Find the Perfect Mouse: How Mechanical, Optical & Laser Mice Work

Computer mice had their thirtieth birthday in April this year, so what better way to celebrate that look at the debate rages about which type of mice should be used with which type of activities. Of the mouse types available, the three most used include the mechanical mouse, optical mouse and laser mouse, and they are usually of the wireless variety, although many mechanical mice are wired.

Because each mouse type works differently to track the pointer's positioning and speed relative to the computer screen, each has a different accuracy rating and specific function for which it is better suited. With that in mind, let's look at the three mouse types typically available to all computer users, at how they work, and then determine for what type of activity each of these mouse types are perfect- or not.

Mechanical Roller Ball Mice

The mechanical mouse is the mouse that paved the way for all other mice after it. These mice are perfect for occasional computer users - definitely not those who work daily on the computer unless you have a massive amount of patience for inaccurate tracking and don't mind having to clean the mouse every day.

How the Mechanical Mouse Works: This mouse consists of moving parts inside the mouse that aids in tracking the mouse's movement. This roller ball sits on the desk, and when it rolls, it rubs against roller wheels inside the mouse. These roller wheels attach to sensors to detect the rotation and speed of the ball movement, which translates the movements to the pointer, and then moves the pointer across the screen.

Benefits and Downfalls: The one benefit to the mechanical mouse is that it is available in the wired and wireless varieties, and they are typically the most inexpensive, so they are great for kids as well as occasional computer users. However, because of the moving parts, mechanical mice need frequent cleaning or they clog, causing inaccurate tracking, jumping, and other problems. Additionally, because this tracking technology is older, the sensors are not as advanced so mechanical mice are not very accurate.

Optical Mice & Laser Mice

The optical mouse was next in line in the mouse timeline. The optical became popular because of its accuracy and the ability to use it almost anywhere. For this reason, optical and laser mice are better suited to those who work online, such as web designers, or for those who spend a lot of time playing games that need precision movements.

How Optical Mice Work: Optical mice use LED lights, a small camera, and a CMOS (complementary metal oxide sensor) inside the mouse to track movement. When the mouse moves, the LED emits light to the surface, which reflects into the CMOS and then a digital signal processor analyzes the reflection and determines, based on the change and rate of change of each picture signal (dependent on dots per inch the mouse is able to see), where the mouse is on the surface. It then translates this to the movement on the computer screen.

The mouse accuracy depends on this process which itself depends on how large the sensor is, how fast the refresh and image processing rates are and how fast these images can be processed. Larger sensors with higher refresh and image processing rates produce the most accurate optical mice because they can process a larger amount of information quicker.

How Laser Mice Work: A laser mouse is another type of optical mouse that uses a laser beam to reflect the movement rather than a LED light. The laser is typically more accurate, as it can process images at a higher rate.

­Benefits & Downfalls: Optical mice typically do not clog, as they have no moving parts, so there is less jumping and skipping; however, the LED area may need cleaning from time to time. Because the sensor resolution is higher, there is less chance of the pointer jumping across the screen with a mind of its own. Most optical mice do not need to use a mouse pad, although personally, I find that heavily designed pads cause my optical to skip.

Optical mice downfalls include not being able to use them on reflective surfaces, and their cost. A good optical mouse with a high refresh and imaging rate can cost as much as $150 or more. Laser mice offer the same benefits, except that they can be used on any surface, including reflective ones, although they cost about as much or more than optical mice.

Sources:

Personal Experience

"How an Optical Mouse Works," Teq-Faq

Optical Mouse Accuracy," How Stuff Works

"Inside a Mouse," How Stuff Works