Logitech MX Revolution laser mouse reviewed

The most telling line from ExtremeTech's review of the $99.99 Logitech MX Revolution mouse -- which we also got our hands upon recently -- is: "The MX [comes] with a learning curve". The reason for this? An inordinate number of features that results in a mouse that takes some getting used to. Starting with the scroll wheel, Logitech has devised a way of integrating both the ratcheted type of scroll with the free-spin variety: by default, the mouse will switch between the two modes depending on how fast the user is scrolling. Users can tweak the speed at which the mouse will switch into free-spin mode, and yes, there's a ratcheted only option. The next notably new feature is the "document flip", a second scroll wheel located just above the thumb rest that functions as an application switcher if you decide not to change the software settings. Finally, there's a dedicated search button on the top of the mouse that will either, a) start an internet search for a selected word or, if you don't have anything selected, will b) take you to the homepage of your preferred search engine. In practice, the reviewer found the new features to be in need of a little polish: the scroll wheel was a little too eager to switch into free-spin mode (and doesn't double as a middle mouse button), the document flip felt a little redundant, and the one touch search button bugged-out a few times. Underneath all the features is a relatively basic, multi-buttoned cordless laser mouse -- the 800 DPI sensitivity is nothing to write home about -- but the ergonomics and design live up to the high standards we've come to expect from Logitech. The reviewer concludes that the extra features probably aren't necessary, but could in the long term increase user productivity if prospective buyers spend some time customizing the button functions and getting used to the new features. If you think you can do without the new features, you might consider picking up one of Logitech's other no-frills gaming mice, which feature much higher sensitivities and equal, if not lower, prices.

[Mike @ Aug 28th 2006 7:26AM]

You can always get a great deal on a Logitech mouse simply by picking up a recently discontinued model. At work I use an MX510 that I got for $20 after rebate. Simply phenomenal for the money, I'll never go back to a crappy mouse.

[Reagan @ Aug 28th 2006 7:54AM]

I just picked up one myself, and I agree mostly with the reviews, but there are some things I wanted to point out. You CAN use the scroll wheel as a third button, but there are limitations. 1)You turn of the ability to press down on it and switch between modes (but you can switch from clicking to free just by giving it a good spin) 2)It's primarily an autoscroll thing, and so it doesn't work wonderfully in firefox to make it open links in new tabs (I've found you have to click twice).

Alternatively, you can use the "search button" as an autoscroller. I could care less about a search button, so that was the first thing I did.

The document flipper works, and if you're an alt-tabber, then you might really like this feature.

Lastly, on the sensitvity front, while 800dpi might not be as high as some gaming mice, I found it a lot more sensitive than my old Intellimouse Explorer 4.

I'm reasonably well satisfied with my purchase, and I'm finally looking forward to some really long word documents!

[customholle @ Aug 28th 2006 9:53AM]

Well if the middle button doesnt work as middle click this ones is off for me, ill get an mx1000 or an mx610.

[tape @ Aug 28th 2006 11:46AM]

if the forward / back button is clicked softly it does not register.

I have used two diff units, one works a lil better than the other.

[TwoWorms @ Aug 28th 2006 12:03PM]

Without a doubt, the best mouse I have ever owned. The scroll wheel is absolutly incredible. I have never owned a mouse that you can customize as much as this. Works fantastic in OSX.

[Adam @ Aug 28th 2006 12:57PM]

Does Engadget have something against paragraphs? I don't imagine I'm the only one who found this post extremely hard to read in one huge paragraph of text. I thought my feed reader had some how messed up the representation but it looks even worse on engadget.com

[Frankenstein Black @ Aug 28th 2006 1:04PM]

Currently using the G7 so will wait for the Gaming version of this puppy...

[Matt @ Aug 28th 2006 1:56PM]

There are no paragraphs in Web 2.0.

[MadHattr @ Aug 28th 2006 1:59PM]

So, left-handed version? Nah, we're probably not worthy of top-notch mice. Oh well, there's always mx610.

[Damo @ Aug 29th 2006 12:54PM]

Mouse wheel as middle button sucked anyway. I always find it difficult to press and not accidentally scroll.

[SFCrameret @ Sep 11th 2006 6:44PM]

Can the buttons on the side be programed to do other functions like backspace etc? I use that feature on the MX 1000.