Logitech G502 Proteus Core Tunable Gaming Mouse Review

7:23 PM gaming , logitech , mouse , review 3 Comments

     Back in May this year, Logitech officially launched the G502 Proteus Core in Malaysia. While I did request a review sample back then, it is only till last month did I finally get my hands on one due to popular demand (or because reviewers like me tend to hold on to stuff longer than we should). I remember first seeing this mouse back in April where it made it onto my "Best of PAX East" list and was pretty excited behind the idea of this particular mouse. Without further ado, let's get started with the review of the G502 gaming mouse.

WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
REVIEW
     First, let's take a quick look at the packaging. The Logitech G502 is packaged to a similar fashion compared to other gaming mice in the market; with a little concealed window in which those who are interested can take a peek at the mouse. The packaging is very well constructed and not much of a hassle to retrieve the mouse from it.


     Well, enough talking about the box, let's talk about the mouse itself. Connectivity wise, the G502 connects to a PC via wired USB. This particular cable is braided but is on the softer side of the braid, allowing it to flex more easily compared to the traditional braid. Also included on the cable is a velcro strap that enables users to easily cable manage when they are bringing the mouse on-the-go.


     Looking at the mouse itself, the G502 sports a familiar aesthetic to those who have been using their devices since their G rebrand. As usual, on the left of the mouse, we find a little edge which I've promptly named "thumbrest". As the name suggests, one can tuck their thumb comfortably on top of the edge. Like other Logitech gaming mice, the G502 is made for those who are accustomed to palm-gripping their mouse. Aesthetics wise, there's a blue LED-lit G logo on the mouse which can be configured to be on, off or auto-off after a certain period of inactivity.


     Comfort wise, the rear part where usually one's palm would rest on is covered in a material which to the touch, feels like a piece of bland rubber, no texture and only a hint of smoothness. It is quite comfortable for the palm from my experience. To the side, where the thumbrest is situated, it is covered with the same material as well, with the addition of a little texture. I would prefer to have a rougher surface on this side of the mouse. On the other side of the mouse, Logitech features a very rough surface which in my opinion is way better than the litttle texture on the thumbrest side. Overall speaking, the mouse is quite comfortable, but obviously there are places for improvement.



     Let's talk about the mouse buttons. Based on intuition alone, I would say that the G502 uses Omron switches on both left and right clicks. Like other Omron switches, the ones in the G502 is very clicky and responsive with no hint of mushiness. On the topic of extra buttons, the G502 has a total of 6 extra buttons spread across the mouse; 3 on the side, 2 beside the left mouse click and one right below the scroll wheel. Of course, all buttons on the mouse is programmable, which is what makes this a gaming oriented mouse. The buttons are also easily identifiable between one another and memorize-able using only muscle memory, a trait which is essential to a gamer.



     Next up, the scroll wheel. The G502 sports one of my favourite config for a scroll wheel; a free-scrolling scroll wheel. Of course, there is a toggle right below the scroll wheel which enables user to switch between step-by-step mode or free-scrolling mode. As a college student, the free-scrolling mode just makes going through webpages while researching on topics a tad easy. This is easily my favourite part of the mouse.


     Turning the mouse over, we find ample amount of mouse feet around the mouse which Logitech advertises as "ultra low-friction". While I don't have the instruments to test out the friction, from my usage experience alone, I can say that is pretty much spot on. Sensor wise, the G502 features their own Delta-Zero optical sensor, which is among the first optical sensors which is able to move up to 12000 DPI. From my experience, the sensor performs very well on all DPI levels without inherent acceleration. Is it the most accurate sensor like Logitech claims? I can't say for sure, but the sensor might be the most accurate optical sensor with high DPI capabilities.



     If you have already read the title, you would know that the G502 still has a trick up it's sleeves. Well, not exactly the sleeves, but at the bottom of the mouse, there is something quite unique: a weight management system. Unlike other weight management systems found in other mice, the G502's implementation is quite different. The weights are distributed evenly throughout the mouse, giving users an option to balance where the weight is distributed. There are 5 3.6g weights provided with the mouse, allowing an additional 18g weight tuning. The weights also hang on sturdily to the mouse as there seems to be a magnet which holds everything in place alongside the hard edges, Oh, and the weights also come with a nice slim case, for easy keeping when not in use.


     And we here we come to the age old question again, what makes a gaming mouse, 'gaming'? For me, no doubt, software support is the first in my mind. Of course, the G502 comes supported by the very stable Logitech Gaming Software which I have featured countless times. Anyway, if there are any purists out there, it is also possible to use the mouse without installing the software too so rejoice. Other than being able to reprogram all buttons, record macros, create profiles and all the fancy stuff which is almost ubiquitous among gaming mice, the G502 has a new feature which is only seen on this particular model only: surface tuning calibration.



     Navigating to a whole new section on the LGS, we find a few Logitech surface specifications already dialed into the software. Of course, you can also tune the mouse according to your own surface. The tuning process is quite simplified: draw an infinity motion for a few times and you are set. The tuning software will also notify you whether you should speed up or slow down during the process. A few minutes in, and you will have your mouse tuned to the surface. While I don't exactly see a difference before and after calibration, perhaps those without a proper surface will see a much more marginal improvement after calibration.