Claw Grip Showdown - G9X or Spawn/Xornet?

[Hyde]

Hello I currently own a CM Storm Xornet (As I find I prefer the plug and play factor / cheaper / don't need that much dpi over Spawn) and it's super awesome !!!

I like the size and shape, the ring finger thing I got used to it it's not bad although I think generally I still prefer no ring finger bump.  I also like how light all the buttons are, and I mean ALL the buttons (left, mid, right, 2 thumb clicks).  The rubber side are also very comfy.  I think my only complaint regarding this mouse is that just like any optical mouse.  The dpi settings are usually set to like 3-4 numbers that you pick from.  I had to pick the closest dpi and then adjust from windows slider.

This brings me to the Logitech G9X.  I currently do not have one but I am debating if it's worth it to get one.  I like the fact that it's laser so I just adjust dpi in 100 increments and set my window slider to 6/11 which is 1:1 ratio.  I have that on my Razer Naga now and I do have to say it is noticeable that if you're using 1:1 ratio or adjusted from windows slider.  I also like that G9X has adjustable color LED lights (ok I know I'm a sucker on useless things what can I say).

So this brings me to the Pros and Cons:

CM Storm Xornet
- Light buttons clicks
- No left/right scroll non-sense (I always hated that from Logitech) also very tactile distinct scroll
- Cheap (I bought it for $20 on sale)
- No driver needed (I generally find the default button settings good enough for me and the dpi setting is hardware adjustable)

Logitech
- Laser (Meaning I can adjust dpi in 100 increments)
- Pretty LED lights
- Adjustable weight but I find I like light mice in general so I might not use any of the weight
- Logitech customer service (haven't had to deal with CM Storm yet but I know Logitech is awesome)
- Freaking $80 (4 times the price of my Xornet)

Comfort level I'd say both is probably about the same from the short time that I played with the G9X demo mouse.  The only real advantage that I care about is Logitech's laser sensor over CM Storm's optical sensor.  For windows it's not bad, but for games with direct input it's kind of handy.  But Xornet seems to win over on all other departments so does it justify the $80?

Anyone who has tried both willing to put some input into this?  Thanks !

[NewbieOneKenobi]

One piece of insight is that laser, while already expensive, requires more expensive pads. You can sorta get away with still using a Razer Goliathus or perhaps Steelseries QCK or perhaps some other product but hard pads are optimal and good ones may cost around $20. Except I'm not sure whether my G9X tracked better on my Steelseries 4HD pad or on my desk. Bright Ikea wood on which optical doesn't even track.

[jellowiggler]

I wouldn't touch the Spawn with a 10 foot pole.  It has unfixable problems with CPU usage spikes when using voice comms.  This is acknowledged by CM, and they won't be fixing it.  The Xornet doesn't suffer the same problems.  This is strange because they are highly related.

The G9x is a great mouse, but has the usual minor acceleration issues that laser mice have.

I would sit tight with the Xornet.  The 9x doesn't really have anything better to offer you other than a 3-4x higher price tag and much higher dpi.  But that doesn't matter unless you have a 2560x1600 or higher resolution on your display.  I think the Xornet's 500/1000/2000 dpi should be good enough for 90% of players.

If you do decide on the g9x, I'll buy the Xornet from you. :-)

[jellowiggler]

Oh yeah, I forgot to add this.

In many ways good old optical is the better way to go.  I don't think there has been laser yet that has fully met expectations.  Optical doesn't have a lot of the strange issues people get with laser sensors.  MX518/G400, Death Adder.  Awesome high res, no acceleration, competition grad mice.

[Hyde]

Oh I kind of don't mind the acceleration.  I'm not that hardcore on gaming and I've always used acceleration I'm used to it and it works for me.  So the only real advantage for me going G9X is probably just the fact that I can set my ideal DPI then use 6/11 sensitivity in windows to get 1:1 ratio.  As for mousepad I use Artisan Shiden XSOFT it's a white hybrid mousepad, from what I read it works with G9X.

But it's probably like you said consider the price and advantages I get, I'm better off keeping my Xornet I think lol

[viasacra89]

I'm using a G9x right now, mainly for SC2.  I love the mouse to death, but the buttons are so much harder to click compared to my old imperator.

[Hyde]

Damn that's a shame consider G9X seems like such a good mouse but I really like light clicks.  My old Logitech G5 hurts my finger after long work and gaming sessions.  Maybe I'll wait for the next gen G9X then, it's been out long enough for a refresh anyway lol

[josh6135]

If have tried all the mouses you mentioned. I prefer the Logitech G9X out of all of them. If like light clicks try the Logitech G600 I think that has a good overall light click.

[nmd]

I wouldn't touch the Spawn with a 10 foot pole.  It has unfixable problems with CPU usage spikes when using voice comms.  This is acknowledged by CM, and they won't be fixing it.  The Xornet doesn't suffer the same problems.  This is strange because they are highly related.

The G9x is a great mouse, but has the usual minor acceleration issues that laser mice have.

I would sit tight with the Xornet.  The 9x doesn't really have anything better to offer you other than a 3-4x higher price tag and much higher dpi.  But that doesn't matter unless you have a 2560x1600 or higher resolution on your display.  I think the Xornet's 500/1000/2000 dpi should be good enough for 90% of players.

If you do decide on the g9x, I'll buy the Xornet from you. :-)

THIS. Holy crap, this explains my problem lately. I've had huge FPS drops in games with my Spawn. I have been trying to figure this out for weeks.

[xyril]

i'd rather go with Optical, its not because they downgrade from laser sensor. Its because Optical is ftw, and most laser mouses picks up too main details "dust" that can malfunction abit ...

Since my friend got CM spawn, i recommend you that mouse for few reasons. And the grip is awesome too ...


too see how it performance in fast pace game (or w/e)

[jellowiggler]

I wouldn't touch the Spawn with a 10 foot pole.  It has unfixable problems with CPU usage spikes when using voice comms.  This is acknowledged by CM, and they won't be fixing it.  The Xornet doesn't suffer the same problems.  This is strange because they are highly related.

The G9x is a great mouse, but has the usual minor acceleration issues that laser mice have.

I would sit tight with the Xornet.  The 9x doesn't really have anything better to offer you other than a 3-4x higher price tag and much higher dpi.  But that doesn't matter unless you have a 2560x1600 or higher resolution on your display.  I think the Xornet's 500/1000/2000 dpi should be good enough for 90% of players.

If you do decide on the g9x, I'll buy the Xornet from you. :-)

THIS. Holy crap, this explains my problem lately. I've had huge FPS drops in games with my Spawn. I have been trying to figure this out for weeks.

Skipping audio and CPU spikes are the main symptoms. Easily diagnosed if the problem goes away when you unplug the mouse.

[Hyde]

I heard it's the software, so you can probably install the software and then setup everything.  Save profile to onboard memory, uninstall the software and be like done !

[Harlequin]

i use g9x. can't really say any bad thing for this mouse. oh maybe 1 thing... g9x without grips (covers?), it's quite boxy. so u might need to spend some time to get use to it.
rather than that, light weight, with Omron switches, all good. if you wanna spend less money for a claw grip mice, i recommend zowie mico.

[Mif]

I actually replaced my G9X with a Spawn because the G9X scroll wheel is the work of Satan. Almost every time you attempt to scroll click the G9X you accidentally scroll. I also find the Spawn to be the most comfortable mouse I've ever owned.

I wouldn't touch the Spawn with a 10 foot pole.  It has unfixable problems with CPU usage spikes when using voice comms.

It's easily avoided by rebinding your PTT. From CM's website:

My system stutters and audio chat is distorted, whats wrong?
It appears that hitting the Caps Lock, Scroll Lock and Num Lock keys frequently and repeatedly on Windows 7 systems, causes the spawn firmware to stall usbport.sys. This in return triggers an increased amount of system interrupts which results in increased CPU usage in idle mode, and a stuttering and sluggish system.

[xJaPx]

i can't say that i've had an issue with my spawn.  Is that cpu spiking something that all spawn owners will experience, or just some?

[jellowiggler]

Do you use voice comms like ventrilo or teamspeak?

It seems to be a problem with repeatedly hitting any of the lock keys and the mouse driver. People use those keys for push to talk a lot because games won't have anything pre bound to them.  Some people have had luck changing to a different USB controller on an add-in board.

Others think rebinding ptt to a different key will work. If it was that easy it would be a non issue.

I think cooler master should just get a fix done with their hardware partner and stop screwing around. They have been 'working' on a fix since the fall?!

Logitech, razer, steel series, etc don't seem to have this issues. Even the xornet doesn't. Got to be due to some customizing that cm has done with the software  Everyone is only using a handful of different sensors, so a solution is possible.

[xJaPx]

i did when i played bf3 at release.  never had an issue.  i still love my spawn, the grip is so damn comfortable.   Just got my friend a xornet for his build too

[squarebox]

Spawn supersedes the old design of the G9x. Love the spawn as much as my Deathadder.

[Hyde]

Damn I just took out my Naga for fun and used it for a few days then now switch back to Xornet.  Definately like Xornet's shape and light clicks better but can't help to notice that 1300 DPI with windows setting 6/11 definately feels smoother than my Xornet's 2000 DPI with windows setting 3/11.  Even though the 2 is close enough and should be comparable but I can't help to notice the smoothness on 6/11 windows setting (1:1 ratio)

Really makes me want to purchase a claw laser mouse next but maybe I'll wait and see if there any good new ones coming out

Oh a random observation, ignoring the 12 thumb buttons, don't you guys think Naga look like a long and narrow Xornet?

[lt.aldoraine]

I have a number of friends who swear by the g9x -  it is a truly customizable and functional claw mouse.

Get it, try it out, and sell it if it doesn't suit your fancy!

[scriz]

I had a Xornet, I started playing LoL and I quickly ruined it.  I went and bought a Logitech G400 to replace it and disliked the difference in grip so much I drove the 45 miles to Microcenter to buy another Xornet.

For a $25-30 mouse, there is nothing as good as the Xornet.  Looks great next to my CMStorm Quickfire as well.

[absyrd]

I've used a g9 for years and just bought a g400 to try for a diff grip. I switched back to the g9 after 5 mins. The layout from everything from the thumb rest to scroll wheel location is just amazing; every mm counts. And I couldn't live without the ability to adjust weight and have so many profiles on the fly without using software.

[Appeac]

This is extremely relevant to my interests. I have a spare G9x lying around, and I'm looking to mod it into a Spawn or Xornet case. I used to have a Spawn, and I loved the shape, but I couldn't stand the non-variable DPI and it was a bit light. I ended up selling it, but I'm looking for a broken Spawn/Xornet to put the G9 sensor and software into.

[Hyde]

LOL awesome let me know if you end up finishing the mod.  I was thinking the other day too that I like the Spawn/Xornet shape and light clicks but I would much prefer G9X's laser sensor and 50 DPI steps.  So Spawn/Xornet shape + G9X internal sounds like the ideal mouse for me.

Well in a perfect world I want Mionix Naos' matte finish and light up scroll wheel + Spawn/Xornet's shape and light clicks + G9X's laser sensors then we have a winner.  For now I can only dream on

[Viz]

I too vote for the g9!

[davkol]

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum

[swagpiratex]

If you don't mind branding, and just want a mouse on the cheap, here is the G9X in MW3 colors for about $50.

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Gaming-Mouse-Call-Duty/dp/B005S0KHIC/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pdT1_S_nT1?ie=UTF8&colid=1B5VCH0YWNL55&coliid=I1Q99G3MCSAAW1

Last I checked they still have 12 in stock.

[swagpiratex]

Just got back from the store and got to try both. I really liked the clicking mechanism on the G9x, but can see why people like the Spawn.

[Hyde]

Alright I think the curiosity is killing me I'm gonna try to get one for cheap from Kijiji and I'll let you guys know when I have it

[xcelerate]

Razer Abyssus (League of Legends edition) for $33 pricematched or cheap of kijiji (I take it your in Canada, not sure where)

Pricematch: http://www.shopbot.ca/pp-razer-abyssus-razer-price-209204.html

[Hyde]

lol nooooooooo the guy I contacted from Kijiji didn't e-mail me back, faillllllll oh well at least I save some money.  lol and I tried Abyssus before but it felt too plain, like I kinda want a 5 button mouse at least (back/forward).

Also shape wise I find it wasn't too comfortable, like it's a bit flat / straight also the gap under the button "bites" my finger sometimes.  The stupid thing is I find even my cheapo generic Logitech mouse feel more ergonomic / comfy to use so I returned the Abyssus.

Why can't they make a gaming mouse with this http://markeyspos.com/files/logitech-basic-optical.jpg or this http://img.misco.eu/Resources/images/Modules/InformationBlocks/1210/MIC/MIC-Q/Q445511-Microsoft-Basic-Opticial-Mouse-for-Business-A.jpg shape and add a back/forward button on it.  Then we'll have a perfect claw / fingertip gaming mouse

[Appeac]

LOL awesome let me know if you end up finishing the mod.  I was thinking the other day too that I like the Spawn/Xornet shape and light clicks but I would much prefer G9X's laser sensor and 50 DPI steps.  So Spawn/Xornet shape + G9X internal sounds like the ideal mouse for me.

Well in a perfect world I want Mionix Naos' matte finish and light up scroll wheel + Spawn/Xornet's shape and light clicks + G9X's laser sensors then we have a winner.  For now I can only dream on

Well, all attempts at hacking the G9 board into the CM case fell short. I'd need a 3D printer or something to make all the switches line up correctly. Here's the bastard child of the G9 Precision grip and CM Xornet



Ended up spending $20 on that little piece of plastic, but still a worthwhile endeavor.

[Hyde]

LOL nice does it actually feel better than the stock G9X?

[Appeac]

LOL nice does it actually feel better than the stock G9X?

Of course! No more ring/pinky cramping.

[Saturn]

I haven't ever really used anything but Logitech mice.   I was on the G9 since I first got it until it started to malfunction about three and a half years later.  It started randomly losing its connection to the comp, as if it was being unplugged.  There was some problem with it internally which was getting worse and worse the more I used it.

So, I emailed Logitech customer support to ask them whether there was anything I could do about this.  Unfortunately, the mouse was no longer under warranty.  You know what?  They replaced it anyway.  They replaced it with the G9x, an upgrade from my existing model, and didn't even ask me to send the old mouse back.  They said it was to reward me for being a "loyal Logitech customer".  You can't beat customer service like that.

So yeah, the G9x.  I've never found it hard to click at all.  The clickers are responsive, the mouse is comfortable, tracks great.  You can't knock it (or any other Logitech mouse) on build quality at all.  And the LEDs tell you both the dpi setting you're using and the profile you're on.  A lot of useful info there in a few LEDs.  The only complaint I have about it is the scroll wheel, and it's a minor complaint.

Sure, it's expensive, but it's a hell of a gaming mouse, and people here regularly spend hundreds of dollars on keyboards, so spending a bit of money on a good input devicie shouldn't be an issue.

[zareliman]

Just got back from the store and got to try both. I really liked the clicking mechanism on the G9x, but can see why people like the Spawn.

I vote for a CMStorm Spawn.
I own a CMStorm Spawn and a G500 (same sensor as the G9x). Is pretty well known that the sensor on the G9x has acceleration and after hours playing I must say the CMStorm Spawn feels smoother, less skippy if so and more consistent when playing on cloth mats.
Some people complain about the Spawn's quality, still, the mouse is like half the price of the G9x so I'd give it a try.
Plus, the tilt wheel is useful for side-scrolling in windows but its awful for gaming, mainly because many users (incluiding me) assign commands to the wheel button and its awful to tilt when trying to click the wheel.

[suprsmo]

Damn I just took out my Naga for fun and used it for a few days then now switch back to Xornet. Definately like Xornet's shape and light clicks better but can't help to notice that 1300 DPI with windows setting 6/11 definately feels smoother than my Xornet's 2000 DPI with windows setting 3/11.  Even though the 2 is close enough and should be comparable but I can't help to notice the smoothness on 6/11 windows setting (1:1 ratio)

Really makes me want to purchase a claw laser mouse next but maybe I'll wait and see if there any good new ones coming out

Oh a random observation, ignoring the 12 thumb buttons, don't you guys think Naga look like a long and narrow Xornet?

^^

This.

I just plugged my Spawn back in after using my death adder for the weekend. (Whilst the tracking is superb and sensitivity was perfect, the DeathAdders shape immediately started to hurt my palm).

I just tried your Max DPI (mine says 3500 on the bottom) and windows 3/11 sens, and I also uninstalled the Spawn Driver software before plugging it back and let windows just assign a default HID Mouse driver. And now my Spawn feels like a new mouse.

Just had to adjust (down) my sens in LoL, and haven't tried CS:GO but I think it will be much better,as I was struggling to get some nice sens harmony going in that game with spawn drivers.

Love the shape of the spawn. Love the ring finger rest (it's not a pinky rest, sadly.. why hasn't someone actually built one yet?)

I don't like the placement of the DPS buttons, as someone said in another thread, that they hit it quite often by accident. I originally didn't find this, but have since found that I do indeed. Hence maxing the DPS, and setting windows accordingly.

Just wish the spawn came in black. As I prefer the smaller branding on the Spawn compared to the Xornet.

PS, cant seem to find what switches are in the Death Adder, but it is noticeably more quiet than the Spawn in terms of clicking.. the death adders buttons feel lighter too. and a shorter throw?

[raisinbun]

I own a CMStorm Spawn and a G500 (same sensor as the G9x). Is pretty well known that the sensor on the G9x has acceleration and after hours playing I must say the CMStorm Spawn feels smoother, less skippy if so and more consistent when playing on cloth mats.

Though acceleration on Avago 9500 is widely discussed, I don't think it is bad at tracking otherwise, in particular I don't think anyone has claimed that it would skip pixels.... I tried a few Avago 9500 mice too (G500, Sensei, M60) and don't find them skippy or inconsistent at all (at least at the speed I move them with, which is not very fast).

[tp4tissue]

I own a CMStorm Spawn and a G500 (same sensor as the G9x). Is pretty well known that the sensor on the G9x has acceleration and after hours playing I must say the CMStorm Spawn feels smoother, less skippy if so and more consistent when playing on cloth mats.

Though acceleration on Avago 9500 is widely discussed, I don't think it is bad at tracking otherwise, in particular I don't think anyone has claimed that it would skip pixels.... I tried a few Avago 9500 mice too (G500, Sensei, M60) and don't find them skippy or inconsistent at all (at least at the speed I move them with, which is not very fast).

It's 5% deviation.. just 5%....

But the argument is linear tracking exists for cheaper optical mices, why not just stick to those? 5000 dpi says nothing if we're losing precision during tracking.

[schizrade]

Been using a G9X since they came out in 2008ish. Love it.

[tcv]

Hello I currently own a CM Storm Xornet (As I find I prefer the plug and play factor / cheaper / don't need that much dpi over Spawn) and it's super awesome !!!

I like the size and shape, the ring finger thing I got used to it it's not bad although I think generally I still prefer no ring finger bump.  I also like how light all the buttons are, and I mean ALL the buttons (left, mid, right, 2 thumb clicks).  The rubber side are also very comfy.  I think my only complaint regarding this mouse is that just like any optical mouse.  The dpi settings are usually set to like 3-4 numbers that you pick from.  I had to pick the closest dpi and then adjust from windows slider.

This brings me to the Logitech G9X.  I currently do not have one but I am debating if it's worth it to get one.  I like the fact that it's laser so I just adjust dpi in 100 increments and set my window slider to 6/11 which is 1:1 ratio.  I have that on my Razer Naga now and I do have to say it is noticeable that if you're using 1:1 ratio or adjusted from windows slider.  I also like that G9X has adjustable color LED lights (ok I know I'm a sucker on useless things what can I say).

So this brings me to the Pros and Cons:

CM Storm Xornet
- Light buttons clicks
- No left/right scroll non-sense (I always hated that from Logitech) also very tactile distinct scroll
- Cheap (I bought it for $20 on sale)
- No driver needed (I generally find the default button settings good enough for me and the dpi setting is hardware adjustable)

Logitech
- Laser (Meaning I can adjust dpi in 100 increments)
- Pretty LED lights
- Adjustable weight but I find I like light mice in general so I might not use any of the weight
- Logitech customer service (haven't had to deal with CM Storm yet but I know Logitech is awesome)
- Freaking $80 (4 times the price of my Xornet)

Comfort level I'd say both is probably about the same from the short time that I played with the G9X demo mouse.  The only real advantage that I care about is Logitech's laser sensor over CM Storm's optical sensor.  For windows it's not bad, but for games with direct input it's kind of handy.  But Xornet seems to win over on all other departments so does it justify the $80?

Anyone who has tried both willing to put some input into this?  Thanks !

I've owned alot of mice and the G9 X is the best mouse I've owned.

I don't see myself buying another mouse and if I did it would be another G9X.

[vun]

PS, cant seem to find what switches are in the Death Adder, but it is noticeably more quiet than the Spawn in terms of clicking.. the death adders buttons feel lighter too. and a shorter throw?

Same switches as Spawn most likely, pretty much every mouse on the market uses the same switch from what I've seen so far. The difference comes from the way the mouse is built.

Edit: Going to voice my support for the G9x as well, quite possibly the best mouse I've ever used, a friend of mine bought one shortly after I did and he loves it probably more than I do.
It's a very solid mouse that's a fairly safe purchase.
I do have a Spawn ordered though, but that's more because I collect mice and like variation. I can't imagine it being better than the G9x.