Logitech G502 Proteus Spectrum: little evolution for a classic gamer

Ergonomics

Upon unpacking, there is nothing to differentiate the Proteus Spectrum from the Core, apart from the color. Indeed, we no longer find the blue plastic keys characteristic of the brand on the side of the new model, which displays an almost entirely black shell. Only the dial and the DPI level indicator are dark gray.

Like its predecessor, the Proteus Spectrum retains an angled shape, less classic than most of its competitors like the Razer or Steelseries, but without going as far as the extravagance of the Mad Catz. A good compromise therefore, for players looking for an original mouse. Its angular shell gives the G502 a look reminiscent of racing cars; an impression reinforced by the shape of the buttons and the edges of shiny plastic.

The dimensions are standard (13.2 x 7.5 x 4 cm). Thinner than some of its competitors (Corsair Scimitar RGB), the G502 offers an exemplary grip, thanks in particular to a very marked thumb recess and to the two lateral grips in stylized elastomer. Very large hands should however avoid palm grip, at the risk of the fingers protruding from the front of the device.

Turning the mouse over, we can see a very large skate accompanied by three other smaller ones, all in black Teflon. They have a very marked rim compared to the rest of the device and therefore get dirty very quickly; care must be taken and cleaned regularly to ensure smooth gliding.

By pulling lightly on the edge of the thumb space, you can open the mouse and add up to five weights of 3.6 g each to ballast the original 121 g. A possibility already present on the Proteus Core, but which is still relatively rare on the market.

Side buttons, there are a total of 11 programmable commands via software, including 5 directly accessible with the thumb. Logitech promises us a long lifespan (around 20 million button presses). Difficult to test by hand or with our current protocol, but we can however note that all the switches of the mouse present a resistance and a rebound precise and solid.

The wheel is disengageable thanks to the button located behind it. It can also be operated from the sides. We can therefore use horizontal scrolling or apply other functions to it. On some Proteus Core models, we noted a defect in the wheel which, carried away by its weight, tended to scroll the page against the user's will, or at least to prevent it from stabilizing. The problem is unfortunately still present on the G502 Proteus Spectrum and we are currently investigating the subject.

The only real evolution of this new G502 lies in the addition of the RGB function. You can configure it via the software by choosing from 16.8 million colors and two animation modes (a pulse and a color cycle). The lighting is visible on the logo and when choosing the DPI level, the latter being adjustable on the fly. If for the moment the RGB function is not yet very exploited by video game developers and presents little interest other than aesthetic, we can deplore a certain lack of choice in the animations. In addition, while there was a use for RGB on the Corsair Scimitar which allows you to assign a color to a sensor sensitivity, on the Proteus Spectrum, the indicator lights up for less than a second before simply switch off. It is therefore necessary to carry out a new support cycle to ensure the level on which we are.

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Precision

No improvement in precision compared to that of the Proteus Core. We find exactly the same Logitech-G Delta Zero optical sensor (PMW3366) as on the old model, with its 12,000 dpi and its ability to absorb movements of 7.2 m / s. A laser sensor would improve the functioning of the mouse on surfaces deemed "difficult", such as glass or other reflective materials. However, with a good mat, the performance of the sensor is very satisfactory, both in-game as for office automation and Internet browsing.

Like all recent mice, it is possible to adjust the refresh rate of the device between 125 and 1000 Hz for more precision.

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Conclusion

Apart from the RGB function, the G502 Proteus Spectrum does not do much compared to its predecessor. However, it remains an excellent gaming mouse, versatile, with an impeccable grip, many shortcuts as well as a powerful and precise sensor. Be careful, however, if you plan to take advantage of the free scrolling mode of the detachable dial, since it always seems to encounter stability problems.

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