First Look: Logitech G303 Daedalus Apex Performance Edition

[[Coi] Mr.CLuBBeR]

Same compact G302 chassis, but with new and improved sensor

Logitech recently came by the Lab to show off its new premium gaming mouse, the G303 Daedalus Apex. If you’re thinking it looks just like the G302 Daedalus Prime, that’s because it uses the same lightweight and portable body, which weighs 87 grams and measures 11.5x6.5x3.7 cm. Logitech says this is the enthusiast version of the G302, thus the “Performance Edition” moniker.
The main feature that allowed the G302 to stand out was that it was originally designed as a MOBA mouse and had a new metal spring tensioning system. This system is guaranteed for at least 20 million clicks, which Logitech says is equivalent to a pro gamer practicing 10 hours a day, every day, for two years. More importantly, however, the spring mechanic eliminates air travel time between the two buttons and activating commands. This ensures a speedy, consistent clicking experience. The G303 maintains that system along with the G302’s five DPI settings, but the Apex also has a few new tricks up its sleeve.

The Apex features 16.8 million colors.

The biggest addition to this Daedalus is the PMW3366 sensor, which Logitech uses in the bigger G502. While it isn’t as fast as its G402 sensor, which uses an optical/gyroscope hybrid solution, which allows it to travel up to 12.5 meters a second, Logitech considers the PMW3366 to be its most accurate sensor. Logitech says this makes it about 2-3 pixels more accurate than the G302, and while the company admits that this isn’t a monumental improvement, says that it should amount to a slightly more responsive and accurate feel for the end user. Logitech also asserts that the sensor mitigates unwanted mouse acceleration and adds zero smoothing. The Apex offers a DPI range between 200-1200. In addition, the sensor is much faster than the G302 before it, going from a cap of 120 inches per second to 300 inches per second. Logitech says this is fast enough for any real-world use and it’s able to achieve this speed via the sensor’s clock tuning ability which also helps prevent degradation of speed over time. This essentially extends the life of the mouse. To top it off, the sensor also features sensor surface tuning, which tunes the mouse’s parameters to match your desk surface for a consistent scrolling experience. All of this on top of a 32-bit ARM processor.
Beyond the sensor improvements, Logitech is also jumping on the RGB train (RGB… it’s so hot right now). Some of you have clamored for more color options out of Logitech rather than the company’s default blue hue, and your voices were heard loud and clear. The G302 will feature 16.8 million colors (you can count them all to be sure) and you’ll be able to adjust the brightness or even have the LEDs pulsate, or you could just turn off the fancy lights if they don’t tickle your fancy. Wireless mouse fans may be disappointed to hear that it uses a cable, and a braided one at that, but Logitech says it went out of its way to make the cable more flexible than the average braided solution, so that that you get the freedom of a plastic wire with the durability of a braided solution.
You’ll be able to get your hands on the G302 today for $70. Expect a full review of it sometime in the near future.


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