Logitech G304X Lightspeed: The "Egg" Finally Gets the Upgrade Enthusiasts Demanded
For six years, budget-minded gamers and "weight-reduction" modders have clung to the Logitech G304 (G305), waiting for a successor that wouldn't compromise its iconic, compact "egg" shape. That wait ended yesterday. On December 24, 2025, Logitech finally refreshed its entry-level hero with the G304X Lightspeed. At $49.99, it attempts to satisfy a community that has spent years using AAA-to-AA adapters and tinfoil mods just to make the original chassis feel competitive by modern standards.
Shaving Weight Without the Holes
The most immediate improvement is felt in the hand rather than seen on a spec sheet. By optimizing the internal tensioning and thinning the outer shell—without resorting to a polarizing honeycomb "cheese-grater" design—Logitech has dropped the weight from 99g to a nimble 75g.
Flagship Tracking, But Dated Switches
At the sensor level, Logitech has swapped the aging HERO 12K for the flagship HERO 25K. This brings the budget line into parity with the "Pro" series, offering a maximum DPI of 25,600 and a 400 IPS tracking speed. The result is pixel-perfect precision that remains consistent even at the highest levels of competitive play.
However, the hardware isn't a total win. While the sensor is top-tier, the "Enhanced Mechanical" switches are rated for a mere 10 million clicks. In an era where even budget competitors like the Razer Cobra feature optical switches rated for 90 million clicks, Logitech’s choice here feels like a missed opportunity. This lower durability rating may give pause to users who put their peripherals through heavy, long-term abuse.
Power and Connection: The AA Longevity Trade-off
While the industry trends toward internal USB-C rechargeable batteries, Logitech has doubled down on the single AA battery design. This choice remains polarizing. On one hand, it allows for a 250-hour lifespan in standard mode and the ability to swap to a fresh cell in seconds during a tournament. On the other, it tethers the user to disposable or NiMH batteries in an increasingly rechargeable world.
Connectivity is strictly limited to the 2.4 GHz Lightspeed dongle. Logitech continues to snub Bluetooth here—a blow for those hoping for a hybrid office/gaming daily driver, but a clear win for latency purists. Independent testing confirms a rock-solid 1,000 Hz polling rate, ensuring the 1 ms response time remains the gold standard for wireless gaming.
Market Context and Comparisons
The $49.99 price tag represents a $10 increase over the 2018 predecessor, a jump Logitech justifies through the significant weight reduction and sensor parity with its $150 flagships. Community sentiment across Discord and Reddit has been largely welcoming, specifically regarding the retention of the small, ambidextrous shape that larger "Ergo" mice fail to replicate.
Comparison: G304 vs. G304X
| Feature | Logitech G304 (2018) | Logitech G304X (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | HERO 12K | HERO 25K |
| Max DPI | 12,000 | 25,600 |
| Weight | 99g | 75g |
| Switch Lifespan | 10M Clicks | 10M Clicks (Enhanced) |
| MSRP | $39.99 | $49.99 |
The G304X currently stands in a strong position for the 2025 holiday season, facing its stiffest competition from the Razer Viper V2 Mini and various "clones" from smaller brands. While the lack of RGB and the modest switch rating are valid critiques, the combination of the 75g "egg" chassis and the HERO 25K sensor makes this the most capable budget mouse Logitech has released in years. It is available now across major retailers in North America, Europe, and Asia.