A day or two ago, Logitech has come out with a new(ish) product: the G203 Lightsync RGB. We're going to be giving it a quick review, as it uses the same design as the older G203 mouse. Actually, it's the exact same mouse as the G203 in design. I think, just because the G203 was so popular among novice gamers, Logitech decided to release a beefed-up version to keep up with the times and keep the G203 as one of the most popular beginner mice. Let's take a look at the differences!
Aesthetics
Although the shape of the mouse is still the same, the colors have changed slightly. The concept of Lightsync RGB is pretty cool: you can either synchronize color themes with other Logitech peripherals, or you can synchronize the RGB with external noise. That means that if you're in an intense game and the noises from your speakers are loud, the RGB might turn to a flaring red, while with no noise it might stay at a calm blue. Another great feature Lightsync RGB also entails is screen sampling. If you give Logitech G Hub access to your screen (admittedly a little sketchy at first, but Logitech can do this because they're a trusted company), G Hub can sync the RGB on the mouse with the colors of the screen. Additionally, although the black version is still the classic Logitech G black on black, the white version has light grey accents instead of black ones. As you can see in the picture above, the middle seam, DPI button, and scroll wheel are all a darkish grey. Last note: Lightsync isn't new if you were wondering, Logitech actually has integrated it into most of their high-level peripherals, and even speakers.
Layout and Ergonomics
The G203 Lightsync keeps the same tried-and-true 6 button layout and rounded shape. This is a symmetrically shaped mouse, but unlike many other ambidex mice it keeps a rounded shape all around instead of sharply tapering in on both sides, like the G900. Testing with a normal G203 (because the shipping times would take too long), the mouse feels comfortable. The rounded shape probably favors more of a palm grip or palm-claw grip. For buttons, the selection is standard and sufficient, with two thumb buttons, DPI button, scroll wheel click, and left/right click.
Improvements from G203 Prodigy
As you know, this mouse is the newest version of its "Prodigy" series predecessor. There are a few differences between the two mice, the biggest one being the sensor. The Prodigy was equipped with a 6000 DPI optical sensor, adequate but not great. The Lightsync comes with an 8000 DPI sensor, a decent upgrade considering that most modern mice have a 10000 or 12000 sensor. Obviously, the Lightsync RGB is also an explicit difference, but other than that you'd be loath to find too much different about these mice. Some things I might expect out of an upgrade that didn't come with the G203 Lightsync were, maybe, a braided cable? PMW3366 sensor? Removable side buttons on both sides, maybe?
Overall, the G203 Lightsync is a small, but welcome update to the G203 Prodigy. The main differences are, obviously, the RGB and the sensor. To be honest, I wouldn't really recommend shelling out another $40 to get this mouse if you already have it, but if you have a really beginner gaming mouse, say under $15, or if you are just looking to get into gaming, this would be a great choice. Additionally, I would have liked to see more changes from the Prodigy, but if the Lightsync is listed at the exact same price, then I can't much complain. Something I would think about if I was Logitech was another, more high level update. Call it the G203 Hero, maybe make the mouse $45 or $50 (the price will usually go down on amazon pretty soon), add in a Hero 12K, keep the Lightsync RGB, put in a braided cable, and add removable side buttons on both sides to make it a true ambidextrous mouse. Logitech did recognize they had a great base in the G203 Prodigy, however, and I applaud them for making an economical, modern update.
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