Customer Reviews for Logitech MX 518 High Performance Optical Gaming Mouse (Metal)

Logitech MX 518 High Performance Optical Gaming Mouse (Metal)
by Logitech

Logitech MX 518 High Performance Optical Gaming Mouse (Metal) Our Price: $84.99
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Category: CE
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Customers in the UK, Buy this product at amazon.co.uk for British Pounds

Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Logitech MX 518 High Performance Optical Gaming Mouse (Metal)

Customer Review: Just buy this one.
Summary: 5 Stars

I can't say enough about this product. I've had the Logitech MX518 for what, at least 5 years now, and it's still working like it just came out of the box. I should take pictures and post them, because the Logitech logo paint has worn right off. I've had to open it up and clean it out once or twice, and only once or twice, but it still works like brand new. As if the durability weren't enough, it's one of the best performance gaming mouses on the market, STILL, AFTER ALL THIS TIME.

All the buttons are of course programmable with Logitech SetPoint, which adds an additional layer of software stability to any program you're running. Does your late 1990s, early 2000s program have software problems with mouse tracking, scroll speed or sensitivity? Not a problem. The same actually goes for all Logitech products. Without some extra programming, it won't swap back and forth to preset sensitivity settings like a Cyborg RAT would do for precision aiming, but it has two programmable sensitivity buttons that can be programmed to just that so the difference is minimal.

The MX518 sports 1800dpi (I've read 1600 before though) for bargain basement pricing. Sometimes you can even catch these on sale. It fits the hand quite well, glides well on a mousepad or even without one (albeit without the teflon feet, like the Razer Mamba), and has a host of additional programmable buttons. The mousewheel responds clearly, expectedly, clicks unobtrusively and is slightly grippy with actual rubber style surface traction. All the buttons on this mouse click well in general-- the sound isn't weird, hollowed out, cheap, or anything like that. From the weight of the mouse you can tell it has fairly thick plastic and will more than likely survive being dropped while still being light and maneuverable.

The MX518 mouse is everything the above average gamer is looking for in a gaming mouse. Is it good for FPS, or World of Warcraft, or Starcraft 2, or what have you? YES. It has the buttons, smoothness, DPI, comfort and quality. It goes beyond good, it has been 5 years of unfailingly good. And for reference, yes, I've placed as #1 repeatedly in a spectrum of competitive settings using specifically the Logitech MX518.

In terms of appearance, it looks great. It's not too far extreme like, say, a Razer or Cyborg mouse, but is appealing and the colors work well against just about any case or monitor.

In short, the ONLY REASON YOU WOULD EVER NOT BUY THIS MOUSE IS: To spend significantly more ($80+) on a Razer or similar ultra-high DPI setting mouse. The gains in tracking, clicking, smoothness and customization would be negligible. The mouse movement is pinpoint accurate at 1800.

From a hardcore gamer perspective: If you are looking for a better mouse, well-positioned buttons and memorization is where it's going to be at, so get a Logitech G700 or a Razer Naga-- preferably the G700 because the Naga is just ridiculous and probably going to be getting in the way.

Customer Review: A tour de force of gaming worksmanship
Summary: 5 Stars

This is, by far, the best mouse I have ever owned. I used Microsoft for the longest time before I used this, and let me say that I will never again stray from Logitech for mice. This "budget" gaming mouse will outplay and outperform many of the flagships out there, even ones that are purportedly more sensitive (like Laser mice). In independent benchmarking, the MX-518 was identified as one of the best mice in terms of tracking speed, tracking fidelity, and smoothness of control, basically never skipping a beat at any (reasonable) surface movement speed.

From my own experience, I can say that this thing tracks and handles like a dream. It never jitters and never lags. While the resolution adjustment buttons may seem superfluous to some, let me say that I thought the same thing, but now I don't want to touch a mice without them. You can change on the fly to suit your situation, or if a friend comes, he can change it to suit his own liking.

The ergonomics are also great. This form is tried and true, and graces most Logitech mice. It's basically identical in shape to a G5. The mouse is comfortable, a good size, and is easy to grip for both palm and claw graspers. It has a smooth lip around the top that allows fantastic grip, and the lip also prevents you from accidentally hitting the side buttons.

The buttons are crisp and responsive, and the mouse wheel is very well-designed. The scrolling is both smooth and sturdy, allowing you to select weapons accurately. The resistance on the mouse wheel (as a button) is flawless.

The weight of the mouse is a matter of preference. It might be too light for some, and it's not adjustable like the G5/7/9. One thing is for sure, though--you won't be displeased about how it moves across your mousepad. The friction pads on the bottom are excellent, and the mouse glides effortlessly over almost all surfaces. Also, unlike friction feet, they don't get gunky or fall off.

The mouse has a few drawbacks. The cord is a bit thick, and it can sometimes get stuck or push awkwardly against things, slowing your movement. The third button on top, which is designed like an ALT-TAB menu, is dangerous. I disabled it, because it can take you out of full-screen applications.

The side buttons are a bit too sensitive for my liking, though you are unlikely to hit them because of the aforementioned lip. Also, the scroll wheel does not have side tilt, but some might consider side tilt to be a distraction.

If you're okay with wireless mice, and you don't mind a relatively light mouse that doesn't have adjustable weight, this is a stellar choice. It's even good for non-gamers. I use the adjustable DPI when I'm using Photoshop, as well.

Customer Review: Mouse with Precision and Durability
Summary: 5 Stars

I have had this mouse for about 2 years. When I read reviews there are very few that have long term experience with a product, so I had to comment on this one since I've had it for years. Having someone tell you a product is great when they've only had it for 2 weeks is not extremely helpful or comforting. I really want to know if what I'm about to buy will die in a few months or go the distance.

I'm not sure the one I own is the exact same model but it looks identical and has the same features as what's described. But since mine is over 2 yeras old they may have changed it slightly over the years. I just wanted to let users know that I have used this mouse constantly for years and it has held up great. I use this mouse with a laptop and also take it with me when I travel for business (travel 1 or 2 times a month). So this mouse takes quite a beating when I load it in & out of my laptop case each day and take it on trips. I have dropped it a zillion times, gotten it a little wet, and it's still going strong. I didn't think about it until I was shopping for a mouse for my daughter. When I saw this appear in the listing I realized how long I've had it. I do not baby this mouse at all. I suspect It has been used and abused way more than most mice.

It looks pretty cool (my customers often comment), feels great in the hand, and has unbelievable precision. I often do graphical work and even use it for gaming a bit so I was pleasantly surprised by it's performance and accuracy and can't live without it now (it has MUCH higher precision than a regualar mouse). I really like the plus/minus buttons near the wheel that let you adjust sensitivity on the fly with a click of those buttons. The side buttons are also very useful. Useful for forward/back on web surfing.

I am a heavy computer user so I splurged a bit on this mouse rather than using the cheap versions that often ship with new computers. I use my computer & mouse on average 6 to 12 hours a day even on weekends. I was so glad when optical mice came out since it requires no cleaning and accuracy never degrades - I hated the old ones with the ball that got dirty and eventually became unusable even with regular cleaning.

This mouse is NOT wireless. I need reliability and don't want to have to carry extra batteries with me while I travel. So I prefer wired mice. The USB cable on this is quite long so I haven't ever felt that it needed to be longer.

In summary, it's a mouse with excellent features and outstanding durability. I don't write many reviews, but this mouse has done me good for so long that I had to pass on the info. My daughter will also be getting this mosue - since I am the buyer :-)

Customer Review: My 3nd one, and still loving it.
Summary: 5 Stars

I saw this in a Gaming Magazine for 'Best Gaming Mice', and this one came out on top for wired mice under $100. So I went out on a whim and gave it a try.
4 years later of hardcore gaming, video editing, photoshop, and heavy multimedia use I purchase my 2nd one(soon followed by a 3rd for my laptop).

I'm a big gamer. Really. I play games anywhere from fast pace FPSs(Crysis, Call of Duty, L4D. . .) to slower, yet more mouse based MMOs/RPGs(World of Warcraft, Hellgate London, Diablo, Overlord. . .) and this thing has been smooth on anything I've used it for.


'In the Beginning' - When I first used it, in all honesty I was less than pleased. I went from using the free little Dell mouse for several years, to this larger, oddly shaped masterpiece. It was quite a shell shock, if nothing else.
The main thing to get used to is the body. It's an odd shape to wrap one's hand around, and that damn logo in the center...

However, after about an hour of use I realized the reasoning for all those annoyances, and got 'very' used to it.
Once you are used to the body, it's great. The shape seems to mold to your hand while using it, and I've yet to find an uncomfortable position.
I have large hands, yet even through that all the buttons are comfortably within reach. That being said, don't let the idea it's aimed at the 'Big hands, Big feet' crowd. My younger sister(with much smaller hands...) likes the feel of the mouse comparably as much as I do.

The sensitivity is quite good, I primarily use the same level for whatever I do. The software that comes with the mouse makes adjusting it quite easy though, so if the default settings don't hit your sweet spot- well, you get the idea.
It has 3 speed settings you can change to on the fly(primarily More/Less sensitivity) by hitting one of the + or - buttons on opposing sides of the scroll wheel.

All of the 6 additional buttons can be changed to do a set task(goes forward/back a page, scroll/cruise up and down, 'other') making for very satisfying control.
Believe me when I say, you will love the forward/back buttons once you've gotten used to them. They make surfing the net/browsing pictures soooo much smoother.


Now, I could easily go on all day about this little bugger. However, I've most likely already bored you. So, I'll finish up.

Ending Point: I've bought 3, my buddy has 1, and I know 2 other people with it. General consensus is two thumbs up.

Plus, Amazon has a really good return policy.
Need I truly say more?

Customer Review: Excellent mouse for gaming and casual use...
Summary: 5 Stars

I have owned this mouse for 3 months and have nothing but great things to say.

First, I have yet to find a mouse more suited for gaming. It's design is simple and intuitive, allowing for both comfort and functionality.

I am an avid gamer, but my "gaming rig" is also the family computer. Because of this I was looking for a mouse that would allow for improved functionality in gaming without hindering simplicity of use, as my wife is not experienced in the use of a mouse with 50 buttons and a joystick attached.

Concerning gaming:

The software provided to program functionality into the extra buttons is extremely straightforward and easy to use. I was immediately able to customize it to my liking, without any learning curve whatsoever. Furthermore, the settings allow the mouse functionality to be gaming-specific, so that programming a button to perform a function in a game does not interfere with the functionality of the mouse in an every-day situation. Essentially, setting the "back" button to execute a macro in a game does not keep it from performing the standard "back" function in a browser window. The ability to change mouse sensitivity on the fly is extremely useful, and the software also allows you to tailor the various sensitivity settings to suit your needs.

I was also happy to find that the mouse is extremely comfortable, even after hours of continuous use. Not only does the design compensate for my rather large, clunky hands, but I was surprised to find that the material used in the palm rest stays cool even after hours of use.

Concerning day-to-day use:

It maintains a fairly standard design that anyone that has used a multi-button mouse will be familiar with. The thumb buttons perform "forward" and "back" functions in browsers and other windows. The logitech software can be used to program non-gaming related functions, as well, including (but not limited to) adjusting the scroll wheel between single line, mutliple line and full page scrolling. There is not much to be said in this category, other than all of the above gaming related issues apply to day-to-day usage. It's a very comfortable mouse that is pleasant and easy to use, both in and outside of gaming.

Overall, I would highly recommend this mouse if you are looking for a straightforward product without too much complexity that is above all else, reliable.
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