Logitech LX7 Wireless Mouse Review
Old Man Mouse
The Logitech LX7 isn’t the newest gadget in the world. In fact, it is widely rumored that the ancient Aztec empire used the LX7 as their computer mouse of choice. But the fact that a mouse has been around the block isn’t necessarily a knock against it. The number of ways to improve a mouse, in terms of performance, are slim. Although various companies like Logitech and Microsoft have made an attempt to push Laser technology as the next wave in high-tech pointing and clicking, consumers haven’t paid that much attention. Optical mice still sell well, because despite the accuracy of laser mice, there are many users who need a comfortable mouse more than they need a precise one.
So, perhaps the LX7 still has some life left in it. Comfort and feel are two things that are important in any mouse, and they’re both traits that technological advances don’t make obsolete. Let’s give grandpa a chance to prove it has the stuff to compete.
Comfort And Aesthetics (4 out of 5)
Wrapping your hand around the Logitech LX7 is a strange experience. As your fingers come into reach of the blue-and-black creature, you don’t expect much. From a distance, the LX7 doesn’t appear to have been made to fit any particular hand. While some mice look as if they take inspiration from a wad of silly-putty that has been squeezed for an hour or two, the LX7 is simply a enlarged version of the classic two-button mouse. But once you take it into your hand, you realize a funny thing; the LX7 feels better than many of the putty-esqe grips which have become increasingly popular in mid-range mice.
Perhaps this is because there isn’t a lot of LX7 to grab. Although it far from the mini-me mice marketed as laptop companions, it is on the slender size, and isn’t particularly tall, either. As a result, the Logitech LX7 doesn’t mess much with your hand’s natural grip. That is a good thing. Another good thing is the weight (thanks to the batteries - this is a wireless mouse), which keeps the mouse from feeling jittery during fast movements.
In terms of aesthetics, the LX7 doesn’t look as good as it feels. That said, it does come heads-and-shoulders above many of its peers. The simple black-and-blue color scheme isn’t outstanding, but it conveys a serious attitude without becoming tacky. At the same time, the fact it actually has a color scheme, as opposed to Logitech’s more boring black-and-silver layout found on many of its low and mid-range products, keeps it from being lost in the clutter of your desktop. In other words, the LX7 is a good compromise between outlandish and boring, but it doesn’t look nearly as cool as, say, the Logitech MX Revolution .
Features (4 out of 5)
The Logitech LX7 has five buttons. The clickable scroll wheel is accompanied by two buttons below it, which are useful for navigating backwards and forwards on websites, or can also be used as extra weapon controls when playing video games. These two buttons are, on many mice, located on the side, where the thumb normally lays. Personally, I prefer the LX7’s approach when it comes to surfing the internet. The two buttons are forgettable when not desired, but can easily be activated by moving your index finger slightly to the left or right of the scroll wheel. The trade off is that when using them repeatedly over long periods of time, their operation becomes less ideal than buttons located near the thumb. The scroll wheel itself is executed well. It is light and crisp, and does not hesitate when clicked, although the amount of pressure needed is to high. The normal right and left buttons follow in the same vein. They require little effort to depress and don’t demand much travel from your fingertips, but there is also an audible click providing you with a sense of feedback. I find this preferable to many recently introduced mice, many of which also minimize finger travel, but introduce a spongy feel.
As mentioned earlier, the LX7 is a wireless mouse. This means that it runs off batteries, and it must connect to your PC via wireless
radio. The wireless USB doggle that comes with the LX7 leaves much to be desired. It looks and feels cheap, and in my testing, it proved its cheapness when the plastic shell covering the internals of the doggle came off. This caused no harm to the hardware, but it made getting the doggle out of my PC a trial, because the plastic shell is the only part that protrudes once the doggle is inserted. The LX7 displayed only a few hiccups in terms of connectivity to adapter, but its range was less than I had hoped. I noticed a decline in accuracy and responsiveness after moving about six feet away from my PC. The battery life, on the other hand, was solid. The LX7 only requires a battery change every six months, although it should be noted that this was less than Logitech’s claim of 8 months.
The LX7’s most unique feature is its “invisible” optical sensor. These days, you’ve probably gotten used to having a red light shine in your eyes whenever you accidentally turn your mouse upside down. The LX7, however, has no visible light at all. Don’t ask me how it works - to be honest, I don’t know - but I like it. It doesn’t make or break a mouse, but I do wish all optical mice would move to using this feature.
Value And Verdict (4 out of 5)
The Logitech LX7 costs about $40 dollars at many retailers, and can be found for around $35 online. This is a potential stumbling block for the LX7. As I said, this is not a new model. Although it is readily available at most retailers, it is also sold along side products that have newer features. Microsoft offers several wireless laser mice in this price range which are good products overall. The price is also disturbingly close to Logitech’s MX518, which, at least online, can be found for only ten dollars more. This is a common problem with Logitech’s line-up, really; many of their mid-range mice are seriously outclassed by so-called gaming mice which, for only a little more, give you top-notch build quality, superb accuracy, and a plethora of buttons.
That said, there isn’t any reason to spend the extra ten dollars if you really, honestly don’t need the extra features. If you’re an enthusiast, then the LX7 probably represents a budget option, and in that case I’d steer clear. However, if $35 dollars for a mouse seems a bit expensive to you, then the Logitech LX7 is not a bad idea. Sure, it doesn’t have laser technology. Sure, it only has five buttons. But it is comfortable, it looks decent, and its buttons are light and crisp, things I can’t say for many other mice in this price range. If a solid, comfortable wireless mouse if all you need, the Logitech LX7 is a good bet.
