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For those more partial to pads, be warned: like an apparition, the Lachesis will seem to move without consent, guided by a mysterious force which turns out to be none other than the physical touch along the table. Simply touching the pad, even with sensitivity lowered to astonishing rates still had the mouse jog along the screen ever so slightly.
This can all be amended quite simply, thanks to the latest firmware update and an additional accuracy tool. The firmware update helps prevent "ghosting", where the mouse seems to move from it's own volition. It also makes it functional on most mousepads, though we still were unable to use it on the studded SteelSeries SP.
The accuracy tool is made to change the precision in how much the mouse moves while clicking any button. Before having the tool, it was difficult to double click on anything, but after the quick setup, we were on our way. Having so much extra software isn't something we're happy to see, but the accuracy tool need only be set once.
Our testing of the Lachesis proved quite successful, once the proper parameters were set. Applications were easy to manage, games played well though we were not as immersed as we had hoped. The design is atypical, notably due to the decision for it to be ambidextrous, but several key choices we found not to our liking.
The side buttons, identical on both sides, were extremely difficult to push, much more than necessary. Considering there is no extra support levied on the right of the mouse, there is little anchorage to properly press those buttons, requiring a less than suitable grasp on the mouse. We also found it very difficult to use the opposing sides buttons except unintentionally when trying to hold the Lachesis in place. It is also quite large, as a whole, which may not be comfortable to those used to smaller mice or with smaller hands.
These minor flaws did not interfere with its performance, for the most part. Having tested it playing Team Fortress 2 and Crysis on multiple settings, it functioned perfectly, with no errors, driver issues or any problems whatsoever. When tested against the Logitech G9, we found that the Lachesis did outperform the G9, but that was only by a slight margin. The G9 still felt more comfortable and it's interchangeable grips and weights helped tremendously.
A snake indeed, the Lachesis with the proper software in place to keep it tame is an amazing piece of machinery. Aside from the hardware issues dealt with in additional software and firmware updates, there is no mouse on the market as accurate or as fast as this one at present.
Highs
Fastest and most accurate mouse we've ever seen; ambidextrous; excellent drivers.
Lows
Design is a bit large; side buttons require too much pressure to push; requires additional software and firmware downloads to function at it's best.
Final verdict
An excellent mouse that leaves little to be desired.
95%
Apr 14, 2008
Review by James Pikover.
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