The Logitech G502 returns in 2022 with a long-overdue update. The brand introduces the Logitech G502 X wired, the Logitech G502 X Lightspeed wireless, and the Logitech G502 X Plus wireless with RGB lighting.
It is on this version that we are now focusing our attention, offered at the manufacturer’s price of $162 . At this price, this new model will have a lot to do to impose itself on the sector and make people forget the old G502 Lightspeed, now available at around 100 USD.
Inside, the G502 X Plus comes with the following:
- A USB-C to USB-A cable for charging and/or wired use
- A USB-A dongle for the wireless connection
- A USB-A to USB-C adapter to bring the dongle closer to the mouse
- A flat button to replace the side trigger
- The usual paperwork
Design
Besides the new colour, the G502 X Plus’s lines are similar to previous models. The model evolves smoothly and retains its success-driven features: adaptable dimensions, a comfortable ergonomic design, and a multitude of controls.
Compared to the previous G502 Lightspeed, the changes aren’t obvious. If the two models are similar, the new edition will differ in the details.
First, the G502 X Plus’s ergonomics and handling. No revolution, and both mice have similar dimensions and curves. The right side facade has a more flared rear end. The mouse’s left front is also higher, making it wider.
The set’s weight drops from 114 to 106 grams. We wanted a bigger change there. Even if the G502 wasn’t meant to compete with ultralight mice, a weight around 90 g would have been appreciated.
No changes to the grip. We use a right-handed mouse with an ergonomic design that favours a Palm Grip or Claw Grip grip. The G502 X Plus’s lines fit the hand well, so you feel confident using it. Even during long gaming sessions, comfort isn’t an issue.
Finishes are flawless. The mouse’s main shell is smooth plastic, but the side grips are textured. There’s also a rear RGB lighting area with convincing effects. Does this justify the 20$ premium over the Logitech G502 X Lightspeed? No.
The mouse’s assembly seems solid, so it should last. Since the G502 Lightspeed’s 2019 release, we’ve had no problems.
Buttons
First, the mouse’s top. Here are buttons M1 and M2 with new, responsive optical switches. No pre- or post-travel is required, and activation is easy with well-marked clicks.
Between these two buttons is frosted plastic. In this area, we find the famous 4D wheel with a button to switch between notched (and noisy) and free scrolling (and particularly silent). This is one of the G502’s strong points, and while we rarely use it, many office workers swear by it.
The wheel’s design and rubber coating are improved from the previous generation. Above is a button that switches mouse profiles by default.
Left of the M1 button, the G502 X Plus has two additional controls with longer buttons that reach the mouse’s centre. The second button can now be pressed with the index finger’s second phalanx or the thumb.
The G4 and G5 buttons on the side panel are larger but still above the thumb. The activation seems more direct and tactile, which we like.
Front trigger is redesigned. Its orientation can be changed to fit your analysis. We can thus control it. You can also replace it with a “fake” button. Razer’s Basilisk models had similar small changes.
11 programmable buttons give the G502 great versatility. The mouse can be used for games and office work.
4 PTFE pads under the mouse ensure a smooth glide despite its weight. A button turns the mouse on and off, and a hatch stores the USB dongle.
Here you can also install the POWERPLAY mouse-charging module. We also wanted an integrated charging station on this “Plus” version. This would have helped distinguish it from the Model X.
Performance
Logitech G502 X Plus has the same HERO25K sensor as the G502 Lightspeed. It’s also in Logitech’s flagship G Pro X Superlight mouse.
It can reach 400 IPS and 40G. It shouldn’t malfunction during games. On our side, highlighting is easy and the mouse responds well to the smallest movements.
The G502 is versatile and adaptable in games. Its many buttons allow you to manage all your actions in a flash, whether you’re playing Valorant, Final Fantasy XIV, or Spiderman.
For CS:GO or Valorant players, we recommend simpler and lighter mice. The Logitech G502 X Plus is ideal for those who play FPS, MOBA, action games, or MMORPGs.
Outside of gaming, the mouse’s many buttons increase productivity for web browsing, photo and video editing, and other applications that require shortcuts.
Connectivity
With a Logitech Lightspeed 2.4 Ghz connection, the Logitech G502 X Plus can be used wired or wirelessly. The mouse doesn’t have Bluetooth like a SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless or Roccat Kone XP Air.
For wired use, the biggest change is that the brand finally switched to a USB-C connector, which was long overdue. The mouse cable is still very traditional, with a sheathed model that is about 2m long.
When you connect the USB dongle to your PC, the wireless connection is made automatically.
Battery life
Logitech Lightspeed technology still works well, and the company has even announced a protocol that makes the response rate 66% faster. It’s hard to really check these values, but there’s nothing that stands out.
This update also improves battery life, which goes up to 120 hours of use without RGB and nearly 40 hours with the lights on.
Logitech G Hub Software
The G502 X Plus is compatible with Logitech G Hub software. Free on the manufacturer’s website.
The tool lets you create configuration profiles that can be automatically loaded based on games or apps. You can save multiple profiles in the mouse’s internal memory to use them on other computers.
First tab: sensor settings. You can set sensitivity between 100 and 25,600 DPI in 50 DPI steps. The polling rate can be 250 to 1000 Hz.
Second tab maps mouse buttons. Logitech offers many actions and shortcuts, but you can also create your own macros.
The third tab manages this model’s 8 independently adjustable lighting zones. As mentioned above, the rendering is good, but interest is limited once you have the mouse. Lighting reduces wireless battery life.
Unlike SteelSeries or Roccat models, you can’t turn off or reduce the mouse’s lighting. Battery-saving option. After a few minutes of inactivity, you can cut it.
G502 X vs G502 X Lightspeed vs G502 X Plus
As explained in the introduction, Logitech actually offers three new versions of its G502. Small quick comparison to see a little more clearly.
At $89.99, the Logitech G502 X is the most affordable of the three. It only connects wired and does not include RGB lighting. On the other hand, it benefits from a lighter weight, with “only” 89 g on the scale.
At $149.99, the Logitech G502 X Lightspeed uses an identical design to that of the X model, but uses a 2.4 Ghz wireless connection. It also does not have RGB lighting and displays a weight of 99g.
Finally, at $169.99, the Logitech G502 X Plus that we present to you today is the most complete, since it combines both the 2.4 Ghz wireless connection and RGB lighting.
Logitech G502 X Plus Alternatives
Roccat Kone XP Air:
The @169 Kone XP Air can operate wirelessly at 2.4 Ghz or via Bluetooth. Its ergonomic design is comfortable but more imposing than the G502’s.
It has 13 configurable buttons, 5 on its side facade, more than its competitors. RGB lighting fans will like the effects. The mouse includes a charging station, unlike the competition.
SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless:
The SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless costs around 100$ and stands out due to its featherweight of 74 g. SteelSeries’ perforated shell and 9 programmable buttons combine lightness and versatility.
When playing with low FPS sensitivity, the G502 X Plus is more manoeuvrable than its competitors. It has Bluetooth and 2.4 Ghz like the Roccat model.
On the other hand, you’ll have to ignore the 4D wheel, and the comfort isn’t as good as with other mice.
Logitech G502 Lightspeed:
The G502 Lightspeed is a versatile wireless mouse. The old generation costs around 100$ and saves more than 60$ compared to the new version.
Both versions have similar performance and programmable commands. We like its compact ergonomics.
Conclusion!
With the new Logitech G502 X Plus, there hasn’t been a big change, just a few small ones that bring it up to date.
If the model meets players’ expectations for a comfortable, efficient, and versatile mouse, we expected more. Since the G502 Lightspeed’s release, competition has increased and this new generation is less impressive.
We wanted a dual Bluetooth/2.4 Ghz connection, a lighter weight, and a charging station for $169. This “Plus” version adds RGB lighting to the $149 X Lightspeed.
