Comparison: Gaming Mice Under RM150

UPDATE: I ended up buying the first Microsoft Sidewinder Mouse for RM140. Plenty of cool features for such a price, such as changeable feet (plastic/half-teflon/teflon) and weight tuning.

After the death of my old CRT monitor a few months ago, another problem came in: my 3 years old A4Tech X6-60D Glaser mouse refused to work properly anymore. The cables were frayed (I suspect aging and hyperactive kittens biting them) and the left-click button doesn't work. While the double-click button still works, living without a proper left-click button is definitely not cool.

So I'm doing a little research on the options for a gaming mice under RM150, since I'm pretty much a gamer myself, and I have limited funds. So here goes the list:

• Logitech MX518 (RM83, Jayacom)
• Microsoft Sidewinder X3 (RM89, CZone)
• SteelSeries Kinzu (RM79, PC Zone)
• Razer Salmosa (RM69, Cycom)
• Razer Abyssus (RM119, Cycom)

All of them got positive reviews everywhere, but the thing is a good mouse is rather subjective. I tend to prefer weighty, medium-to-large sized mouse that suits my dual palm/finger grip style. I've got the excellent Razer Goliathus Speed Standard Edition, so the surface is no longer a concern.

Logitech MX518

Dimensions (L x W x H): 130 x 70 x 36 mm

This is by far the most recommended mouse, and I can see why. It's priced at RM80-90, while it offers 8-buttons, 1800 DPI sensitivity, on-the-fly DPI switching and some really wide feet. Build quality is said to be very good too. The only thing that puts me off is the ugly holographic dents. Some said its going to be a selling point (as if they were bullet dents, so its cool) but to me it's just plain ugly. It should look better with glossy plastic or soft rubber instead. The huge logo was also kinda cheesy. A smaller logo should give an exclusive look.

Microsoft Sidewinder X3

Dimensions (L x W x H): 120 x 70 x 40 mm

I tried this mouse before, and I kinda liked it. While the price is similar to Logitech's MX518, it gives you 5-buttons, 2000 DPI sensitivity, on-the-fly DPI switching and wide Teflon feet. The three buttons behind the scroll wheel is the DPI switch, each can be assigned to a preferable DPI setting. The design might be too plain for some, but to me this is superb. No cheesiness here. The 5-buttons should be enough for me, but for those who want 7 or more, then get the MX518. The Sidewinder X3 lacks the BlueTrack technology of their brothers though.

SteelSeries Kinzu

Dimensions (L x W x H): 117 x 64 x 36 mm

SteelSeries is a new player in the gaming market, compared to Razer and Logitech. Being the least known brand here, there aren't many reviews about it. The Kinzu is a very basic mouse; it only has 3 buttons. But it offers 3200 CPI (for Counts Per Inch, basically its just DPI), slip-resistant coating, braided cables, and a comfortable grip (they say).

Razer Salmosa

Dimensions (L x W x H): 115 x 63 x 37 mm

Like the Kinzu, the Salmosa is a basic mouse with only 3 buttons. It offers 1800 DPI sensitivity, the excellent 3G sensor, and DPI switches underneath the mouse. It is designed for the finger grip so its kinda light and small. Design-wise, it looks really plain although the coating does a little justice to it. I heard there was two versions, the regular and the mini. I guess what I saw in Low Yat is the mini, because it looks kinda small. Like 70mm long I guess.

Razer Abyssus

Dimensions (L x W x H): 115 x 63 x 40 mm

The looks is certainly a winner among all the mice here, especially the Mirror Edition. Otherwise, it's just a beefed up Salmosa. It offers 3500 DPI on the 3.5G sensor, and like the Salmosa, DPI switches are underneath the mouse. The size is just about the same as the Salmosa. The pricing is a bit steep for what is offers though.

That said, please don't take this as a review. These are merely my early impressions, and is subject to change. As I said earlier, a good mouse is rather subjective. I'm going to test all these mice for comfort, but it's likely I'm going to pick up either the Logitech MX518 or the Microsoft Sidewinder X3.