The Logitech G203 LIGHTSYNC is a great wired gaming mouse. It feels very well-built, and it has extremely low click latency. It also has a wide CPI range, and you can adjust the set CPI by increments of 50. It isn't ideal for larger hands using a palm or claw grip, but it should be comfortable for all hand sizes using a fingertip grip. It has RGB lighting zones in the logo and three independent zones in a band that runs around the back. The companion software offers plenty of customization options and is compatible with Windows and macOS. Unfortunately, while its predecessor, the Logitech G203 Prodigy, has onboard memory, this mouse doesn't.
Our Verdict
The Logitech G203 LIGHTSYNC is satisfactory for office use. It feels well-built, has a good number of programmable buttons, the software is compatible with Windows and macOS, and it's well-suited for smaller hands. However, those with large or extra-large hands may not find a palm or claw grip comfortable due to its short length. Unfortunately, you can't use this mouse wirelessly, and the mouse wheel lacks L/R tilt buttons and doesn't unlock for free scrolling.
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Feels very well-built.
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Software offers plenty of options and is compatible with Windows and macOS.
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Plenty of programmable buttons and G-Shift capability for a second layer of commands.
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Mouse feet that glide well on desks and mousepads.
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Very consistent sensor whether you're moving your cursor fast or slow.
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Wired-only.
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Scroll wheel lacks L/R tilt buttons and doesn't unlock for free scrolling.
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Not a very ergonomic design, and small size only suitable for smaller hands or fingertip grip.
The Logitech G203 LIGHTSYNC is an excellent FPS gaming mouse. It feels well-built, has exceptionally low click latency, and has an ambidextrous shape that's ideal for a fingertip grip, regardless of hand size. It also has good feet that glide well on desks or mousepads. Unfortunately, its rubber cable isn't very flexible.
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Feels very well-built.
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Software offers plenty of options and is compatible with Windows and macOS.
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Outstanding click latency.
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Mouse feet that glide well on desks and mousepads.
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Very consistent sensor whether you're moving your cursor fast or slow.
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Somewhat heavy.
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Cable isn't very flexible.
The Logitech G203 LIGHTSYNC is decent for MMO gaming, but it doesn't have nearly as many buttons as a dedicated MMO mouse, and the cable isn't very flexible. It feels well-built and has remarkably low click latency and a low lift-off distance. Those with larger hands likely won't be able to use the mouse comfortably using a claw or palm grip, but a fingertip grip should be comfortable for all hand sizes. The software offers plenty of customizable options, it's compatible with Windows and macOS, and it allows you to set a secondary layer of commands by assigning a G-Shift button.
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Feels very well-built.
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Software offers plenty of options and is compatible with Windows and macOS.
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Outstanding click latency.
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Mouse feet that glide well on desks and mousepads.
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Very consistent sensor whether you're moving your cursor fast or slow.
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Not nearly as many side buttons as a dedicated MMO mouse.
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Not a very ergonomic design, and small size only suitable for smaller hands or fingertip grip.
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Cable isn't very flexible.
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Feels very well-built.
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Mouse feet that glide well on desks and mousepads.
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Very consistent sensor whether you're moving your cursor fast or slow.
- 6.4 Work
- 8.7 Video Games (FPS)
- 7.9 Video Games (MMO)
- 9.5 Raw Performance
- Updated Jan 05, 2024: We've updated the CPI graph displayed in the Sensor Latency section of this review. Our results remain the same, but these graphs have two new columns with results from the Delay At Half Movement and Delay To End Of Movement tests.
- Updated Nov 24, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.5. This update adds a new Main Button test group, which provides button actuation data and switch information. We've also made minor changes to how we calculate the Office usage score. For more details, you can see our full changelog here.
- Updated Aug 04, 2023: After receiving community feedback, we opened the unit we tested to confirm that the unit we bought and tested has an 1885 sensor, not a Mercury sensor as originally indicated. We've corrected the Sensor Model result and added text to the Sensor Specifications section of this review.
- Updated Feb 24, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.4. This update modifies our Hand Size Recommendation test, adding a more granular hand size recommendation chart. We've moved several minor tests into different test groups, removed the Travel usage, and added a new Raw Performance usage. For more details, you can see our full changelog here.
- Updated Sep 08, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3. This update adds a new Sensor Latency test and makes minor changes to several of our existing tests, resulting in test result changes in several sections. For more information, you can check out our full changelog here.
- Updated Sep 06, 2022: We've added a small disclaimer to the Compatible Software Option section which highlights some of the most commonly reported issues users online have encountered with Logitech's G HUB companion software.
- Updated Aug 10, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update simplifies our Weight test and expands on our CPI test from Test Bench 1.1, resulting in changes to test results in both sections. For more details, you can see our complete changelog here.
- Updated Jun 14, 2022: We've updated this review to Test Bench 1.1, which revamped our click latency test methodology. We've updated the text to reflect our new results in various sections, including the Click Latency test box, Usages, Introduction, and other locations where we discuss click latency.
- Updated May 30, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.1. This update revamps our Click Latency test and results in changes to test results. For more details, you can see our full changelog here.
- Updated May 14, 2021: Review published.
- Updated May 04, 2021: Early access published.
- Updated Apr 22, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Apr 20, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Apr 06, 2021: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Logitech G203 LIGHTSYNC is an update of the Logitech G203 Prodigy. The unit we tested is black, but it's also available in blue, lilac, and white color variants. There's also a variant available in some regions called the Logitech G102 LIGHTSYNC, which we haven't tested but expect to perform similarly. You can see the label for our unit here.
Compared To Other Mice
The G203 LIGHTSYNC gaming mouse is an update of the Logitech G203 Prodigy. The LIGHTSYNC has three independent RGB zones in the band around the back, while the Prodigy has one. Unfortunately, while the Prodigy has onboard memory for custom profiles, the updated LIGHTSYNC doesn't. This mouse offers solid performance and can be a good choice if you're looking for a budget option and you prefer a fingertip grip or have smaller hands.
For other options, see our recommendations for the best wired mouse, the best cheap gaming mouse, and the best Logitech mouse.
The Logitech G203 LIGHTSYNC and the Razer DeathAdder Essential are wired gaming mice, but the Logitech is a better choice if you prefer lighter, ambidextrous-shaped mice. Also, it has a wider CPI range, a more precisely adjustable CPI, a lower lift of distance, and a much lower latency. Comparatively, you may find the Razer's larger, right-handed shape more comfortable when using a palm or claw grip if you have larger hands.
The SteelSeries Rival 3 and the Logitech G203 LIGHTSYNC are great wired gaming mice with comparable performance. The SteelSeries is lighter, has a marginally higher maximum CPI, has onboard memory for settings, and has quieter mouse clicks. The Logitech has much better click latency, a CPI that you can set more precisely, and a lower lift-off distance. If you have small hands and prefer using a fingertip grip, the Logitech will likely be more comfortable. If you use a claw grip but have extra-large hands, the SteelSeries may be more suitable because of its longer body. Both mice are only suitable for a palm grip for small or medium-sized hands.
The Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED and the Logitech G203 LIGHTSYNC are very similar gaming mice but have a few standout differences. The LIGHTSYNC scores better for gaming across the board, but it's wired only, has a narrower CPI range, and while it has a somewhat better click latency, most people likely won't notice a difference. Despite scoring lower, the LIGHTSPEED may be a better gaming mouse for some. It connects wirelessly with a USB receiver but is heavier since it's powered by an AA battery. It doesn't have RGB lighting, but this may not bother some people. Lastly, while both mice use the same software, the LIGHTSPEED has onboard memory for custom settings. Both mice are well-suited for all hand sizes using a fingertip grip, and only those with larger hands may find a palm or claw grip uncomfortable.
The Razer Viper Mini and the Logitech G203 LIGHTSYNC are comparable wired gaming mice. The Razer is significantly lighter and has much better click latency. It also has better mouse feet, a more flexible cable, and onboard memory. The Logitech has a lower lift-off distance, you can set the CPI by more precise increments, and the sensor is more consistent. Both mice are ideal for smaller hands but very well-suited for a fingertip grip, regardless of hand size. That said, the Logitech is slightly more accommodating of larger hands using a palm or claw grip.
The Logitech G203 LIGHTSYNC is an update of the Logitech G203 Prodigy. The two mice are nearly identical, but the LIGHTSYNC has three independent RGB zones within the band that wraps around the back, while the Prodigy only has one. The LIGHTSYNC also has a somewhat lower click latency, but most people likely won't notice a difference. Although it's the older model, the Prodigy has onboard memory for settings, but the LIGHTSYNC doesn't.
The Logitech G203 LIGHTSYNC and the Logitech G305 HERO are both wired gaming mice, but the G305 HERO performs better overall. It's much more comfortable to use thanks to its right-handed slant and thumb rest. It also has more programmable inputs, a wider CPI range, and a scroll wheel that unlocks for free scrolling. On the other hand, the G203 LIGHTSYNC is much lighter and has comparably good click latency. However, it doesn't have onboard memory like the G305 HERO.
The GLORIOUS Model D has comparable performance to the Logitech G203 LIGHTSYNC. The GLORIOUS is a right-handed mouse that's significantly lighter, has a more flexible cable, better mouse feet, and a wider CPI range. The GLORIOUS is best suited for a palm grip for any hand size and suitable for a claw or fingertip grip for larger hands. On the other hand, the Logitech feels better-built, has an ambidextrous shape, a lower lift-off distance, a more adjustable CPI, and a somewhat better click latency. It's best suited for a fingertip grip for any hand size and a palm or claw grip for smaller hands.
The Logitech G203 LIGHTSYNC Is a better wired gaming mouse than the Redragon M602 Griffin RGB Wired. The Logitech is lighter and feels sturdier. It also has a more flexible cable, a wider CPI range, a much lower lift-off distance, much lower click latency, and a CPI you can adjust precisely, compared to the Redragon, which has irregular CPI adjustment steps. Additionally, the Logitech software is compatible with Windows and macOS, while the Redragon software is only compatible with Windows. On the other hand, the Redragon has a thumb and pinky rest, which the Logitech lacks. It also has an additional reprogrammable button behind the scroll wheel.
The Logitech G203 LIGHTSYNC and the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse are designed for different uses. The Logitech is a budget, wired gaming mouse, so it has RGB lighting, better click latency, and a higher polling rate. It also has more customization features for the sensor. On the other hand, the Microsoft is better suited for office or productivity tasks. It's wireless and has an internal storage compartment for its receiver. It also has L/R scroll wheel tilts for horizontal scrolling and has a more comfortable ergonomic design with a thumb rest.
The Logitech G705 is a wireless, right-handed gaming mouse designed for small hands, while the Logitech G203 LIGHTSYNC is a wired-only, symmetrically shaped gaming mouse that's well-suited for use with a fingertip grip with all hand sizes. Since the G705 is a higher-end mouse, it has more features like onboard memory, wireless versatility, and higher-quality feet. Performance-wise, though, both mice perform equally well.
Test Results
If you're interested in a lighter mouse with honeycomb cutouts in the body to reduce the overall weight, check out the EQEOVGA D10 RGB.
The rubber cable feels slightly more flexible than the cable on the Logitech G203 Prodigy.
If you're interested in a similar wired gaming mouse with five side buttons, check out the SteelSeries Rival 5. If you'd prefer a mouse with a pair of buttons behind the scroll wheel to adjust CPI up or down on the fly instead of a single button to cycle CPI profiles, check out the ASUS TUF Gaming M3. Or, for a mouse with hot-swappable left and right-click switches, look into the SteelSeries Prime.
Logitech doesn't advertise this mouse's specific sensor model. When this review was first published, our results indicated this mouse uses a Mercury sensor, like its predecessor, the Logitech G203 Prodigy. However, after receiving community feedback that our result may be wrong, we opened the unit we bought and tested to check.
We confirmed that this mouse uses an 1855 sensor. You can see an image of our unit with the sensor visible here.
The polling rate options are 125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, and 1000Hz.
While no software issues were present during testing, many users online have reported various problems with Logitech's G HUB software, including but not limited to startup issues, freezing, and connection issues with some devices. If you'd like to share your experience using Logitech G HUB with this mouse, feel free to leave a comment in the discussions section. If you're interested in a gaming mouse that allows you to change a variety of settings directly on the mouse without using any companion software, check out the SteelSeries Prime+.