Logitech G203 LightSync gaming mouse review: Inexpensive and good performance

Gaming mice can cost upwards of $100. But is it really necessary to spend that much money on basic computer peripherals just because you’re a PC gamer? Well, after testing the Logitech G203 LightSync wired gaming mouse, I don’t think a gaming mouse should really break the bank.

With thousands of options available, it’s hard to know which computer mouse is the best on the market and which simply doesn’t measure up to the rest. However, as any PC gamer will tell you, you need a completely different type of mouse when playing a computer game rather than just checking your email. As a result, there’s an entire industry of gaming peripherals, and they usually cost a lot more than a basic wired mouse.

However, the Logitech G203 LightSync gaming mouse breaks that mold. It’s a comfortable price in the world of everyday computer mice, yet it has performance features similar to gaming mice that cost twice or even three times as much. But can an inexpensive mouse really compete with other gaming mice on the market? Well, as I quickly discovered while test driving the product for a week, the answer is yes.

A basic mouse that doesn’t break the bank

• Dimensions: 4.59 x 2.45 x 1.50 inches (11.6 x 6.2 x 3.8 cm)
• weight: 3.00 oz (85 grams)
• Cable length: 6.89 ft (2.1 m)
• Color options: White, black, blue and purple
• Programmable buttons: 6
• Operating system compatibility: Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.13 or later, Chrome OS

If you regularly invest in computer peripherals, you’re probably aware of how expensive a high-quality mouse can be to run. Fortunately, the Logitech G203 comes in at a low price for a basic computer mouse, let alone a gaming mouse. At just $39.99, this wired mouse looks fairly basic once unpacked. However, once you plug it in and start playing, you’ll find that there’s more to this “basic” gaming mouse than meets the eye.

In terms of design, this mouse is very simple. It’s not necessarily an ergonomic mouse—it’s just a simple design that can be used with both hands. It also doesn’t have any sort of thumb groove like other gaming mice offer. Personally, I didn’t find the shape to be an issue—it felt quite comfortable even after several hours of use.

The Logitech G203 LightSync is much smaller than most typical gaming mice on the market, but it’s certainly not as small as the Logitech M325 or other wireless mice for everyday use. Since I have fairly small hands, I found it to fit well and enjoyed being able to hold it without any issues.

The weight of the mouse is fairly average. It wasn’t particularly difficult to slide onto my desk, but it wasn’t the lightest mouse I’ve ever used. I didn’t find the weight to really matter much, but I did see where some might be surprised by the weight given its small size.

Since this mouse is wired, it connects to your computer through the traditional USB-A port. I didn’t notice any difference in connectivity when I plugged the mouse directly into one of my computer’s USB ports and when I chose to plug it in Through the docking station. Also, the USB cable was long enough to allow me to move it as needed without any issues.

As you would expect from a basic gaming mouse, the Logitech G203 has a total of 6 programmable buttons that you can use. This includes the primary and secondary click buttons at the top of the mouse, the middle click at the top, the two side buttons, and the scroll wheel. Although this does not match the 12 button assortment found on SteelSeries Aerox MiceHowever, there is still a fair amount of buttons for non-MMO gamers.

You can also customize the functionality of each of these programmable buttons based on the person using the mouse or the application you’re running (More on that below).

Of course, one thing that makes the Logitech G203 LightSync different from other basic mice is the LightSync technology. The mouse is equipped with full-spectrum RGB lighting that is fully customizable based on each user’s preferences. In fact, you can choose between vibrant, pre-set animations, define settings based on your games and media, or program your own custom coloring. And with 16.8 million colors to choose from, you’re likely to find at least one color you like on the device.

My only caveat was the lack of customization within the lighting on the mouse. The mouse only has three separate LEDs, which means there are limits to how the lighting can be displayed. Furthermore, you can’t make the Logitech logo at the top a different color. Instead, it simply matches the color setting you use for the middle of your mouse.

Aside from this small design flaw, the mouse is generally well designed.

Gaming-level performance

• accuracy: 200 to 8000 dpi
• USB data format: 16 bits/axis
• USB report rate: 1000 Hz (1 ms)
• Microprocessor: 32-bit ARM

Although the Logitech G203 LightSync certainly looks like a basic laser mouse, it’s technically a bargain-priced gaming mouse. But here’s the real question: is its performance good enough to actually be used in games?

To determine this, most people look at metrics like mouse accuracy and reporting rate to see if it will meet the demands of heavy gaming. Now, DPI and polling rate aren’t everything when it comes to gaming. However, they are important considerations when comparing the performance of different gaming mice.

As you already know, mouse sensitivity is measured in dots per linear inch (DPI for short). The higher the DPI, the better the mouse is for precise tasks like gaming or detailed graphic design. The Logitech G203 can be set anywhere between 200 DPI (least precise) and 8000 DPI (most precise). You can adjust DPI at any time using the button below the scroll wheel, or inside Logitech Onboard Memory Manager app (Available for Windows 10 or later and macOS).

As you can see in the video, mouse movement varies greatly depending on the DPI settings you select. I found 1600 DPI to be a great middle-of-the-road option and works well in most situations, but having a higher DPI would have been a nice feature. Anything below 400 dpi looks inaccurate and is difficult to play.

Overall, I found the mouse to be incredibly accurate both for gaming and for the graphic design tasks I tackled during the workday. In fact, it took me a solid hour to adjust to the accuracy of this mouse compared to the cheap PEIBO wireless mouse I usually use with my MacBook.

In addition to its sensitivity, the Logitech G203 also boasts impressive report rates. Mouse report rate, or polling rate, basically measures how often your mouse informs your computer where it is. This polling rate is usually measured in Hz, and a higher measurement means more frequent reporting. In the case of the Logitech G203, it sends reports to the computer every millisecond, or 1,000 times per second. This gives it a fast refresh rate, which means very little separation between your hand movements and what’s shown on the screen.

There is almost no lag with this mouse. Although it’s not a big issue in my daily operations, those who game regularly don’t have to worry about the mouse affecting their ability to play.

Configuration is very easy

the Logitech G Hub application (Available for Windows 10 or later and Mac) is Logitech’s configuration software for all of the company’s gaming peripherals. The Logitech G203 LightSync is compatible with this software, and you can use it to maximize customization options with your device.

Through the software, you can adjust the DPI and select the DPI settings that the mouse can scroll through using the top center button. You can also adjust lighting settings, customize what each mouse button does, and even program macros.

If you want different settings for different apps or games, that’s not a problem — the G Hub gives you that level of control. This can be useful for those who use the mouse for gaming and casual tasks, where you may not want the same settings you use for browsing the web or writing a document. Play Overwatch 2. Furthermore, if you share a computer with multiple people at home, you can create different profiles so each user can customize the Logitech G203 to their preferred settings.

If you don’t want all the options offered with G Hub, that’s okay too. You can simply use the Logitech Onboard Memory Management app to adjust some settings. However, you will not be able to use both OMM and G Hub together.

Should you buy the Logitech G203 LightSync Gaming Mouse?

Every gamer has their own preferences when it comes to the peripherals they use. However, the Logitech G203 LightSync Wired Gaming Mouse is definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for an affordable mouse that’s suitable for gaming and everyday tech tasks.

The design is simple, but the mouse is comfortable and fun to use. I found it comfortable and accurate across a wide range of activities and tasks. I also thought the buttons worked well and the responsiveness left almost no lag in combat.

Of course, what I enjoyed most about this mouse is the number of customization options through the G Hub. There aren’t many computer mice that offer this much customization at such a low price, but as usual Logitech delivers exactly what we want.

If you’d rather spend a little more money on a gaming mouse, that’s right for you. However, I feel like the Logitech G203 LightSync definitely gets the job done without breaking the bank—and that’s something I think we can all appreciate.