Logitech's biggest failure

Summary

Logitech, a major gaming brand, introduced the G309 mouse, but it received backlash from gamers who were loyal to the G305, a popular choice for smaller hands and customizable mods. The G309 offers upgraded tech, including the Hero 25K sensor and Lightforce switches, but its design changes, heavy battery, and price left many dissatisfied. Logitech's focus on selling Powerplay mouse pads and the G309’s questionable value raised doubts. Critics argue the G309 lacks innovation, and the G305's successor may be overshadowed by cheaper, superior alternatives, revealing Logitech’s shift from customer-focused innovation to brand-driven marketing.

Takeaways

• 😀 The G305 was a fan favorite due to its lightweight design, affordability, and comfort for small hands and claw grip players.
• 😀 Logitech's G309 introduces a larger, more rounded design, which might be more comfortable for palm grip players but alienates fans of the original G305 shape.
• 😀 The G309 uses a removable AA battery, making the mouse heavier (88g) compared to newer wireless mice with internal batteries.
• 😀 The G309's battery life is advertised as 300 hours of constant motion, but this depends on testing conditions that are not specified.
• 😀 Despite the G309’s new hybrid optical-mechanical switches, it still lacks some key features like the HERO 2 sensor, making it feel like a mid-tier product.
• 😀 The G309 is priced at $80, which many consider too expensive for the features it offers, especially considering the G305 is much cheaper.
• 😀 Logitech's marketing heavily promotes the PowerPlay mouse pad, which charges the G309 wirelessly, but this adds unnecessary extra costs.
• 😀 The PowerPlay system also increases the weight reduction of the G309, but it requires an additional $120 investment in the charging pad.
• 😀 The G309 feels like a strategy to clear out old PowerPlay stock, rather than an actual product innovation.
• 😀 The G309’s design and features make it an overpriced option, leading to the conclusion that Logitech may be relying more on brand influence than delivering high-quality products.
• 😀 Alternatives like the G305 or cheaper clones (e.g., G3 by Mcho) may offer better value for consumers seeking a lightweight, functional mouse.

Q & A

What is the main reason the G309 has received a negative reception?

The G309 received a lot of hate because it didn't live up to the expectations set by the G305, which had a cult following and was popular among gamers due to its affordability, customization options, and suitability for certain grip types. The G309 made changes that didn’t sit well with the loyal G305 community.

How does the G305 differ from the G309 in terms of design?

The G305 features a more compact and ergonomic design that was particularly suited for smaller hands or fingertip/claw grip styles. The G309, on the other hand, has a more homogenized design with a larger and more rounded hump, making it more comfortable for palm and claw grip players but less ideal for G305 fans.

What is the major technological improvement in the G309 compared to the G305?

The G309 uses the Logitech Hero 25K sensor, which offers improved sensor performance and a maximum polling rate of 1,000 Hz, a significant upgrade over the sensor technology in the G305.

What type of battery does the G309 use, and why is this controversial?

The G309 uses a removable AA alkaline battery, which is heavier and less efficient compared to modern internal rechargeable batteries. This choice has drawn criticism, as internal batteries offer faster charging, longer battery life, and less weight.

How does the battery life of the G309 compare to its competition?

Logitech claims the G309's battery can last up to 300 hours with constant motion. However, the marketing doesn't specify the settings used for testing, leaving some uncertainty. In contrast, competitors with internal rechargeable batteries often offer longer battery life and quicker charging times.

Why is Logitech's G309 considered overpriced?

The G309 is priced at $79.99, but its features, such as the removable battery and lack of the Hero 2 sensor, are considered outdated compared to more advanced competitors. Many believe that it is overpriced, especially considering that similar, high-performance mice can be found at a lower price.

What role does the PowerPlay mouse pad play in the G309's design?

The PowerPlay mouse pad is designed to wirelessly charge the G309 while in use, but its integration raises concerns. It adds extra cost and limits mouse pad size options. The inclusion of PowerPlay may be a strategy to sell more of these expensive mouse pads, which generate higher profit margins.

Why might Logitech be retiring the G305?

The G305 is being phased out because a new competitor, the G3 from a Chinese company, has essentially replaced it with better technology. Logitech may not want to release a direct upgrade to the G305 since it would likely be inferior to the G3, leading to potential negative comparisons.

What issues did the reviewer encounter during their time using the G309?

The reviewer experienced some issues with the G309, including a tight and occasionally wobbly back cover, which was distracting during use. Additionally, the default AA battery made the mouse bottom-heavy, though this was alleviated by switching to a lithium AAA battery with an adapter.

What is the overall conclusion about the G309 in the review?

The G309 is seen as an overpriced mouse with a lot of potential but marred by design flaws and questionable business decisions. While it does feature some high-quality components, such as the Lightfor switches and a smooth scroll wheel, it fails to meet the expectations of its predecessor, the G305, and is considered a mediocre option for its price.