Wait…there’s a difference between optical and laser mice.
Key takeaways
* Laser mice tend to work on any surface
* Optical mice are great for day-to-day work and gaming
* Laser mice shine for precise applications like graphic design
* Laser mice tend to start with a 6,000 DPI
* Optical mice max out at 3,000 DPI
* Laser mice are more expensive than optical mice
* Spend between $10 and $30 for a good brand-name model
Yup, there most certainly is.
Both types of mice have their own unique attributes, making them ideal for certain situations and user preferences.
Let’s look at the differences between them and which of these mice is best for you.
Optical (LED) Mice: How They Work
Optical mice use an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light as an illumination source, which reflects off whatever surface the mouse is on.
As the mouse moves, the reflected light enters a nearby (CMOS) sensor, relaying information about the mouse’s movement to the computer.
One of the most important components of an optical mouse is the image acquisition system, which is a high-speed camera that’s capable of taking thousands of images per second.
The mouse’s built-in processor then analyzes these images to determine the direction and speed of the mouse’s movement.
Optical mice also work on a variety of surfaces, although they tend to perform best on non-glossy and non-reflective surfaces, such as a standard mousepad.
Optical mice don’t perform as well on surfaces like glass or reflective materials, as light from the LED is not reflected properly back into the sensor.
Laser Mice: How They Work
Okay, okay – not that kind of laser mouse. Still though…cute little fella!
Laser mice use a laser light source which then reflects back to a sensor that detects the movement of the mouse.
So that’s our case of stating the obvious out of the way.
This technology allows for a higher level of sensitivity and precision compared to optical mice, which use LED lights instead.
Laser mice can operate at over 6,000 DPI but sometimes in excess of 15,000 DPI.
More DPI = higher “resolution” and therefore more accurate.
By comparison, optical mice top out at around 3,000 DPI, which is more than enough for day-to-day work and most games.
The downside to laser mice is…well…their precision based on their optics. Lasers are very precise so if the laser reflects back position data from an uneven surface your mouse could jitter.
Which is not a big deal if you’re typing up a blog post like this one.
But it is a big deal if you’re #2 in a “Last Man Standing” match.
There’s no worse feeling than looking at your laser mouse in horror as it sits there frozen while you’re getting fragged.
What surfaces work best for laser or optical mice?
Optical mice are happy enough to work on most surfaces, including uneven and some reflective ones.
Laser mice, because they’re far more accurate, don’t react as well to uneven or reflective surfaces.
But if you’re using a half-decent mouse mat then this is a non-issue.
P.S. You should be using a mouse mat.
Is a laser mouse more expensive than an optical mouse?
The price difference between the two types has narrowed over time, though laser mice often still tend to cost slightly more than optical mice.
At the lower end of the market, the most affordable laser mice can be found to be around $5 but you’re usually better off spending $20+ on a mouse if you want it to last more than a year.
Environmental Factors?
Optical mice generally consume less power than laser mice because they use an LED light for illumination, which requires less energy than the laser diode used in laser mice.
This lower power consumption can be a big advantage for battery-powered devices, making optical mice a more energy-efficient choice.
But the difference in power consumption is going to be pretty marginal.
Durability and Lifespan
In terms of how long you can expect a mouse to last after you purchase it.
Well, with an optical (LED) or laser mouse the actual lens, LED/Laser, and CMOS sensor will probably last for 10+ years.
But alas most modern electronic devices are manufactured with some element of “death date” in mind.
Which is usually around 12 months after your warranty expires.
