Gaming Mice Shootout

Microsoft Sidewinder X8

Most gamers will automatically shy away from wireless gaming mice, but the X8 just might change that. The X8 is the latest in the Sidewinder range of gear, and sticks with the same design principles as its predecessors.

The design of this mouse will be a problem for many gamers, but personally I enjoy the large surface and vertical side buttons. I wouldn't recommend it if you have small hands, but it's very comfortable to use over a longer period of time. Buttons-wise, the X8 has the now-standard dpi buttons, side buttons and tilted wheel. There's also an extra thumb button, although it sits too far forward to be of any real use to me.

You can charge the mouse through a corded charge base, which also acts as a reservoir for extra cable length and extra mouse feet.

4,000 dpi is relatively high, but the real news behind the X8 is its BlueTrack technology.
A Microsoft innovation, BlueTrack, unlike laser or optical, is not bothered by what surface you play on; in my tests the mouse performed very well even on the carpet in my office.

Microsoft sidewinder x8

RRP incl GST: $179

Contact: Microsoft.co.nz

The wireless X8 is one of the best mice we've ever tested, highly recommended.

9.0

Verbatim Rapier V2

The Rapier V2 is the cheapest option in this group, you could almost buy three of these for the price of one G9x. Despite the cost, Verbatim has done a pretty good job on this mouse, it's comfortable and has a feature set that would appeal to most gamers. 

The mouse tries hard to look like a gamer's mouse, with bright blue and red LEDs set on a red and black body. The sides and main buttons are coated in a rubberised surface, comfortable to grip and use for longer periods of time.

Apart from the now standard side buttons, there's a dpi button on top as well as a second, customisable button. The buttons all have a plastic feel to them, expected from a mouse in this price range.

The dpi can go as high as 3,200, with 4 settings between 800 and 3,200 programmed on-the-fly via a button on top. The underside of the mouse holds the removable weights (31.5 grams total). All in all, the V2 is a very comfortable and competent optical mouse, especially at the price.

To be in to win a Verbatim Rapier v2, just email competitions@actv8 and tell us why you deserve one!

verbatim rapier v2

RRP incl GST: $79

Contact: verbatim.com.au

A good mouse at a great price, the V2 is great for gamers on a budget.

8.0

Logitech G9x

Logitech has released an updated version of the G9 mouse, upping the dpi to a ridiculous 5,000 and giving it a steep price point to match. Apart from that, the mouse is much like the original G9, shipping with two separate grips and a weight cartridge.

The two grips are both very comfortable in use, and most gamers should be able to find one that fits nicely in the hand. Both are relatively short, perfect for fingertip-precision gaming and quick movement across your mousepad.

Apart from the standard side buttons, the G9x has a tilting scroll wheel that can also be set to a freewheel mode. Two buttons on top set the dpi on the fly, with the setting indicated by LED bars.

The G9x is very comfortable in use, and by far the fastest mouse we've tested here in the PCW Bunker. That said, if you're gaming at 5,000 dpi, you've probably had way too many Red Bulls. The price, unfortunately, puts the G9x firmly out of reach for many gamers, which, combined with a somewhat odd design, puts it at the bottom of this group.

Logitech g9x

RRP incl GST: $230

Contact: logitech.co.nz

A great mouse, the G9x brings high end gaming to the table, but at a high price.

7.5