Logitech G303 Daedalus Apex Capsule Review
by Jarred Walton on March 5, 2015 4:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Mouse
- Peripherals
- Gaming
- Logitech
Logitech G303 Daedalus Apex Introduction
Logitech has been making mice for about as far back as most PC users can recall, enhancing and refining the input peripheral over the years. Their new G303 Daedalus Apex is an advanced lightweight gaming mouse that builds off the foundation of previous offerings, and it’s launching today.
Getting straight into the details, the core design is very similar to the existing G302 Daedalus Prime MOBA mouse, but with an upgraded sensor. The G303 uses the same optical sensor found in Logitech’s G502 Proteus Core, the PMW3366, which is regarded as one of the most advanced sensors around. With the G303, Logitech has elected to reveal some additional details about the sensor, which are included in the following table.
| Logitech G303 Daedalus Apex Technical Specifications | |
| PMW3366 Sensor | |
| Sensor Features | Exclusive Clock Tuning Technology Delta Zero Technology Zero Smoothing Zero Filtering No Pixel Rounding No Pixel Doubling Sensor Surface Tuning |
| Tracking | Resolution 200-12000 DPI Max Acceleration: >40G* Max Speed: >300 ips* * Tested on Logitech G240 Gaming Mouse Pad |
| Responsiveness | USB Data Format: 16 bits/axis USB Report Rate: 1000 Hz (1ms) Microprocessor: 32-bit ARM |
| Button Specifications | |
| Features | Mechanical Microswitches Metal Spring Left/Right Button Tensioning System On-the-Fly DPI Switching High-Speed Clicking |
| Durability | Left/Right: 20 Million Clicks |
| Programmability | 6 Programmable Buttons 3 Onboard Memory Profiles (Logitech Gaming Software required for some features) |
| Additional Features | |
| Glide | Dynamic Coefficient of Friction*: 0.11 µ(k) Static Coefficient of Friction*: 0.17 µ(s) 250 km of Movement * Tested on Wood-Veneer Desktop. |
| Physical Specifications | Weight: 133g (Mouse Plus Cable) Weight: 87g (Mouse Only) 115mm x 65mm x 37mm (LxWxH) Cord: 7 feet (2.1m) |
| Lighting | RGB Customizable Lighting |
| Price | MSRP: $69.99 |
We won’t cover all of the features, but the sensor is definitely one of the most advanced options around. This is currently Logitech’s best mouse sensor, and the Delta Zero along with Zero Filtering/Smoothing are features that gamers in particular can appreciate, as they ensure there’s no acceleration and no additional lag generated by smoothing input over multiple samples. (Note that it’s necessary to also disable the OS smoothing/filtering aspects to get the unadulterated experience.) The resolution range of 200-12000 DPI is quite large, and personal preference certainly plays a role in what DPI an individual user likes; the G303 allows switching between up to five settings on-the-fly via the Logitech Gaming Software.
Logitech has also refined the buttons with metal spring tensioning on the left and right buttons that’s designed to improve the responsiveness, feel, and durability of the buttons. Rated at 20 million clicks, that’s equivalent to someone clicking the buttons every second for twelve hours a day, seven days a week for a full year. Or for those who prefer not to suffer from RSI, you could use the mouse and click the buttons on average 10 times per minute for eight hours a day and you still wouldn’t hit 20 million clicks even after ten years – at which time you’d likely be using a newer mouse regardless.
Besides the sensor and button specifications, which are obviously important for the target market, Logitech also has customizable RGB lighting on the mouse and a high quality braided cable. The weight of the mouse is very light, and the body is relatively small compared to some gaming mice. The total of six buttons (left, right, two thumb buttons, the scroll wheel, and the button behind the scroll wheel that’s typically used for DPI switching) is a bit limited compared to other offerings, but the Logitech Gaming Software does offer a full range of customizations and macro features.
We could go on but the key takeaways are that Logitech has attempted to create the best possible sensor with an extremely precise tracking system and a high quality and comfortable chassis. This is definitely a niche product as many users are more than happy with less expensive mice, but for competitive gamers that live and die by their mousing skills, Logitech hopes to win them over with the G303.
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Icehawk - Sunday, March 8, 2015 - link
Thanks to this article I went and got a G502 today and love it. Hopefully it will be as durable as my other Logitech stuff some of which is 10 years old and working just fine.Dark_Archonis - Sunday, March 8, 2015 - link
I fully agree. I was using an MX518 for over 3 years now, and it was the best mouse I've ever used overall. In terms of productivity, browsing, office work, and gaming, I feel it is the most well-balanced mouse. However I knew they weren't made anymore, and it's literally impossible to find a new one anywhere. So I did some research, and found out the spiritual successor is the G400s. However it disappeared recently off my country's Logitech page, and a lot of stores in my city stopped carrying it. I'm very old school and generally don't much items online. So I decided before the G400s disappears, to get one. I found one of the few remaining stores in my area that carries it, and got one today. My MX518 is still going strong, but I stored away as a backup, and have switched to the G400s as my main mouse. It's virtually identical to the MX518 in feel, but has a few welcome enhancements. The scroll wheel is slightly stiffer which I like, the surface materials are a bit more grippy overall, and and the sensor feels more accurate and has higher sensitivity. On the highest sensitivity setting, I was able to further decrease the pointer speed versus my MX518 while maintaining similar acceleration and feel, but now with more accuracy. My MX was a tank, and still works perfectly, so hopefully this lasts for many years to come.I don't like the feel, or styling of most of the high end gimmicky gaming mice. I also don't feel justified paying such high prices. Most importantly, I find virtually all of the gimmicky gaming mice tend to have poor durability, software issues, and have at best, mediocre reliability. The MX518, as long as you take care with the cord, is legendary for its durability. Seeing as the G400s is based on the MX518, then I have high hopes it will earn a similar legendary reputation for durability.
Overall I agree with others that a lot of Logitech products have gone down in quality. However a few rare gems seemingly remain, like the G400s.
HollyDOL - Monday, March 9, 2015 - link
I have and use Microsoft Intellimouse Optical 1.1 bought... 15 years ago (ok now I feel old). Not only it survived my intensive gaming period (both Diablos included), university "education sessions" etc., but it still reliably works today. I would be willing to switch only if I found a mouse that fits my hand better or same as this old granny.Which imho should be condition nr.1 for everyone buying a mouse. First find those that are comfortable for your hand and then decide about tech params... since vast majority of today mice will be good enough to work reliably, but seeing and trying all the crazy shapes produced, only few are actually comfortable in hand (especially for longer time periods).
Dark_Archonis - Thursday, March 12, 2015 - link
The old family computer we had used an Intellimouse Optical for over 10 years. In fact I think my family may still be using the Intellimouse. Truly a very reliable mouse in terms of the outer shell, and hardware for the most part. The feel of the buttons though, and the optical accuracy left something to be desired. Over the years though the mouse developed more on-screen jitter as well as tracking/acceleration problems.I fully agree with you on feel and fit. FIt is the #1 priority or condition for myself when getting a mouse (as well as a keyboard). After that it is reliable, consistent performance.
I personally find my MX518, and the G400s I'm now using (both of which use identical mouse bodies) to have a fit that's as good as, if not better than the Intellimouse Optical 1.1.
Dorek - Tuesday, March 17, 2015 - link
I have an Intellimouse Optical that I used up until about seven months ago when the back button stopped being reliable and the left button started double-clicking on its own. I replaced it with a Steelseries Sensei (only decent mouse I could find with the same shape) as my work mouse, which I realize is a lot of money to spend on a work mouse. But in reality, I use it even more than my gaming mouse, since I'm at work all day. I wanted something good.I took the Intellimouse home and disassembled and cleaned it, works fine again. It's my backup mouse. (At home I have a RAT 7.)
Dorek - Tuesday, March 17, 2015 - link
Actually it was an "Intellimouse IntelliEye." The one with back and forward buttons on the left and right sides, not the one that only has 3 buttons. Anyway: great mouse. IMO the best mouse ever made.Dark_Archonis - Wednesday, March 18, 2015 - link
Just glanced at the Steelseries page. The main mouse buttons have a click durability rating of only half that of my Logitech G400s. It's a great shape to the mouse body, but not sure about long-term durability.