Logitech has taken ergonomics to the next level with this mouse, & it shows. In the first shot below, you can see the feature that most impressed me about this mouse: the thumb rest. Yes, not very exciting... until you've used it for a couple of weeks. It really is that much more comfortable. You never have to even touch your mousing surface, & to me, the comfort was definitely noticable. Right above & forward of the thumb rest we find the second scroll wheel. The term "scroll wheel" might not actually be the best way to describe it, though, because this wheel only moves in a rocking motion. The wheel provides the "document quick-flip" functionality to the MX Revolution. Simply rock it forwards or backwards for an alt-tab through your open applications without ever moving your hand from your mouse. When working within a program, this wheel also provides zoom capability; something that'd come in handy for Photoshop users.

Two buttons plus another wheel

Bottom of the mouse

One thing that I've noticed over the period of using this mouse is that the PTFE 'skid pads' on the bottom of the Revolution are well-placed.  The pressure I put on it feels very well distributed & it still glides across my Medusa Killer fairly well.  Normal wear has run its course, though, & I'm beginning to consider using some teflon tape to re-surface the feet.  That thought has left me scratching my head a bit, though, because the feet are just a bit wider than the Fragware mousetape I normally use.  The shape of the feet would likely make them candidates for a combination of the Mousetape and XTrac's Mad Dotz.

So, bottom line, does this mouse belong on your desk?  It's a tricky question, & some of you are not going to agree to my take on the "answer."  I believe that, coupled with Logitech's SetPoint software, this mouse could be the be-all, end-all solution for desktop productivity.  The staggering number of controls offered by the MX Revolution would improve anyone's Photoshop-filled day, & reduce any number of inane tasks to mere flicks of the finger (or thumb).  In addition, it's comfortable, has respectable battery life, & heck, it even looks cool.

Now the flip-side: should you buy this mouse with the intention of tricking it out for gaming?  In my opinion, no. The pared-down software functionality combined with the lack of a "middle button" don't make the Revolution suitable for a gaming rig. If you're looking for a good all-around gaming mouse from Logitech, I'd recommend the MX518 or the new G5 (which now incorporates that all-important second side button).

Thanks to Logitech for the opportunity to once again review their latest-and-greatest.