Logitech G304 Mouse Review: Affordable Performance
Packaging
The light blue box has a product image, model, and logo on the front. The back lists 4 advantages: “Lightspeed”, “HERO Sensor”, “Long Battery Life”, “Lightweight and Portable”. The detailed specifications are written on the side.
The box itself includes the gaming mouse, USB receiver, extension cable, one AA battery, user manual, warranty card, and safety information. There is no USB-C support.
Connectivity
The G304 works like any old mouse. You plug the USB receiver into a port on your computer, and it can be either USB 2.0 or USB 3.0, it doesn’t affect the performance. I usually don’t use the USB extension cable since this mouse is constantly on my desk, but if you’re a desktop user and your computer is hard to reach, you can use this extension cable again in version 2.0 or 3.0 without losing performance.
Design
Measuring 4.59 x 2.45 x 1.50 inches (116.6 x 62.2 x 38.2 mm), it’s a small mouse, and the “hump” behind the mouse is short. This is very good for people with small hands, but I would assume it would be uncomfortable for large hands. It doesn’t have RGB, the only LED you’ll see on this mouse is the DPI/power profile LED on the top of the mouse. This is most likely done to save battery life. The Logitech G304 weighs less than 100 grams, making it a very light gaming mouse. There is no way to add weight to it unless you modify the mouse. Some people replace the AA battery with an AAA battery in the battery adapter to significantly reduce its weight. Some people also play without the cover just to reduce the weight. There are 4 glide pads on each corner underneath the mouse, and there is also a glide pad around the sensor. If you open the mouse, you will have space to store the key.
Performance
Buttons
The Logitech G304 has 6 programmable buttons that can be configured using the G Hub software. These buttons use Omron switches and are individually rated for 10 million clicks.
If you need more macros or commands, you will need to configure the G Shift command. One problem with this mouse is that its memory can only support one onboard profile, so switching profiles will not be available to you without the G Hub software.
This mouse is loud, if you are sensitive to the click sound, you may not like this mouse. The scroll wheel is standard with rubber coating and serrated edges.
Sensor
The important part of the mouse that we need to discuss is the sensor. The Logitech G304 has the HERO optical sensor, which Logitech boasts about. It can have the same low latency at all DPI settings as a wired gaming mouse. I have to agree with Logitech, the experience of using this mouse was smooth, and I never felt like the mouse was not registering the correct inputs. The experience of using this mouse was pleasant.
The HERO sensor can be adjusted from 200 DPI to 12,000 DPI using the Logitech G Hub software. By default, the mouse already has four DPI profiles configured: 400, 800, 1600, and 3200 DPI, which you can switch between using the DPI button.
The polling rate is also adjustable. You can choose between 4 polling rates: 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, and 1000 Hz.
The lift-off distance is small, it will not track your movement when you lift and adjust the position of the mouse during exciting FPS games. I really enjoyed using this mouse when playing CS:GO, it doesn’t interfere with my aiming when I lift it or make big movements at low DPI.
Battery
It can last up to 250 hours of gaming, but it can be increased if you use endurance mode. The battery cannot be recharged, you can buy a lithium battery and a separate charger so you don’t have to buy too many disposable AA batteries.
What is the difference between Endurance mode and Performance mode? In Endurance mode, the mouse prioritizes battery life by switching the polling rate to 125 Hz, which reduces energy consumption but can introduce slight input lag. This might be beneficial for casual browsing or office work where responsiveness isn’t critical. On the other hand, Performance mode allows you to set the polling rate as high as 1000 Hz, ensuring the smoothest and most responsive tracking possible for fast-paced gaming where every millisecond counts. However, this higher polling rate drains the battery faster, lasting around 180 hours instead of 250 hours.
Software
Like most Logitech peripherals, each device can be controlled and modified using the Logitech G Hub software. The latest version of G Hub offers the same optimized features and ease of use as previous versions. While there’s no flashy lighting or customizable RGB effects on the G304, several other settings are accessible.
As mentioned earlier, all six buttons on the logitech g304 software can be assigned new functions via simple dropdown menus. For instance, you can set a range of preset options for the thumb buttons. But if you want to delve deeper, macro assignments are also possible. While I personally haven’t found significant benefits in customizing a basic six-button mouse, it’s nice to have the option readily available.
More importantly, the software allows me to fine-tune DPI settings to my liking. There’s a button behind the scroll wheel to cycle through pre-set DPI options, with a maximum of five (or less if you prefer fewer, like me). Setting a slower DPI for specific game types and a faster DPI for others simplifies things. But you can load up to five presets if you desire.
G Hub also allows you to toggle the mouse’s report rate if battery life is a concern on the go.
Everyday Use
While primarily marketed for gaming, the G304 also shines as a productivity and office mouse. All buttons are programmable through the Logitech software. I’ve assigned my two side buttons to macros I frequently use during photo and video editing.
Despite its unassuming appearance, the G304 doesn’t scream “gaming mouse” and blends in neatly on your desk. It truly excels in low-sensitivity FPS games where large hand movements are common, something often limited by wired mice. It’s surprising that this mouse maintains low latency even at high polling rates.
For real-time strategy, MOBA, and MMO games, however, it doesn’t offer a significant advantage. Most players in these genres tend to use high sensitivity, requiring minimal hand movements to move characters or pan the screen. The only area where the G304 could enhance gameplay is through a more comfortable hand position.
If minimizing latency during gaming is a top priority, Logitech includes an extension cable for your 2.5 GHz Lightspeed receiver.
One caveat to consider is the size. This mouse caters to smaller hands, and I could comfortably grip it using a claw grip style. Gamers with larger hands might find it uncomfortable, unless they’re comfortable using a claw grip throughout their gaming sessions.
Conclusion
With the future of wireless mice leaning towards improved battery life and lower weight, Logitech has hit the mark with the G304/G305. Thanks to LIGHTSPEED technology and the HERO sensor, they’ve set the bar for entry-level wireless gaming mice.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Long battery life
- Great performance for the price
- Comfortable for smaller hands
Cons:
- Simple design
- Side buttons have slightly high travel distance
- Not ideal for large hands
Overall, the Logitech G304 is an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers looking for a reliable and high-performing wireless mouse. Its long battery life, lightweight design, and solid performance make it a compelling option for both gaming and everyday use. However, if you have larger hands or prefer a mouse with more features and customization options, you might want to consider other models.