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Never Buy Logitech Mice

2 points by thepolymath ↗ HN
I bought a Logitech M170 and found it impossible to use. It turns out the problem is that the sensor is on the side rather than the center where it should be.

Upon checking Logitech mice, I saw that all of their mice have their sensors on the side except a few like MX Master, M310, M525, M557, M100.

28 comments

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Tomte
You should start with a problem description.

I have never even thought about where the sensor might be located. Why would I care? What are the negative effects of an off-center sensor?

thepolymath
In an off-center mouse, the cursor will move not move the same distance in different directions for the same distance moved by the mouse.

Unless there is some special software/hardware to overcome this problem.

thepolymath
Will share a video comparing the mouse with the off-center sensor to a centered one.
Tomte
That's obviously wrong, the sensor moves exactly the same distance in all cases, as it does with a centered sensor.

Let it go.

thepolymath
I can draw a few diagrams to show the clockwise and anticlockwise tilt would give you different amounts of movement with the cursor.
neximo64
That doesn't seem like a good enough reason, the mice are great.
thepolymath
I agree that the mice are good. But you will have problems whenever you wanted to switch to a different model. Because the different models from logitech dont have the sensors at the same distance from the center.

You productivity will take a hit when you switch, on account of muscle memory.

zwirbl
This does not make sense. How would that affect ones productivity? I've used a ton of different mice over the years and the sensor position did not matter
thepolymath
When you switch to a different model, there would be learning curve because the change in distance from the center would change the movement of the cursor slightly.
neximo64
I still dont understand why this matters, the delta is the same when you move the mouse. So there is no way to tell the sensor is off axis other than turning your mouse upside down and looking at it.
samizdis
Have used Logitch mice, and still have one, with no problem. I don't understand how an off-centre sensor makes any difference. If someone could explain, I'd be interested - or perhaps the post was intended as humour.
thepolymath
When you use it for a long time, you can get used to the unusual movement of the cursor. But that does not mean that the movement is not problematic. It's like looking through a cracked screen. You dont notice the crack 24/7 but it definitely hinders your view.
Dahoon
I don't see the problem. I use a G9 Laser and it works just like any other mouse - side or centre sensor.
thepolymath
Imagine a car that did not turn the same amount of angle when you turned the steering wheel the same amount in both directions.

Now, you may get used to the difference after you have used it for a while, but that does not mean the problem is not there.

Will share a video comparing the mice and then you can also get a cheap centered-sensor mice to verify the difference.

sloaken
I love logitech products. Although I typically use trackballs. Wish they would make a trackball for left hand that used the thumb. They have a ball on top, not bad, but prefer thumb.
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thepolymath
I know the mice are good and durable. But the position of the sensor is not even fixed. No doubt, once you get used to the mouse you wont feel like there is a problem. But I think it is like looking through a cracked mobile phone screen; while you may not notice it interfering in your usage, it does interfere.
Tomte
That does not make sense.

Please explain how the position of the sensor could affect the mouse movement, unless you're tilting the mouse.

thepolymath
I agree that it would not make a difference if the mouse is only moved in straight lines and never tilted.

But when you use the mouse, there usually is some tilt. And because of it, the mouse does not give the same cursor movement in all directions.

Will make a video to show the difference clearly.

thepolymath
I've looked up some references to the problem I mentioned: 1. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pj84_N9dZVY 2. https://amp.reddit.com/r/MouseReview/comments/5ugb26/mice_wi... 3. https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=96589.0 4. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/916373-pc/70826953 5. https://hardforum.com/threads/sensor-off-center.1501967/ 6. https://ask.metafilter.com/88166/Why-are-mouse-sensors-in-th... 7. https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/433406-gaming-mouse-wit... 8. https://techreport.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=38424
thepolymath
Also note that high end mice almost never have their sensor on the side.
nickphx
Logitech Mx Master 3 has the sensor in the center.
simonblack
I don't know about you, but I move the mouse according to where the cursor is and needs to go, not the other way around.

I never need to think about where my hand is or how I should move my hand and mouse, I just move the screen cursor to where it needs to be.

FWIW, if I don't get a mouse with my new computer or I need a quick'n'dirty mouse from the local supermarket, I always buy a logitech one. And I admit that's just as irrational as worrying about the position of the sensor. (the position of the sensor is always a fixed distance and direction from the centre of the mouse, that's why it automatically corrects itself. - otherwise you would always have to drive your car from the centreline of your car instead of the driver's seat)