Which mouse is better, laser or optical?

An indispensable gadget is a computer mouse, which was created back in the last century. During all this time, the device has been improved. These days, the market is filled with a variety of computer mice for every taste and budget. But how to choose a truly worthy option? We'll figure out.

First, determine for yourself for what specific purposes you need a computer mouse. All of them are divided into laser and optical. The principle of their operation is similar, with the exception of a few nuances.

All mice are based on three elements:

1. A tiny, low-resolution camera.
2. Lenses.
3. Light source.

In order to more accurately determine the location, the device must analyze surface irregularities. The main difference between optical and laser mice is that the former penetrate only into the upper layers of the surface, while the latter penetrate deeper (into surface textures).

Resolution, which determines the sensitivity of the device, is designated as dpi. For normal PC work, 800 dpi is enough. These are exactly the parameters of a regular optical mouse. If we talk about laser, then everything starts at 2 thousand dpi.

Laser mouse

This gadget is insensitive to surface quality. The laser was first used by Logitech. They simply replaced the LED in the device with a laser. These mice use a higher intensity beam, which increases their accuracy and sensitivity.This gadget can even work on transparent glass. To determine the location, it simply reads information about the slightest irregularities on the surface. An optical mouse, for example, will not be able to work on glass even if there is a rug or table surface underneath it.

These devices are more aimed at gamers and graphic designers who value cursor accuracy down to the millimeter. And also laptop owners who use the computer in different situations and cannot always ensure the quality of the surface.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of laser mice:

• Works well on any plane.
• Accurately determines location.
• Sensitive.
• Doesn't light up.
• Economical energy consumption.
• Has additional buttons.

And now the disadvantages:

• High price.
• Stops functioning normally if there is a gap between the surface and the light source.

There is one more specific flaw, which, oddly enough, stems from two main advantages: sensitivity and functioning on any surface. The fact is that the mouse can work anywhere: glass, fabric, wood, etc. But, in this case, the gadget will read too much information.

Because of this, the cursor may periodically twitch. If you are simply editing a document or browsing a web page, then such a flaw will not interfere with your work. But in a game where maximum accuracy is key, this flaw can affect the results. To eliminate it, you need to change the surface, or reduce the sensitivity of the gadget.

Optical mouse

The device operates on the basis of a high-speed video camera, which determines the location based on pictures. A special LED illuminates the surface.This device is suitable for those who work in the office or at home, and have at their disposal a flat surface and a mouse pad. The gadget is also used by those who play computer games that do not require sniper accuracy. In such cases, the choice of an optical mouse is justified. After all, why overpay for something you won’t use?

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the device include:

• Moderate pricing policy.
• It will continue to work even if there is a gap between the surface and the light source.

This is where the advantages of the gadget end. Now let's move on to the disadvantages:

• Surface requirements. The device will function normally only on a special computer desk or mouse pad.
• Low accuracy, errors in determining location. Therefore, such devices are absolutely not suitable for gamers. For web surfing and document editing, high accuracy is not essential.
• The sensitivity is lower than that of its laser “sister”.
• Glowing a mouse requires a lot of energy. If we are talking about a wireless one, then the batteries will drain faster. If it is a wired mouse, then it will consume the power of the device (laptop, for example).

Price policy

As for the price, optical devices can be bought for 200 rubles. If we talk about laser ones, their price starts from 600 and can reach 2-3 thousand rubles.

Conclusion: if you are a gamer who participates in competitions, a freelancer who works on a laptop in different places, often goes on business trips, etc., then you are better off looking in the direction of laser mice. If you need to browse the Internet, or just print, then buying a laser mouse is not justified.