Gaming Mice Reviews: Part 1

[bapenguin]

Gaming Mice Review: Part 1 The Razer Diamondback

Welcome to part 1 of my 5 part series of gaming mice reviews. Here’s the rundown of what you’ll see.

Part 1 – The Razer Diamondback Plasma
Part 2 – The Logitech MX518
Part 3 - The Razer Copperhead
Part 4 – The Logitech G5
Part 5 – Review Roundup

As you can see, all mice are wired mice. All the mice are marketed towards gamers. I’ll try to answer the question: “Does this mouse actually make my game play experience better?” My hands are of average size, but I also got some other opinions on the mice from fellow gamers with different sized hands. We’ll look at how the mouse performs in every day applications as well.

The Razer Diamondback Plasma

Technical Specifications:
- 1600 DPI
- 16-bit data path, as compared to 8 bit and 12 bit data paths used by other conventional mice
- Frame rate over 6400 frames per second (5.8 megapixels per second)
- Always on Mode
- High speed motion detection, up to 40ips and 15g
- On the fly resolution adjustment


The first thing you’ll notice when you get this mouse in your hand is the HUGE buttons. The left and right buttons on this mouse go almost half the total length of the mouse. They have a nice non slip rubbery feel to them. The mouse is wider up front, and is a bit more low profile. In comparison to a Microsoft Intellimouse mouse, the Razer is a bit lighter and a bit bigger.

http://www.evilavatar.com/images/reviews/mice/4mice.jpg
The Logitech MX518, Logitech MX700, Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer, Razer Diamondback Plasma (and a CD).

Ascetically the mouse is pretty damn sexy. A cool blue light comes through a smokey shell. There’s no “red” light coming from the bottom of the mouse either where the optical sensor is.

http://www.evilavatar.com/images/reviews/mice/razerd.jpg

The nice thing about USB mice is the ability to have more than one hooked up at a time. You can directly compare the two side by side. I’m going to use a Logitech MX700 cordless mouse as reference in this review.

The first game I test was Battlefield 2. And the first 5 seconds with the mouse had me impressed. The movement was so SMOOTH. It was amazing, it was almost like my FPS increased. Everything from sniping to driving seemed to get easier with the mouse. I’m not saying my score went up, or that it made me better in the game, but I definitely felt less frustrated during fire fights. I could pick and aim to my target with greater relative ease with using the Razer Diamondback. When I switched over to the MX700 it was amazing how much farther and slower I had to move the mouse to get the same precision. For instance, to turn myself 360 degrees with the MX700 It took almost the entire mousepad width (about 6.5”). With the Diamondback, it took a little less than 3”

I tried the mouse in other FPS like Doom 3 and the F.E.A.R. demo, and the results were the same. Silky smooth aiming and movement.

Now the bad, after about 45 minutes of gaming with the mouse my wrist started to cramp. The low profile of the mouse was tough to get used to and I needed to lay my average sized hands differently than normal. I almost had to have the end of my fingers off the front of the mouse to get a good comfort level. This made me have to click with the middle of my fingers instead of the end, it was a bit awkward.

I also tried the mouse in Guild Wars, and the only noticeable “difference” was it was a lot quicker to click what I wanted or to rotate the camera for a different view. Overall, I don’t think it “enhanced” my experience, but it certainly didn’t degrade it.

In Windows I tried using the mouse for some photo/image editing. I used Paint Shop Pro for my tests. While the mouse was good and accurate and the on the fly adjustment for sensitivity helped, I couldn’t get over the overall ergonomic design of the mouse. It took me a little bit longer to get things done even though I was more “accurate” in creating images and touching up photos.

For everyday use like email and internet the mouse took a little to get used to since it was so “fast.” It was easy to slow it down with the on the fly resolution adjustment, simply hold the left button and scroll the scroll wheel.

This brings me to another negative point, the left and right buttons (there’s actually 4 of them) are pretty poor. The left button is actually 2 buttons, to access each one you have to press toward the front or the rear of these buttons. The entire button is incredibly small and thin, and during gaming I found it almost useless. It was difficult to use the “4th and 5th” button to go back and forward during internet browsing. Meanwhile the “6th and 7th” button on the right side of the mouse are impossible to hit. But because the mouse is symmetrical, it’s a perfect mouse for lefty gamers.

Here are some other impressions of the mouse. Fellow Evil Avatar reader Knite got the mouse on Loan for a weekend. His hands are above average in size. He’s actually a trackball user for gaming, but has recently found a trackball limits his ability to compete online.

Knite – “A long but low mouse, probably not comfortable
for small hands, but excellent for mine. Left side buttons are in good
position with a good tactile response, but right side buttons are mainly
worthless, and very difficult to reach (a move forward of the right buttons
to right under the right mouse button would make them far more
usable/reachable). The glide pads are FANTASTIC, and feels incredibly
smooth, albeit a bit light.

In gaming, I got no use from the "on the fly resolution" control, but the
actual speed, accuracy, and consistency of the mouse was fantastic. Not
being a mouse user for games, I had no trouble getting used to this one
(and curse my Microsoft Intellimouse). For graphic design work, its' smooth
and light feel means it's easy to get around your workspace, and unlike the
Intellimouse, does not have the annoying habit of sliding while clicking so
you hit the wrong pixel when doing detailed work. The "on the fly
resolution" control was a godsend here, and was used heavily.”

Another buddy of mine “Gus” had a chance to use it. While he liked the smoothness of the mouse, he felt the mouse was just way too big for his small hands. His wife gave the mouse a try as well and had the same opinion.

So overall if you have larger sized hands this may be the gaming mouse for you. This is also a solid mouse for lefty gamers. The mouse has incredible accuracy, and a host of nice features like on the fly sensitivity adjustment. It’s certainly an attractive looking mouse. As a nice bonus, the Plasma edition comes with a little “travel” pack to take with you to LAN parties.

Score: http://www.evilavatar.com/images/icons/e4.5.jpg
4.5 EvilEyes out of 5.
MSRP: $59.99

Order it from: Go Gamer (http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-386578-307521) (use Coupon Code PLASMA10 to save $10)

[StoneGut]

Nice Review!

Can't wait for the others to follow.

Really like the "EvilEyes" touch...

[AboveAvgCharles]

Nicely written. This is fortuitous, as I was just thinking about buying a gaming mouse, but I wasn't sure if it was going to be enough of an improvement over my intellimouse to make it worth it.

I eagerly await further installments.

[Malovech]

You should add the Logitech MX1000 and the G7 to this list.

[bapenguin]

You should add the Logitech MX1000 and the G7 to this list.

I might end up doing a second batch of reviews, adding microsoft's latest mouse to the mix as well.

[MrMeatshake]

Nicely written. This is fortuitous, as I was just thinking about buying a gaming mouse, but I wasn't sure if it was going to be enough of an improvement over my intellimouse to make it worth it.

I eagerly await further installments.

me too, actually. i was just thinking the other day (while following someone else in CS:S after being headshotted) that maybe i need a new mouse to replace my *** intellimouse. i'd probably like one that's quite large, and with at least the two additional buttons i already have (i have actually used them!).

so i guess you've got at least two people here who'll buy on the basis of you're review... if you didn't get given these free to review, then you should try next time! heheh.

[bapenguin]

so i guess you've got at least two people here who'll buy on the basis of you're review... if you didn't get given these free to review, then you should try next time! heheh.


I bought the MX518 and the Razer Diamondback, but Razer and Logitech are sending me the other 2.

[TheKeck]

Very useful review for me too. I'm not sure if I'll be making the plunge, though. My Intellimouse (obviously very popular around here) seems to work great for me. If I upgrade..... I might never be able to go back! :)

[TheKeck]

Oh, I have a question, though, did you try the on-the-fly mouse sensitivity on some of the slower vehicles in Battlefield? I'm thinking most of the tank turret. It takes me like 7 scrolls across the pad to get that baby turned around.

[Chagrinful]

So its no good for extended use(45 mins+) and 2 of the buttons are pretty much useless YET you give it 4.5/5, I'd like to be your kids, they fail the grade but please you in one area so they get high regard in your eyes.

It'd be good to have a pics of the different buttons too maybe more than one pic of the mouse. It'll be interesting to see the review of the G5.

[Wadmaasi]

Any possibility of getting PS/2 connection testing thrown into the review mix? I've got two PCs (and an Xbox, but that doesn't count for this) plugged into a KVM, which only does PS/2 passthrough for keyboards\mice. I don't really have the deskspace (or the desire to piss Mrs. Wad off with more clutter) to have a separate mouse hanging about plugged straight into the gaming PC.

[TheKeck]

Any possibility of getting PS/2 connection testing thrown into the review mix? I've got two PCs (and an Xbox, but that doesn't count for this) plugged into a KVM, which only does PS/2 passthrough for keyboards\mice. I don't really have the deskspace (or the desire to piss Mrs. Wad off with more clutter) to have a separate mouse hanging about plugged straight into the gaming PC.

This is a good point. My current mouse seems to work fine either way, but my old mouse actually had different functionality (MUCH to my dismay) when in the USB port or a PS/2 passthrough.

[Liquidize105]

Nice. I could use the diamondback.

I have the keyboard+MX500 combo, MX500's too heavy for twitch gaming.

[SPBTooL]

Any chance of commenting on how the mice work when being picked up?
My mousing style involves me picking up the mouse once to turn around. I believe I have heard of this style referred to as resetting. I have had some optical mice freak-out when doing this in fast paced FPSes. I currently use an MX500 that work well but could use better ergonomics for being picked up.

[bapenguin]

So its no good for extended use(45 mins+) and 2 of the buttons are pretty much useless YET you give it 4.5/5, I'd like to be your kids, they fail the grade but please you in one area so they get high regard in your eyes.

It'd be good to have a pics of the different buttons too maybe more than one pic of the mouse. It'll be interesting to see the review of the G5.

The thing is...that's why I got other people's opinions. It may not be fine for me...but for someone looking to use the mouse that has larger hands or maybe different shaped hands, it seems to be really good. The only reason I did dock it the .5 was for the lack of functionality of the other side of buttons...but....it seems those buttons were put in place for the left handed gamer. If this was not the case, it would probably have been a 4 out of 5.

[bapenguin]

Any chance of commenting on how the mice work when being picked up?
My mousing style involves me picking up the mouse once to turn around. I believe I have heard of this style referred to as resetting. I have had some optical mice freak-out when doing this in fast paced FPSes. I currently use an MX500 that work well but could use better ergonomics for being picked up.

I'll take the into consideration for the next review.

[Kyle Jones]

I use a Viper myself and find it really comfortable. The trick with this guy is to plop the ball of your hand on the mousepad and move the mouse more with your fingers than your hand. It really makes a difference for cramping and fits the mouse profile a lot better.

Otherwise, well reviewed!

[Knite]

Yeah, BA's comments for extended use were for BA, but I think part of the scoring was also based on his "outside" reviews, and the only wrist fatigue I experienced had a lot more to do with the desk I was using and less with the mouse. My Microsoft Optical typically gives me wrist fatigue in 20-40 minutes, this didn't give me fatigue for a few hours. And my desk setup SUCKS.

[Zurik]

This is the mouse I'm currently using, after switching from a MX1000 laser mouse. Its so much better for gaming! Definitely made for those with longer fingers, mine are long and skinny and it feels comfortable. As for the question about being a pick-up mouse gamer, it works good for that, I tend to do that kind of thing in fps's, and it doesn't seem to have any trouble tracking a when lifted up a bit. That's the one thing I dislike about the mx1000, its size wasn't meant to be lifted, and it was so sensivite that I didn't want to crank the sensivitity in windows up any higher. Razer mice come with some nice options for scroll rates on too.

[Crabby]

Care to add any mouseballs for future reviews?

[bapenguin]

Any possibility of getting PS/2 connection testing thrown into the review mix? I've got two PCs (and an Xbox, but that doesn't count for this) plugged into a KVM, which only does PS/2 passthrough for keyboards\mice. I don't really have the deskspace (or the desire to piss Mrs. Wad off with more clutter) to have a separate mouse hanging about plugged straight into the gaming PC.

Most of the gaming Mice aren't PS2 because the poll rate isn't fast enough.

[TheKeck]

Most of the gaming Mice aren't PS2 because the poll rate isn't fast enough.

Oh, really??? Does this mean I could get better performance out of my MS Intellimouse if I plugged it directly into a USB port, or is it not good enough to make any difference?

[bapenguin]

Oh, really??? Does this mean I could get better performance out of my MS Intellimouse if I plugged it directly into a USB port, or is it not good enough to make any difference?

I'm not sure if it matters for the Intellimouse, but some of the "higher end" mice send data faster than the PS2 port can receive it.

[TheKeck]

I'm not sure if it matters for the Intellimouse, but some of the "higher end" mice send data faster than the PS2 port can receive it.

That's good information. I'm looking forward to the rest of your reviews.

[DiBiddilyBop]

Very interesting information. I've been blissfully using my mx700 for a while now and have never considered switching, but maybe I need to rethink that. Looking forward to the next review.

[ÜberJumper]

When are people going to realize that thumb operated trackballs are far better for gaming?

[bapenguin]

When are people going to realize that thumb operated trackballs are far better for gaming?

I think Knite would beg to differ, if you read my review this is what he was using and found it limited him.

[TheKeck]

I think Knite would beg to differ, if you read my review this is what he was using and found it limited him.

I would also beg to differ. Quite a bit.

[Everlost_MI]

Great review, bap. Looking forward to the rest of it.

[Everlost_MI]

When are people going to realize that thumb operated trackballs are far better for gaming?

I agree, I love my Logitech trackball. The first time I used it with Quake 2 I was hooked and never looked back.

[Stormwatcher]

I got from an intellimouse 4 to a mx500, and even if the mx500 is too heavy, it is a 100000 times better than the intelimouse. MS did a very stupid thing with its wheel, it doesn't "click", it is "free". So it is useless for weapon switching in fps games, zoom ]ing in GW and things like that. The side tilting is also horrendous and the ergonomics suck.

I love the MX500's shape, and it is really a lot better in games. I wagger that the Razor and the g5 are even better....

[Wombat]

Any chance of extending your reviews to the new Microsoft laser mouse which is about to come out? I forget the model number.

[ElPresidente]

Just ensure that if you are reviewing the MX1000 you note the pause that occurs as a result of the mouse leaving the gaming surface and coming back into contact with it. It is easy to miss in the first few hours of use... I ended up going back to my MX700 on account of that pause being too fatal to gameplay, particularly online.

[Knite]

When are people going to realize that thumb operated trackballs are far better for gaming?

Here's a link to my gaming keyboard/trackball.
http://www.keyboardusa.com/fk7200ps.html

I discovered this keyboard at least 6 years ago (I'm willing to bet closer to 8), and began playing Quake2 with it. I love the control it gives me with quick access to being able to type, while still not losing complete ability to maneuver and aim. At the beginning, was a godsend, and I was one of the few HPLs able to compete with good LPBs of the day.

However, with the faster internet connections, and the constant addition of new gamers with more and more practice and skill, I began to notice what I thought was my skills were slipping. I rarely lost battles 1v1 "back in the day", but now, it seems like even if I have the drop on a guy, he could easily turn around and outrotate me. So I decided to help take place in this mouse review.

One thing I've noticed, and I'm not lying, is the sheer range of motion available by a mouse really helps when trying to move fast AND slow. The trackball doesn't have the ability (IMO) to go from a very fast rotation, to a very slow aim, smoothly. Since trying to use mouse/keyboard as opposed to the trackball, I've noticed my aim go up DRAMATICALLY (even though all of my other abilities have gone to absolute crap =( ).

I'm fairly determined to get used to WASD/Mouse now, after seeing the pure control it gives.

[TrackZero]

A very well done review, great work bap, keep'em coming!

[TrackZero]

I'm fairly determined to get used to WASD/Mouse now, after seeing the pure control it gives.

Screw WASD. ;) I use the arrow keys, it's what they were meant for. I prefer having that bit of room between them and my other binded keys for other moves, so I don't accidentally hit the wrong thing.

[Crabby]

Here's a link to my gaming keyboard/trackball.
http://www.keyboardusa.com/fk7200ps.html

I discovered this keyboard at least 6 years ago (I'm willing to bet closer to 8), and began playing Quake2 with it. I love the control it gives me with quick access to being able to type, while still not losing complete ability to maneuver and aim. At the beginning, was a godsend, and I was one of the few HPLs able to compete with good LPBs of the day.

However, with the faster internet connections, and the constant addition of new gamers with more and more practice and skill, I began to notice what I thought was my skills were slipping. I rarely lost battles 1v1 "back in the day", but now, it seems like even if I have the drop on a guy, he could easily turn around and outrotate me. So I decided to help take place in this mouse review.

One thing I've noticed, and I'm not lying, is the sheer range of motion available by a mouse really helps when trying to move fast AND slow. The trackball doesn't have the ability (IMO) to go from a very fast rotation, to a very slow aim, smoothly. Since trying to use mouse/keyboard as opposed to the trackball, I've noticed my aim go up DRAMATICALLY (even though all of my other abilities have gone to absolute crap =( ).

I'm fairly determined to get used to WASD/Mouse now, after seeing the pure control it gives.


There is your problem right there! You need to try a real trackball, not just something sticking on the side of the keyboard.

Trackballs are undisputably better for RTS in my view. Playing a game without having to move the mouse a centimeter? Yes, please. The limitations of the operating surface go out the window with balls. :p

[Stormwatcher]

PEople can say all they want, WASD+mouse will remain at the top of the everst, as long as they do not invent direct neural interfaces or sumthing :)

Console people insist that a gamepad is better because of the analog movement input. Poppycock. They will still get fragged by players on WASD+mouse.

[Knite]

There is your problem right there! You need to try a real trackball, not just something sticking on the side of the keyboard.

Trackballs are undisputably better for RTS in my view. Playing a game without having to move the mouse a centimeter? Yes, please. The limitations of the operating surface go out the window with balls. :p

Actually, a lot of the reason I still use this keyboard is because I never liked the trackballs available external of keyboards, like http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=2150,CONTENTID=5002
I have one of those collecting dust somewhere in this appartment. heheh

Although I fully agree, trackballs are ffaaaarrrr superior for RTS games. But since I play primarily FPS and Flight Sims......

TrackZero: I might have to take up your suggestion =) I guess part of my problem isn't just WASD, but the idea of using my left hand to move instead of my right... maybe I should try playing left handed?

[Shifteh]

So its no good for extended use(45 mins+) and 2 of the buttons are pretty much useless YET you give it 4.5/5,

I was curious about this myself. "Man did this mouse suck for graphic work - it hurts my hand! Also, for extended gaming it isn't great, and is terrible ergonomically for those of us with normal or small hands. Great smoothness though! 4.5 out of 5!"

[Shifteh]

When are people going to realize that thumb operated trackballs are far better for gaming?

When are people going to realise their opinions are not the be-all-end-all of ideas? It's not like because you like a trackball, it is automatically better for everyone else. I can stand them myself, but I'm not going to sit here and go: "If you aren't using invert mouse, you must be stupid. Wake up people, it's my way!"

[Rommel]

Yes, it is what they were designed for. Despite the fact that many find using buttons with many options around them, including the number row, space bar, F row, tab, shift and ctrl keys we should switch to the buttons that were designed for this use. Sure. Just let me grow GIANT OGRE HANDS to reach the 1 button for when I need to gouge during a flag run without ending my strafe.

They would also help with jerking off since, ya know, huge cock 'n' stuff.

[rubek]

Nice review!
I have been using the original Razor Boomslang now for about 4 years, and it's still going. Driver support was a bit lazy when XP hit, but other than that, I have nothing but praise for Razor. I'll definitley be upgrading to another soon. The on-the-fly sensitivity is a must for me now, and so easily accomplished on the Razor's. As mentioned earlier, the trick to these mice is using the fingers to move instead of the whole hand, which actually makes the mouse a lot more comfortable to use over an extended period of time.

[MrMeatshake]

Screw WASD. ;) I use the arrow keys, it's what they were meant for. I prefer having that bit of room between them and my other binded keys for other moves, so I don't accidentally hit the wrong thing.

oh, man, back in the day. when the arrow keys were used for turning. i remember the first day my friend whipped us at doom using +mlook. "you can't look with the mouse! that's crrrrazy talk!!"

[Crabby]

Eh. I only, only, only use WASD for MMOs due to the required use of the number row and F keys. And in the beginning with titles like UO, EQ, AC, AO, DAoC, etc; it wasn't even necessary to go full-throttle on WASD.

As far as FPS goes, the arrows keys more than meet any game's demands. Any extra bindings are taken care of with the surrounding key sets such as the numpad area. Need to toss a quick nade? Bind it to End. Reload? Delete key. It is all very fluid and natural to the hand's shape.

[Stormwatcher]

Eh. I only, only, only use WASD for MMOs due to the required use of the number row and F keys. And in the beginning with titles like UO, EQ, AC, AO, DAoC, etc; it wasn't even necessary to go full-throttle on WASD.

As far as FPS goes, the arrows keys more than meet any game's demands. Any extra bindings are taken care of with the surrounding key sets such as the numpad area. Need to toss a quick nade? Bind it to End. Reload? Delete key. It is all very fluid and natural to the hand's shape.

It may be "fluid and natural" for you, but it isn't for many people. It is not like you discovered some marvellous secret that the unwashed masses cannot fathom. This is not the MTV web forums, we are ALL gamers here. WASD is just better for most of us. As I mentioned before, there are people who insist that a dual analog gamepad is better than WASD+mouse for FPS, and those who firmly believe that flight and space sims (yeah, do you remember space sims?) should be played with the arrow keys, and that joysticks suck.

There are all kinds of crazies.

[Crabby]

Last time I checked the act of writing or saying anything out of my own mouth immediately made it my opinion. Acknowledging that...you're obviously too sensitive. I'm giving feedback to the topic with my own experience. I don't need it refuted with lame analogies of gamer righteousness. MTV? Really? I thought we were talking about the latest Fiddy Cent album.

[ÜberJumper]

Knite:

Here's what I use... Microsoft Trackball Optical (http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/productdetails.aspx?pid=012). I find it extremely frustrating to use a mouse when gaming. With the sensitivity on the trackball set properly, there's nothing my trackball can't do that a mouse can. My pointing device is always on the same spot on the desk, so should I need to take my hand off the keyboard to do something (say type a command, etc), it's always in the same spot. I never run out of mouse mat, I never run it into anything else, the cord's never getting tangled.

I bear this out by noting that I'm always at the top of my group of online gaming friends on the score sheet when playing FPS games (I play frequently, but not enough to be considered an elite gamer by any stretch of the imagination, thus I may not be on the top of the score sheet all the time, but I'm usually well into the top 25%). I will however admit that you've got to have a smidge of skill, as a buddy of mine who hates the mouse just as much as I do, absolutely sucks when its time to tally up the scores.

There might be something to do with my keyboard+pointing device setup, because I'm not WASD (RMB = forward, S = step left, D = step right, space = backwards, A = jump, alt fire = F).

I don't believe that switching to a mouse will improve my gaming. I'd love to try it out, but I don't have 100 bucks to drop on a new mouse (100ish).

Shifteh:

Errr dude, I totally wasn't serious that the trackball is end all be all better. That comment, while devoid of emoticons, was entirely sarcastic. It was intended to spur debate and comments, and it was entirely effective.

[NonSoft]

It is almost tempting to get a trackball just to see how long it would take me to stop moving it around like a mouse.

[ÜberJumper]

haha, they don't slide, so that'd stop you up pretty damn quick. They've got sticky lil feet.

[Stormwatcher]

Last time I checked the act of writing or saying anything out of my own mouth immediately made it my opinion. Acknowledging that...you're obviously too sensitive. I'm giving feedback to the topic with my own experience. I don't need it refuted with lame analogies of gamer righteousness. MTV? Really? I thought we were talking about the latest Fiddy Cent album.

You can either state things as an opinion or as a fact. Subjectively or objectively. There is a difference.
And whenever you state anything, you're open for an answer. And my comment was general, for all the people who believe that their way is the ONLY way.

[MrMeatshake]

You can either state things as an opinion or as a fact. Subjectively or objectively. There is a difference.
And whenever you state anything, you're open for an answer. And my comment was general, for all the people who believe that their way is the ONLY way.

calm down, dear (http://homepage.ntlworld.com/cathiemcinnes/Calm%20Down%20Dear.wmv). it's only an internet forum.