Logitech G502 X Plus Review: Probably the best gaming mouse now

I gave the Logitech G502 Lightspeed “Editor’s Choice” back in 2019 when I was in The Straits Times. At that time, I was really impressed by both its ergonomic design and speedy performance. From then till now, Logitech has released several superb gaming mice, including the G Pro X Superlight. As such, I thought the G502 series would be forgotten.

The new Logitech G502 X Plus. (Photo: Logitech)

So, imagine my glee when Logitech announced its successors with not one, but three G502 X models! They are the wired G502 X, the wireless G502 X Lightspeed and the G502 X Plus with RGB lighting and wireless Lightspeed, which I am reviewing here.

  • Price: S$249, get it at Shopee
  • Sensor: HERO 25K
  • Resolution: 100 to 25,600 dpi
  • Maximum speed: More than 400 ips
  • Connectivity: USB-C (Wired), Lightspeed (Wireless via USB-A receiver)
  • Weight: 106g

The G502X Plus gains a new HERO 25K optical sensor that is capable of sensitivity of up to 25,000 dots per inch (dpi) and a maximum speed of more than 400 inches per second (ips). By comparison, the G502 Lightspeed has a sensitivity of 16,000 dpi and 400 ips.

In addition, the G502 X Plus now features Logitech’s Lightforce hybrid optical mechanical switches with higher levels of speed and reliability while maintaining the tactile feedback of mechanical actuation.

The Logitech G502 X Plus comes in white and black. (Photo: Logitech)
PROSCONS
New HERO 25K sensorExpensive
Superb performanceBuilt for right-handers
Comfortable and ergonomic design
RGB lighting
13 programmable buttons
Supports both Windows and macOS
Can be used wired or wirelessly

In terms of design, the G502X Plus only underwent minor changes. If you put the G502 Lightspeed side by side with the G502X, you can hardly see the difference. The sleek asymmetrical and angular design is still pervasive, but it now hosts an array of eight RGB lighting zones on a strip running from the thumb rest to the end of the mouse.

Same same but different: G502 Lightspeed (left) vs G502 X Plus. (Photo: Trevor Tan)

It now has 13 programmable buttons, up from 11 previously. They include a clickable scroll wheel, a dpi-up button and a dpi-down button beside the left click button, and the dpi-shift switch, forward and back buttons at the thumb rest area.

The dpi-shift switch allows you to quickly reduce the dpi for slower movement to snipe your virtual foes. In the G502 X Plus, it has been re-designed to let you choose the right configuration according to your grip and style. You can remove and reverse to bring it closer to your thumb, or replace it with the included extra button cover.

The dpi-shift switch can be easily removed and reversed to your liking. (Photo: Trevor Tan)

Not to mention, the scroll wheel lets you easily switch between the free-wheelling hyperfast mode and ratcheted mode for precise scrolling.

You can customise the mouse’s scroll wheel tilting movements and the other buttons with commands, macros or actions you prefer via the Logitech G Hub software, which is now also available on macOS in addition to Windows. This software also allows you to adjust the RGB lighting.

The G Hub software is now available in both Windows and macOS. (Photo: Trevor Tan)

The biggest plus (pun intended) of the G502 X Plus’ new design is the front USB port, unlike its predecessor’s microUSB port and mouth in which you need a specific microUSB cable to connect.

No such worries with G502 X Plus. I tried various USB-C cables and I can connect to the new gaming mouse with no issues. I also like that the G502 X Plus can be connected wired via the USB-C port or wirelessly via the Lightspeed USB

The G502 X Plus finally gets a USB-C port, unlike the microUSB port of its predecessors. (Photo: Logitech)

One downer though, is its asymmetrical design caters only to right-handers, with the thumb rest on its left. But it is very ergonomic with its top bulge providing good support for your palm. Rest your hand on the mouse and it will glide around smoothly and effortlessly. I was able to play a variety of games, from Cyberpunk 2077 to Diablo III, for hours without my hand aching. During use, the mouse’s buttons are all within easy reach of my thumb and index and middle fingers.

I could move and glide the mouse to whichever point on the screen almost instantly. Seriously, I have not had such fun with a gaming mouse for a long time since the G502 Lightspeed. There was no hint of lag, even when I was using the wireless connection.

It is really comfortable to game using the G502 X Plus. (Photo: Trevor Tan)

In terms of battery life, the G502 X Plus is rated at 37 hours when used wirelessly with RGB lighting turned on. I found this rating to be pretty accurate. If you turn off the RGB lighting, it is said to last up to 130 hours. Given that you probably would not be able to see the lighting when grasping the mouse, I highly recommend you do so during gaming.

Or if you already have the Logitech PowerPlay mousepad, you can just replace the circular plastic disc placeholder at the bottom of the mouse with the PowerPlay’s magnetic disc. This way, you never have to worry about the mouse running out of juice.

Its biggest downer though is its price tag of S$249. While I think it is well worth the money in terms of bang for its buck, it is still a hefty sum to pay.

The only real downer of this mouse is its price. (Photo: Logitech)

VERDICT: With its sleek looks and superb performance, the Logitech G502X Plus Lightspeed is probably the best gaming mouse in the market right now. Especially so, if you are a right-hander and have the moolah. If budget is a concern, you can always check out the wired G502X (S$119, get it at Shopee and Lazada) that features the same design but with a cord.