Comparison Logitech G604 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse vs Logitech G502 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse

The type of connection used by the mouse.

All types of mouse connection can be divided into wired and wireless. There are also combined models that allow both methods; however, for a number of reasons, they have not received much distribution.

Wired mice can vary in connector type; however, the universal standard nowadays is USB, other options are much less common (see "Cable" for them). Anyway, such mice are much cheaper than wireless counterparts, moreover, they do not require batteries / accumulators and have an almost unlimited lifespan. On the other hand, the wire restricts mobility and can be inconvenient when connecting, especially if the computer is located far away or in a hard-to-reach place.

Wireless devices, in turn, can connect via radio, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi ; in some models, two options are combined — at the user's choice, (usually radio and Bluetooth). Regardless of the interface used, all such models are more convenient than wired ones due, in fact, to the absence of a cable; and their range is at least a few metres, so a wireless mouse can also work as a kind of remote control. At the same time, a wireless connection is more expensive than a wired connection, and besides, it requires autonomous power supply — as a result, the per...iod of continuous operation of the mouse is limited.

As for the different types of wireless connection, here are their features:

— Radio. To connect over the air, usually, a wireless adapter is used, which is connected to the USB port of the computer. This method is convenient in that it can be used with any computer, including systems that do not have built-in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi modules. The disadvantages of this option include the fact that the adapter requires a free connector; as a result, with a small number of USB ports, difficulties can arise. However, this moment, if necessary, can be easily corrected by connecting a USB hub; so it is this connection method that is most popular among modern wireless mice.

— Bluetooth. The main advantage of this connection method is that many modern devices — laptops, most monoblock computers, smart TVs, etc. — have built-in Bluetooth modules. Thus, you can connect the mouse to such equipment directly, without occupying hardware connectors. And for PCs not equipped with internal Bluetooth modules, appropriate adapters are available (which may even be included with the mouse). In addition, some advanced models with such a connection are able to remember several Bluetooth devices at the same time and switch between them literally “with the touch of a button”. The Bluetooth communication range is at least 10 m with line of sight.

— Wi-Fi. A rather specific option, which is extremely rare — in certain models of laptop mice (see "In the direction"). In many respects it is similar to Bluetooth — in particular, it is designed mainly to work with built-in modules and allows you to use a mouse without occupying hardware connectors. At the same time, the range of communication via Wi-Fi is much greater. On the other hand, this advantage is not of fundamental importance, and on the technical side, the creation of Wi-Fi mice is associated with certain difficulties. That is why this type of connection has not received distribution.

Mouse support for Multi-Device technology.

This technology is found exclusively in models with wireless connectivity (see “Connection type”). It allows you to pair the mouse with several devices simultaneously and quickly switch between them without fiddling with the settings every time; in many models, such switching is carried out literally at the touch of a button. Thanks to this, you can, for example, easily use the mouse with both your home computer and a TV running Android TV, connecting to one or another device as needed.

Note that it would not hurt to clarify the specific features of the Multi-device separately. First of all, this concerns the number of simultaneously supported devices.

Interface used for wired connection in mice that have this capability (see "Connection type").

The most popular nowadays is the connection through the classic USB port. Mice for the newer USB-C connector, for a number of reasons, are produced quite a bit, despite the advanced capabilities of this interface. And PS/2, on the contrary, is gradually giving way to newer and more advanced standards. Here is a more detailed description of each of these options:

— USB. Connect to a traditional, full-size USB port (called USB A). Such connectors are extremely widespread: they are practically mandatory for modern PCs and laptops, and are also used as standard for working with peripherals in smart TVs, media centers and other types of electronics. That is why the vast majority of wired mice use this connector.

— USB-C. The newest (for 2020) type of USB connector; is significantly smaller than the USB A described above, as well as a convenient double-sided design. Such connectors are increasingly used in modern PCs and laptops, but very few mice are made for them; this is due to several reasons. Firstly, advanced versions of USB are often implemented through the USB-C connector, with high speed and high power supply; for mice, these characteristics are not needed, but they can be useful for more demanding devices. Secondly, the USB-C hardware socket can b...e used for interfaces other than USB (primarily Thunderbolt v3 and v4). Thirdly, it is simply easier to get into the full-size USB A connector with a plug — especially when trying to blindly find the connector on the back of the system unit. In light of all this, only a few laptop mice are produced under USB-C (see "In the direction").

— PS/2. A specialized connector with a characteristic round shape, used exclusively for keyboards and mice; colloquially known as "pee in half". PS/2 inputs are found exclusively in desktop PCs — they are too bulky for laptops. In general, this interface is considered obsolete and less used, but it can still be found in modern computers. At the same time, PS/2 has a very practical advantage: connecting a mouse to such a socket allows you to leave an additional USB connector free, which, in turn, can be useful for other peripherals. However, mice with only such a plug nowadays are almost never found — devices that can also connect to USB have become more common (see below).

— USB or PS/2. This option most often means that the mouse itself is equipped with a USB plug, and an adapter for PS/2 is supplied with it. Thus, the device turns out to be as versatile as possible in connection; at the same time, adapters are very inexpensive, their price is almost invisible compared to the cost of the mice themselves (even inexpensive ones). Therefore, most modern manipulators with the ability to work through PS/2 belong to this category.

The range of the wireless connection provided in the mouse (see "Connection Type").

Almost all modern wireless models work confidently at a distance of at least 2 – 3 metres. So you need to pay attention to this parameter mainly when you plan to use the mouse at a greater distance from the computer — for example, when working with a projector at a presentation. At the same time, when evaluating the range, note that it is indicated for perfect conditions: the absence of interference and obstacles in the signal path, the full charge of the battery in the mouse, etc. In fact, the communication range may be somewhat less, so when choosing, it is worth taking a certain stock. Nevertheless, according to the claimed range, it is quite possible to evaluate the practical capabilities of different models and compare them with each other.

The number of buttons provided in the design of the mouse. However, the term "buttons" can also refer to specific hardware solutions — for example, a solid touch area used in many Apple mice counts as two buttons, because. it is divided into two working areas. But the clickable wheels, as well as the power button, are not taken into account in this calculation.

The minimum number of buttons for modern mice and other similar manipulators is two : this is the number that is necessary for comfortable work in most modern operating systems. If there are more than two keys, this means that there are additional buttons responsible for specific actions. So, even relatively inexpensive devices can be equipped with 3 – 4 buttons ; in addition to the 2 main buttons, they can have, for example, 2 side thumb keys, or 1 double/triple click button (see below). Solutions for 5 – 6 buttons are extremely popular nowadays; among them are many gaming mice, where the mentioned thumb buttons are supplemented with a double / triple click, a sniper button and/or a DPI switch (see also below about these functions). And in the most multifunctional models, 7 – 8 buttons and even more can be installed. In some cases, this number exceeds a dozen and a half; such mice are usually gaming devices designed for RPGs and other simil...ar genres where it is important to have a wide range of actions at your fingertips.

The presence of a separate "sniper button" on the mouse.

This feature is found mainly in game models (see "By Direction"). When you press the sniper button, the mouse sensitivity (DPI) is significantly reduced (usually by half) and, accordingly, the movement of the cursor / sight slows down; to restore the original settings, just release the button. One of the most popular uses for this feature is sniping in shooter games. This is due to the fact that when using an optical sight with magnification (especially high), the standard mouse sensitivity may be too high for comfortable aiming, and it will be more convenient to reduce it.

Most often , the sniper button in the mouse is located on the side, under the thumb.

The brand of switches (switches) installed in the mouse. Also, these parts are often called "mikriki" — from the term "microswitches". Usually, the characteristics indicate the brand of switches used in the main buttons (left and right); additional buttons, usually, are equipped with other switches, often simpler and cheaper.

The mics are directly responsible for the operation of the keys when pressed. Accordingly, the quality of the mouse, as well as the feel and comfort of the user, depend on the quality of these parts: different switches can vary in stiffness, ease of operation and the sound of pressing. And the brand of switches is not specified for all mice, but only for models equipped with advanced elements. In other words, this parameter is indicated in cases where the brand of the microswitch is a sign of the high quality of the "rodent". Typical examples include mics under the brands Omron(considered premium) and Huano(Chinese counterparts of quite comparable quality). Light Strike and Razer switches are also pulled up to them.

We emphasize that in this case, not a specific model is indicated, but a general brand under which mikriks are released (sometimes also their type, opto-mechanical or mechanical). At the same time, the same brand may include different models of switche...s that differ in features: some are “quiet”, others with a normal sound, some with increased accuracy, others with an extended service life, etc. So the features of these parts should be clarified separately. However, the detailed characteristics of mikriks are important mainly for demanding users, in particular professional cybersportsmen.

An indicator showing the current resolution of the mouse sensor.

The DPI value indicator is found only in models that allow you to switch the sensor resolution and are equipped with the appropriate buttons (see above). The indicator allows you to easily monitor the set DPI settings. Note that it does not necessarily show specific numbers — conventions can be used, for example, different backlight colours.

The presence of illumination in the design of the mouse.

This illumination can be provided by the same LED that illuminates the surface below the sensor, or by separate light sources. It can have a different colour, and the most advanced systems — RGB backlighting — allow you to adjust the shade to your liking. Anyway, the backlight gives the mouse an unusual and stylish appearance, besides, it can also have special effects (see below). However, this function has not only an aesthetic, but also quite a practical meaning: for example, a colour change can be used as a DPI level indicator (see above) or as a low battery signal. On the other hand, the backlight affects the cost of the device, and the real need for it is not so often — moreover, in many cases (for example, in the office) an extra “illumination” is completely useless. Therefore, most modern mice still do not have a backlight.