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Comment by rofo1 | Hacker News Reader

For MX518 lovers, I've got a strong recommendation for G400s. The shape is almost the same and it's amazing how durable it is. The cable issue is still there, just like in MX518, and eventually (I am guessing) that's the reason I'll have to switch to something else.

I've been using both of them for years and years. Amazing.

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I prefer the G400s over the MX518 as I like the more grippy shell.

You can get cable replacement kits for the MX518/G400/G400s for $9 from eBay that includes new feet and a USB cable. So I'm really not worried about longevity.

P.S. You should take the mouse apart and clean it probably at least once per year. I cleaned my MX518 after about 5 years when the scroll stopped working consistently. I was shocked how much hair was on the inside, blocking the scroll sensor.

Yep. I just bought a new USB cable for mine myself, and switched to a spare I had.

I find I need to clean my scroll wheel maybe twice a year. It gets more stuck with gunk over time, and it becomes harder and harder to scroll.

Yes, this was my replacement mouse when I built a new computer and couldn't find another 518. It's a great wired mouse - this is one of those designs that just works.

>For MX518 lovers, I've got a strong recommendation for G400s.

but both are discontinued

That sounds right IIRC the g400 was the old mx518 but without the peely plastic skin issue. They stopped selling old mx518 and I ended up with the g400. Both mice seemed close enough to me. For some reason the g400 was only considered a spiritual successor.

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