The Big Daddy Of Wireless Mice Is Here

There’s a couple of trends among gaming mice in the last couple of years: lighter and, if possible, wireless. But while gamers are generally clamouring for more both of those things, there’s always been an outlier in the market: the gargantuan, almost monolithic G502.

A beast of mouse, the G502 has been a long favourite for gamers who prefer a larger mouse with more productivity benefits. The G502 was basically unparalleled in that space, and now that it’s got possibly the best wireless sensor on the market, it’s basically perfect.

In a world where subreddits froth over sub-70g mice, and the possibility of mice that weigh less than the force required for some keyboards, the G502 is an unusual beast. Holding fast to an era where people might want more weight, the G502 comes with five 3.6 gram optional weights that fit in the underside of the mouse.

All tallied up, Logitech’s chunker can weigh up to 139 grams, or 121 grams without the weights. Wireless mice are generally heavier than their wired counterparts thanks to the internal battery. But we’re fully into spec territory now, so let’s get through that.

G502 Lightspeed Specifications

If you want to know the raw numbers, here they are:

 

  • Dimensions: 132 x 75 x 40mm
  • Weight: 114g
  • Cable: 2.1m
  • Optional weights: maximum of 16g (5 x 2g/4g)
  • Sensor: HERO (100-16k DPI)
  • Maximum speed: over 400 IPS
  • USB report rate: 125/250/500/1000Hz
  • Warranty: 2 Years

 

Battery life on continuous use — the mouse automatically powers down after a minute or so if it’s not moving — is rated at up to 48 hours with default lighting settings, and up to 60 hours with no lighting. You can get extra juice out of the mouse by changing the polling rate as well, if you’re one of those who prefer to play with 500Hz mice instead of 1000Hz (or if you just want to match the settings of your previous setup).

The G502 Lightspeed has been out for a little while, but if you haven’t owned a Logitech mouse in the last few years the biggest change is with the software. Logitech’s G Hub is the replacement for Logitech’s Gaming Software, which controls any Logitech peripheral (keyboard, mouse, headset and so on) that’s plugged in.

The Gaming Software suite was relatively lightweight. G Hub has a lot more transitions and some more functionality, so it’s understandably a little heavier on memory and CPU usage. It hasn’t been a particular bother while gaming — I still prefer it to Razer’s array of notifications — and the updated suite makes it easier to assign macros and program-specific settings. That’s especially handy for the G502 and its 11 buttons, including the scrollwheel which can also click left and right along with the usual movements. And similar to Corsair’s CUE software, and Razer’s, G HUB lets you browse lighting and macro profiles created by other Logitech users.

Logitech G502 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mice

Logitech G502 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mice

What is it?

Logitech's classic chunker gone wireless.

LIKED

Great texturing on the sides. 11 programmable buttons. Lots of function. A mousewheel you can spin repeatedly for fun. Basically flawless wireless sensor.

DISLIKED

Mouse rattles if you shake it due to the mousewheel. Expensive.

PRICE

$249.95

Structurally, it’s solid to hold in the hand. The thumb rest at the leftside of the mouse is comfortable to rest on, even if I’m not a particular fan of it while gaming. But that describes the G502 to a tee anyway: many have preferred it as a work-only or a productivity mouse, using a second specifically for games. The mousewheel is certainly fun to fiddle with at work, thanks to the button that loosens the wheel and lets it spin for an age.

That’s harder to justify given the G502 Lightspeed’s $249.95 RRP, especially given the wired version is going for $99. But the same applied to the 80 gram G Pro Wireless mouse when it came out, which retailed for $249 and has since become a fraction cheaper (but not much).

If you’re comfortable with the larger chassis, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the wireless G502 in games. The HERO sensor and the Lightspeed wireless tech are as solid as any gaming mice I’ve ever used (of which I own literally enough to fill two full draws, much to Tegan’s dismay). It’s also compatible with Logitech’s Powerplay wireless charging mousepad, although that’s a pricey add-on from $145.

Having tried it, you don’t need it. The reliability of the internal battery is more than enough for a week of regular office usage, especially if you’re not too bothered by RGB lighting. I’ve only ever really needed to charge the G502 a few times over the course of a month, especially since it’s clever at turning itself off when its not in use.

The only sore complaint is price, but if you’re patient you can get a good deal soon. Prime Day is just around the corner, and there’s a bunch of sales coming up over the second half of the year. But if you’re a G502 fan and have been holding onto the wired version, reluctant to make the jump to wireless, I can put your mind at ease. The wireless tech has been flawless in my usage, the mouse feels good in the hand, the clicks are light and springy, and build quality has held up admirably.

It’s a little too large for me personally while gaming, but the G502 Lightspeed is perfect in every other measure. If the cost is too much to swallow, Corsair’s Dark Core RGB is over $100 cheaper, but it’s not quite as nice in the hand, and it hasn’t got as many programmable buttons or features.

[referenced url=”https://www.kotaku.com.au/2018/09/wireless-mice-have-come-a-long-long-way/” thumb=”https://www.kotaku.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/08/DSC01558.jpg” title=”Wireless Mice Have Come A Long, Long Way” excerpt=”There was a time when going wireless was a risk, an illogical decision. These days, the tech is no longer the problem. If anything, it’s pretty bloody cool.”]