Logitech M510 – Solid for Any Task
When my Logitech LX7 started to wear out, I knew it was time to find a replacement. When I bought the LX7, it was advertised as a high-end mouse for gaming and other tasks that required precision, and it used a high-definition optical receiver.
While searching for a suitable replacement, I was disappointed that many of the mice marketed as “gaming mice” were huge or oddly shaped. I came across the M510, which looks a lot like the LX7, and was hoping it would be its successor.
The look and feel
The ergonomic rubber grip on both sides of the mouse is very comfortable, as is the overall shape of the mouse. From a comparative point of view, the M510 is slightly wider and shorter than the LX7. In the hand, however, they both feel quite similar. The M510 strikes a good balance between the weight of a full-size mouse and the maneuverability of a laptop mouse.
Its glossy top surface is similar to that of the LX7 and some of Logitech’s other mid-range and high-end mice. At a glance, it would seem to attract fingerprints, but surprisingly it’s not something I noticed even with regular use. The back and forward buttons on the side are easy to press with my thumb, and despite my initial fear, they don’t get in the way and accidentally get pressed during use.
build quality
This was a big one for me. An important component of buying the LX7 was its outstanding design and responsive buttons. I was immediately pleased when I started using the M510 to see similar care put into the button layout; every click was clean and very responsive. The scroll wheel is smooth and responsive as well.
The mouse feels very solid.
Characteristic
The M510 uses a laser for precise tracking. While I was never dissatisfied with the high definition optics used by the LX7, I find the M510 a bit more fluid in fast movements.
The M510 also boasts refinements in wireless technology and electronics in recent years, with a maximum battery life of 2 years. The box is enough to point out that actual longevity varies with use, but in my book, if it lasted even half as long, it would be a very cheap mouse to use.
As with several of Logitech’s new mice, the “nano receiver” is very small and unobtrusive, which is great for laptops as it can stay plugged in without snagging or breaking. The receiver can also sync up to 3 other Logitech devices if you’re interested in using a wireless keyboard with the same receiver. This can eliminate a lot of clutter in the back of your desktop PC or free up some of the USB slots on your laptop.
In addition to the obvious standard two-click buttons, this mouse has a scroll wheel that can also be clicked left or right to zoom or scroll the page. The left side of the mouse offers a forward and back button located nicely at the top of the grip. These are useful for browsing web pages or photo galleries and you don’t have to continually reach for the keyboard. The application of these additional buttons in games also has potential, as either button can be easily thumb-pressed and mapped to whatever command a player wants in-game.
general
Overall this is a good mouse. If you’re coming from the LX6/LX7/LX8 series like me, this should be a solid replacement. It doesn’t have as many buttons or settings as some of the higher-end mice designated “gaming mice,” but it shines as a mid-range mouse. If you’re simply looking for a comfortable, well-made mouse without the frills and half a dozen buttons of more expensive models, you should definitely check this out. Whether it’s gaming, graphics design, or everyday office and web work, the Logitech M510 is a great desktop companion.