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    Razer Naga, Micrsoft X8 or Logi G9x

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by uthall, Mar 21, 2011.

  1. uthall

    uthall Notebook Consultant

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    Hi,

    Looking for a new mouse, all of these get good reviews, i like the Razer due to all the buttons on the mouse, but its much more than the other 2.

    Opinions would help?
     
  2. kent1146

    kent1146 Notebook Prophet

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    Well, you picked 3 totally different mice in 3 completely different categories. It's like you're asking which car to buy, and you are choosing between a pick-up truck, a sedan, and an SUV. Technically, they are all "cars", but they are designed for completely different purposes.

    The Razer Naga is a mouse with tons of programmable side buttons. It was really designed for something like MMOs, where you could bind your entire spell bar / ability bar to the side of the mouse. If you care about that capability, the Naga is the right mouse for you. If you don't play MMOs, then the added side-buttons are actually considered to be a detriment to the mouse (how many side-buttons do you really need?)

    The Microsoft Sidewinder X8 is a wireless gaming mouse. If you care about wireless gaming mice, then this is the only one out of the 3 you listed that would fit the bill. But even in that case, I'd recommend that you get a different wireless gaming mouse (Logitech G700) due to its superior imaging sensor. But unless you're willing to deal with really crappy battery life that needs recharging every 1-3 days, I'd stay away from wireless gaming mice.

    The Logitech G9X is a mouse that is considered by many hardcore mice geeks (me included) to have the best mouse performance, because of the laser sensor it uses (Avago S9500). That same sensor can also be found in the Logitech G500 and G700. If you care more about the performance of your MOUSE (and not the added "features" like 12+ extra side buttons), then a Logitech G500 / G700 / G9X is the right mouse to buy.
     
  3. Typecast

    Typecast NBR's Tamed Zombie

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    I agree with kent. As of now, The G9x mouse is still the best out there IMO, It fits perfectly in my hands and doesn't push my fingers forward.
     
  4. uthall

    uthall Notebook Consultant

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    Brilliant, thanks for the advice.

    I guess i like the Naga as i seen myself programming the buttons for all types of things, opening apps in windows, coommands in RTS games like the Total War series, etc, just seems handy to have that at your fingertips.

    So, scrap the X8, ok, ill stay wired, however im sure some wirless mice arnt too bad on batteries, ive got a cheapo logitech wirless, and it last weeks with constant use.

    The logitech, does it have enough buttons when gaming?
     
  5. Typecast

    Typecast NBR's Tamed Zombie

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  6. kent1146

    kent1146 Notebook Prophet

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    Yes, the Logitech G9X has enough buttons when gaming.

    A lot of the reviews I have read tend to support the idea that the Razer Naga is a good mouse if you play MMOs, but not a great choice otherwise. Having to manage 12 thumb buttons actually becomes a detriment, especially because it can be so hard to actually know which button you are hitting (since they all feel the same under your thumb).

    A long time ago, I have learned to stay far away from any kind of non-standard input interface. The problem is that you end up spending quite a bit of time and effort to overcome the learning curve of how to use that piece of non-standard equipment. And once you learn it, you can't switch away from it without having to go through another learning curve of going back to standard gear. Of the many reasons not to buy a Razer Naga, I would personally never buy one because I would never want to cripple myself by being unable to effectively just pick up and use a regular mouse for gaming.
     
  7. uthall

    uthall Notebook Consultant

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    Ok, point taken, scrap the Naga :)

    Whats the difference between the G9x and the G700 besides wireless? (Pity the g700 isnt bluetooth).

    Another one ive been cobnsidering too is the Alienware tactx, a variant of the G9x apparently.
     
  8. kent1146

    kent1146 Notebook Prophet

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    (1) The G9X and G700 have different mouse shapes, different number of buttons. The G9X has configurable weights and interchangeable grips. They are essentially entirely different mice. The only things that they have in common are that they both use the Avago S9500 laser sensor, and they are both made by Logitech.

    (2) The Alienware TactX is a variant of the Logitech G9, not the G9X. It does not have interchangeable grips or adjustable weights. The only advantages of the Alienware TactX are its AlienFX colored LED lighting system, and the Alienware branding. I *LOVE* Alienware, but buy a mouse based on its performance as a mouse. To buy a mouse because of its brand or colored LEDs would be foolish.

    (3) The Logitech G700 not being Bluetooth is actually a very good thing. Out of the three mouse connectivity options (wired USB, 2.4Ghz wireless, Bluetooth wireless), Bluetooth is actually the *WORST* one. The main problem is Bluetooth is that the polling rate maxes out at 125Hz / 8ms. Meanwhile, you can get up to 1000Hz / 1ms on both USB wired and 2.4Ghz wireless. The USB polling rate is why something like the Razer Orochi "gaming" bluetooth mouse doesn't perform any better in wireless mode than a $10 cheap Chinese knock-off wireless mouse.

    Don't be fooled by Bluetooth. Just because Bluetooth is a "newer" connectivity technology doesn't automatically make it better.
     
  9. Typecast

    Typecast NBR's Tamed Zombie

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    Dont consider the alienware tactx. My cousin bought one and broke after 3weeks of use. And his not alone with that problem. That mouse is garbage.
     
  10. kent1146

    kent1146 Notebook Prophet

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    P.S. If you're considering the Logitech G9X, I'd also recommend you check out the Logitech G500. Both the Logitech G9X and G500 use the same Avago S9500 imaging sensor.

    The main difference between those two mice are the shape and feel. The Logitech G500 is more suitable for those with larger hands or for those who prefer a palm-grip on their mice. The Logitech G9x is going to be more suitable for those that prefer to claw grip or finger grip their mice.
     
  11. uthall

    uthall Notebook Consultant

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    so its down to the g700 or g9x.......

    Hmm.....any chance i could squeeze a preference from he experts? I have the finger grip if thats relevant?

    Oh, and i take it that the remaining razer range is best avoided?


    PS: Me too on the Alienware, just bought the new M17 R3 :)
     
  12. saturnotaku

    saturnotaku Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    The only expert who matters when it comes to mice is you. It's mostly a matter of personal preference. If you can, head over to your local computer store and see if you can try out each mouse on a display to see which would be most comfortable. If that's not an option, buy one (or both) from some place with a good return policy, use them, then return the one you don't like.
     
  13. Typecast

    Typecast NBR's Tamed Zombie

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    I agree with the good advice of saturnotaku. Your the only one who can tell if your comfortable with it or not. So try it out first on your local computer store.

    Still haven't received my system. You?
     
  14. kent1146

    kent1146 Notebook Prophet

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    I would normally agree 100% with Saturnotaku, and tell you to go check out the mice for yourself.

    But in this case, it's a no-brainer. Go with the Logitech G9x (and seriously, consider the Logitech G500. The Logitech G9X isn't "superior" just because it's more expensive and has a higher model#. And saving a bunch of money on a cheaper G500 is definitely a huge bonus).

    There is absolutely no reason to go with a wireless mouse, unless you absolutely *KNOW* that you need a wireless mouse. Dealing with battery life is a pain in the butt. If you're thinking that wireless would be nice-to-have, rather than something that is an absolute necessity, then stick with wired.


    Some people love Razer, have always owned Razer products, will continue to buy Razer products, and be happy with them. Personally, I avoid Razer for two reasons:

    (1) The features of Razer mice aren't useful to me. Razer mice have flashy colored LEDs and gold-plated USB connectors - neither of which do any good for mouse performance. Some people are willing to pay for those aesthetics.

    Personally, I want to buy top-performing mice, and not pretty mice... which is why I buy mice based on the sensor they use (Avago S9500 in the Logitech G500 / G700 / G9X), and not because of pretty colors.

    (2) Razer uses deceptive marketing (there are several examples on their website that I can point out). I refuse to buy from a company that has to use deceptive marketing to push their product.
     
  15. uthall

    uthall Notebook Consultant

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    Not yet dammit, ordered on the 8 march, still waiting.......
     
  16. Lieto

    Lieto Notebook Deity

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    I am using Naga right now.
    Its really comfortable and prolly best mouse there is for MMOs.
    I have around 50 binds+ in WoW, so that thing is kinda a must.
     
  17. uthall

    uthall Notebook Consultant

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    go-on, make me reconsider now why dont you...lol

    can you program the keys to open windows apps?
     
  18. saturnotaku

    saturnotaku Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I probably wasn't entirely clear with my post. The OP should check out both those mice to see which one is more comfortable. Style wise, the G9X and G500 are two different animals. That's why buying them from someplace with a good return policy is essential, that way he can take them on an extended "test drive." I'm a palm-gripper so the style of the G500 (or MX518 in my case) is more comfortable. YMMV
     
  19. uthall

    uthall Notebook Consultant

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    so im a finger grip, does that mean the g9x suits me?

    What about the g700?
     
  20. kent1146

    kent1146 Notebook Prophet

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    Makes sense to me.

    I take back what I said earlier - listen to Saturnotaku, and try the mice for yourself.

    The Logitech G9X will have its own shape. And the Logitech G500 / G700 / MX518 will all have approximately the same shape. From a pure physical feel, the difference between those mice will be largely around weight, button feel, wired/wireless operation. The shape and grip you use for those 3 mice will be approximately the same, so you can use any of them to get an idea what the Logitech G500 / G700 feels like, if the exact model you want isn't available for you to try.
     
  21. uthall

    uthall Notebook Consultant

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    unfortunatly its very hard to find stores with all 3 mice on the shelf where i live. I often end up buying based on reviews and advice.......good or bad, thats just how it happens.

    the G9x i reckon would give me what i want, but the G700 looks like it has a nice shape, and a good number of buttons to boot. The wireless is handy i "think" but maybe not.

    i like the concept of the naga, and all the programmable keys, but im not a MMO player so its probably overkill sadly.

    Leaning towards the g700...........
     
  22. kent1146

    kent1146 Notebook Prophet

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    I'd stay away from the Logitech G700. Wireless is a pain in the butt.

    As you probably figured out, I am a pretty hardcore mouse-nerd. I try out a lot of mice, and will use only the best performing mice. I owned a Logitech G700, because it is the best wireless gaming mouse you can buy. And I sold it after 2 months, because wireless is a pain in the butt.

    It sucks having to constantly check battery life and recharge the mouse every 1-3 days. On top of that, when I find a good mouse, I tend to use it for 3+ years. A rechargeable battery typically goes through about 1 year of charge/discharge cycles before it starts seriously losing charge capacity, which means it needs replacing. Total pain in the butt.

    If you like the shape / feel of the Logitech G700, then get the Logitech G500 instead. Wireless is *NOT* worth it if it is just a "handy" feature to have.
     
  23. saturnotaku

    saturnotaku Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I agree. The G700 chews through batteries like nobody's business. Also, the G700 is only the second mouse I have ever had fail on me in 10+ years. Fortunately, Logitech is one of the best companies to deal with when it comes to returns. I got a pre-paid shipping label, and turnaround time was less than two weeks. I ended up selling the replacement.

    I love the MX518. About the only thing it doesn't do that I wish it did was the ability to assign application-specific buttons in the standard Setpoint software. The G500, G9X, and G700 can do this, though.
     
  24. uthall

    uthall Notebook Consultant

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    yea, i want the programable buttons.

    any reason g500 over g9x?
     
  25. kent1146

    kent1146 Notebook Prophet

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    Mostly preference on shape, feel, texture. Some people also don't like the off-center imaging sensor of the Logitech G9X, but that doesn't bother most people.

    It also helps that the Logitech G500 is a little less expensive than the Logitech G9X (bought a Logitech G500 for $33 shipped after rebate a few weeks ago).

    Don't get me wrong - the Logitech G9X is a fantastic mouse... but I'm suggesting that you also consider the Logitech G500, instead of just limiting your choices to Logitech G9X vs G700.
     
  26. Lieto

    Lieto Notebook Deity

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    You can assign keyboard button to it. If that button could do something for you then the mouse will be able as well.
     
  27. uthall

    uthall Notebook Consultant

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    ok, nice, can it also launch an "exe"
     
  28. Lieto

    Lieto Notebook Deity

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    what you are asking for is application that assign action to a key — mouse isnt supposed to do that by default. It will copy your keyboard buttons but you will need some other software to assign actions to them. Or well, maybe razer got such up for win7, it doesnt for mac.
     
  29. GamingACU

    GamingACU Notebook Deity

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    I personally love my Razor Naga.

    I've used a logitech G5 and a Razor Lacheise previously and didn't like either as much as the Naga.

    Even with all of the side buttons I think the Naga is the most comfortable mouse I've ever used, and this is true even when not playing rpgs. The buttons are useful for all types of games, mmos, fps, rts, and single player rpgs.

    It does take awhile to get used to all the buttons, though, and I suggest using the training stickies to get used to it.
     
  30. Harleyquin07

    Harleyquin07 エミヤ

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    Just to remind the OP that the G9x has two different grips given for free with the package. I normally game using the regular palm-grip and don't really like using the packaged "gaming-grip" since I don't always play with a claw grip using the mouse. Otherwise I agree with most of the pro-G9x arguments since I too have owned the mouse for over 2 years and really have no complaints.
     
  31. uthall

    uthall Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks heaps for all your help, everyone.

    Im still split between the g500, g700, g9x, and the Naga.

    Ill need to think about this for a while, there are damn good arguments for all of them, and i agree that somehow its just going to be personal preference.

    Its just unfortunate i cant try them all side by side.
     
  32. Voodooi

    Voodooi AFK for a while...

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    G9X is the ultimate mouse.

    I received the G700 as a warranty replacement, used it for 1 hour and put it back in the box (I dislike it).

    I'm a "clawer" and the G9X is light enough to do that. The G700 is twice as heavy (if not more) so you can't claw and I'm not the type to move my entire arm/hand on the mousepad.

    +1 to G9X ...best mouse ever invented (for a clawer) ;)

    Now I have to sell my G700 just to rebuy a G9X, argh!
     
  33. uthall

    uthall Notebook Consultant

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    Ok so after careful consideration of all the posts in this thread, i bought the Alienware Tactx mouse and keyboard.

    I decided the G9x was the go, but then the tacxt is almost identical (with nice Alienware lights...oohhh) and the same price range.

    So there it is, if i could give a rep to all of ya i would.......
     
  34. Last Pick

    Last Pick Notebook Geek

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    Just got a G700 i really like.
     
  35. slickie88

    slickie88 Master of Puppets

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    G9x is on sale now through 6/27/11 at Newegg for $50US. That's $50 off. Comes with Star Trek Online for free as well.
     
  36. quatrei

    quatrei Notebook Consultant

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    i tried the naga at my local store and the way it fits my hand is perfect. i was annoyed of other mouse bec. my pinky doesnt have a place to rest and its kinda awkward unlike the naga.
     
  37. Gurista Pirate

    Gurista Pirate Notebook Enthusiast

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    currently have razer naga, this thing is a beast on eve online :D
     
  38. Akari

    Akari Notebook Evangelist

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    Razer Naga is the greatest mouse I've used to date. Even in FPS games I always have a use for at least some of the side buttons (weapon switching, calling in kill streaks, grenade types, knife, etc).