Logitech MX 518 Gaming Mouse Review

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by James Pendergrass

Introduction

Once upon a time, a mouse was just a mouse. In the past few years choices in pointing devices have exploded. One of those mice that stands out in the crowd is the Logitech MX-518 high-end gaming mouse. This mouse has the unique ability to switch dpi accuracy on the fly, a useful feature for gaming you may never knew you might want (or need).

Technical Specs:

• Right hand design
• Three pre-set dpi at 400, 800, and 1600 -- ability to switch them with a touch of a button
• Ability to set a maximum of 5 dpi's between 400 and 1600
• Eight programmable buttons with a nifty software app that allows you to set any button, to any thing
• 3-year Logitech warranty
• Stepped scroll wheel
• 16-Bit, ultra-wide data channel

Reasons for Buying

Before owning the Logitech MX-518 I had the MX-510. The MX-510 design was just perfect, and it fit my hand wonderfully, which was a HUGE plus because I have large hands. But a day comes in everything's lifespan when it has to be put to rest, and as such this happened to the MX-510 after years of use. So I quickly ran to Circuit City, luckily while they had a 50 percent off sale, and picked up the Logitech MX-518. What amazed we was I found it to be almost twice as good as the Mx-510. The MX-510 only had 800 dpi, but the MX-518 offers 1600 dpi accuracy. And instead of the 12-Bit channel in the MX-510, the MX-518 offers 16 bit. It was a wonderful upgrade!

Logitech MX-518 mouse (view large image)

Where and How Purchased

As you read before, I made my purchase at Circuit City for only twenty five dollars, but it was on sale for fifty percent off. Regular price the Logitech MX-518 lists for $49.99. You can buy this mouse at any major electronics store.

Design

The Logitech MX-518 design is great for just about anyone. I have fairly large hands, and the mouse fits me perfectly, meanwhile my friend who has extremely small hands has no problem either. Another bonus is that the mouse has a thumb cut out, so your thumb can rest wonderfully near the mouse four and mouse five buttons.

(view large image)

Unfortunately for left-handed users, this mouse is not aimed towards you. This is because of the sharp curve on the far right side of the mouse. If your left handed your thumb just slips off. Another downside is that if you are playing a full screen game, and you have your window switch button enabled, you may accidentally tap it which will cause the game to minimize. With that being said, in general all of your fingers will lie perfectly on the mouse and it is easy to hit any button without much of a reach.

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Logitech MX-518 size relative to Dell Inspiron e1505 notebook (view large image)

Performance and Features

With the MX-518's switchable dpi feature it is very easy to control the speed of the mouse. Also, the side forward and reverse buttons make surfing the web easier than ever. Overall performance is wonderful, I never have problems or experience anything less than precise control during games. And with the adjustable dpi, you can always insure accuracy by switching the dpi to low, or maximum spraying with high dpi, or just all around with 800. When looking for an optimal gaming mouse, without a steep price, the Logitech MX-518 was without a doubt the way to go for me.

Pros

• Speed holes
• 1600 dpi
• Responsive
• Comfortable Grip
• A Switch Sensitivity on-the-fly
• Does not Require Drivers

Cons

• Drivers to optimize gaming are only for Windows XP
• For Right Handed Gamers Only

 

 

Nice review. It must be a challenge to remember what each button does. Logitech make good mice and you got it at a bargain price.

"Not for left handers". Am I the only left handed person who always uses the mouse with their right hand? I think this is an evolutionary consequence of first using a mouse with a big workstation nearly 20 years ago. It also leaves my left hand free to use the touchpad.

John

 

you sure? i have set point for Vista.

 

I'm left handed and always use a mouse with my right hand. It's probably cause mice were always for right handers growing up and I had learn to do it that way.

Why does the mouse look like it was in a meteor storm?

 

the G5 would have been perfect if they were to leave that back & forward button on the sides of the mouse. the most notable feature thats missing in the mx518 is the big teflon feet on the G5 which works a lot better for gliding in the surface of ur mouse mat or desk.

 

I got the MX518 recently too, a VERY rare one. Its actually a Carbon Fiber edition... and re-branded by Asus.


( view full image)

I bought if from someone that received it with their Asus G1 notebook.

It is slick and feels good.

The only other Logitech mouse that has such a carbon fiber finish is the Logitech G7 Carbon Fibre edition.

Read my thread on getting it:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=99530
Here are some quick pics from my Treo:


As you can see, it fits very well with my Clevo D900K.
(and the "Bloom" effect for my low quality phone-cam makes it look more interesting, LOL )

Note: One of my main reasons for getting this version is that the Retail MX518 looks fugly... it looks like its been thrown against the wall a couple of times and got those dents.
Although some people think it cool.

 

Bleh, give me a Razer anyday!

The Mx518 really is a great mouse though. I almost bought it before I got my Diamondback. You got it for a steal too. Great review man.

 

My brother has a G1 and has the Asus rebranded MX518. I am using a Razor Diamondback myself but after using both of them I still like the Diamondback better... I prefer the design and the shape of the Diamondback better than the MX518... Probably because I'm so used to my Diamondback already...

 

I've had one of these mice for a long time now, and I love it to pieces. I leave it at 1600 dpi all the time, and find that it is just perfect for my use.

I've only ever tried one Razor mouse, and found it less comfortable for extended use since you can't rest your hand on it the same way, and the buttons had a longer travel, which felt wrong to me... like my finger would get stuck at the end of a click.

 

I would take the G1 version.

I dislike the Armageddon craters in this mouse.

 

Is there a rule saying gaming mice must have questionable styling ?

I imagine the designer meeting :
"- ... but how are people going to notice its a gaming mouse ?"
"- oh we will add a fugly design later on ."

 

Yes, if you can imagine it the new G5 looks many times worse ...

Great review, the MX518 is a great alternative to the G5, performance wise I can't tell much of a difference between the two, and it's cheaper.

 

I am not sure how big hands you have but the mouse is rather small one and also forward/backward buttons are too close

 

I`ve had Logitech`s MX310, 510 and now 518 for a couple of months. Personally I chose MX518 over Diamondback because its shape and buttons were familiar from MX510 but it is much better response/tracking than the latter although I use it on 800dpi just like the MX510...and the best of all - it doesn't skip when moving it extremely fast.

 

The default disk that comes with the mouse, is only for windows XP, so you would have to download the drivers off the internet.

 

When i put my hand on my computer, my hand goes from the bottom edge, to the top of the backspace key.

 

Another leftie who uses a mouse right handed here...


The mx518 is an awesome mouse, even if it doesn't have the flavour of the month... that being fricken lasers.

If you DO need a ambidextrous gaming mouse, I like the feel of the Razer Copperhead.

 

Set point works just fine in vista, I picked one of these up a week or so ago at target for $20 its a great mouse for the money, just wish the + and - buttons were both at the front of the scroll, rear would be okay too, having them spread out like they are is a pain.

 

I find no diff between using set point or not. I use MX518 as well.

 

^^^^ ROFL at Sig. Mac Os..... just like Windows. Only better. By far. And MICROSOFT word is highlighted.

 

When I said, "Not for left handed gamers." I ment that if you use your mouse in your left hand. Not if you use your mouse in your right hand.

 

But it's very hard to obtain Asus' version of this mouse. I'd like to elect for asus' style as well rather than meteor style's design... but it's just me.