Logitech G303 Daedalus Apex Capsule Review
by Jarred Walton on March 5, 2015 4:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Mouse
- Peripherals
- Gaming
- Logitech
Logitech G303 Software
As with most advanced gaming peripherals, the software and features provided can be the deciding factor in what a user ends up buying. Logitech has been doing this long enough that their software works quite well. One cool feature is that the first time I loaded up the software, it prompted me to update the firmware on my mouse. A simple unplugging and reconnecting of the mouse with a 5-10 second firmware updating delay and the mouse was ready.
In terms of features, the software allows you to modify the lighting settings, though there aren’t a ton of options. You can set a color for the logo and sides, but the color is the same for both so you have four options: all lighting off, sides on/logo off, sides off/logo on, or all lighting on. As for the colors effects, besides a static color selected from a 24-bit RGB palette, you can enable a breathing effect or a color cycling effect. As for the static colors, while there are in theory 16.8 million possible colors, the actual LEDs seem to have closer to 24 levels of intensity, giving ~14K colors to choose from. Most users will end up using one of about 20 or so colors (or the color cycling effect), and this is similar to most other RBG mouse/keyboard lighting arrangements I’ve seen.
The software also allows you to customize the buttons with custom profiles on a game-by-game basis, with a variety of pre-defined profiles available if you prefer. Most of the time the default settings are sufficient, with only the left thumb buttons needing modification, and users can decide what works best. There are options to record and edit macros, change the mousing surface, and configure the DPI settings as well.
Closing Thoughts
With all the advanced features, at the end of the day mouse preferences are still highly subjective. I haven’t had a ton of time to play around with the G303, but it certainly tracks well on a variety of surfaces and the ability to disable all acceleration is nice. But is it better than the many other competing gaming mice that are already available? That’s a lot more difficult to say.
I have no complaints with using the G303 and the light weight makes it comfortable for me to use for long periods of time – assuming I have the time available to play games for long stretches. I’m not the type of gamer that likes having tons of extra buttons on a mouse, so the six buttons on the G303 fits my style well. I also like the more classic appearance rather than the “futuristic” styling of mice like the Mad Catz R.A.T.5, Cougar 700M, or Logitech’s own G502 Proteus Core.
If you have similar feelings about mouse design and aesthetics, the Logitech G303 is certainly worth a look. It might not actually make you a better gamer, but you might at least look a bit more sophisticated. It’s a good design and is attractive without being overly gaudy. The 12000 DPI setting isn’t something most people will ever use (I generally prefer 800 DPI, though YMMV), but whatever setting you want the G303 should keep you happily gaming for quite a while.
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Icehawk - Sunday, March 8, 2015 - link
Thanks to this article I went and got a G502 today and love it. Hopefully it will be as durable as my other Logitech stuff some of which is 10 years old and working just fine.Dark_Archonis - Sunday, March 8, 2015 - link
I fully agree. I was using an MX518 for over 3 years now, and it was the best mouse I've ever used overall. In terms of productivity, browsing, office work, and gaming, I feel it is the most well-balanced mouse. However I knew they weren't made anymore, and it's literally impossible to find a new one anywhere. So I did some research, and found out the spiritual successor is the G400s. However it disappeared recently off my country's Logitech page, and a lot of stores in my city stopped carrying it. I'm very old school and generally don't much items online. So I decided before the G400s disappears, to get one. I found one of the few remaining stores in my area that carries it, and got one today. My MX518 is still going strong, but I stored away as a backup, and have switched to the G400s as my main mouse. It's virtually identical to the MX518 in feel, but has a few welcome enhancements. The scroll wheel is slightly stiffer which I like, the surface materials are a bit more grippy overall, and and the sensor feels more accurate and has higher sensitivity. On the highest sensitivity setting, I was able to further decrease the pointer speed versus my MX518 while maintaining similar acceleration and feel, but now with more accuracy. My MX was a tank, and still works perfectly, so hopefully this lasts for many years to come.I don't like the feel, or styling of most of the high end gimmicky gaming mice. I also don't feel justified paying such high prices. Most importantly, I find virtually all of the gimmicky gaming mice tend to have poor durability, software issues, and have at best, mediocre reliability. The MX518, as long as you take care with the cord, is legendary for its durability. Seeing as the G400s is based on the MX518, then I have high hopes it will earn a similar legendary reputation for durability.
Overall I agree with others that a lot of Logitech products have gone down in quality. However a few rare gems seemingly remain, like the G400s.
HollyDOL - Monday, March 9, 2015 - link
I have and use Microsoft Intellimouse Optical 1.1 bought... 15 years ago (ok now I feel old). Not only it survived my intensive gaming period (both Diablos included), university "education sessions" etc., but it still reliably works today. I would be willing to switch only if I found a mouse that fits my hand better or same as this old granny.Which imho should be condition nr.1 for everyone buying a mouse. First find those that are comfortable for your hand and then decide about tech params... since vast majority of today mice will be good enough to work reliably, but seeing and trying all the crazy shapes produced, only few are actually comfortable in hand (especially for longer time periods).
Dark_Archonis - Thursday, March 12, 2015 - link
The old family computer we had used an Intellimouse Optical for over 10 years. In fact I think my family may still be using the Intellimouse. Truly a very reliable mouse in terms of the outer shell, and hardware for the most part. The feel of the buttons though, and the optical accuracy left something to be desired. Over the years though the mouse developed more on-screen jitter as well as tracking/acceleration problems.I fully agree with you on feel and fit. FIt is the #1 priority or condition for myself when getting a mouse (as well as a keyboard). After that it is reliable, consistent performance.
I personally find my MX518, and the G400s I'm now using (both of which use identical mouse bodies) to have a fit that's as good as, if not better than the Intellimouse Optical 1.1.
Dorek - Tuesday, March 17, 2015 - link
I have an Intellimouse Optical that I used up until about seven months ago when the back button stopped being reliable and the left button started double-clicking on its own. I replaced it with a Steelseries Sensei (only decent mouse I could find with the same shape) as my work mouse, which I realize is a lot of money to spend on a work mouse. But in reality, I use it even more than my gaming mouse, since I'm at work all day. I wanted something good.I took the Intellimouse home and disassembled and cleaned it, works fine again. It's my backup mouse. (At home I have a RAT 7.)
Dorek - Tuesday, March 17, 2015 - link
Actually it was an "Intellimouse IntelliEye." The one with back and forward buttons on the left and right sides, not the one that only has 3 buttons. Anyway: great mouse. IMO the best mouse ever made.Dark_Archonis - Wednesday, March 18, 2015 - link
Just glanced at the Steelseries page. The main mouse buttons have a click durability rating of only half that of my Logitech G400s. It's a great shape to the mouse body, but not sure about long-term durability.