Logitech's new MX 518 Gaming-Grade Optical Mouse, promises to combine maximum speed and optimum precision without compromise. Unveiled at CeBit, the mouse puts quick-shift controls at gamers' fingertips - with one click, gamers can instantly increase and decrease mouse resolution from as high as 1600 dots per inch (dpi) to as low as 400 dpi. And, no software is required.

Many of today's best-selling PC games have scenes that require lightning fast moves in one instant, but in the next ask for pixel precision. When gamers need speed to run, duck, or cover, the MX optical engine delivers with ultra-high resolution and the ability to process 5.8 megapixels per second - achieving an acceleration of 15 g. However, in combat, higher resolution is not always better. With a click of a button, gamers can now shift to a lower-resolution setting that gives them more precision.

Gamers are the best source for ideas on how to build the perfect mouse because they know what tools they need to dominate, said Ashish Arora, Logitech's director of product marketing, Retail Pointing Devices.

The corded Logitech MX518 Gaming-Grade Optical Mouse builds upon the success of the Logitech MX510 Optical Mouse, adding even more power and control than Logitech's previous gaming mouse.

Because lag can mean the difference between victory and "game over," the new generation of the MX optical engine uses a 16-bit format to send data - the typical mouse uses 8 bits - enabling the mouse to transmit 8,000 bits of information per second. The result is flawless performance - with no lag or skipping. Without software, the two buttons above and beneath the mouse's scroll wheel increase and decrease the mouse resolution during game play to three preset resolutions - 1600, 800 and 400 dpi. With the new gaming-specific version of Logitech SetPoint software, a gamer can program as many as five levels of resolution, ranging from 400 dpi to 1600 dpi. The mouse features a total of eight buttons, including left and right key plates, which can be set to represent different commands using the SetPoint software.

The physical design of the Logitech MX518 mouse is also optimized for the gaming experience, both in appearance and function. The mouse's super-slick gaming feet help reduce friction and noise, while the mouse's contoured thumb and finger side grips ensure peak control and comfort - even during the longest gaming sessions. The mouse's surface has a clear, smooth coat over a space-age metallic silver finish. The finish has various shades of reflective silver paint, giving the visual impression of a surface with craters (look at image on the right).

The Logitech MX518 mouse will be available at U.S. and European retailers and online beginning in April. The suggested retail price for the product is USD49.99 in the U.S.