Capsule Review: Logitech's G100s, G500s, and G700s Gaming Mice
by Dustin Sklavos on March 30, 2013 12:01 AM EST- Posted in
- Mouse
- Peripherals
- Gaming
- Logitech
The Logitech G-Series Software
One thing peripheral vendors have been notoriously awful about has been software. I was never especially happy with the software Corsair uses, to say nothing of Thermaltake's and even Logitech's older software. The old G500 used the SetPoint software kit, separate from their gaming software, but with the new G series, all of the new mice and keyboards fall under a single unified software umbrella. This is immensely appreciated, as most vendors are using separate drivers and software for each of their products.
As it turns out, the G-series software is pretty good, too, and remarkably simple. Someone at Logitech seems to have decided that existing software was too clunky or not functional enough, because this software is lightweight and incredibly easy to use.
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Strangely, the G100s is the only one of the three mice tested that has more than one configuration page; one page handles the DPI levels while the second handles the limited button configuration. It seems really bizarre that they would take that approach with this mouse, as it's unnecessarily involved. Nonetheless, the software is very simple and intuitive, something that will be consistent across these three products.
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When you get to the G500s, you see most of the same functions as the G100s but lose some granularity in the sensor; the "Advanced" settings are all gone. The first window actually lets you choose between storing your settings in the mouse's on-board memory or storing them in software; from there it takes you to the single configuration window. Changing a button's setting is as easy as clicking on that button in the window, where a dropbox lets you choose between using the default or going to a page that lets you assign a macro, key, or basic mouse function (including multimedia controls.)
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Finally, the G700s ups the ante one more time by allowing you to store and toggle between up to five different profiles, but other than that it's essentially identical to the configuration options for the G500s. It does add the ability to choose a power mode, and I found the Max Gaming mode was enough to make the wireless connection undetectable; under the other two, there's just a little bit of perceptible lag even with the mouse right next to the receiver.
This is really clean, well made software and a major step forward for Logitech. If it loses anything, it's that it's not as robust as the ridiculously configurable Kone mice from ROCCAT. Those mice use illumination to identify different profiles, and they're frankly still going to be almost ideal for users who want to get as much utility out of their mice as humanly possible.
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yougotkicked - Monday, April 1, 2013 - link
I'm still using my G5 and have no plans to upgrade until it breaks (no signs of that happening any time soon); but it's nice to know there's a fresh round of quality mice to pick from should the need arise.ryccoh - Tuesday, April 2, 2013 - link
I love my G700, but what's with the cheesy graphics on this revisionperry1mm - Tuesday, April 2, 2013 - link
I've been using the G700 for a bit over a year now and I love the design, layout, scroll wheel, software, and wired or wireless, but PLEASE Logitech change the texture on the next update to feel similar to the MX grips!I can overlook it because the other features outweigh one downside, but I've tried other mice simply because the texture still bothers me after a year of trying to put it out of my mind...I still go back to it though, but no reason to go to the 700S when they didn't change that.
Alexo - Tuesday, April 2, 2013 - link
Re Software:When I got a Logitech mouse, the software insisted on controlling both the mouse and the keyboard. Which meant that I could use either the programmable keys of my Microsoft Natural keyboard, or the SW capabilities of the Logitech mouse, but not both because the software would conflict.
Needless to say that the Logitech software got uninstalled pretty quickly.
This is an extremely boneheaded design, one that convinced me to stay away from Logitech mice.
Aikouka - Tuesday, April 2, 2013 - link
Dustin, if I remember correctly, you're not based in the United States, and that might be the reason why you had poor G700 availability. I don't exactly go around looking for the mouse, but I've certainly seen it in Best Buy and various online retailers. I actually own two of them! One of the more interesting aspects of the G700 is the fact that the data cable supersedes the wireless connection if it's connected (it also charges the mouse). That means that you can use it as a wired mouse if you need to, and it also allows you to easily use the mouse on more than one PC. For example, I could plug the mouse into my laptop and use it like a normal wired mouse. When I was done, I could unplug the mouse and use it on a HTPC (that has the wireless transmitter plugged in).Kopa95 - Monday, April 8, 2013 - link
So many are complaining about the quality of the G500. I've had mine for over three years, and it works just fine. Except for the middle mouse button. That doesn't work. But I think that is because I dropped a snow globe on it.Mantvis - Tuesday, April 9, 2013 - link
Good mouse review has to have:1. Mouse weight. That's it. Other reviews have the rest :)
The most difficult spec to find about any mice is weight. Try googling popular mice weight... not an easy task. Wireless mice can be very heavy. Please do a popular mice review and weight them.
Also try comparing the sound of the mouse. Click sound and the sound when you drop the mouse from one inch high. It's no secret that in some cases the mouse hits the table with a big force :)
Also very important to some - mac compatibility. My G700 could be configured only in windows. Zero mac support.
Etern205 - Tuesday, April 9, 2013 - link
I own a G700 and I don't see why you'll need separated LED indicators for DPI and profile. When you select a certain profile, the LED are orange, red or DPI settings, and green for battery, unless it needs to recharge, then it's red.The side G buttons are great as I set it for entertainment and web browsing.
MSRP was $99 but was on sale for $75 and comes with a free game: Orchestra Red Front
Etern205 - Tuesday, April 9, 2013 - link
Why can't Logitech implement their DarkField sensor to their G-series mice?I have a Anywhere MX and that sensor is awesome. It can be use on almost any surface even on glass (has to be at least 2mm thick).
yogibu - Wednesday, April 10, 2013 - link
I have G700. Unfortunately after using it for 6 months I realised that I feel pain in my palm (below/along the pinky finger). At first I ignored it but currently I can't use it anymore as the pain remains there even while I'm not using the mouse. Also mobility of my pinky finger has dicreased a lot. Because of that I hate that mouse.Really liked the placement of the side buttons though, so if not for the shape I would recommend it.
I have long hands - my hand span is 23cm.