There is a pervasive assumption among PC gaming hobbyists that wireless accessories like mice are going to be a problem. That corded solutions are always the way to go. For a long time, this rather conventional wisdom was correct, but its getting harder and harder for it to stand up under scrutiny. Devices like Logitech’s Powerplay Wireless Charging mat are a great example of how wireless tech is meeting its cabled counterparts in utility and accuracy.
The Logitech G Powerplay is a fairly straightfoward piece of kit. It’s a powermat that connects to your PC via USB cable. Take any mouse it’s compatible with which, as I understand it, is currently only the Logitech G903 and G703 wireless gaming mice. Insert the Powerplay’s battery pack into your G903 or G703. This allows your mouse to communicate with the mousepad. Place your mouse on the mousepad. That’s it. Your mouse is both charging and operational. Further, it will maintain its charge so you don’t ever need to worry about charging the device again.
The unit comes with your choice of mousepad surface — hard or soft — and is surprisingly expansive, allowing space for users who prefer to sweep their mouse around in wide arcs during play. Armchair esports hopefuls will find a lot to like in this regard. If the space on your desk for mouse placement is quite small, it might be worth your while double checking the device’s measurements on the official site because you may find yourself with a whole lot of mousepad and no room for it to fit in.
The obvious benefit from using a device like the Powerplay is that you never have to worry about charging your wireless mouse again because, as long as your PC is running, your mouse is being charged. Further, I’ve experienced no hanging or lag, no performance drops or timeouts, nothing at all to suggest I’m even using a wireless mouse. I can play fast-paced online shooters like Overwatch as I would with any corded mouse and my tracking and movement doesn’t suffer a jot. Logitech’s Lightspeed tech used in all of its G branded gaming hardware is in fine form here, the Powerplay an excellent showcase for its low-latency capabilities.
The biggest downside, as I see it, is the limited amount of mice that can currently be used with the Powerplay. With only two on offer, the aforementioned G903 and G703, the price for the whole kit is starting to really climb. These are premium tier products though so I suppose it makes sense for them to be pricey and perhaps a little restrictive. I look forward to future Logitech G mice being made compatible with the Powerplay to increase its utility.
I use a device like the Powerplay and I wonder why I’d ever bother going back to a fully corded solution. Why would I when I can keep the cord out of the way and plugged solely into the Powerplay itself, while my mouse is free to move about wherever it wants unimpeded?
This is a smart, simple, functional piece of tech from a company who are known for exactly these things. The price, I feel, is perhaps a touch steep at $199.95 AUD but on the other hand, it’s become a part of my gaming PC’s permanent kit and I can’t see a reason for that to change any time soon. Great stuff.
Score: 8.5 out of 10
Highlights: Easy set up; Easy to use; You’ll wonder how you did without it; Most expensive mousepad you’ll ever buy
Lowlights: Large size may not be for everyone; Limited range of compatible mice; Most expensive mousepad you’ll ever buy
Manufacturer: Logitech
Price: $199.95 AUD
Available: Now
Website: LogitechG.com
Review conducted using a complete retail unit provided by the manufacturer.
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