I've been using a Gigabyte GM-M6900 for a few months, but for the past weeks it's been disconnecting and connecting itself like crazy, resulting in awkward freezing during games and while working on the PC, so I think it's time for a change.

I am thinking about a R.A.T. or a Razer, but the latter seem exceptionally expensive (well, at least the Deathadder, Naga and Lachesis variations). People also believe Logitech mice are pretty good, but I've never had one before, so I don't know what to look for.

At this moment I am eyeing a R.A.T. 5, which looks interesting, so I am wondering if anyone here has any experience on the R.A.T. brand, and if I am forgetting a good gaming mice brand. I wouldn't like to give over £40 for a mouse at this point (the R.A.T. 5 costs £41.50, so it's kinda OK).

What are your criteria for a good gaming mouse?

Personally, I like to have lots of programmable buttons, and prefer my mice to be wireless. I'm currently using a Logitech MX 1100, and would buy a Logitech G700 if I'd buy a new one right now. The mice are solid, the SetPoint driver is crap though; thankfully there's a mod that gives it better functionality.

But depending on your personal preferences, my choices might be meaningless for you. ;)

In general, check the sites of Logitech, Razer, Steelseries, Gigabyte, and Roccat. I think Corsair also made a decent entry into the mouse market lately.

I'm a fan of the Razer Naga (mine's the Molten Edition). It's been rather loyal, a tad expensive but I enjoy it quite well. However, the one thing about Razer is that their products are quality and definitely worth at least some looking into. I was a bit iffy about the price but I'm glad I got it.

Well that's my 2 cents worth... :) HAHA What a coincidence; my back up (and subsequently previous mouse) is an MX1100. I looked into getting a second a while back but Staples told me they had discontinued them. >.> Great mouse but the only one that is big enough to bludgeon someone to death with LOL.

Criteria: I don't want a wireless mouse, I prefer a USB one. I'd like programmable buttons, but even though I downloaded the official drivers and the Gigabyte customization program, I didn't end up using it at all, as I was quite content with the default settings. Moreover, almost 95% of the last 6 months, I've been using it at the 800dpi setting, because it felt quite normal (playing and using my laptop on 1920x1080) and at higher dpi the main character in games like The Witcher or Mass Effect, or the crosshairs in FPS games would move around unbelievably fast.

Interesting. I always had this on my "considered" list (as I said, I like to have lots of buttons ;) ), but ultimately decided against it. The 12 side buttons didn't look like something I could reliably and quickly select and press with my thumb. How does this work for you in a heated battle situation? Would be especially interesting for me to hear your experience since you were coming the mouse that I'm currently using. :) Yeah, it's pretty big (and heavy if you use both batteries). But somehow, probably due to my type of grip, large size doesn't bother me. I had even cosnidered a SteelSeries Cataclysm(?), which is HUGE, but it doesn't come wireless.

I have the G500 and it is amazing, highly recommended especially if you have big hands. Not sure what the G400 differences are and can't load that page.

I'm considering the G500, it's £35.

The Logitech MX518 is a solid performer and can be had quite cheaply now as it is no longer in production (plenty still on sale though)

I like it personally. The side buttons take some getting used to, but in some cases it makes playing with all your attacks/skills for some games delegated to a single hand. This really frees up for say movement and other skills with some games. For example on SC2 I can switch between squads with 2 hands which makes it a bit faster reaction time for me. I won't lie it does take some getting used to but it isn't that bad, plus you can set up a variety of macros both programmed and your own creations; which is really nice. Also, the size reduction of the Razer was a bit tricky to get used to because I kept over compensating due to the MX1100 being much larger.

Yeah it is a solid mouse, I like mine still. However, due to limitations with current desk space a smaller mouse was a bit more beneficial to me. It is a great all around mouse and has a slew of useful buttons. I also pretty accurate with it's battery meter. Logitech is one of my favourite companies. I use a Logitech G15 keyboard; I considered the G18 but decided not because it was a fair chunk of money more just for 6 extra G keys and a colour LCD screen.

Actually it offers you a choice, you can use it in wired mode if you prefer to. :) At least that's what I'm reading, I don't have this mouse myself - personally I'm waiting for its (currently hypothetical) successor, which hopefully ditches the SetPoint driver. It _is_ pretty close to my personal ideal though. Although I don't know how long the plastic buttons will last ... LogiTech has a reputation for solid hardware, but the G700 buttons look and feel a bit less solid than those of its predecessors. I may be wrong though.

Anyway, the G700 is fairly expensive, so if the OP doesn't need the whole number of buttons, than the G500 or G300 is probably indeed the better choice for him. :) (I'm not sure if the G400, which has also been mentioned, has any advantages over those two).

The price is good. I checked amazon.de and it has the same price as the one you've found, about 43 euros. I paid 49 euros for it few months ago.

In Greece it still costs over 60 euros!

Yes, indeed.

G700 works with a USB cable connected, but it's for battery recharge. I think, but I'm to sure, it still transmits coordinates through the wireless.

All electronics in Greece cost about +30 or +40% than in the UK. Thieving pricks like Plaisio make things a lot worse.

Thanks for the info, I may be giving it another go next time I see it hooked up in a shop.

Though I tend to achieve "ease of use" by slightly different means than you, I'm using an (antiquated ;) ) Microsoft Strategic Commander. But going into detail about that one would probably be off-topic in this thread ... hmmm ... I might start a thread about controllers in general. ;)