Laser vs. Optical

Hey guys,

I've been looking for a mouse pad recently, for my sidewinder x8, because I'm looking to improve my gaming accuracy.

Right now I'm just using my wood desk for a mouse pad, but it is very loud, the mouse is jumpy, and its hard to move it around the desk (caused by the high friction).

So I've been looking at some different mouse pads, and the general consensus on the topic is that for laser mice, hard surface pads are better.

So, I found this one that looks really good, the only problem I have is that it says its for optical mice. (My mouse is considered laser/and uses microsoft bluetrack)

For reference it can be found here, http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16817114171 .


TL;DR Version

So I guess, basically I'm asking, does it matter that the mouse pad is supposed to be for "optical mice" when mine is laser?

 

It was probably designed before laser mice were really popular. From the reviews, a few people say it works just fine with their laser mice, so I think it's a safe bet it'll work with yours too.

That's why I love my DeathAdder...3,500 DPI, but optical rather than laser, for smooth tracking on just about anything.

 

And do you use your DeathAdder at 3,500 DPI?

 

I would use pizza box top. Free.

 

Yeah, although in games I will occasionally click it down to 1,600 to line up those pixel-precise sniper shots.

 

I have a lachesis, but I have never gone over 2K, mostly around 800-1600 depending on the game

And for those about to say the point of 4K DPI if I don't use it, I will say the main thing was 9 buttons, and the fact that I got it for the same price as an MX518, that led me to choose a Lachesis and not DPI

On-Topic:

I have found that laser mice have issues tracking on mats where a certain design may be repeated
I can't use it at all in a surface with images of bubbles or a swirly pattern, regardless of the material its made of

I'm currently using a single colored cloth mat until I can get an eXact MAt

 

From what I've read, the Lachesis' sensor is particularly finicky about that sort of thing, and my Orochi has its moments as well (it uses the same 4,000 DPI laser). The eXactMat should be perfect, though. And 9 buttons is pretty great, sometimes I wish the DeathAdder had two more somewhere.

 

Yeah
Hope to get an eXactmat soon, since it will take them ages to bring a Vespula
I love the 2 buttons on the right of the lachesis
Great for choosing my 2 most used sensitivities

I was looking at Orochi but its really pricey here

 

whats up with vespula taking so long to be available? lack of material?

 

Probably the fact that it's their newest product. It hasn't even been out for a whole month yet. That's pretty normal when they come out with something new; it generally sells out pretty quick. The Orochi, for instance, sold out almost as soon as they announced it, and it was continuously out of stock or backordered for months. The Imperator sold out quickly too, although not quite as bad as the Orochi.

 

both optical and laser work better on hard pad imo, the texture can be finer on hard pad as compared to soft pad.

i currently use hard pad on all my optical and laser mouse.

 

I have that exact same pad, and works great with my laser (Logitech MX1000) mouse.

 

Laser FTW!

I have used both, and my VX Nano (laser) has been much better to me than any other optical mice I have ever owned.