Ok, enough with the description: time to exchange virtual fire and put the G9 to some serious testing. We felt the Load grip was too comfortable and relaxed to the hyper-action of games like Half-Life 2 and Battlefield 2. Needing a literal hands-on approach, we changed it for the Precision grip. The Load grip felt great when playing long sessions of strategy games like World In Conflict due to hours of resource management and tactical planning. It’s a user’s call, just like with the adjustable weight: some like a lightweight mouse while others prefer a heavier device to give more precision to the virtual shots (usually those who take sniper roles at first person shooter games, like us). Selecting the perfect resolution appeals, again, to a gamer’s personal style: a low resolution is good for precise shooting; a higher dpi value is better suited for intense shoot out scenarios. The free-spinning wheel gives quick access to weapons and powers menus. But beware – sometimes it scrolls too fast and you end up with a weapon you didn’t want that particular time.

In final analysis, the G9 is the proverbial best of both worlds: it appeals to a hardcore gamer for its precise package – fast scroll wheel, high resolution and firm grip – and also to the casual gamer who works a lot and looks for a comfortable mouse. It’s far from being a cheap product but at least has a dual function to give you money’s worth. There’s no returning to a common optical mouse after playing with the G9. The Microsoft Sidewinder mouse is its closest competitor as a top of the line gaming device with its special button for spinning your POV 360 degrees on the fly, but the G9 more than compensates with the interchangeable grips and excellent scroll wheel.