Laser Mouse Comparison: Microsoft X3 Vs Logitech M500

To me, computer peripherals are more than just tools to make my PC usage easier. Due to the heavy workload that I put my system under, I need my peripherals to be comfortable, usable and most importantly great quality.

So, a few weeks back when my Microsoft X3 Sidewinder mouse up and died, I was forced into an emergency situation; find a replacement late on a sunday afternoon. Unfortunately, for all my efforts I was not able to track down any stores open at the time who sold or stocked the X3 so had to find an alternative. After prodding and poking numerous different products I finally came up with what i considered at the time a "passable alternative that will do"; The Logitech M500 corded laser mouse.

The M500 is, like the X3, an low to mid range laser mouse and is often referred to as a competitor of the X3.

Features

While the X3 has a 2000dpi laser with switchable dpi buttons on top, the M500 is just a 1000dpi. Don't be swayed though, as the vast majority of users of the X3 keep the mouse on the default dpi setting, which is 1000dpi. The X3 has buttons on both sides, which I always found annoying, while the M500 has 2 buttons on the left side, which are defaulted to back and forward buttons, incredibly handy while surfing the web.

The biggest difference in features between the 2 is the middle scroll button. The M500's scroller is actually 3 buttons and 2 different types of scrollers. Push it to the left or right and you can have it do what you program it to. Click the button and you have hyper-scrolling and can scroll a long page in seconds with a single spin. The X3's dpi switcher vs the M500's hyper-scroller. It really is a matter of personal preference.

Comfort

I really loved the feel of the X3, and when i got the ergonomically designed m500 I found it very difficult to get used to. Saying that though, now that I have used it regularly for a few weeks I can't imaging going back to a regular style mouse again. The curved thumb section makes the M500 far easier to control and puts a lot less strain on your wrist due to your hand being far more comfortable while resting on the body of the mouse. To me, the M500 is by far the more comfortable.

Ride and Usability

Features are nothing if the mouse doesn't give a smooth ride and is easy to use, right? As these are both laser mice, the quality of the precision is fairly even between the 2. The M500 does sit better in the hand which can give a more comfortable ride, although as with most computer mice, this is really more a personal preference than sure thing. I have used both on a smooth desk as well as mouse pads and also on jeans while on the laptop and have never found a fault with either of them.

So.. which is best?

Don't ask me that, please i beg of you! Seriously, if you wanted a good quality laser mouse for a good price I think you could buy either of these and feel like you got a good product. The X3 is traditionally more of a gaming mouse and the dpi switcher will be a huge benefit to you if you do play games and require faster (or slower) scrolling. That aside, for general use I think the M500 has the slight edge purely from a comfort and usability point of view.

What are your thoughts? Feel free to leave comments below.