Which mouse is better laser or optical: pros and cons, pricing

An irreplaceable gadget is a computer mouse, which was created in the last century. For all this time, the device has been improved. Nowadays, 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 what specific goals you need a computer mouse for. All of them are divided into laser and optical. The principle of work is with them, except for a few nuances.

 Basically, all mice have three elements:

1. A tiny camera with low resolution.
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 the surface texture).

The resolution, which determines the sensitivity of the device, is indicated as dpi. For normal work on a PC, 800 dpi is enough. These are just the parameters of a conventional optical mouse. If we talk about laser, then everything starts from the mark of 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. Such mice use a beam of greater intensity, which increases their accuracy and sensitivity. Such a gadget can even work on transparent glass. To determine the location, he simply reads information about the slightest bumps on the surface. An optical mouse, for example, cannot work on glass even if there is a rug or table surface under it.

These devices are more focused on gamers, graphic designers who care about cursor accuracy down to millimeters. As well as laptop owners who use a computer in different situations, and can not always ensure the quality of the surface.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of laser mice:

•  Works well on any plane.
• Accurately determines the location.
• Sensitive
• Not highlighted.
• Economical power consumption.
• Has additional buttons.

And now the disadvantages:

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

There is another specific flaw, which, oddly enough, arises 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 viewing a web page, then such a flaw will not interfere with your work. But in a game where maximum accuracy is fundamental, 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 from the pictures. A special LED illuminates the surface. Such a device is suitable for those who work in the office or at home, and has at its disposal a flat surface and a mouse pad. The gadget is 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 what you will not use?

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the device include:

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

On this, the advantages of the gadget end. And now for the flaws:

• Surface requirements. The device will function normally only on a special computer desk, or mouse pad.
• Low accuracy, location errors. Therefore, such devices are categorically not suitable for gamers. For web surfing and document editing, high accuracy is not critical.
• The sensitivity is lower than that of the laser "sister."
• Glowing a mouse requires a lot of energy. If we are talking about wireless, then it will run out of battery faster. If it is a wired mouse, then it will consume the charge of the device (laptop, for example).

Price policy

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

Conclusion: if you are a gamer participating in competitions, a freelancer working on a laptop in different places, often travel on business trips, etc., then you better look towards the laser mice. If you need to browse pages on the Internet, or just print, then buying a laser mouse is unjustified.