There are always some things that are indefinable when shopping for a product – it’s not always specifications, price, performance and brand that are considered by consumers. This train of thought came about after I set eyes on the Genius Ergo 555 Laser mouse.

My experience in the computer sales field always reminds me of a lot of brand relations and rivalries. When it comes to Genius, Logitech is always right behind it, and vice-versa. Genius plays the role of Hyundai’s Coupe to a BMW 3 series – both brands work perfectly well, can be desirable to the right people and are admirable examples of good quality engineering – but there is no doubt what people will want to own more.

                                             Curvy bodywork makes for a nice handhold.

The Ergo 555 is visually impressive at first glance – curvy and sinuous in all the right places. But like the Hyundai Coupe, there is too little heft to back up the visual impression. The Ergo has a very deep recess serving as a thumb rest for righties – like most high end mice, left-handers are left to fend for themselves. A stardust-silver finish covers the top portion of the mouse, while the left and right sides are covered in rubbery-looking plastic that’s silky to the touch. No problems so far.

                                             The tracker at the bottom look non-standard.

When you lift the mouse though, it feels light and plasticky – which is not a bad thing in itself, although there’s a distinct lack of solidness (creaks and small rattles) that accompanies movement. The buttons don’t have the solid response of rubber-backed or heavier buttons, making a clickety sound whenever pressed. In other words, Genius sometimes gives off the impression of too much makeup on a pretty girl – sure, everything underneath is nice to look at, but the excess spoils the wares.

                                             The cable looks like reinforced fiber rope - just in case.

The less than stellar quality and trying-too-hard factor is hardly a handicap to the Genius Ergo 555, everything is after all relative. It is only due to Genius’ unfortunate tendency to closely mimic designs by the better – known Logitech that the impression of lower quality surfaces. Considered on its own, Genius offers peripherals like the Ergo 555 that are much, much better than generic peripherals, plus has lots of extra, cool touches coupled with durability plus quality that will stand a buyer in good stead down the road.

                                             The OLED display looks a lot brighter in person.

For example, the Ergo 555 offers a tough, lanyard-like cable – it seems like it’s only missing a carabiner to make a climbing harness. Multiple buttons are easily customized through an included program. Finally, the top of the mouse sports a super bright OLED display that displays modes and codes on its current settings, as well as displaying a moving graphic at other times. Bling-bling? Surely, but I don’t mind.

                                             The deep scoop on the left side aids in control.

Ergonomics was definitely a focus when this mouse was designed, if the name hadn't already clued you in. Sensitivity can be adjusted up to 3200 dpi in both the X and Y axis, with multiple layouts capable of being programmed in by the included software. Scroll action is sure, although the detents can be better defined. Click action is likewise somewhat loose, giving the feeling of plastic springs beneath the nicely painted buttons.

                                             Very aerodynamic.

So where does that leave the consumer and Genius? Like everyone else, I’d want to spring for a Logitech every time, if only for a solid-feeling right mouse button, but then again, that right mouse button isn’t always worth the 50% higher prices usually charged by Genius’ competitors – and regardless of how ornamental the Ergo 555 looks, it still looks dang good on my desk. I don’t need BMW 3-good, I just need something that looks Hyundai Coupe-good that works more-than-well enough.