Logitech made the PC gaming world sit up and take notice earlier this year when it launched the Pro X2 Superstrike. Swapping physical switches for electronic inputs and haptic feedback brought warp speed response times and absolute control over click precision. I was a huge fan – but did we need a new one already?
The firm has just unveiled the new Pro X3 Superstrike as part of its annual gamer-focused Logi Play event, alongside a new Pro X3 Lightspeed headset, Pro X2 Rapid keyboard and Pro X Control mouse mat. It’s looking to fix the few issues gamers had with the original, namely weight balance and battery life.
While the X2 Superstrike isn’t being retired, the X3 will join the range as the new flagship. It’s packing a new chipset and faster Hero 2 sensor (good for 48,000 DPI, a rapid 90G of acceleration, and 930 inches per second tracking), underneath your choice of black or magenta shells. Personally I really liked the X2’s two-tone finish, but expect the all-black model will gel better with more gamers’ setups.
The new model is 2g lighter than the X2 in the US and Asia, but matches the older mouse for weight in Europe to comply with battery replacement regulations. More importantly Logitech has shifted the weight balance a lot closer to 50:50, so it won’t feel as top-heavy anymore. I can already feel the difference under rapid movement, but need more testing to see if it actually improves my aiming.
Naturally the HITS haptic clicks haven’t gone anywhere, letting you adjust actuation, control haptic strength and use rapid trigger for machine gun-like clicks. It’s as awesome as ever and I love how quiet it is, too – this is a great mouse for work as well as gaming.
The big change is to battery life, with Logitech claiming a 50% boost over the old model. That should mean an impressive 135 hours between charges. I’ve got one on my desk now and will be giving a more detailed report after I’ve spent more time gaming, but wonder if gamers who rushed to buy the X2 will be irked their expensive mouse is now effectively old news less than six months after purchase.
It’s on sale right now, for $180/€180.
You’ll be able to pair it with the Pro X Control, Logitech’s first all-new mouse mat in what feels like years. It uses an omnidirectional knit rather than the directional stitch usually found on fabric mouse pads, so friction should be the same for every angle. The firm is promising greater tracking precision and control as a result.
The Pro X Control sits on a zero slip base, with 6mm of foam and stitching at the sides. Putting that stitching below the surface should stop any ugly thread fraying too. It’s launching in a single size, 400x460mm (the same as the older G640 ‘pad), for $59.
The Pro X2 Rapid keyboard, meanwhile, is Logitech’s second rapid trigger ‘board. It builds on the Pro X TKL Rapid, adding an onboard OLED display and stepping up to POM magnetic analog switches. Speedy 8kHz reporting over USB-C (this is a wired-only keyboard), customisable key priority and adjustable actuation down to a minuscule 0.05mm should keep even the most demanding professional gamers happy.
Logitech reckons pre-lubing the keycaps and using six layers of different damping materials has let it tune a satisfying noise from each keypress, while custom screw-in stabilisers will eliminate key wobble and rattle. You’ll be able to control actuation, RGB backlighting and computer volume control through the OLED and its rocker switch.
It launches in black, white and magenta colours, each with a bundled XL silicone palm rest for extra typing or gaming comfort. Expect to pay $230.
Finally, the X3 Lightspeed gaming headset takes the already impressive X2 Lightspeed and supercharges its comms abilities. The detachable boom mic is now a full-bandwidth unit good for 16-bit/48kHz recording, meaning far better clarity than the outgoing headset could manage.
It brings back the excellent 50mm Pro-G Graphene drivers, but now supports 24-bit/48kHz audio and adds a more detailed 10-band parametric EQ. Pro presets let you match certain players’ preferred tunes in certain games with just a couple of clicks in Logitech’s G Hub software.
Battery life has seen a significant boost to 70 hours (up from 50 hours before) and the headband is stuffed with more memory foam for added comfort. Perforated leatherette will help improve airflow so you don’t get as sweaty during a long play session.
The Pro X3 Lightspeed goes on sale today for $250, in black, white or magenta colours. I plan on putting one through its paces in the coming weeks for a full review.
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