Performance:

Having a unique and fancy looking mouse is great, but it doesn't mean much if it doesn't perform up to expectations. The GM3200 is no exception to this rule, and although it does meet all of the requirements of a gaming mouse, it does fall short in a couple of areas.

The most noticeable feature on the GM3200 is the decidedly unusual form factor. Rather than sticking with a tried and true low profile, Saitek has opted to go for a much more bulbous, high profile shape. By doing so, the mouse forces the user to operate with a "claw" style of grip, where the finger tips are used to move the mouse, rather than the palm, much like the Creative Fatal1ty 1010. You will either like or dislike the shape depending on the style of operation that you prefer.

Also, like the Creative Fatal1ty 1010, the GM3200 has an adjustable weight system. Saitek has allowed for an unprecedented level of weight customization with 7 disks that fit into a foam housing inside the mouse. With this system, the mouse can go from very light to pretty damned heavy with relative ease. These foam receptacles can be found under removable plates on the bottom of the mouse, that also serve as adjustable foot configurations. On one side of the plates is a five (smaller) foot configuration. On the other is a two large foot configuration. The overall customization options are one of the really positive features of this mouse.

Further adding to the customizability of the GM3200 is the very feature the mouse is named after. With the flip of a lever the user can switch between four different resolutions, ranging from 800 dpi to an astounding 3200 dpi. 3200 is a very sensitive setting, and when the mouse is operating at this resolution, it is incredibly hard to control accurately. In fact, I couldn't really find a use for this resolution in any games.  At the lower resolutions, the GM3200 performed quite well with accurate response and zero lag.

Saitek has provided software with what has become the standard suite of features: button programmability, sensitivity adjustment along the x and y axis, macro programming, and two "modes" with an on the fly switch so the user can access two full sets of macros and sensitivity settings in-game. The software is easy to use, with a user-friendly GUI, and I ran into no issues using it.

The major complaints I had with the GM3200 were all with the quality of construction and form factor. The most noticeable issue is with the shape of the mouse itself. I am not a big fan of the claw grip style of operation. Therefore, I found the overly bulbous design of the unit uncomfortable. The thumb rocker is very cheaply made, and is in an awkward position in relation to where the user's thumb rests. However it did perform the appropriate operations when I activated it. Also, the two main right and left buttons are fairly narrow, further forcing the user to adhere to the manufacturer's intended hand position. While other reviews have complained about the wheel being a little too loose, I actually liked the low level of resistance that it provided.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, whether or not you will enjoy the Saitek GM3200 will depend on what form factor you look for in a mouse, and whether you are willing to overlook some of the lower quality parts. While it is a very dynamic design in terms of appearance and shape, that does not necessarily mean that it's a good kind of dynamic. Personally, I found that the mouse was a little too colorful, and the shape a little too extreme for my taste. Still, all of the functions performed as expected, and if you require (for some reason) extremely high sensitivity, it doesn't get much more sensitive than 3200 dpi.