EggXpert

I am looking to buy a good gaming mouse, but I don't want to spend a lot of money. I have narrowed my choices down to the Logitech G5 and the Logitech MX518. I personally like the G5 better, but the MX518 has better reviews. There are advantages to the G5 which I like, such as the weight-changing ability and the higher DPI. Another difference is that the G5 is laser and the MX518 is optical, and I don't know any advantages to either one, so if anyone could help me, please do so.

   I've never used the MX518 but I have, and still do, use the G5.  Sometimes the reviews can be a little biased or skewed so I only look for the technical issues and less of the personal preferences.  I Don't know the big difference between Laser and Optical though, sorry. 

The MX518 has better grip. I'm thinking the G5 is more smooth. Whichever you prefer. Grip/Tight, or loose (but not too much) and smooth?

I have the G5 and I like it.  I only wish it had more buttons (I think you get 1 extra thumb button with the other one).  I've tried both and personally while the MX has a better "grip" so to speak, I the G5 feels a little smoother.  It also seems to have better response to sensitivity adjustments.  As for the comparison of Optical v. laser, I refer you to this:

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10166_7-6419059-1.html

I love my G5. I hardly ever use teh 2000dpi setting, but the 400 is great for intricate stuff in Photoshop, etc, as well as sniping people in games. I agree with Alfador; when I first got it, I was disappointed it only had one thumb button (my previous mice had two side buttons on either side of the mouse), but I got used to it. I didn't use the "forward" button much except in games

Capt. Insane:

I agree with Alfador; when I first got it, I was disappointed it only had one thumb button (my previous mice had two side buttons on either side of the mouse), but I got used to it. I didn't use the "forward" button much except in games

The new G5's now have two thumb buttons, so that is no longer an issue between the two.  I got my G5 last month and have been very pleased with it.

To the OP, I would suggest going to a local Best Buy or the like just to feel how the two mice are.  I did that before ordering and it is what made me choose the G5 over the MX because I preferred the textured skin on the G5.  I can see how other people might prefer the feel of the MX.

the new G5 looks butt ugly though

I prefered the brushed metal look on the first gen

Joe88:

the new G5 looks butt ugly though

I prefered the brushed metal look on the first gen

Yeah, I don't like that scaly look it's got. Though, orange on my G5 (original) isn't the best, either. But I'll throw Logitech a lot of slack: they did produce over a billion mice, after all