What is best laser mouse for photoshop?

[Mr Reorg]

Will a laser mouse with a higher sensitivity (I.E. 2000 dpi verses 800 dpi) be better for editing working in Photoshop? I know that applies for most gaming, but I need a new mouse mainly for general PC chores and, although occasional, I try some ambitious things in Photoshop; (I'm still learning how to use its magic).

I've been looking at the MX Revolution (http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000HCT12O/ref=s9_asin_title_2/102-2897363-8810546) but not sure if I'll be happy with a maximum 800 dpi sensitivity for detailed editing work.

Please keep in mind that I'm not a gamer.

[Devhux]

Honestly, I find with Photoshop, a LOWER sensitivity works better (at 2000dpi, the mouse cursor moves like crazy even if you just tap the mouse.

I like the Logitech G5, since you can easily adjust its sensitivity -- when I'm in Photoshop, I generally use the lower speed settings, then increase it when I'm gaming.

[Mr Reorg]

GuruX -

Interesting. I was thinking that for times when I want to duplicate a layer and move it precisly x number of pixels (for certain effects), that the same logic would apply as when precise targeting is desired (as in FPS games) - the higher the dpi setting on the mouse, the greater the precision.

[Thesifer]

You should get a Wacom drawing pad. A friend of mine that is an artist and a graphics designer uses one, and loves it.

[m5driven]

I have the Razer Copperhead w/its 2000 DPI and its very precise, however I mainly use it for gaming. One other thing to keep in mind is that a mousepad is almost as important as a mouse.

[Mr Reorg]

You should get a Wacom drawing pad. A friend of mine that is an artist and a graphics designer uses one, and loves it.

I've looking into that; been a reading about the Graphire and Intuos tablets. But I only do occasional photoshop work (family photos mostly) as an enthused hobbyist (is that a word?). I'm not an artist, paid photographer, or graphics designer. I don't know if the $200 - $300 investment is practicle for me.

But I really need a new mouse, so I thought I'd get one that would make things a little easier when in photoshop. As I said before, I'm not a gamer.

[Napoleon54]

I think there may be some confusion between the sensitivity of the mouse itself (sensor hardware) and the movement of the pointer on the screen (movement of mouse translated into movement of pointer). Correct me if I'm wrong (perhaps I'm misunderstanding something), but a 2000dpi mouse will always be more precise than a 800dpi mouse regardless of what "sensitivity" it is set to in the OS. Perhaps "precision" would be a better word to use regarding the capabilities of a mouse's sensor. :shrug:

[InfiniteNothing]

From my experience the higher the dpi the faster the mouse moves around. If you then drop the mouse speed in preferences you might get more precision

[Devhux]

From my experience the higher the dpi the faster the mouse moves around. If you then drop the mouse speed in preferences you might get more precision

That is correct -- high DPI settings are great for FPS titles when you need to spin around really quick and get at your target -- but lower sensitivity/dpi settings are great when using a sniper rifle.

[ArkiStan]

I have a Logitech MX518 mouse. Above and below the scroll wheel it has on-the-fly sensitivity adjustment buttons. I think it was originally designed for gamers, but it's great for graphics/CAD work as well. Several fellow designers I know use it.

[Mr Reorg]

From my experience the higher the dpi the faster the mouse moves around. If you then drop the mouse speed in preferences you might get more precision


That is correct -- high DPI settings are great for FPS titles when you need to spin around really quick and get at your target -- but lower sensitivity/dpi settings are great when using a sniper rifle.

Based on what you're saying I am in error thinking higher dpi = greater precision. I thought high dpi in games was for targeting precision (ie sniping), and if I am understanding the two of you now correctly, you're stating the opposite. In other words:


Wrong: higher dpi = greater sensitivity = greater precision = pointer movement more precise (i.e. able to move a specific number of pixels in photoshop)


Correct: higher dpi = greater sensitivity = lower precision = pointer movement more precise (i.e. able to move a specific number of pixels in photoshop)

When I reread the last part of that last sentence ("correct: ...") there appears to be a contradition. I think I'm still confused :confused: Did I get that wrong, again. :disa: As I said, I'm not a gamer; hence my confusion about the effect of higher dpi settings in the software of the mouse.


I think there may be some confusion between the sensitivity of the mouse itself (sensor hardware) and the movement of the pointer on the screen (movement of mouse translated into movement of pointer). Correct me if I'm wrong (perhaps I'm misunderstanding something), but a 2000dpi mouse will always be more precise than a 800dpi mouse regardless of what "sensitivity" it is set to in the OS. Perhaps "precision" would be a better word to use regarding the capabilities of a mouse's sensor.

Napoleon54 seems to be in disagreement with InfiniteNothing and GuruX.

[zero2dash]

I use a MX518 at home.
Use the lowest dpi setting for Photoshop, it allows for very very nice precision.
When you use the highest dpi the cursor moves faster and farther and is not good for precision.

In closing:
Photoshop - use low dpi
twitch gaming - use high dpi

Get one of the customizable optical or laser mice and you'll be set.

[DarkFury]

I use a MX518 at home.
Use the lowest dpi setting for Photoshop, it allows for very very nice precision.
When you use the highest dpi the cursor moves faster and farther and is not good for precision.

In closing:
Photoshop - use low dpi
twitch gaming - use high dpi

Get one of the customizable optical or laser mice and you'll be set.
:agree:

In most FPS games, it's the person who can REACT fastest that usually gets the kills. This is where a High DPS helps. A very small movement of the mouse covers a fairly large area of the screen (hence you don't have to roll your mouse off of the mouse pad at a critical point to get your cursor in the right position for a kill shot.)

However in "precision" mousing (such as in a powerpoint app), lowering the sensitivity (dpi) of the same mouse allows you to make very fine adjustments to an image while having generous movement leeway with your mouse. You can roll the mouse several inches, yet only affect a small "pixel" area of the space you are trying to manipulate with Photoshop.

Having an "adjustable" mouse with a high DPI just allows you the best of both worlds in one.

That being said... I personally own a Logitech G5 Laser mouse and I love it. On top of it having a high DPI laser, it also has an adjustable weight block that also allows you so further adjust it's "feel" to your hand. Some gamers have a light hand and others have a heavy hand... and the weight block gives you a resistance sensitivity that is also an advantage in precision mousing. :D


Good luck on your purchase decision! :thumb:

[Mr Reorg]

Thank you, zero2dash and DF. You couldn't make it any clearer than that. Now I understand :woohoo:

Now, the hard choice...which mouse? Decisions, decisions....

[Butch]

I've been in the market for a new, versatile, cordless mouse . . . based on the thread, I picked up the G7 . . . I have a rather special need, though, for which this works perfectly . . . living in Europe, outlets are 220v vs. 110v in the US. I wanted a rechargeable battery mouse that I could use in both countries. Since the G7 comes with two batteries that charge via USB, I don't need to worry about the voltage . . . unlike most other rc mice. Looks like it will work out well . . . looking forward to having the mouse delivered!

[zero2dash]

I like Logitech's products myself; a lot of other people would probably agree.

I have used several Microsoft mice in the past, and both have had minor issues; on the other hand, I've had 4 or 5 Logitech mice over the years with different computers and never once had a problem with Logitech's mice.

I'm sure there are other companies out there putting out dpi customizable mice, but I doubt you'll see any with a low price like Logitech's have. :D I believe Razor mice can be customized, but they come at a premium price. And I don't think there are any customizable Microsoft mice out there, but again - I wouldn't recommend a Microsoft mouse anyway.

Good luck in your search :)
Check newegg.com for the cheapest prices

[ArkiStan]

does it matter what high or low sensitivity means in a mouse? Just get a mouse that allows you to adjust the sensitivity on the fly depending on your needs and you'll be set. I personally can't really tell the difference, but I thik I've heard that hardcore gamers prefer not to use wireless mouses because the "feel of the pointer movement" is different.

[zero2dash]

It seems like most mice out there that specify a dpi have settings to customize the dpi higher or lower depending on your needs. ;) If a mouse doesn't mention dpi usually it can't be customized. (at least that's how things appear to be to me)

I like the Logitechs personally because they have buttons on the mouse to change the settings on the fly (even if you don't install the MouseWare software). If you do install the software, you can customize it even more.

I know absolutely squat about Razor, Boomslang, or any of the other gamer-centric mice out there other than they get good reviews and they're expensive as hell. :shrug:

And again - low sensitivity helps a lot in intricate detail work (namely anything graphic design especially Photoshop or Illustrator) and high sensitivity helps in FPS.

As for the mousepad itself - any mousepad works. :D Maybe for games it makes a difference (I don't see how, but whatever) but not for design work. I've used $5 Allsop design printed mousepads for lord only knows how long and never had any problems. Most optical/laser mice users don't even use mousepads, but in my case I have to because of the wood grain on my desks.