Logitech G9 Laser Gaming Mouse

Introduction:

Logitech introduced the G-series of peripherals back in 2005 and since then they have not waned in their support of the gaming community, releasing new and updated products for the G-series fairly regularly. The G-series has since become quite popular, as you only need to go down to the nearest big-box retailer in your area to find them adorning the shelves. They also have quite a strong following in the community, centered on products like the G15 keyboard that we reviewed earlier.

While Logitech is no slouch when it comes to mice, (they've been making mice for over 20 years) they have been facing increasing competition from other manufacturers who also have mice heavily marketed towards gamers. With the market awash in so many gaming mice, each seemingly offering the same features such as extra buttons, adjustable DPI and accurate laser tracking, Logitech decided to go back to the drawing board and come up with something that would stand out in the crowd. The result was the G9, the successor to the G5 and G7 mice.

With a unique shape, interchangeable grips and features taken from other high-end Logitech mice, the G9 certainly looks mean. Logitech also opted to make the G9 a wired-only mouse, to dispel any notion of wireless interference - but does this help or hinder it? Let's find out.

Specifications:

The wide-body and defined edges of the G9 immediately evokes a retro feel, but is tempered by a distinctive gaming look. In fact, when I first saw the G9 I immediately thought back to a much earlier Logitech mouse, the Wingman Gaming mouse circa 1999, which bears at least a passing resemblance to the G9.

However, the similarities with the old stop there. The G9 is decked out in some of the best features from other Logitech mice, and also packs a few new ones. Firstly, there is the interchangeable grip system: The G9 "core" can be used with different grips for different hand sizes and two different styles are included, with Logitech hopefully aiming to make more available. In addition to that, you also get an adjustable weight tuning system like on the G5.

• Full specifications

Logitech has also used a new laser engine in the G9, capable of up to 3200 DPI - their previous best was 2000 - and support for up to a 1000 Hz USB polling rate. In terms of controls, there's the ability to switch (in hardware) between DPI levels on-the-fly; the MicroGear scroll wheel from the Revolution series of mice also makes its appearance on the G9, and is complimented by both back and forward buttons on the side, something Logitech should have never left off previous G-series mice such as the G7. Another interesting feature Logitech has added is support for hardware-stored profiles on the mouse itself, which we'll look at later.

About the only thing from the list that one may feel is lacking is a cordless option. However, most gaming mice nowadays are wired, seeing as how being wired removes, beyond a shadow of a doubt, any argument for lag caused by interference.

Packaging:

The G9, being Logitech's flagship gaming mouse, comes in packaging suited to that role. It features the typical Logitech "gaming" colour scheme, but unfolds into two halves that are held together using a magnetic latch - there was definitely some thought put into the overall appearance. After all, Logitech is trying to project an image of quality, which could be hard to do if the item came in a plain brown box.

The Logitech G9.

Other grip is behind.

Two halves of box.

Contents.

Wide Load Grip and  Precision Grip.

Top view.

Moving beyond packaging superficialities, you can see that the G9 comes with two styles of grips, a set of interchangeable weights and an install guide. (No driver CD is included, and Logitech instead recommends that you download SetPoint, their mouse software, from their site.) The two styles of grip are called "Wide Load Grip" (with soft satin feel) and Precision Grip (with DryGrip technology). That's a whole lot of words for the two grips, which look so much alike. However, they do feel slightly different - I personally prefer the Wide Load one because of the "soft satin" feel, and it supports your thumb more. The Precision Grip is supposed to prevent your grip from slipping as it offered a nicely textured surface. The grips swap out easily with a press of a button at the back/base of the mouse.

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