Optical wireless vs Laser wireless vs Corded optical and laser

Hi, my logitech v220 died after almost 2 years of intense use right in the middle of a project! So I have to get one right away... I do not game but I work mainly in photoshop and found that it takes a few moves to move to the precise point that i need it to.

I've read that DPI = precision, so I assumed the higher the DPI the better... laser has higher DPI, so laser is better than normal optical.

Now, Microsoft Wireless Laser 6000 ( http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=010) uses a 'HD Laser', but its only 1000dpi which is the same as my V220... so technically, these 2 should have similar 'precision'... right?

Another one I was looking at was the Logitech V450 nano, which supposedly uses high performance laser and I can't find the DPI rating.

I would really like a big desktop size mouse as it would be more comfortable over long hours and the programmable buttons would be REALLY useful as well... which is why the microsoft is tempting. I am on an extremely tight budget. The old one cost abt 20$, and i can go till 50$ at the max. But the bad reviews on amazon are making the logitech seem like the more sensible option...

Also is there any difference in precision with respect to wired vs wireless types, especially in terms of precision?

So if you guys have any recommendations or thoughts, they would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

If your a avid gamer i wouldn't touch a wireless mouse with a badgepole unless its a mamba lol.

 

haha... yea i've read abt that. but i don't game at all... i assume wireless will have a slight lag in terms of response? that's not an issue for me, but i'm looking for PRECISION tracking - to be able to move to the exact pixel i want easily without readjusting too often.... i forgot to mention that i use a 15.4 inch WUXGA 1920 by 1200 resolution display... so theres a lot of pixels per inch!

 

In that case, either optical or laser will be just fine for your needs. I'd look for something around 1,600 DPI or above for that resolution.

 

first of all, thanks for replying guys... and just to confirm - will there be any difference in smoothness of tracking between a laser mouse and an optical mouse if their DPI is the same??

 

In my experience, I've generally found optical mice to be smoother, even though laser mice may be faster. For instance, I have a 3,500 DPI optical Razer DeathAdder, and a 4,000 DPI laser Orochi, and for normal desktop use I keep them both at 2,000 DPI. It could just be my head, but I get the impression that the DeathAdder's tracking is more smooth and fluid.

 

I prefer laser over optical. But really, it's preference I guess.

I'm currently using the Microsoft Explorer Mouse, which uses the new Blue Laser technology.

 

oh... that might save me some cash! what is the best DPI for buck mouse out there? I can only choose from Logitech and Microsoft sadly here in India...

another question, would the FPS of a mouse make any difference? the microsoft wireless laser 6000 that i mentioned does 6000 fps apparently... it seems like this figure might be responsible for how smoothly it tracks and dpi might be how precise it could theoretically be... is this assumption correct?

 

I've never used a laser matt... atleast haven't with the intention of comparing the 2 kinds... but from all i've gathered so far, it seems like it's very much a case by case basis... precision and smooth tracking dont seem to be a function of dpi alone... thats why the above assumption!

 

I also prefer laser over optical. I just find it works more smoothly for me. As others have said though, it's more of a personal preference too.

 

The 3000-4000 DPI mice are ridiculous. There's absolutely no control when your mouse is moving that fast. Most people end up either turning the sensitivity down using software or lowering the DPI in the hardware which completely negates the need for a mouse that sensitive. Either way, it's mostly just a marketing ploy for manufacturers. A "normal" mouse runs at about 800 DPI. Anything over 1600 is overkill for most people.

 

My preference is for laser, especially as I find myself using my notebooks on uneven surfaces(woodgrain, etc) where optical mice simply 'jump' way too much to be used correctly. I use a Lenovo wireless Bluetooth laser mouse with my T400, and a Logitech G5 wired with my XPS M1730.

The G5 gets my vote because it's easy to scale down the resolution with buttons on the mouse itself, versus cumbersome software programs. a lower resolution for working on the desktop, and a higher resolution for when you need much more precision, especially gaming.

That said, I don't see many problems with my Bluetooth laser mouse, but I also don't really do much online gaming anymore, especially with my T400.

 

No, and I wager that if an optical and a laser mouse were set in front of you (and 99 percent of the mouse users in the world) that you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

If you're looking for a Logitech mouse, I would suggest the venerable MX518. Great mouse, good comfort, button layout, and DPI. You really can't go wrong with it and it's decently priced to boot.

 

Odd, in my experience it's been the other way around, if anything. Laser sensors tend to be much more picky about what surfaces you use them on; they're particularly fond of hard, flat, smooth surfaces. Optical mice seem to track better on a wider variety of surfaces. I'm not saying that lasers won't track on a foam pad, but usually if there is a disparity, it's usually in favor of optical.

The MX518 is definitely a classic. The G9 is also good if you're into the multiple grips and adjustable weights. From the Razer side of things you might enjoy the new DeathAdder, with a 3,500 DPI optical sensor.

 

Having been a long time logitech user, about 15 years, and having most recently used the mx500, mx518, and g5 v2, I would suggest either the 518 or g5 v2. They are shaped exactly the same, the g5 has a kind of rubber texture which you may or may not like, but overall I can't tell difference between the two at all. I have tried a few different cordless mice, but the eyes have tended to be off center and it always screwed up my gaming, as well as the possibility of the mouse dying during use.

Orb