Logitech MX 518 Gaming-Grade Optical Mouse

Reviewed by Christine Quidim
March 21, 2007

Manufacturer: Logitech Platform(s): PC (Designed for Windows XP) Website: Click Here Review Rating: 8 out of 10

The Logitech MX 518 Gaming-Grade Optical Mouse . Courtesy of Logitech. Click image to enlarge.

From a variety of controllers to sound systems, Logitech continues to thrive on delivering quality peripherals that enhance the electronic gaming experience.  One such notable device is Logitech’s MX 518 Gaming-Grade Optical Mouse, specifically designed for extreme gaming.  This mouse features 3 preset sensitivity levels (400dpi, 800 dpi—default, and 1600dpi) which the user can adjust on-the-fly.  It also includes 5 convenience buttons for web browsing, adjusting sensitivity, and application switching.

The MX 518 is ergonomically ideal for those long hours of gaming.  The contours provide a snug fit for the user’s entire hand, with all buttons situated for simple access.  The only concern I might have is that the spacing seems mildly awkward between the Application Switch button and the Decrease Sensitivity button.  I had to look where I pressed the first few times in order to make sure that I was selecting the right one.  Once I gained a better feel for the mouse, however, it was no longer an issue.  All buttons execute their assigned functions right out of the box, no driver installations necessary, and the on-the-fly sensitivity adjustment could never be more convenient.  Not only is the MX 518’s high performance precision excellent for gaming, but it also works well for use with graphics editing programs like Adobe Photoshop.

With the included SetPoint software, users can customize the task settings for each button as well as modify mouse movement and game settings.  An Advanced Game Settings feature allows you to change the resolution of the presets and also designate a list of games or applications to be affected by sensitivity adjustments made on-the-fly.  If you don’t care to go through any kind of manual selecting process, this feature also automatically detects and adds to the list any installed games or programs that use OpenGL or DirectInput.  While users who are more specific about things like resolution may enjoy these advanced features, the average user would probably not see much value in them.  The mouse is ready to go the moment you connect it to your PC, so unless you find your mouse inoperable, or if you need to reconfigure certain button tasks, I feel safe to say that the SetPoint software is not vital to install.

Currently available at $49.99 SRP, the MX 518 is a worthwhile choice when you’re looking to buy a cool-looking and comfortable, precision-gaming mouse without having to spend a fortune.  And although we are in the era of all things wireless, the fact that you don’t have to worry about recharging or buying batteries makes this mouse an undeniably great investment.

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