Logitech's latest gaming mouse is a pure, focusedeffort intended to provide the best performance per buck. It eschews extras such as weight systems or adjustable bodywork and focuses entirely on a top-spec tracking system and good ergonomics, and that's precisely what makes it so good.
Its flagship feature is what Logitech calls its Fusion Engine, which combines an accelerometer and gyroscope with a conventional laser sensor to help improve tracking accuracy when the mouse is moving at speed. This enables Logitech to claim a tracing speed of over 500 in/sec. compared to around 100-150 in/sec for just the sensor alone. The Fusion Engine also necessitates the mouse's other headline feature, the 32-bit ARM processor. This CPU is used to do all the necessary number crunching before sending the results to yourcomputer.
This tech sounds great but, rather ironically, Logitech's own software shows up how it might be overkill. The software includes a tool that can be used to show the tracking speed of your mouse, and it reported that we struggled to reach 120in/sec with our hand movements, let alone 500in/sec.
Nevertheless, the mouse's tracking is indeed flawless. Never once did it ever feel like it missed a beat when performing its duties. Most modem laser mice have very good tracking anyway, but the G402 has a strong claim for being the best.
Ergonomics is the other area where the G402 really shines. Comfort is clearly subjective and, as the mouse isn't ambidextrous, it only applies to right-handed users too, but quite simply, we've never used a mouse that has a better shape or button positioning.
The long, gently curved top surface lends itself to a more restfulpalm-grip than a claw-grip, while the heavily scalloped and rubber-coated sides provide excellent purchase for accurate finger-gripping. Whether you're casually browsing your Windows desktop or furiously swiping and lifting while playing an FPS, the G402 feels effortless to use and we never once accidently hit a button. The only issue we can foresee is that some users may find its shape a little narrow if they prefer a palm-grip.
The placing and quality of the buttons is also excellent. All eight are programmable, but by default, DPI switching is achieved via the two buttons to the left of the left-click button, the Back and Forward buttons are positionedjust above where your thumb sits and there's also a sniping buttonjust forward of the thumb. The latteris a little awkward to reach without shifting your grip but that’s also true for almost any othermouse with a sniper button.
The DPI switches in particular are a revelation, as they're conveniently placed, yet never qet in the way. They're much better here than the usual position behind the scroll wheel.
All told, then, the G402 is a tour de force in terms of basic mouse performance. However, we have a couple of little niggles. The first is the styling, which is of course subjective, but to us, its mix of glossy and matt plastics looks rather haphazard. Corsair, Mionix, Razer and SteelSeries all have mice that outclass the G402 in thisregard.
You also miss out on premium build materials, and the cable isn't braided either, although this isn't a problem in use. Plus, there’s the aforementioned lack of extras such as weights - for those extras you have to get the £69 C502.
Conclusion
Logitech has largely got the G402 spot on. Its performance is second to none and ergonomically, it's among the best gaming mice we've used. If pure performance is your concern, then it's a great buy for the money. The only letdown is the aesthetic design, which just falls short of the premium we expect, but G402is a reasonably priced, fantastic performer that feels just right in your hand. EDWARD CHESTER
VERDICT
Class-leading performance and ergonomics for a good price, although the over-the-top design won't be for everyone.