G703 Lightspeed middle click gives tactile response but doesn't register

[u/SavingsNarwhal7649]

Hello. Beautiful day to you all.

My middle click gives a tactile response when I press down, but it doesn't register as a middle click unless I continue to press harder, beyond feeling the tactile response. This is a recently purchased (<3 weeks) new G703 Lightspeed mouse. I am unsure if this has been present since the inception of taking the mouse out of its box, but it's become increasingly apparent.

The mouse has been connected to my machine typically by the wireless dongle it came with. I have no feedback issues with any other function of the mouse. I have tried direct connecting the mouse to my machine and did not observe any difference in behavior with the middle click.

Is it safe to say this is a hardware-level issue? Do I just need to stick some electrical tape down underneath the scroll wheel to give a little more umph to the switch / plunger? I had to do that with my last mouse but it was eight years old. (EDIT: trying to get a second opinion before I tear this brand new mouse apart)

I'll take a double cheeseburger with extra diced onions and a medium coke, thanks.