Logitech G700s Wireless Gaming Mouse Review

The terms wireless and gaming often don’t coincide that well with each other when describing a mouse, and the rare times that we do see it, we can’t help but be skeptical about it. That was exactly how I felt when I received a Logitech G700s as a gift last Christmas, so we were eager to know if the mouse will perform as advertised.

Logitech G700s Philippines

What’s in the box?

Logitech G700S Wireless Gaming Mouse
1x Sanyo Eneloop 1900mAh AA Battery
1000Hz 2.4Ghz Wireless Receiver
USB Receiver Extender
Full-size to MicroUSB Charging Cable
Manual

Design and Construction

The G700s is basically a revamped version of the G700 so we’re really not surprised to see Logitech keep the same form factor on their latest flagship gaming mouse.

What’s different though is the coating and different textures used on the G700s’ surface. But more than just an aesthetic facelift, these subtle changes are geared for a more comfortable use even for long periods of time.

Logitech G700s Top (Web)

The top of the mouse features a hydrophobic coating, complete with rad pinstripes similar to the ones found on the Logitech G500s, which prevents your sweaty palms from sticking to the mouse. From what we can tell, it does serve its purpose, but it does somewhat exude a cheap plastic-y feel for our taste.

Moving on to the parts of the G700s that would come in contact with your fingers, it has a textured rubberized finish which feels really good to the touch and doesn’t attract sweat or smudges over time.

Logitech G700s Right (web)

Moving further down, we find a glossy plastic strip that runs across the edges of the mouse’s bottom panel. Unlike the two aforementioned surfaces/coatings, the strip glossy plastic doesn’t really serve any purpose other than to break the dark grey paintjob of the G700s.

Flipping the G700s on its back reveals a total of four differently-sized polytetrafluoroethylene pads that are placed at the top, left, right and bottom portions of the mouse’s underbelly. The G700s laser sensor can be found at the upper half portion, while the battery compartment that houses a single AA battery sits at the bottom covered with a removable plastic door.

Logitech G700s Bottom (web)

In between these components lie a tiny power switch with a red and green marking to signify the state of the device. Finally we have a MicroUSB port tucked underneath the front portion of the G700s which is used for charging and for wired operation.

Button Placement and Ergonomics

We’re happy to report that users who will be upgrading from the Logitech G700 won’t have a hard time adjusting to the newer model since the button layout are virtually the same.

On the flip side though, the G700s inherited most, if not all of the quirks that its predecessor had. We’ll tackle these caveats as we go along with the button layout of the mouse.

G700s web

Between your usual left and right clicks is a scroll wheel which features left and right side clicks. Just below it is a click-y button which enables/disables the infinity scroll feature of the wheel.

While we don’t have any qualms with the placement and the overall responsiveness of the scroll wheel, we feel that the scroll steps, when the infinity scroll is disabled, are not as distinct compared to the other mouse that we’ve used. Another thing to note is that left side click of the scroll is not as good as the right side click.

Placed just below the scroll switch is the G11 key which, by default, is used to switch profiles on the fly, but can be assigned to different functions with the help of the Logitech Gaming Software. This button is slightly smaller and recessed compared to the towering scroll switch that creates a slight distinction between the two, allowing users to identify which buttons they’re pressing even without looking at it.

Logitech G700s Left (Web)

Flanked on the left side of the left click are three programmable keys labelled G10, G9 and G8. Much like the two aforementioned buttons, these keys are shaped differently (at least that was the case with G10 and G9 buttons) to create a distinction and minimize accidental presses.

Although that wasn’t the case with the G8 and G9 keys, the angle of the G700s’ body helped in identifying which button is which. We also like how the shape of both the G9 and G10 keys follows the natural contour of the index finger, albeit the latter seemed a little more difficult to press and doesn’t provide the same tactile feedback compared to the other two G keys.

G700s Macro Keys web

Rounding up the list of the G700s’ buttons are four G keys that are conveniently placed on the left portion of the mouse and are easily accessible using the right thumb. These keys are grouped in pairs with the upper keys (G7 and G6) slightly protruding than the ones (G5 and G4) below it.

The two buttons above also have a different shape compared to the two keys below. This subtle contrast in shape, plus the difference in protrusion, are meant to create a distinction between the different keys and are thoughtfully designed for comfortable side clicks.

The thing that we didn’t like about these thumb keys though is that they don’t provide a satisfying feedback when pressed compared to the three G Keys above. This was the same experience we felt on the G700 and we were kinda hoping that Logitech would address it on the G700s, but sadly it’s still there.

G700s Logitech web

Button quirks aside, we feel that the G700s is still one of the most ergonomically-designed gaming mice in the business. From the mouse’s shape, down to the ample space on the left side for the thumb rest, the Logitech G700s is really comfortable to use and would’ve easily been the perfect mouse if not for its weight.

Unlike its lower-tier cousin, the G700s doesn’t offer weight customization with the use of ball bearings or other methods. Sadly, the closest thing that users will get to weight adjustment is by removing the AA battery which disables the wireless feature in the process. If weight is not a factor though, we feel that users will definitely enjoy the ergonomics of this gaming mouse.

Software

We’ve always been a fan of Logitech’s software, and that still holds true to this date. The company implements an uncluttered and intuitive UI, the menus and settings are where they’re supposed to be, and it has a light footprint both in the actual size of the software and the amount of resources required to keep it running in the background.

Logitech Gaming Software

Another thing we like about the Logitech Gaming Software is its ability to detect games on your system and automatically download appropriate mouse profiles for each of these games.

Apart from doing the legwork for the user, the software also automatically loads the mouse profile once it detects the game was launched/played.

Lighting (or lack thereof)

Users who are in the market for a pimped-out gaming mouse, complete with various lighting colors and lighting schemes, should automatically remove the G700s from their list.

Besides the three tiny profile/battery status LED indicators near the left G keys, no other portions of the mouse lights up. This is quite disappointing given that Logitech is asking a pretty penny for this gaming mouse, but we know some people will like the no-frill approach that the manufacturer did on this device.

Performance

One of the major concerns that crippled the G700’s success in the gaming scene is the noticeable difference in performance between wired and wireless. Luckily, Logitech addressed this issue on the G700s and we can definitely say that we didn’t notice any difference (or at least not that evident) when the mouse is hooked up to our rig or when it’s on wireless mode.

G700s Laser web

While we don’t normally go beyond 3000dpi for day-to-day use and during games, people who have a high-resolution display or running a multi-display setup will be glad to know that the G700s’ “gaming-grade” laser sensor can go as high as 8000dpi and maximum poll rate of 1ms.

It is, however, in the tracking performance where the Logitech G700s shines the most. Regardless if we’re playing a first-person shooting title, or MMO (where this mouse is primarily geared for), the mouse provided a smooth and lag-free tracking on almost every flat surface excluding glass.

Battery Life

The Logitech G700s runs on a single AA battery which, fortunately, already comes pre-bundled with the mouse upon purchase.

G700s Battery web

One’s mileage will greatly vary depending on the usage and mouse settings used, but in our experience we only managed to get around 2 days (3 days the most) before we have to swap the battery with a fresh one or reach for its USB cable to charge it.

This kind of battery life is not that bad for a wireless gaming mouse that offers the same level performance when it’s wired, but it’s not that good either, especially if we pit the G700s against the G602 which is billed to last for 250 hours of continuous gaming.

Conclusion

Although the G700 has not won the hearts of gamers, it laid the foundation that Logitech used for its successor, particularly in the design department. All the company had to do for the G700s was to polish some of the aspects that were noticeably missing on the first model, give it a much-needed paintjob and skin-deep facelift.

G700s Specs

In our opinion though, the most significant improvement that the company implemented on the new model is its ability to bridge the gap between wired and wireless performance, an area where the G700 failed miserably in.

In conclusion, the Logitech G700s should be a perfect candidate for users who are in the market for a legit wireless gaming mouse that can provide the same level of performance as if it was a wired one. It should also be a perfect fit for those who are looking for those extra buttons for MMO gaming or added functionality, but not as overwhelming compared to the Logitech G600.

What we liked about it:

  • Ergonomic design and well put together
  • Ample thumb rest
  • Non-stick top coating and textured finish on the sides
  • Well thought out button shapes and placement
  • Can work both wired or wirelessly without performance difference
  • Non-braided but durable cables
  • Inconspicuous wireless receiver
  • Bundled receiver extension
  • Outstanding bundled software
  • What we didn’t like about it:

  • A bit pricey
  • Battery life could be better
  • Tad too heavy for prolonged use
  • No weight customization
  • No LED lighting
  • No accurate battery indicator
  • G10 key is a little hard to press
  • Side Macro Keys feels a bit too soft
  • Glossy plastic bits are prone to scratches
  • Wireless receiver can be hard to remove at times
  • Scroll wheel doesn’t provide satisfying click
  • Scroll steps are not as distinct
  • The post Logitech G700s Wireless Gaming Mouse Review appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

    Noctua NH-L12 CPU Cooler Review

    A month or two ago, we were in the market for a decent after-market CPU cooler that will fit inside our fairly small chassis, yet powerful enough to keep my system from getting too toasty. And after thoughtful consideration, we’ve went with the Noctua NH-L12 and we thought it’ll be nice to share our experience with it.

    Noctua NH-L12 Philippines

    What’s in the box?

    Aluminum Heat Sink with four (4) heat pipes
    1x Noctua NF-F12 120mm PWM CPU Fan
    1x Noctua NF-B9 92mm PWM CPU Fan
    2x Low-Noise adaptor,
    1x Extension Cable and Y-Cable (Splitter)
    2x SecuFirm 2 Mounting Kit for:
    Mini-ITX mounting kit
    4x Silicon Mounting Screws
    2x Fan Mounting Clips
    1x Noctua NT-H1 Thermal Compound
    1x L-Shaped (fairly-long) Metal Screwdriver
    1x Noctua Case Badge
    Manuals and Instruction Guide

    Design and Construction

    The NH-L12 comprises of three key components, the C-shaped heatsink, the NF-12 that attaches on top of it, and the NF-B9 which sits in between the heatsink and copper base plate. We’ll take a closer look at the heatsink and provide you more details on the two well-designed fans later on.

    The heatsink features four (4) identically-shaped copper heat pipes which pass through mid-sized aluminum fins and terminates to the NH-L12’s polished base plate. Just like the heat pipe, the slightly-convex base plate is also made of copper which, along with the other parts of the heatsink, are then coated in corrosion-resistant nickel finish which gives it a clean and industrial look to it.

    NH-L12 Base web

    By itself, or with only the 92mm fan mounted at the bottom, the NH-L12 only measures 66mm in height, making it an ideal cooling solution for cases with tight spaces and HTPCs. Attaching the NF-F12 at the top adds another 27mm to the overall height (93mm) which is still relatively low-profile compared to vertically-oriented coolers.

    Fans

    On to the fans then. As mentioned earlier, the NH-L12 comes with two fans; the Noctua NF-F12 and NF-B9 which has Noctua’s signature two-tone Beige and Maroon color schemes (Love it or Hate it!).

    The larger of the two seven-bladed fans is equipped with a set of anti-vibration silicon pads on each corner which dampen the sound generated by the vibrations when the fans are on. These PWM-controlled fans are also equipped with SSO (Self-Stabilizing Oil-pressure) bearing which is both durable and allows for a near-silent operation even at full speed.

    Noctua Fans web

    As it is, the two fans run fairly quietly with little to no compromise on heat dissipation. However, the overall fan noise can be tuned down even further (without fiddling with software-based tweaks) with the help of the pre-bundled Low-Noise Adapters (LNA).

    These two fans are attached to the heatsink with the help of metal mounting bracket. Each end of the goes inside the screw hole of the fans, while the angled portion of the bracket goes in to the tiny spaces in between the heatsinks fins which secures the fan in place.

    By default, the fans are setup in push-pull configuration, though you can easily alter the fan setup according to your liking.

    If you need more information about these fans, you can check out the two links below:

    Noctua NF-F12
    Noctua NF-B9

    Mounting and RAM clearance

    Noctua’s extensive, not to mention very elaborate, installation guide will certainly come in handy when mounting the NH-L12 to your rig. The company even went beyond the extra mile to provide a separate guide for Intel and AMD rigs, something that we don’t see often on some coolers.

    As mentioned above, users have everything that they can possibly need at their disposal to install the cooler – it even comes with its own L-shaped screw driver and a mounting kit for users who are using a mini-ITX board.

    NH-L12 web

    The only tricky part when installing the cooler is lining up the two non-removable screws to the metal stand-offs that are attached to the back plate (for ATX and mATX boards).

    Reason for that is that you won’t have a clear view of the actual screw and the screw hole when viewed up top, so it takes some patience and precision in order to attach the NH-L12 to your system. Therefore, it’s advisable to mount the cooler before you place the motherboard to your case.

    Clearance

    Being a low-profile after-market CPU cooler, we initially thought that there won’t be enough room for a fancy memory module like the G.Skill Ripjaws X. But despite the memory modules’ 40mm height, it sits nicely under the NH-L12.

    The caveat though is that you need to disassemble the CPU cooler if you need to take out the RAM, which is something that most users won’t mind oftentimes.

    Temperature

    Small as it may be, the Noctua NH-L12 is very capable of keeping your processor cool even under load, and without generating a lot of fan noise in the process.

    Test Bench:
    Intel Core i7-4790 (Haswell Refresh) 3.7GHz quad-core processor
    ASUS H97-Pro Gamer Motherboard
    16GB (4x 4GB) ADATA XPG V2 1600MHz dual-channel DDR3 RAM
    ASUS GTX 770 DirectCU II GPU
    ADATA Premiere Pro SP910 256GB SSD
    Antec HCP-1200 80Plus Gold Certified 1200W PSU

    Software Used:
    Core Temp 1.0 RC6 (Temperature Monitoring)
    Prime95 (Stress Test for Full Load)
    AIDA64 (Stress Test for Medium Load)

    Methodology:
    Both pre-bundled fans (NF-F12 & NF-B9) were attached and running throughout the test.
    Idle temperatures are taken 30 minutes after the system booted to Windows.
    Medium load temperatures are taken while running AIDA64 CPU test.
    Full load temperatures are taken 30 minutes while running Prime95’s in-place large FFT test.

    Temperature Readings

    Conclusion

    With a local price tag of Php2,590 one can easily make the argument that the Noctua NH-L12 is more of a luxury item than a reasonably priced after-market CPU cooler. In fact, for the same price (or may be even less) one can simply opt for a decent all-in-one liquid cooler or, better yet, go for a significantly cheaper air cooler and spend the remainder of one’s budget for other PC components.

    While we can’t help buy shout a resounding yes to all of those notions, we also can’t discredit the fact that the Noctua really did a hell of a job in making sure that consumers get their money’s worth on the NH-L12.

    Noctua NH-L12 specs:

    Heatsink:
    4x Copper heat pipes
    Copper base plate
    Aluminum fins with Nickel Plating
    NF-F12 PWM / NF-B9 PWM:
    300RPM min rotational speed
    1600RPM max rotational speed
    93,4 / 64,3 m³/h max airflow (without LNA)
    22,4 / 17,6 dB(A) max acoustical noise (without LNA)
    Compatibility:
    AMD Motherboards (AM3/AM3+, FM1 and FM2/FM2+)
    Intel Motherboards (LGA1150, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA2011, LGA2011-3 & LGA775)
    Dimension: 150 x 128 x 93 mm (with top fans installed)
    Weight: 680g (with two fans installed)

    The mounting versatility and wide compatibility was a huge plus for us and, unlike other companies, Noctua delivered on their promise of near-silent performance which can be further tweaked thanks to the pre-bundled LNA.

    At the end of the day, it really just boils down to your personal preference. If you have a spacious PC case, then there’s really no point of going for a low-profile cooler like this one. On the other hand, if you don’t have a lot of room in your case and you don’t want to worry about loud whirring noise coming from your CPU cooler’s fan, then the Noctua NH-L12 should be on the top of your list.

    What we liked about it:

  • Compact and low-profile design
  • Respectable cooling performance
  • Quiet fan operation
  • Easy mounting thanks to elaborate guide
  • Lots of useful pre-bundled accessories (Two LNA, Y-splitter, NT-H1 Thermal Compound, Screw driver)
  • Sturdy mounting bracket
  • Have just enough elevation to fit tall memory modules
  • 6 years manufacturer warranty
  • What we didn’t like about it:

  • A bit pricey
  • Had to remove the whole thing to take out the RAM
  • Single fan performance may be inadequate for high TDP processors
  • The post Noctua NH-L12 CPU Cooler Review appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

    Wickedleak Wammy Titan 4: octa-core w/ 5330mAh battery

    If we’re going to talk about smartphones with large batteries two smartphones come to mind – the Gionee Marathon M3 and THL 5000. Now let’s make it a trio. Meet the Wickedleak Wammy Titan 4 from India – an Android with a 5-inch Full HD display, octa-core CPU, Fingerprint sensor, and a massive 5330mAh battery.

    Wickedleak Wammy Titan 4 specs:
    5-inch Full HD IPS OGS display, 441ppi
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3
    1.7GHz MediaTek MT6592 octa-core CPU
    Mali 450MP4 GPU
    2G RAM
    16GB internal storage (13.31GB usable)
    up to 64GB via microSD
    16 megapixel Sony IMX214 AF rear camera with LED flash
    8 megapixel front camera
    Dual-SIM, Dual-Standby
    3G HSPA+
    WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
    NFC
    Bluetooth 4.0
    Fingerprint sensor
    Android 4.4.2 KitKat (Upgradeable to Android Lollipop)
    5330mAh battery (with USB OTG charging)
    146mm x 73.6mm x 9.3mm?
    199g
    Black, White

    The Wickedleak Wammy Titan 4 will ship in India in March 2015 with a price tag of 14,990 Indian Rupee or almost Php10,700 when converted. Availability outside India is still unknown but we can hope that our local smartphone brands decide to bring it here.

    source: Wickedleak

    The post Wickedleak Wammy Titan 4: octa-core w/ 5330mAh battery appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.

    Wickedleak Wammy Titan 4: octa-core w/ 5330mAh battery

    If we’re going to talk about smartphones with large batteries two smartphones come to mind – the Gionee Marathon M3 and THL 5000. Now let’s make it a trio. Meet the Wickedleak Wammy Titan 4 from India – an Android with a 5-inch Full HD display, octa-core CPU, Fingerprint sensor, and a massive 5330mAh battery.

    Wickedleak Wammy Titan 4 specs:
    5-inch Full HD IPS OGS display, 441ppi
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3
    1.7GHz MediaTek MT6592 octa-core CPU
    Mali 450MP4 GPU
    2G RAM
    16GB internal storage (13.31GB usable)
    up to 64GB via microSD
    16 megapixel Sony IMX214 AF rear camera with LED flash
    8 megapixel front camera
    Dual-SIM, Dual-Standby
    3G HSPA+
    WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
    NFC
    Bluetooth 4.0
    Fingerprint sensor
    Android 4.4.2 KitKat (Upgradeable to Android Lollipop)
    5330mAh battery (with USB OTG charging)
    146mm x 73.6mm x 9.3mm?
    199g
    Black, White

    The Wickedleak Wammy Titan 4 will ship in India in March 2015 with a price tag of 14,990 Indian Rupee or almost Php10,700 when converted. Availability outside India is still unknown but we can hope that our local smartphone brands decide to bring it here.

    source: Wickedleak

    The post Wickedleak Wammy Titan 4: octa-core w/ 5330mAh battery appeared first on YugaTech | Philippines, Tech News & Reviews.