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Today we are going to look at one of Logitech's latest mice, the M560. Unlike many of the mice that pass through our labs this is not a gaming model. It has been designed for those who want a wireless mouse to use specifically with Windows 8. The M560 features a dedicated OS menu button for easy access.
Logitech are renowned for producing quality peripherals, they have an extremely wide range of products available from high end gaming headsets to budget multimedia keyboards.
The M560 is targeted at the enthusiast audience looking for a compact, high-quality mouse. We imagine that the potential audience will be shopping for a mouse to accompany a Windows 8 laptop as the diminutive dimensions of the wireless transmitter make it ideal for that task.
We are excited to see how the M560 fares, as it is quite an expensive model.
Features
- Full-size, comfort-sculpted design
- Two extra thumb buttons
- Windows 8 edge menu button
- Hyper-fast scroll wheel
- Logitech Unifying receiver
The M560 is supplied in a clear plastic blister pack. Customers in a store can see the entire form of the mouse, saving the need for any product photos. The pack feels strong enough and should provide a good deal of protection for the mouse within.
Turning the packet over reveals details of the features and specification of the mouse.
Inside the packet, the only accessories we receive are an AA battery, nano receiver and a user guide.
There isn't anything particularly exciting about the design of the M560, but it wouldn't offend in any environment. It is finished predominantly in matte black, with rubberised inserts at the left and right of the mouse.
The build quality of the M560 is excellent. All of the plastics used in construction are high grade and are well put together. We imagine that the M560 will survive heavy duty use over a number of years, as long as you treat it with some respect.
This particular model features ambidextrous form factor, making it comfortable to use with either hand. There aren't an additional set of browser forward and back buttons on the right-hand side of the mouse, though, so it may not be ideal for all left-handed users.
While the left and right mouse buttons aren't physically separated, you wouldn't know the difference when using the mouse. Both the left and right buttons feel very responsive and aren't easily activated accidentally when resting your hand on the mouse.
The scrolling wheel is located in the usual place between the left and right mouse buttons. This is actually quite innovative as it features a hyper-fast scrolling mode.
In the standard mode it operates like a regular mouse wheel, clicking to let you scroll more accurately and slowly. If you would prefer a smoother and quicker action though simply press the wheel down and it releases the ‘clicker', engaging the hyper-fast scrolling mode. This lets you scroll much more smoothly and quickly than normal.
Behind the scrolling wheel, there is a small button which has various functions in Windows 8. Pressing it once brings up the Charms bar on the right hand side, while pressing it simultaneously with the browser forward button takes you straight to the start menu.
Finally pressing it simultaneously with the browser back button takes you directly to the desktop. This feature will be particularly useful for those who struggle to navigate round the Windows 8 interface.
The browser forward and back buttons are located in the usual place, just above the alcove in the left hand side of the mouse. These are perfectly positioned to activate with your thumb when required, but also aren't easy to activate accidentally.
It's quite clear from a few minutes use that Logitech have put their extensive expertise in peripheral ergonomics into designing the M560. Everything is positioned perfectly for a comfortable experience, without adding unnecessary bulk to the mouse.
Logitech describe it as ‘full-size', but we would have to disagree. It's large enough to be comfortable, but doesn't fill the hand like a full-size mouse.
Due to the wireless connectivity of the M560, it is a little heavier than similarly-sized wired mice because of the battery.
This particular model isn't rechargeable and is powered by a single AA battery which needs to be inserted into the underside. There is also a small slot in the underside of the mouse to store the nano-receiver when traveling.
The inclusion of a nano-receiver is a hint that this mouse uses a standard 2.4 GHz wireless connection to transmit activity, rather than Bluetooth.
The receiver is tiny and won't cause any headaches, unless your computer has a limited number of USB ports. It is actually Logitech's Unifying receiver which means you can connect up to six compatible devices through the same USB port.
We find the optical sensor on the underside of the mouse in the usual location. Logitech don't list a specific model or resolution for this, but claim that it's a ‘Laser Grade Optical Sensor'. Although this wouldn't be enough information for our usual ‘gamer' audience, the target customer of this mouse is unlikely to care. In our tests, it tracked accurately without any lag.
Logitech haven't been particularly generous with the size of the Teflon feet on the underside of the mouse, but they do make the mouse glide fairly smoothly on most of the surfaces we tried. This is important for the M560 and it's portable nature because it's likely that a mouse mat won't be available when traveling.
Even though the M560 isn't rechargeable, Logitech claim that the AA battery will last up to 18 months, meaning that you won't need to change it too often. The real world battery life will depend on how much you use it, though.
It is clear that Logitech have tired hard to be innovative with the M560. The mouse boasts some interesting features that we haven't seen previously and it offers a high level of build quality for the money and should last a good few years under intensive circumstances.
The Windows 8 function button is very useful indeed, especially for those who don't own a touch-screen computer. It allows direct access to the Charms bar, Start Menu and Desktop, at the touch of a button. We also love the hyper-fast scroll wheel which has two different modes which are suited to accurate and fast scrolling respectively.
While the M560 isn't particularly lightweight due to it's wireless connectivity requiring a battery inside, it is compact and should slip easily into most laptop bags. The integrated storage for the USB nano-receiver is an added bonus for frequent travelers. The M560 is also comfortable to use and is suitable for both right and left-handed users.
At a price of £34 from Amazon, in both black and white flavours, we feel that the Logitech M560 offers reasonable value for money. While there are other wireless mice out there that offer something similar for less money, the M560 offers a decent all round package, especially in terms of build quality and functionality.
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Pros:
- Windows 8 function buttons.
- Solidly put together.
- Tiny wireless receiver.
- Easily portable.
- Innovative scroll wheel.
Cons:
- Not particularly cheap.
KitGuru says: An excellent mouse which is ideal for those who travel frequently.
