Logitech MX500 Optical Review

“I have owned a Logitech MX500 Optical for a few years...”

Written on: 31/05/2006 by cwheatcroft (8 reviews written)

Good Points
Programmable buttons
Ergonomical shape

Bad Points
No good for left-hand use
Not all buttons work in-game

General Comments
I have owned a Logitech MX500 Optical for a few years now and have had no problems. Nothing has worn out (including the teflon pads) and functionality has remained a constant.



The shape is ideal for use as long as you use your right hand (I am left handed but still use my right for the mouse). Left handers need not apply but that's why is works so well, it is sculpted to the right hand.



The programmable buttons are a boon. The most useful for surfing are the backwards and forwards buttons which you control with your thumb. These are second nature now and I miss them when using someone elses PC. The other buttons are less useful but handy for infrequent but necessary tasks.



If you intend to use the programmable buttons in-game, beware. The setup can take a while as the Logitech software is comprehensive but sometimes a little obsure. I used to use the mouse for Counterstrike but when I upgraded to CS:Source the (additional) buttons stopped working. I didn't bother resolving the issue for a while but did get them working after a little effort. It was a little frustrating.



As I've already said, the mouse has been around a while and there are alternatives (the updated MX518 springs to mind) including wireless alternatives i.e. the MX700 which is great if heavier and the MX1000 which is super quick but requires (supplied) battery changes every couple of hours. However, for general use at work or home (I have one for each), this is a solid buy for less than £30.