what's the difference between a laser mouse and an optical?

Answer 1

laser can go to a higher sensitivity than optical, which is only for gaming. However, optical can still go very high and there is no difference performance wise on the same sensitivity. I have an optical logitech mx518 gaming mouse and it is awesome. However I would get the new G5 because it has better features. And if you aren't gaming, get some crappy 10 dollar mouse.

Answer 2

An optical just uses an LED light, it is not as precise, and often needs a mousepad, but it is cheaper. A laser mouse does not need a mousepad and is more expensive. An Optical mouse has a red glow around the bottow usually, but a laser mouse uses an infared laser diode.

Answer 3

Laser mouse use a laser diode to generate the light.

Optical mouse just use a regular LED (light emitting diode)

Answer 4

i bought laser instead of the optical. i'm loving it. i have the logitech g5. it has weights in it that you can remove and a 3 buttons to change the movement. very cool. fyi i had many optical mouse before and they are ok.

"2000 dpi laser engine
An ultra-high resolution engine churns images at an astounding 6.4 megapixels per second. A massive (30-pixel by 30-pixel) sensor array and precision laser technology provides best-in-class performance and tracking."

"In-game sensitivity switching
The G5 provides instant access to three sensitivity levels— 400 dpi, 800 dpi, and 2000 dpi—before driver installation. Shift from pixel-precise targeting to fast-twitch maneuvers, without pausing the action."

buy it at newegg.com for only $45.

Answer 5

A laser mouse has a more precise ability to pick up fine movements.

Answer 6

And as far as usage goes, there is no difference.