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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Le Québécois - Friday, March 6, 2015 - link
I hope I'm not insulting anyone by saying this but to me, mice with no thumb buttons are as outdated in design as were the "single button" Mac mouse of 25 years ago or more recently, mice with no scroll wheel. Sure, you can use them but "life" is so much easier with "modern" mice.The G100S might have a great sensor but the design keeps it from being no more useful than a mouse I'd buy for 5$ in a bargain bin...
althaz - Friday, March 6, 2015 - link
There's nothing I want less on a mouse than side buttons. They are completely useless and just restrict how you can hold the mouse. On larger mice they are fine - they don't get in the way, so why not have them? On smaller mice, if you use a claw grip, they are just about the worst thing a mouse can have.My perfect mouse: button or switch out of the way somewhere for switching the DPI, left and right-click buttons that can be clicked reasonably far back on the mouse, a scroll-wheel with stops that feels nice and a great sensor. The buttons on the G100S feel as cheap as the mouse is, but to me the sensor makes up for it. Other than some refinement in the shape and those buttons, there's not much I'd change when designing a mouse.
Also, how can you have an ambi-dextrous mouse with side buttons? They are guaranteed to be in the way almost no matter what you do.
Le Québécois - Friday, March 6, 2015 - link
I'm going to assume you never used a good ambidextrous mouse with side buttons then. I use the "claw grip" and I never had any problems with accidently pressing one of the side buttons with any of the mice I used; Logitech MX310, Razer Lachesis, Mionix Avior 7000. On the Mionix I currently use, the thumb rest/grip just below the buttons for an easy access yet never pressed by accident. My little finger just hold the mouse on the other side, never touching the buttons.To answer your question more directly, manufacturers wouldn't make high end ambidextrous mice with side buttons if no one was buying/using them.
One of the best known and recognized gaming mouse on the market(for everyone, not just ambidextrous users) is the Steelseries Sensei, an ambidextrous mouse.
bludragoon - Friday, March 6, 2015 - link
i have a razor orbweaver stealth 2015 and a logitech proteus core g502. among many other mice /input devices.the razor experience is poor in every way. they have a software that seems to be spyware just that wants to always be connected to internet, just to remap a key. a lot of people had to uproar about it to even get it to maybe run without internet and they certainly don't document where to shut it off . you have to research it on your own. you ask them why they charge tax and for who razor doesn't answer. i ordered direct a very expensive item and they dont even put the promo stuff they advertised. for a 160 bucks no onboard memory and a big dowload with datamine software. and all reports poor customer servive and never on sale.
logitech runs with or without a quick download, it just works. the mice are beautiful and well designed have onboard memory adjustable and customizable weights even extra pads included. and considered the best sensor out there with low overhead and also can be had on sale cheap. got mine for 59 bucks in store. the g303 looks to be a similar but less extras but more cute lights on the side (if thats your thing)than the core probably will be on sale somewhere for 49 bucks.
razor has one thing going for it it has cool gamer name and logo and is green i guess .
owan - Friday, March 6, 2015 - link
I hate that Logitech feels the need to justify high prices on their 'enthusias' mice by slapping on progressively more useless features. The G303 looks like it has a lot of nice features and none of the "fat" from the higher end G502. I just wish I could get this sensor in a spiritual successor to the MX510/518/G400 shape rather than the crappy one in the G402. G502 has a whole bunch of stupid garbage that just distracts from a good mouseClockHound - Friday, March 6, 2015 - link
Wait! This was meant as some sort of review? Big front page image, but I'm confused...seems like a two page product sheet re-statement with a few personal caveats to give the vague appearance of objectivity...Article quota time with the new owners?Oh..I get it, Mouse Capsule review = Clickbait. Understand.
Maybe for future mouse 'reviews' consider just filing it under 'user opinion' - not that the internet is short on those.
Dark_Archonis - Sunday, March 8, 2015 - link
Indeed. AT has slowly but surely been declining in article quality over the years. How I miss the super-detailed articles of old from Anand.This is laughable as a "review". This doesn't hold a candle to proper mouse reviews and comparisons like the old esreality ones.
Martin84a - Saturday, March 7, 2015 - link
This....this was the review? Why not look at what other sites do, and click registration delayhttp://utmalesoldiers.blogspot.jp/2013/02/114.html
Or find our how much negative, positive acceleration there is, in style of the old Esreality mouse score test.
http://www.esreality.com/?a=longpost&id=126567...
Coup27 - Saturday, March 7, 2015 - link
I've been a sole user of Logitech mice for longer than I can remember and I'm very surprised to hear all the comments about poor quality and bad support as I thought Logitech were well respected as a company. Personally, I've never had an issue with their product quality or their support when I've needed it.One of the reasons I stick with Logitech is from what I can see they are the only company who still offer mice with a left and right button built into the scroll wheel. I would be absolutely lost without these buttons.
I don't actually game and I haven't gamed for years yet I always buy gaming mice because of their quality, functionality and flexibility. I've recently upgraded from a pair of G9X's (home and work) to a pair of G502's and after a longer than expected adjustment period I love the G502. I am a CAD designer and I have profiles on my mice for Windows, Chrome and AutoCAD. I have every button on the mouse doing something and I am so much more productive in AutoCAD with all these buttons than with just a basic mouse so I disagree massively that side buttons as some people have suggested above.
Coup27 - Saturday, March 7, 2015 - link
*that side buttons are useless as some people have suggested above.AT - When will you enable editing of posts? It's a joke made even worse as the box to write your post is only 4 rows wide.