mouse question

[xNIKx]

whats the difference between optical and laser?

 

[Eureka]

Optical mice uses a bright red LED to reflect off the surface. Laser uses an infrared laser to reflect off the surface. The laser seems to be more accurate and compatible with more surfaces. Otherwise, they work pretty much the same when it comes ot actual function.

Norm

 

[Machine350]

Originally posted by: cevilgenius
Optical mice uses a bright red LED to reflect off the surface. Laser uses an infrared laser to reflect off the surface. The laser seems to be more accurate and compatible with more surfaces. Otherwise, they work pretty much the same when it comes ot actual function.

Norm

Exactly. :thumbsup:

 

[andrewbabcock]

^^Everyone assumed for some reason that optical mice used lasers, which was never true. Lasers are much more accurate and more versatile.

 

[xitshsif]

My laser mouse tracks flawlessly on surfaces that'd be a nightmare for my old optical.

 

[marulee]

I prefer ball mouse.

 

[benplaut]

Actually, an optical mouse doesn't have to have a red LED. Some are available with green or blue, as well as `invisible' infrared LEDs. Red is just picked up best by the optical sensor at low light.

There's been alot of stir about laser mice not tracking as well as opticals, and i can kinda vouch for it. While both track really well on the right surface, my laser mouse (cheap microsoft laptop mouse) is pretty jittery. Not sure about a high end laser mouse.