Logitech has been extremely quiet over the past few years when it comes to new products or refreshes. Accordingly, the manufacturer is a little ahead of the competition, which has long relied on higher-resolution sensors, improved wireless technology, and opto-mechanical switches. Razer in particular has consistently pushed past Logitech in recent months. So it's logical that Logitech has finally given the popular mouse all-rounder G502 a technical upgrade.
Logitech is launching the new version of the G502, named G502 X, in three versions. It starts with the G502 X for 89.99 euros as a wired version. The G502 X Lightspeed (149 euros) and the G502 X Plus (169 euros) are wireless, with the latter two only differing in the RGB lighting on the Plus model. If you don't need RGB, you will already find the first savings potential here. Incidentally, all three models are available in either black or white. For our test, Logitech loaned us the G502 X Plus, which is the top model on paper.
After unpacking, it quickly becomes clear that Logitech has changed little in terms of the tried-and-tested ergonomics. It is also a right-handed mouse with a thumb rest on the left side and is therefore primarily designed for palm grip players. It is immediately noticeable that the G502 X is significantly lighter than its predecessors. The Plus model only weighs 106 grams, the previous weight system has even been completely thrown overboard. This may or may not be a complaint, but according to Logitech, gamers prefer lighter mice anyway, and the weight system has seen little use. At 131.4 x 79.2 x 41.1 mm, the mouse is again ideal for medium-sized to large hands.
We also recognize the number and arrangement of the keys directly, even if minor adjustments have been made. Two mouse buttons, two modifier buttons to the left of the left mouse button, two thumb buttons and a DPI switch for the tip of the thumb, and a mouse wheel mode button along with a modifier button behind the mouse wheel. The two keys to the left of the mouse button have sensible pressure points so that they can hardly be triggered accidentally.
The thumb tip DPI switch is magnetically attached and can be rotated 180 degrees or replaced entirely with a cover, whichever you prefer. The mouse wheel can also be moved to the left and right again, and you can use the switch to switch between tactical grid and freewheel mode. One thing has not changed: the mouse wheel is still relatively loud and also rattles slightly in the case, although not as badly as in the predecessor. Razer has a better handle on this with the not dissimilar Basilisk V3 Pro, especially since an automatic switch between locking and freewheeling can also be defined there.
The biggest change is under the two main buttons. Logitech has finally retired the purely mechanical Omron switches and is now also relying on opto-mechanical hybrid switches with scanning via a light barrier, but a mechanism for click feedback. This means that the mouse is much faster and more precise on the move, and unwanted double clicks are avoided. The keys are relatively sensitive and can be operated quickly, the only annoying thing is a slight spring reverberation from the included leaf spring of the click mechanism.
We also discover the power switch on the underside, as well as a storage compartment with a magnetic attachment for the USB wireless dongle. Another change here: in keeping with the times, Logitech now uses relatively large PTFE sliding surfaces. That leaves the scope of delivery, which consists of the mouse, USB-C charging cable, USB adapter (to use the cable as an extension), and the USB dongle and the cover for the DPI switch slot if you don’t want to use it.
Under the hood, the changes aren't obvious. Like its predecessor, the G502 X Plus relies on the HERO 25K sensor with 25,000 DPI, 40G acceleration, and 400 IPS. Why change something that works well, especially since the sensor works very efficiently. What has changed is the Lightspeed wireless protocol, which Logitech has further optimized and should therefore work more than 60 percent faster than with the old G502. Gone are the days when wired mice had latency advantages over wireless mice.
The battery life is impressive due to the efficiency of the sensor. Up to 120 hours should be achieved without lighting, with continuous lighting it is then only under 40 hours. Charging is via cable, but the G502 X Plus also supports Powerplay. We remember: that was Logitech's intelligent system for Qi induction charging when gaming via the mouse mat. However, you need the appropriate mat and a puck to insert it into the mouse.
As an extra to the cheaper Lightspeed model, the G502 X Plus also supports RGB lighting with Logitech's Lightsync system via eight LEDs. The configuration is done as usual in the Logitech G Hub software, which now works well, cleanly, and clearly. There you can also assign keys, specify DPI values and bunker up to five profiles on the rodent.
CONCLUSION
Fresh cell treatment succeeded: the G502 is competitive again
The G502 upgrade was long overdue, but Logitech delivered quite convincingly. Strong sensor, better switches, lighter weight, great battery life, and good ergonomics - there's a lot to love about the G502 X Plus. The new edition allows itself an almost brutal duel with the just released, very similar Razer Basilisk V3 Pro and I honestly don't want to decide which of the two mice is better - they don't take much. In one point, however, Razer is ahead: the Basilisk's mouse wheel is much quieter and spring reverberation cannot be heard on the mouse buttons. But the G502 X Plus wirelessly has more staying power and two more buttons. Difficult. Let's settle for a tie and leave the rest to personal taste.
Pros
- little changed, good ergonomics
- sensitive and precise responsive mouse buttons
- lower weight
- wireless charging with Powerplay is possible
- improved wireless protocol
- faster, more precise sensors
- relatively simple configuration
- good battery life
Cons
- The mouse wheel is still relatively loud
- slight spring noise with the mouse keys
- very expensive
Comments
Post a Comment