Performance:

By now, Logitech has pretty much proven that they can maintain a very high standard when it comes to the basic functions of computer peripherals. The G9 is no exception. As usual, the unit is outstanding when it comes to responsiveness, accuracy, and quality of construction. I had zero complaints about the basic functionality of the mouse. The decision to reintroduce dual thumb buttons (which were absent on the G7 mouse) was a good choice on Logitech's part.

The new version of the Logitech setpoint software is likewise of the same quality as its previous iterations, with an easy to use, well organized interface that allows for massive customization of buttons, macros, resolutions, LED color and every other function you could possibly desire. You can program up to 5 different profiles (including keyboard macros) and store them on the mouse’s onboard memory. This allows you to connect your G9 to different computers and still maintain the same custom settings. Very cool.

But enough about the basic functions; what really differentiates the G9 from the rest of the gaming peripheral market are the remarkable number of ways you can customize the mouse to meet your performance needs.

The most remarkable feature on the G9 is the interchangeable outside shell. By pressing a button on the back of the unit, the entire outer casing can be removed and replaced with an alternate shape. The two included shells are the "Wide Load" (for the standard-grip gamer) and the "Precision" (for the claw-grip gamer). I found the Wide Load grip the more comfortable of the two, although it was a bit on the short side for my abnormally large hands (ladies...big hands...wink, wink). Also the "satin texture" on this grip was a tiny bit slippery when my hand got sweaty. Still, these are minor gripes and really shouldn't deter you from considering the G9.

While the concept of interchangeable grips is undeniably cool, what I think makes the idea even sweeter is the potential for the future. The ability to create a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and materials for the unit means that Logitech can potentially provide an unprecedented level of usability for the mouse in the years to come. To what level they plan on supporting this feature is unknown, but the possibility is there, and that alone is exciting.

The unique shape-shifting ability of the G9 is not the only way that the gamer can customize this little beauty. Underneath the outside shell is a "drawer” that allows provided weights to be inserted or removed. In this way the user can, in increments of 7 or 4 grams, adjust the total weight of the mouse to fit their exact preference. Personally, I can't really tell the difference between a 21 gram mouse and a 25 gram mouse, but when the weights differed by a larger margin, the change was definitely noticeable.

Another cool feature on Logitech's new flagship mouse is the implementation of the MicroGear™ precision scroll wheel from the Revolution™ series of mice. This allows you to switch between a ratcheting style wheel and a free-spinning style wheel with a press of a button located on the bottom of the mouse. To say this is an "on-the-fly" adjustment is a bit of an exaggeration, since you have to lift the unit off of the mouse pad to do it, but it is still a very quick and easy process.

The on-the-fly resolution adjustment buttons that were present on the G7 mouse have been changed to a horizontal rocker arm that sits directly below the left mouse button. I found that this positioning was a bit awkward to get to. This is both a blessing and a curse. Because of the odd placement, I found that I had to do a small level of finger acrobatics to hit the rocker, but at the same time the fact that the switch was a bit difficult to get to prevented me from mistakenly activating it in my spastic gaming movements.

In the interest of smooth desktop slide-ability (I like to invent words) Logitech has opted for a braided cloth chord, rather than rubber or plastic. This provides friction-free movement as you maneuver the mouse. I found that the chord was a bit stiff, and would cause the mouse to reposition if I took my hand off of it. For gaming, this is almost a non-issue, since there is really no time when a player releases the mouse, but for non-gaming applications it can be a minor annoyance.