Deciding between two gaming mice

[Queelis]

Hello there,

once again I come to seek help from fellow Hexites

I'd like to upgrade my mouse to something more decent, but not expensive, and come to a dilemma: Logitech MX518 or Gigabyte M6980?

The Logitech is quite old (we'll call it a classic ), has 1800DPI optical sensor, and I hear the opinions are generally very good. But it only has 125Hz USB polling rate, and I'd have to "overclock" the USB to get it to somewhere around 500Hz - can it cause any damage? I've read lots of reports for doing that, not about anything causing problems. I've read that increased polling rate aids responsiveness a lot.

The Gigabyte, OTOH, is 2000DPI laser, has changeable polling rate.

The form of both of them seems OK, they're accurate enough, they weigh the same (106g).

So, what do you think? I'm playing mainly CS:S, aside from occasional RPGs or RTSes, on a cloth mouse pad.

Your opinions are valued

Cheers,
Queelis

[ik9000]

I use the MX518. Bought my first one years ago and never looked back. Just bought a second one to go with my new machine this Christmas. I've found its default settings together with adjusting sensitivity in windows make for a near perfect experience (for me anyway). It does come with calibration software though I've not used that so (edit) can't comment on that aspect of it.

Why would you need to adjust its rate? I don't understand that bit.

The mouse has on the fly sensitivity adjustment which makes it easy to change for faster/slower scrolling when leaping in and out of tank turrets and need a fast pan, or zooming in for the headshot and need to minimise your movement.

The mouse works fine on most surfaces - even on the duvet when I use my laptop sitting up in bed.

I've never tried a more expensive mouse so don't know if they offer an even better experience but I am quite happy with the MX518 - which you can often get for £20 if you shop around. Bargain.

Edit: The mouse is also really well shaped ergonomically - I find it comfortable to use even for long periods of gaming. Unlike those crappy mice you get as default with pre-built systems from Dell, HP and the like.

[ik9000]

I should also add that my first MX518 is still going strong even after 5 years of regular use. It's a little faded where some of the finish has rubbed off in certain places, otherwise it is doing just fine.

[Biscuit]

i had an MX518 and i was so impressed with both it and logitech customer service that after 5 years of service i bought a G550 to replace it. There was no discussion or research necessary i new i wanted more logitech straight way.

I dont think you will feel the need to overclock the USB on the MX518, its an awesome mouse just the way it is.

[george1979]

Well this seems like a love-in for the mx518 and I felt the need to join in.
I have one and it is great. For the money I don't think you'll find better.

[Pob255]

The main thing going for a laser oveer an optical mouse is that they work on shiny surfaces which tend to cause optical mice issues, but if you're using a cloth mouse mat that's not an issue.

personally I think the USB polling rate is a bit of a marketing gimmick, but I know people swear by it.
The MX518 can do 500Hz the thing that holds it back is windows, you need to disable mouse acceleration and change the default windows polling rate (125hz)