Product: Logitech G502 Hero
Type: Gaming Mouse (Wired)
Price: $129.95
Availability: Out Now
Link: logitechg.com/en-au/products/gaming-mice/g502-hero-gaming-mouse.html

Recently Logitech announced that it was bringing back what was perhaps the most popular gaming mouse from over a decade ago – the MX518. A peripheral that came out at a time when Logitech was one of a handful of names creating hardware designed with gaming in mind. Although the G502 isn’t quite as old as that, its right-hand grip design and comfort has made it one of the more popular options over the past couple of years - with a prominent design that we seem to see less of each passing year. In its latest incarnation, the Logitech G502 Hero keeps the same shape and comfort as the G502 of old, but in a new wired-only variation. It also improves the sensor and some of the underlying hardware for even greater reliability and performance.

Grip It

It goes without saying that the shape and grip of the Logitech G502 won’t be for everyone, with a clear focus on a full palm-grip with generous thumb-rest support. If this is the sort of shape for you, then the G502 is something you’ll immediately fall in love with. From the soft yet durable finish, to the rubber grips, to the elongated shape that has made Logitech’s more premium gaming mice over the years look thinner than most. It feels spot on and the addition of small weights to easily increase or decrease its presence in small increments makes the G502 a right-hand grip dream come true. Like with the excellent G903, the scroll wheel can also change between precise and super-fast. Although not at the top of people’s lists of features when looking at a gaming mouse, the smooth and fast scrolling on offer with the G502 is satisfying.

Specs

• Sensor: HERO
  
• DPI: 16,000 DPI
  
• LED Color: RGB
  
• Polling Rate: 1000 Hz
  
• Buttons: 11
  
• Weight: 121g (Adjustable)
  
• Cable: USB 2.0/braided

Visually it has the look of a gaming mouse, with clearly defined sections, angles, and full RGB lighting. Although visually quite-similar to previous G502 models (albeit being wired-only), there are some clear advances being made. Most notable with the new HERO sensor from Logitech that offers up to 16,000 DPI performance without any need for artificial acceleration. An increase over previous models the new switches are graded at a 50-million click lifespan too – which has been the trend with more higher end gaming mice.

Point-and-Click

With the new HERO sensor from Logitech that promises competition-grade pointing and clicking, in practise we were impresses with its performance across various surfaces – polished wood, more traditional mouse pads, and the old ‘let’s use an exercise book or stack of paper as a mouse pad’. The new HERO sensor is quite impressive and on par with what we’ve seen from Pixart of late when it comes to the higher end 16,000 DPI range. Like with its range of keyboards and other hardware Logitech tend to use their own internal tech, which makes sense considering how long they’ve been in the game and all. And speaking of games, testing the new G502 Hero across a wide range of titles the performance was flawless and being able to adjust the weight was one of those features that we took full advantage of.

The only real issue was that for fast shooters, like say DOOM or Apex Legends (when the action heats up) or even Overwatch the full-palm grip of the G502 may not be the ideal choice. Across slower more strategic titles, or even non-competitive efforts the G502 felt, well, ideal. As mentioned earlier, if this is the sort of shape for you then the Logitech G502 Hero is something you’ll immediately fall in love with. And if you’re current G502 is starting to feel a little old – now’s a perfect time to upgrade.