.

 

deathadder is not a good fingertip grip mouse as it is heavier than the others. i like it formyself though.

g500 and g9x are probably better choices for u

 

Heavy? The DeathAdder is the lightest mouse I've ever used...certainly lighter than my old G9.

 

I've done a review here of the Elecom scope node mouse, I do love it. CHeck it out if it works for you. Here's a couple of pics:

 

WOW, too little DPI for me though, and most gamers, ill buy for the looks though, is the material metal or ugly silver paint on cheap plastic that Razer uses?

 

Contrary to the recommendations on page one I advice against the logitech G500. I have one and the scrolling wheel is not so good. Its hard to keep it pressed down, so if you throw a grenade in cod4 for example (by holding the scrolling wheel) you might release it earler than expected and it might land where you don't want it.
However, if you use other buttons for functions which require the holding/pressing down of a button, then the G500 is still recommendable, since its pretty much perfect in all the other aspects.

 

I highly doubt 1,600 DPI is insufficient for you (or "most gamers"). In order to exceed one-to-one pixel tracking at 1,600 DPI, you'd need to have high enough sensitivity to perform a 360 degree rotation in less than three inches of motion, which is on the verge of uselessly high sensitivity.

Granted, this thing is clearly not a gaming mouse due to its Bluetooth connectivity, but 1,600 DPI is (in most cases) not an issue. And that sensor placement looks really neat.

 

I never had that problem. You know that there is a switch for the scrolling wheel right? One make it move fast and the other one click.

 

Yes, its not the scrolling, but holding down the scrolling wheel which I have difficulty with.

 

i take gaming seriously (i like to win), i am very sure 1600 dpi is too insufficient for me, im also very sure that i need a on-the-fly dpi switcher on the mouse for my gaming, as i like to crank down when sniping or using a rifle for that precise accuracy. My regular dpi in game play is 3200. You seem to decide what dpi is meant for people, in fact, there is pretty much a contradiction with what you said in another thread.

"In alot of cases, 1600 DPI is insufficient" Why cant you take me as the 'alot of cases'? Or do you have the ability to tell a low sensitivity from a high sensitivity gamer through peoples forum names?

 

It isn't metal but it isn't cheap plastic either. The silver is done in rough matt finish and it looks good. But I wouldn't recommend it for gaming in FPS games. I don't know much about the dpi lacking, but the placement of the laser node brings in additional angular changes when you scroll the mouse. So when i try to do a 360 turn I end up looking at the skies or the ground.

 

I guess ill only get one when im able to test it in person, i understand its not for gaming, im looking for a more mobile wireless mouse, thats great looking at the same time.

 

Get off my back, dude. I don't know anything about how you play, I'm just saying that unless you take less than three inches of motion to turn 360 degrees, then functionally speaking, there is no difference between 1,600 DPI or 3,200 DPI or 6,400 DPI or a million DPI.

The next time you game, try and measure out how much mouse motion you take to rotate 360 degrees...or, plug in your relevant numbers to this site: worthless information about your worthless mouse

The in-game sensitivity value is for Source and id Tech 3-based games, like CS:S, TF2, L4D, or any Call of Duty game. The website will calculate your real-world sensitivity (in inches or centimeters per 360) based on your input, and will also calculate your minimum useful DPI to be able to have one-to-one tracking, i.e. the ability to adjust your aim by one pixel at a time.

And I'm not trying to tell you how to play or anything, but just a fun little fact for you, most higher-level gamers (like CS and Quake tournament players) use low sensitivity. The few invite-level CS players I know all use 15-20 inches per 360, and TF2 comp players usually use between 9 and 12 inches.

 

Well for those of us who don't want to flag down passing aircraft every time we game, a higher DPI is useful.

 

Yup anything more is not needed of course my mouse is 3200dpi.

 

Not sure for anyone else but I have a HORRIBLE experience with Razer products....

I bought the Razer Lachesis and after half a year or so, the mouse cursor flicks up every now and then...... then I went and bought the Razer Mamba.... then I noticed that the mouse cursor just magically drags down slowly... I checked if I have dust and grime in the lens or whatever but there weren't any and it keeps doing that..... as I'm typing now, the mouse cursor is slowly moving downwards (Phantom mouse I say... -.-;; )

But yeah... in my opinion, I wouldn't get Razer products.
Logitech is better I find. I now own a G700 for home use and the other mice I use it at work.

G700 is pretty nice mouse... except for the battery life. it kinda sucks? I bought it cuz the wireless receiver is mighty small compared to the mamba.... (but I don't really mind the battery life cuz I have bzillion AA batteries at home) lol

Or you could try that R.A.T mouse lol they look so transformer-y haha

 

I was just going to mention the R.A.T. 5. It looks cool, and is very adjustable. I'll be honest, when I first got it, I HATED IT. Super uncomfortable. But once I played with the back end adjustment, weight and what not, its perfect. Thats what makes it good. You can use it for any style of grip. Oh, and for the record, since I play on a couch with my mouse half the time, my sensitivity is ridiculously high, 2 1/2 inches per 360.

 

+1 for the G700.

Can't go wrong. Best mouse hands down unless you plan on playing more MMO's than anything else. Then maybe explore other options with more macro buttons. Although, I play WoW on occasion with my cousins and the G700 works fine. Just combine Shift+Keys and Ctrl+Keys and there are plenty of possibilities

Edit:

Logitech > Razer imo

Razer - Pay a higher price for an inferior product. Just because it's a Razer and it looks cool.

Ex. Buying Skullcandy over Sennheiser. Skullcandy sucks quality wise, but they are super popular and overpriced because they are "cool".

 

How are Razer mice inferior? At the very least, they are equivalent in terms of all relevant specs, i.e. DPI, polling rate, etc.

 

Alright, I'll give that one to you. I still feel that for the same amount of money, you get much more bang-for-your-buck going logitech over razer. Just my opinion though. Razer looks cool and is definitely a fun branding, but not worth the extra money imho

 

Cuz they're cheapy and flimsy feeling. I went to Frys this weekend, and all of the Razer mice were really cheapy and plasticky feeling. Logitech mice are definitely more durable (hard-plastic) feeling than Microsoft or Razer.

So has the OP decided which mouse yet? I got the same needs as you (fingertip grip, gaming, college) + needs to have wireless mode as well. Orochi was a close contender, until my discovery this weekend that ALL razers are FLIMSY. I'm leaning towards M705 Marathon mouse though.

 

Of those mice this thread is about I would buy them in this order for fingertip grip:
1: Deathadder
2: G700
3: Sidewinder x8
4: G9x
5: Lachesis

 

After reading through all the comments and researching a bit more, I decided that shape (comfort for fingertip grippers) is by far the most important aspect of a mouse. I also decided I'll be getting one main mouse for gaming and extended comfort, and a cheap throwaway for things like class. Considering all that, I've narrowed my favourites down to two (in order): the G9x and DeathAdder. From the ones I listed I think the G9x is the ideal mouse for me, being small enough for fingertip gripping yet not sacrificing anywhere else. The DeathAdder, while larger, is still smaller than the Logitech MX518 and G series.. however, I still have some concerns over fingertip gripping it.

However, the Saitek R.A.T. series has definitely caught my eye, and since I have time to wait until I can grab a mouse in a nice deal (however much I dislike waiting), I'd like to hear any opinions on this series. General advice would be much appreciated, but I'd also be interested specifically in the differences between the R.A.T. 5 and 7. 1) Does the thumb rest adjustability add a considerable amount of comfort to the mouse? 2) Does anybody use either of the non-standard palm grips / are they worth it? 3) I like the idea of the extended pinkie rest of the R.A.T. 7 - how does the pinkie finger sit normally on the R.A.T. 5? Anybody with experience?

Thanks

 

I haven't used any of the R.A.T. series mice, but I've heard they have sensor issues if you lift your mouse off of its surface frequently.

 

Hey which was that wireless mouse that could charge if you plugged in the usb cable? Also, was that the same mouse that has SUPER HIGH dpi on both wired and wireless mode??

Please advise. TYIA!

 

The Razer Mamba and Logitech G700 are both capable of charging while being used in wired mode, and have the same DPI and polling rate capabilities while either wired or wireless.

 

Cm Storm Spawn is currently the new king, the mouse with the only currently working Avago ADNS-3090 sensor the best on the market at the moment. Also Puretracks mouse the same sensor has some driver issues, but once they get that straightend out, it will be friggin awesome.

second choice would be the Mionix naos 5000 also top notch sensor.
mamba sensor isnt the greatest, they use a phillips, deathadder actually uses a much better sensor.

use this chart for helping you choose a high quality gameing mouse OCN Mouse Sensor Reference and Performance Sheet - Overclock.net - Overclocking.net
if you are a hardcore gamer, you want nothing but the best. Alot of mice use the same sensors as eachother.

But you are a finger tip gripper, def go for the spawn its by far the best on the market at the moment.

 

Choose the mouse your hand feels most naturally comfortable with. Thats one of my main factors of choice.

Logitech and Razer both make decent mouse and keyboards. I noticed Razer has just been doing a lot of eye-candy marketing lately. While Logitechs approach is always plain and simple.

High DPI is mainly for graphic designers. They need the precision and accuracy especially when they use photoshop on screens like the U3011. They keep trying to market ridiculously high dpi 'gaming' mouses like its gonna make you an uber l33t sniper, its misleading.

All in all, between all those choices id try the G9x or Deathadder first. Ive used the MS sidewinder before and i dunno if its just me but that was the biggest piece of crap ive ever held. I found the MS Intellipoint v3 was a much better mouse to use all around.

 

How you are able to make this statement with a straight face is beyond me. I'd really rather not have to dig up all the examples I have provided in the past which prove that (most) Razer products are garbage...

...Screw it. Here's a review on Razer's Mamba:

Want more? I had to laugh when reading my March 2011 issue of MaximumPC. I flipped towards the back of the mag as I usually do to read their hardware reviews, when I saw a series of reviews on Razer's newest line of gaming peripherpals for StarCraft 2: the Razer Spectre gaming mouse, the Razer Marauder gaming keyboard, and the Razer Banshee gaming headset.

Maximum PC | Razer StarCraft II Peripherals

Needless to say, some of the comments regarding these products were spot on with what I and many other people have been saying about Razer products for years. Here's a couple of excerpts regarding the Razer Spectre gaming mouse:

The best part?

Feel free to read that thread I posted here at NBR in its entirety: http://forum.notebookreview.com/accessories/561150-truth-licensed-razer-products-epic-fail.html

 

lol Wow Razers dropped the ball with these themed products. They have changed a lot over the short years. Last time i looked through their website they had none of this crap, just plain mouses like deathadders, copperheads and diamondbacks.

Only one reason their doing this... it sells. There are many fans of these games/movies that would pay the dollars for form > function. I remember seeing the Tron gear a while back and thought it was pretty cool (cause im a big fan) but their doing it to all their products now

I can still vouch for the deathadder, lachesis and the Goliathus/Mantis mouse pads, anything after these products i would definitely research in-depth first.

 

well for gameing,,, definatly want something comfy,,, but u definatly want that accuracy, Optical is still better than laser.. u want accuracy, miss clicking can mean life of death in some games. Im just a hard core gamer. I hate mouses with Huge LOD... the razer deathadder is by far razers best mouse, mamba is trash cant believe they charge so much for that piece of sensor.... Deathadder is 1/4 of the price of it if u can find a good deal, and 1000 times better in quality. the only Con to the deathadder is the large lift off it has. Oh yeah I forgot to add to my list,,, the Zowie Mico is a new sick mouse for finger tip grippers,, minus it had no side buttons thats why i wouldnt choose it, its definatly a RTS only kind of mouse.

Id say get the CM storm Spawn... Mionix Naos, or the Zowie Mico. goto overclock.net in the mice section.... the boys over there are mouse guru and know what they are talkin about.

 

What i had to 'Lol' at was the positives of the mouse section ('snakes') in which they said the mamba has a 'Great sensor'.

 

Lol at all the razer hate going on in here. I own a razer mamba that i purchased on release day and it has been perfect for me with the firmware i installed and left it on. I dont have any issues with z axis tracking because i dont lift the mouse much (at the highest dpi why would i?) but whenever i do it has no issues. I never game in wireless mode because i dont see the point in a wireless mouse that is like 6 inches away from the usb port. I also own a razer onza TE xbox 360 controller and i really like it also.

This isnt aimed at anyone but some people dont realize that you will get lemons every once in awhile and that a product shouldnt be judged solely on that. Also when people have issues thats when they go to places like the forums or leave negative feedback on things like newegg. My rule of thumb is to just test the product out yourself taking into consideration what you have heard from it and to always give a product a second chance. If i listened to my one bad experiences i wouldnt have my p7805u right now.

Dont get me wrong im not a hardcore razer fan i just like stuff that works. with that said i would rather at this point buy a logitech g700. its not because the razer one sux but that i find logitechs mice more comfortable at equal quality or better for a lower price. The best thing you can do is to just ask about the return policy. some places will let you test out a product before you take it home and others will let you exchange if you dont like them (this is usually one of the perks of a locally owned store)

Remember like teacher once told me "Draw your own conclusions or wallow away in the shadows of the bigger picture" lol

Anyway good luck in your decision.

 

I've personally had an up and down relationship with both Logitech and Razer, I've been using the Deathadder, which was my first Razer mouse, for the last 3 years, but before then I had always used Logitech. The Deathadder was incredibly uncomfortable but I kept telling myself that I just needed to get used to it, I never really did and ended up giving it to my dad to use, after about 6 months he gave it back since he wanted a cordless and the mouse I was using, which was the MX Revolution was just terrible. I dont know what it was, but when I got the Deathadder back, it just seemed perfect and all those comfort issues I had with it before were just gone.

I love the mouse now and am thinking about buying another since the current one is starting to double click in all the buttons except the right click button, it went through a lot of abuse when I used to raid in WoW since I always used the back/forward buttons for my most common abilities.

With Logitech I've always liked their mice and use the G500 for my laptop, though the texture on the buttons and top is a bit weird since I've been used to the Deathadder. But by far the worst mouse I've owned was the MX Revolution which I got as a present, was a $100 mouse that worked fine in the beginning, but not long after getting it started to double and triple click like crazy, not to mention it having connection issues since it was wireless and it disconnecting for 2-3 seconds every minute or so, which while using during a raid or pvp was terrible.

 

The Logitech Performance Mouse MX isn't technically a "gaming mouse" but it is one of the best wireless mice i've used and it is perfect for games. Granted I am not a hard core gamer but it is perfect for WoW, SC2 and CoD

 

I can say the same about it's "little brother", the Anywhere MX.

Crysis2, Bioshock2 and COD/MW2 tested and approved.

 

Thx for this info guys. I will definitely give those a look

EDIT: Eeekkk! $50+ mouses, dang.

 

Get a G500 or a Deathadder and get Kobe to sign it, would be worth a lot!

MY BAD: Get a Razer Mamba and Kobe and feel less of a hassle to sign it. If I ever get to go to a Lakers game, I would buy a Mamba just so that Kobe can sign it.

 

That's a pretty bad-butt idea lolz. If only...hahah. But, none of the Razers felt high-quality to me at Frys. They're all so flimsily made, similar to how all the MS mouses are...Really disappointing, imo. I'm going with a Logitech.

 

Good choice, they are well build and come with a 3 years warranty.

 

LOL... Yeah, a little on the expensive side, but it was worth it to me because it really does work anywhere and I'm rarely sitting at a desk and I don't carry around a mouse pad.