Logitech improved the G502 by adding opto-mechanical primary buttons and reducing its weight, while retaining its strengths. Ultimately, only the price and older, cheaper competition stand in the way of a recommendation.
Logitech has come out with three new G502 models to go with the G502 Hero and the wireless G502 Lightspeed. The G502 is Logitech’s best-selling gaming mouse. Other than dedicated shooter mice, it may be the most well-known gaming input device. In autumn 2018, the G502 Hero was the last wired model, and the G502 Lightspeed is over three years old. The competition has taken Logitech’s idea for an all-purpose mouse and made it their own, which is better in many ways.
After a few stops, Razer’s Basilisk V3 and V3 Pro were almost a feature superset of the G502 models. Recently, Roccat released the Kone XP and Kone XP Air, which are similar and sometimes better. This analysis evaluates the new G502 models and the best all-around gaming mice.
| Logitech G502 X | G502X Lightspeed | G502 X Plus | |
| Dimensions | 131.4 x 41.1 x 79.2 mm | 131.4 x 41.1 x 79.2 mm | 131.4 x 41.1 x 79.2 mm |
| Weight | 89 g | 102 g | 106 g |
| Sensor | Optical HERO 25K | Optical HERO 25K | Optical HERO 25K |
| DPI | 100 to 25,600 | 100 to 256,000 | 100 – 25,600 |
| Scroll Type | 4-Way Scroll Wheel | 4-Way Scroll Wheel | 4-Way Scroll Wheel |
| Buttons | 13 | 13 | 13 |
| RGB | No | 8-zone | 8-zone |
| Connector | USB Type-A | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| Cable Length | 2.1 meter | 6.1 ft (1.9 m) | 6.1 ft (1.9 m) |
| Wireless | No | 2.4 GHz RF | |
| Battery Life | No | Upto 120 Hours | Upto 130 Hours |
| Software | Logitech G Hub | Logitech G Hub | Logitech G Hub |
Razer and Roccat had an advantage over Logitech in left- and right-mouse button switches. Opto-mechanical switches were made by Logitech’s competitors, but Logitech kept using Omron mechanical switches. Logitech follows.
Optomechanical Primary Button Against Double Clicks
Instead of metal contacts that are held together by springs, opto-mechanical switches use a light barrier to send a signal. This gets rid of corrosion and dirt problems. So, unwanted double clicks that are really actions are always stopped. This was a common problem with Logitech mice.
Accidental double-clicks happen with mechanical microswitches when the debouncing time, which is usually set to be short in gaming mice, isn’t long enough to keep the metal contact from springing back into place. The company that made Omron buttons often did things that were against the rules, especially with wireless Logitech G products: Logitech created the D2FC-FK 50M, which is used in the G502 Lightspeed and is designed for a 5 volt voltage. To maximize battery life, however, they are frequently only supplied with 3.3 volts. This introduced the issue of double-clicking, which occurred occasionally early on.
New G502 is Lighter
Logitech took away the weight system from the G502 series, with five or six extra grams in all three of the new mice. This system still lets the Hero and Lightspeed be rebalanced and adjusted by 18 or 16 grams. When asked about this at the NDA-protected product presentation, the company said that an old feature like this wouldn’t fit in a modern gaming mouse, and its own market research showed that most gamers want a lighter mouse.
All three G502 variants’ totally redesigned housing should account for this. Logitech’s housing has no holes, but a skeleton design inside reduced the wired version’s weight from 121 to 89 grams, almost equivalent to four $1 coins. The G502 X Lightspeed weights 102 grams, 12 grams less than the G502 Lightspeed.
The Basilisk V3 Pro weighs 112 grams, while the Kone XP, Kone XP Air, and Basilisk V3 weigh 100 grams. Glorious’ Model I is unusual—with holes in the lightweight shell and no all-around mouse capabilities, it weighs just 69 grams for its size and shape. The G502 X and G502 X Lightspeed glide better and feel lighter than their predecessors.
To save weight, both versions lack RGB lighting: only an LED in front of the mouse wheel indicates sensor sensitivity changes. G502 X Plus differs. It’s a 4 gram G502 X Lightspeed with an RGB LED strip on the back that splits into two flanks. The X Lightspeed lasts 140 hours with constant movement and 1,000 Hz with 2.4 GHz wireless, while the X Plus lasts 130 hours with RGB off. If the LEDs are on full-time, the figure drops to almost 40 hours.
Charging via USB-C or Optional Powerplay
In 2022, like the G303 Shroud Edition, the wireless G502 versions are loaded via a rubberized, unwrapped cable with a USB-C connection on the mouse side. The G502 X’s movement is unaffected by its stiffness, and wireless models can ignore it.
If they have the mouse pad and loading puck combo, Logitech Powerplay open players can use inductive charging again. The USB wireless adapter can be stored under the two wireless mice again. The G502 X Lightspeed and G502 X Plus can be charged across the entire surface of the approximately 340 320 mm Powerplay mouse pads thanks to Logitech’s proprietary charging technology. The Qi standard requires the mouse to stand motionless on a charging coil. Logitech has also caught up with the competition by adding four sliding parts composed of pure, white PTFE to the bottom of the mice.
Palm Grip Shape Remains Almost Unchanged
The new G502 models’ design has changed, but not much. First impression: A less fun chassis with more curved lines and a hint of the Aurora Collection in the white variations replaces Logitech G’s original gaming design language. The G502, notorious for its weight and quick dirtiness. The rubberized flanks and several glossy surfaces that are particularly susceptible to scratches are still present, especially on the front.
Logitech has decided not to realign the G502 after Razer dramatically changed the mouse icon with the DeathAdder V3 Pro for the first time in 18 years. If the G502 Hero or Lightspeed design appeals to you, the X, X Lightspeed, and X Plus will also fit comfortably in your palm.
Unsurprisingly, the three new mice are best for the palm grip, in which users place their entire palm on the input device, but longer ring and little fingers, even with the rubber coating, can barely find a hold due to the flat right flank. Claw grips are possible with smaller hands, but the thumb gets in the way on the bottom additional key with larger hands.
High-end Sensors
All three mice in the G502X series are equipped with Logitech’s HERO 25K sensor, allowing users to adjust sensitivity from 100 to an impressive 25,600 DPI. This wide range of sensitivity options ensures that the mice can accommodate various gaming genres, applications, and personal preferences. Additionally, there is a convenient DPI shift button located on the left side of the mouse, ideal for snipers in shooting games who require precise and accurate shots.
The three devices have high-precision sensors. The G502 X works wirelessly or via cable. Even in competitive pro-gaming, the wireless delay is imperceptible.
This means that Razer’s Basilisk and G502 with the latest PixArts PAW-3399 and PAW-3950, as well as Roccat’s Kone models with the PAW-3370, are comparable and powerful enough to have lower wireless latencies than wired mice from lesser-known manufacturers. Only wired 8,000 Hertz mice have better sensors under ideal conditions. For wireless 4,000 Hertz, the Viper V2 Pro, DeathAdder V3 Pro, and Basilisk V3 Pro require Razer’s HyperPolling Wireless Dongle.
Software
Even though the new G502 mice don’t need software, it might be worth it to install Logitech’s G Hub. The software allows you to customise the mouse’s sensor resolution and button assignment and save them to the mouse’s internal memory, which can hold up to 5 profiles. The software can be uninstalled once the input device has been configured.
Standard configuration options are available with G Hub. Users can record and edit sequences or select from a variety of predefined macro actions, and full secondary assignment is possible with a shift function. Unlike Razer and Roccat, G Hub did not assign the mouse wheel scrolling twice. Logitech improved: the new G502 mice allow you to assign all buttons twice. As a result, the mouse wheel can control the volume of the operating system. However, the four-way mouse wheel’s left and right clicks can only be assigned once.
Conclusion!
Finally. Over the last four years, the G502 Hero and G502 Lightspeed have faced increasing competition, and the buttons and gliding properties, in particular, have become clearly outdated.
Logitech’s new G input devices have opto-mechanical primary buttons for the first time, and the G502 is lighter and has PTFE sliding elements. This narrows the gap between the Basilisk V3 and the Basilisk V3 Pro. Razer’s mice only have flexible cables, RGB lighting, and a 4,000 hertz connection in the wireless V3 Pro.
The Basilisk V3 Pro can be charged via Qi charging pads with a separate charging puck, but the new G502 guard impresses with two additional keys to the left of the left mouse button, easier-to-reach keys, Logitech PowerPlay compatibility, and nearly twice the battery life. Roccat’s Kone XP and Kone XP Air, on the other hand, have opto-mechanical primary buttons as well as a fourth left-side button. The Basilisk RGB lighting from Razer is also more opulent.
Based on the specifications and features of the three competitors, the new G502 mice narrowly win the comparison. All seven input devices perform admirably, giving gamers many options for an all-around gaming mouse.
Common Features
- Logitech HERO 25K sensor with adjustable sensitivity from 100 to 25,600 DPI.
- DPI shift button for quick sensitivity adjustment.
- LightForce hybrid button system for a balance between optical and mechanical switches.
- Dual mode scroll wheel: Free Spin for seamless scrolling and Ratchet mode for tactile feedback.
- Comfortable ergonomic design for extended use.
- 13 programmable buttons and five onboard profiles.
- Customizable button behavior through Logitech G-Hub software.
Differences
G502X:
- Wired mouse.
- No RGB lighting.
G502X Lightspeed:
- Wireless mouse with Lightspeed technology.
- RGB lighting with customization options.
- Battery life of up to 140 hours of continuous use.
- Compatible with Logitech PowerPlay wireless charging system.
G502X Plus:
- Wireless mouse.
- RGB lighting with eight customizable zones.
- Battery life of approximately 37 hours with RGB lighting on.
- Battery life of up to 120 hours with RGB lighting off.
- Compatible with Logitech PowerPlay wireless charging system.
- These differences allow users to choose between wired and wireless options and decide on the level of RGB lighting and battery life that best suits their needs.
Pros and Cons!
G502 X
- Primary optomechanical buttons
- Several extra keys and a detachable four-way mouse wheel
- Thumb button is reversible and detachable
- Sliding feet made entirely of PTFE
- Most keys can be assigned as secondary keys.
- Loud primary keys and very loud mouse wheel
G502X Lightspeed
- Uninterrupted wireless connection
- Extraordinary battery life
- Primary optomechanical buttons
- Several extra keys and a detachable four-way mouse wheel
- Thumb button is reversible and detachable
- PTFE glide feet and a USB-C cable
- Most keys can be assigned as secondary keys
- Loud primary keys and very loud mouse wheel
G502 X Plus
- Uninterrupted wireless connection
- Battery life is awesome
- Primary optomechanical buttons
- Several extra keys and a detachable four-way mouse wheel
- Thumb button is reversible and detachable.
- PTFE glide feet and a USB-C cable
- Most keys can be assigned as secondary keys.
- Loud primary keys and very loud mouse wheel
