Need a New Mouse, Suggestions?

[NimbleRabit]

So my mouse recently broke and I need to get a new one.  I've been  using a crappy HP one that I had lying around, but it's time for an upgrade.  I figured this would be a good place to ask before I went out to get one, so what suggestions do you guys have?

As for style/size, I think a good way to describe my preferences are that I prefer an intellimouse 3.0 to a 2.0.  I'd rather a mouse didn't force my hand to the right like the 2.0 type design (it makes the right side of my wrist press against the desk and tends to cause pain after a lot of use).  I don't ever use my left hand, so right handed only is fine, but in general a lot of the right hand only mice are huge and force my hand into positions that aren't comfortable.

I really like the look of the Xai, but the reviews make me question whether the build quality of this thing makes it worth the price.  It's really important to me that whatever I get is either a) cheap or b) very high quality.  I don't mind spending as long as it's something that will last (like the keyboards people talk about around here).  So do you guys have any suggestions?

Oh btw, I'm a gamer who tends to use somewhat low sensitivity (with no accel).

[Shirukii]

I was in the same boat as you, coming from a Logitech g9 which I eventually started to find made my hand lean to the right and was also way too heavy.

The Xai isn't really worth the price, if you like the sensor and the form factor, you might as well just get the Kinzu.

As for me, I ended up going with the Razer Abyssus, I got it for $35 CAD. It's symmetric so no more leaning, lightest mouse I've ever used, no tracking/accel issues that I've been able to notice. The only issue with it is that it is VERY picky with what mouse pad you use it on, I was using a qck+ and the tracking was absolutely terrible, it was jittering all over the place. Switching to the Razer Goliathus Speed solved everything though.

[aynjell]

The problem I see with this post is the intellimouse 3.0 does what you described about the intellimouse 2.0, it forces my hand to the right... which is annoying. I now use a razer lachesis 5600. it's sex on three very very slick mouse feet.

That being said, the mouse is terribad on the desktop despite being epic in games. No idea how that happened but it did. The Logitech G5, or MX518, however does what the lachesis 5600 can do, or at least 90% of it for me, plus it rules on the desktop. It'd be a good place to start, I'd wager.

Option 1: Lachesis
http://www.amazon.com/Razer-Lachesis-5600dpi-Gaming-Mouse/dp/B003YCOMA0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1294865699&sr=8-2
Option 2: Deathadder
http://www.amazon.com/Razer-Deathadder-Precision-Infrared-Gaming/dp/B002Q4U5DK/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1294865699&sr=8-7
Option 3: Intellimouse 3.0
http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-B75-00113-Intellimouse-Explorer-3-0/dp/B000GOUE7O/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1294865744&sr=1-2
Option 4: MX518
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Performance-Optical-Gaming-Mouse/dp/B0007Z1M50/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1294865775&sr=1-2

These 4 options seem to cover the gamut for gamers. You got lift and swipe mice there, great precision mice, and several options in between. My favs are 1 and 4, as stated above.

[NimbleRabit]

The problem I see with this post is the intellimouse 3.0 does what you described about the intellimouse 2.0, it forces my hand to the right... which is annoying. I now use a razer lachesis 5600. it's sex on three very very slick mouse feet.

I've never actually used an intellimouse 3.0, I was just trying to find a mouse that would be well known I could use for reference.  It doesn't look to me like it would do that, at least not nearly as badly as the 2.0, but if it does then yeah I probably wouldn't like it.

[kidchunks]

MX518 at $34 along with this for the right hand pressing against the table.

http://www.amazon.com/3M-Wrist-Rest-Small-WR305LE/dp/B0016OV5MQ/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1294882039&sr=1-5

WIN!

I had the same issue as you and a gel mouse wrist rest solved it. I can't see myself using a mouse without it.

[squarebox]

G500 or Deathadder.

Xai side buttons are badly position and too small for easy use while gaming.

[aynjell]

G500 or Deathadder.

Xai side buttons are badly position and too small for easy use while gaming.

I hate the G500 and everything logitech did to maim the once good g5x line. My G5SE was amazing. The only reason it was outmoded was because it's died of old age after years of daily use. The g500 feels different, the buttons are wider, the grip is shaped differently, and the buttons are crowded. It's less of a gaming mouse and more of a browser's mouse. Also it feels foreign in use because the sensor is placed oddly.



Most mice have a sensor towards the center. The sensor on the G500 is at the top. It makes the hand movement to cursor translation really weird.

[squarebox]

I hate the G500 and everything logitech did to maim the once good g5x line. My G5SE was amazing. The only reason it was outmoded was because it's died of old age after years of daily use. The g500 feels different, the buttons are wider, the grip is shaped differently, and the buttons are crowded. It's less of a gaming mouse and more of a browser's mouse. Also it feels foreign in use because the sensor is placed oddly.

Show Image

Most mice have a sensor towards the center. The sensor on the G500 is at the top. It makes the hand movement to cursor translation really weird.

I'm not sure why, I kinda like the sensor placement of the G500. The side buttons are kinda crowded together but then that is nit-picking to me.

[polygon]

I've had a mx518 for years and loved it to bits, only kinda wish it was a tad bigger but that's cause I have really big hands.

g9x is a fair choice, but try it out in person because you'll either love it or hate it.

Most important thing IMO is comfortability, go to stores and check them out.

[Half-Saint]

What does sensor placement have to do with anything?

[aynjell]

What does sensor placement have to do with anything?

the sensor placement is crucial in a gaming mouse. I'm not even sure how to explain it, but basically how the mouse moves, what degree it moves in what direction, etc is strongly based off of the sensor placement itself. Think of it much like a seesaw. Where you place the fulcrum is similar in effect to where you place the sensor.

[hfcobra]

i like my G500 a lot, and sensor placement does not matter unless you lift your mouse off the mouspad while playing.  I dont, so it doesnt matter to me.

[aynjell]

i like my G500 a lot, and sensor placement does not matter unless you lift your mouse off the mouspad while playing.  I dont, so it doesnt matter to me.

It matters in a lot of places. For example, if you tend to move in a semi circular motion to move left and right the mouse sensor determines how steep of an arc this is. towards the top of the mouse it's more accurate, towards the center, it generates a smoother flatter line. Most people's hands tend to not move straight left or right, so naturally sensor placement when it comes to this type of use is critical.

[hfcobra]

It matters in a lot of places. For example, if you tend to move in a semi circular motion to move left and right the mouse sensor determines how steep of an arc this is. towards the top of the mouse it's more accurate, towards the center, it generates a smoother flatter line. Most people's hands tend to not move straight left or right, so naturally sensor placement when it comes to this type of use is critical.

you are talking about when you rotate your hands, right?  i did not think of that, but if you kept your hand from rotating then it would not matter i am sure.  Thanks for the explanation, did not ever see that as something that mattered      My G500 is towards the top so i will have to look for mice like it from now on to ensure i dont feel weird using a mouse with the sensor in the center  

[Half-Saint]

This article indicates that placing the sensor forward is actually better.

[hfcobra]

nice article, thanks

[thrab]

I'm really liking the Starfraft II Razer mouse. Is smaller than most high end mice and very "palmable". The buttons are also super easy to click.

There's definitely no best mouse out there. You need one that fits you. For instance I need symmetric mice because I am ambidextrous.

[Bullveyr]

This article indicates that placing the sensor forward is actually better.

I dissagree, there are too many factors.

For example I don't control my mouse with my forefingers but with my thumb, ring finger and the pinky, with those 3 I hold my mouse.
For my the sensor has to be in the center of what "I have in the hand".

[aynjell]

This article indicates that placing the sensor forward is actually better.

That article basically says that every company on the planet that makes mice, except for logitech recently with the G500, is wrong. Can you really say you believe that? if all the experts are doing it, I doubt it's an issue if cost, or anything like that. The laser position in my case is PERFECT at the exact center. Anything off center and the mouse doesn't seem to control as cleanly for me, at least for gaming. Perhaps there is some truth to the article though: My razer, on the desktop is the worst I've ever used. IN game it's my salvation, but on the desktop... well... I bought another mouse for desktop use. I think most companies try to strike a balance. Thankfully razer said piss on the balance and made for me what's become the perfect gaming mouse. Hoorah!

[Half-Saint]

To be honest, I never worried about sensor placement until I saw this thread. Size, shape and sensitivity were the most important properties of a mouse.

I'd like to see some studies confirming either theories but until then, I won't give a damn about where they put the sensor.

[hglazm]

Its not very popular, but the original microsoft sidewinder is easily my favorite mouse.

Its REALLY comfortable.  Metal side buttons + scroll wheel, and DPI switching.  Doesnt really use any fancy tracking though, only goes up to 2000dpi.

[killy]

So my mouse recently broke and I need to get a new one.  I've been  using a crappy HP one that I had lying around, but it's time for an upgrade.  I figured this would be a good place to ask before I went out to get one, so what suggestions do you guys have?

As for style/size, I think a good way to describe my preferences are that I prefer an intellimouse 3.0 to a 2.0.  I'd rather a mouse didn't force my hand to the right like the 2.0 type design (it makes the right side of my wrist press against the desk and tends to cause pain after a lot of use).  I don't ever use my left hand, so right handed only is fine, but in general a lot of the right hand only mice are huge and force my hand into positions that aren't comfortable.

I really like the look of the Xai, but the reviews make me question whether the build quality of this thing makes it worth the price.  It's really important to me that whatever I get is either a) cheap or b) very high quality.  I don't mind spending as long as it's something that will last (like the keyboards people talk about around here).  So do you guys have any suggestions?

Oh btw, I'm a gamer who tends to use somewhat low sensitivity (with no accel).

I've been using the little brother of the xai, the kinzu. It's a mouse that, quite simply, gets the job done. I have absolutely no problems with the mouse.

Except for the braided cord. I still have no idea why manufacturers choose to put the ultra-stiff braiding on a *mouse* cord.

That article basically says that every company on the planet that makes mice, except for logitech recently with the G500, is wrong. Can you really say you believe that? if all the experts are doing it, I doubt it's an issue if cost, or anything like that. The laser position in my case is PERFECT at the exact center. Anything off center and the mouse doesn't seem to control as cleanly for me, at least for gaming. Perhaps there is some truth to the article though: My razer, on the desktop is the worst I've ever used. IN game it's my salvation, but on the desktop... well... I bought another mouse for desktop use. I think most companies try to strike a balance. Thankfully razer said piss on the balance and made for me what's become the perfect gaming mouse. Hoorah!

I think this is mostly placebo that has become ingrained psychologically through repetition. Not everyone holds the mouse the same; how can you justify a center position if people will hold a mouse slightly forward, backward, or at an angle? I hold the kinzu at an angle, that's just how I grip it: if I want to look along a horizontal plane I have to move my hand diagonally.

[Bullveyr]

Except for the braided cord. I still have no idea why manufacturers choose to put the ultra-stiff braiding on a *mouse* cord.

I like braided cords because of the low friction on the mousepad and I don't find the SteelSeries cables (Ikari, Xai) too stiff.

In China there is a version of the Kinzu without a braided cable.

[speakeasy]

Except for the braided cord. I still have no idea why manufacturers choose to put the ultra-stiff braiding on a *mouse* cord.

Why, it's so you have a reason to buy one of their mouse bungees to go with the mouse you just bought!

[aynjell]

Why, it's so you have a reason to buy one of their mouse bungees to go with the mouse you just bought!

I've always found that a braided cord had less perceived weight, and was stiffer so that in such a case where you had a bungee it was more effective. Another point I guess, is it tended to not bunch up and tended to go over things that might get in the way.

In theory, it's worse, in practice though, the stiff cable actually helps.

[aynjell]

Braided cables get caught on the edge of my desk and are a pain in the ass

I have a bungee so I don't care.

[J888www]

Had a Logitech-MX518 delivered last week, was £1 cheaper when I made the purchased + free shipping, extremely difficult to beat it for value.

[killy]

The last mouse I used, a deathadder (before the right click died on me), had a very thin, plastic cord. No drag, no catching; it was perfect.

[evonc]

Had an Ikari Laser+4HD for a good year and half. Amazing mouse/tracking with the 4HD pad until my brother decided to steal it. Recently got the Xai Laser with another 4HD pad and it seems a lot better compared to the Ikari. Feels lighter/more nimble and the glide seems smoother. I also have one of the grey MS IE 3.0 but the pads on it are gone. Perhaps ill order a set of the Steelseries Glide replacement pads and give it a shot later as well as it was one of my most favourite mice.

Most reviews will only tell you how the sensor performs and if there are any major major flaws with the mice but a lot of it comes down to personal preference as to how you like to hold the mouse and how it feels in your hand.

Go to stores and try out a variety of mice. Wouldn't hurt to take your mousepad with you as well to see how the mouse glides on it and so on. Worst comes to worse, just save the receipt and packaging and if you're not happy with what you buy, return it and try out a different one.

[Daniel Beaver]

The last mouse I used, a deathadder (before the right click died on me), had a very thin, plastic cord. No drag, no catching; it was perfect.

My own Deathadder has a braided cable. Perhaps that's a feature of the newer ones. I personally prefer braided cables, but your mileage may vary.

[Ascaii]

Personally, I use an old Razer Diamondback, but I recently found a cheap, but very decet mouse that I prefer for gaming. I tend to claw-grip when gaming, and mice that work for that are rare...figures i'd run into a good mouse for me when im not actually looking for one^^. Was grabbing a budget replacement for my dads old Microsoft Optical mouse that broke and I found a new product from Cherry. The new Cherry Gentix works well claw gripping thanks to rubber grips on the sides, but I wouldn't recommend it if you tend to palm the mouse. Its a very simple 3 button mouse.