I don’t have desktop anymore. I game, browse, and do works on my laptop, which I lug around almost every day. Naturally, I look for a notebook mouse to accompany the laptop, something that’s small so that it won’t take too much space on my increasingly cramped backpack.
The M905 and the Orochi represent the two opposing polars of the notebook mice world. Logitech crams everything but the kitchen sink (and internal charging mechanism, we’ll talk about this later) into the tiny sleek body of the M905, while Razer built the Orochi with the sole intent of breaking speed record of the notebook mice class, figuratively speaking. Obviously, the two of them are targeted at two different market.
Build Quality
The M905 looks and feels expensive. With 2 AA batteries installed, it’s hefty. The buttons register a satisfying clicks, and that metal strip in front didn’t give it a cheap look. At the bottom of the mouse you’ll find the sensor sliding cover that also acts as power button. Unlike the M950, the M905 has a symmetrical body, so technically you can use it with your left hand, but the side thumb button is missing on the right side.
On the other hand, The Orochi looks flimsy, but actually built like a tank. I tried to squeeze it, and I hear no cracking sound whatsoever. The all black color scheme gave it a sleek look, and the blue (instead of Razer usual green) light around the scroll wheel maintains its’ gaming creed. The two main buttons click properly, but the 4 side buttons (2 on each side) are not so great. By the way, the Orochi is an ambidextrous mouse, so if you’re lefty, you should consider this one.
Features
It’s incredible that Logitech managed to put so much inside the M905. You have a 1500 DPI darkfield sensor, which will track on almost any surface except transparent glass, the scroll wheel tilts left and right, and also features smooth scrolling mode, which is useful when you’re dealing with long documents. The M905 uses 2.4 Ghz wireless radio to connect to your PC (or Mac) and is also compatible with Logitech Unifying connector, which I use with my M950 and K800 keyboard. It also has 2 additional buttons on the left side, which are in default configuration serve as back and forward buttons to your browser. The only thing that’s missing from the M905 is built in battery charging which was present on the more bigger and pricier M950 Performance MX. Afraid not, Logitech claims that M905 will last 6 months on a pair AA Alkalines. But still, always remember to bring spares.
The Orochi by comparison, is race car. Every single feature that are built into the mouse, serves a sole purpose of giving you extra performance in gaming. In wireless, bluetooth mode, the laser sensor has 2000 DPI resolution. If you opt to use the supplied gold plated, braided USB cable, the resolution will jumps to 4000 DPI. The feet are coated with teflon to eliminate friction as much as possible. Like the M905, it also lacks the internal charging mechanism, but it comes equipped with the previously mentioned gold plated, braided USB cable. If your Orochi run out of juice, just plug it in, and voila, a wired gaming mouse! In it’s tethered mode, the Orochi requires no battery. Razer states that the Orochi will last 1.5 months on a pair of AA Alkalines.
Razer has recently refreshed the Orochi. The 2013 iteration now packs 6400 dpi sensor, bluetooth 3.0 for bigger wireless bandwidth, and twice the battery life of the previous model.
In Use
In my experience, the Orochi tracks better, and a whole lot faster than the M905. The Teflon feet also ensure smooth operation with or without mousepad. The M905 while significantly slower, is a joy to use. The part metal part rubber scroll wheel is the best I’ve eve experienced, even compared to the M950.
Final Thoughts
So what to pick? Honestly, if you don’t, or rarely game on the go, the M905 gives more bang for your buck, and even if you do, the 1600 DPI sensor of the M905 is actually pretty competent performer. If you need more than that, just pick a cheaper wired mouse for your gaming needs, there are a bunch of them to choose from.
If your main requirements is gaming with occasional mobile requirements, you can’t go wrong with the Orochi. It’s a very capable device in that regard, which is also its shortfall. It lacks feature that you would expect from traveling mice within its price range. No tilting scroll wheel, average battery life, and a sensor that would only work only on certain surfaces. Is it bad? Not at all, it’s just for that kind of money, You might want to look elsewhere.
Logitech M905 Anywhere MX’s Verdict: 4.5/5
Razer Orochi’s Verdict: 4/5
From your review, it seems blatantly obvious your opinion is skewed towards Logitech. It’s not objective enough to be a good reference.
Well, yes. This is, after all, a subjective piece, and to be honest I just recently start gaming in pc again recently.
I happen to own both, and for daily driver, I prefer the M905. It’s more functional (smooth scroll), battery last longer, I don’t have to worry when I take it to a meeting room with glass covered tables
For out of town, 3-7 days trip, when I have to pack my tools, the Orochi is coming with me. When I need to work with someone else’s machine, i take the orochi. Why? Wired mode
If you are a gamer, the M905 should have not appear in your radar to begin with. It has pathetic DPI (compared to even the cheapest razer), and in operation, it just can’t be compared to Orochi’s teflon feet.
I think people that are looking for comparison between these two mouse are most likely a casual gamer, like me
The orochi only made sense if you don’t want to take your Deathadder (or in my case Ouroboros) but still want a high DPI mouse when traveling