Optical vs. Laser mice

ArkiStan · 06-30-2006, 01:11 PM

I've been using a Logitech cordless optical mouse/keyboard combo until now and I've notice that it doesn't perform too consistently. The pointer doesn't move as smoothly as I would like(don't know if it's a 'cordless' problem or a monitor refresh rate issue) and clicks often stick (not mechanically, but digitally: pointer drags even after finger leaves button; clicks don't register) when doing resource-intensive tasks. The batteries run out too often and i spilled water on my mouse a couple days ago rendering the scroll wheel useless. The keyboard keys are also getting sticky. I prefer a sharp "clicky" feel over a smooth, muddy feel when it comes to keyboards.

Even though I don't play games I'm considering a laser mouse because good scan resolution and smooth movement also come in handy when I'm CAD drafting or doing CG work. I was looking at the Logitech G5(laser, corded). Who uses a laser mouse here? How different is it from an optical mouse? What are the pros and cons? Any other models to consider?

BTW, this time, I'm buying my keyboard and mouse separately, and also avoiding cordless.

Devhux · 06-30-2006, 02:02 PM

I have been using the Logitech G5 mouse for quite a few months now and really like it. The sensitivity is amazing (and for gaming or precise Photoshop work, it's nice to adjust the sensitivity on-the-fly (when using the Magnetic Lasso tool in Photoshop, for example, I put it to its lowest setting).

As for the problems you are discussing, it's probably due more to the cordless nature of the devices -- I've seen that on a few occasions on my older MX700 mouse as well. I definately notice a difference between my MX700 and this mouse.

ArkiStan · 06-30-2006, 02:40 PM

thanks for the feedback guruX. I've got a question. How's the feel of the clicking the middle scroll button? I've read in some reviews that it's really stiff and hard to press. I've got a couple CG programs which require extensive clicking of the middle button for navigation. Do you feel that it's particularly uncomforatble to use?

Devhux · 06-30-2006, 03:22 PM

It is definately a bit tricky to press. I rarely use the middle button, so it's not something I've really noticed much. Scolling is fine though -- not too clicky, not too mushy.

The only other weakness of this mouse is that there's no Forward button.

DarkFury · 06-30-2006, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArkiStan

thanks for the feedback guruX. I've got a question. How's the feel of the clicking the middle scroll button? I've read in some reviews that it's really stiff and hard to press. I've got a couple CG programs which require extensive clicking of the middle button for navigation. Do you feel that it's particularly uncomforatble to use?

The reason why some folks feel that the middle button is hard to push is the fact that this mouse has a middle button "side scrolling button" feature.

Pretty much the middle button goes down, left and right and you can program each of those clicks to other keys (like I do for gaming in City of Heroes). Yes, it can be a bit tricky to activate the "down" (and then you see the "left" action go off instead) but eventually you get used to it.

I do like the functionality that they built into the G5. It's one sweet mouse!

ArkiStan · 07-01-2006, 09:23 AM

Thanks DF. What do you guys feel about the laser tracking? Is it really more precise than optical?

DarkFury · 07-01-2006, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArkiStan

Thanks DF. What do you guys feel about the laser tracking? Is it really more precise than optical?

In one word...

"yes"

chrisa86wm · 07-03-2006, 10:54 AM

I second the "yes"!
Once you get a laser, you will not want to go back to optical.

06-30-2006, 01:11 PM	#1
ArkiStan Admiral Join Date: May 2000 Location: Recession Central Posts: 5,898	Optical vs. Laser mice I've been using a Logitech cordless optical mouse/keyboard combo until now and I've notice that it doesn't perform too consistently. The pointer doesn't move as smoothly as I would like(don't know if it's a 'cordless' problem or a monitor refresh rate issue) and clicks often stick (not mechanically, but digitally: pointer drags even after finger leaves button; clicks don't register) when doing resource-intensive tasks. The batteries run out too often and i spilled water on my mouse a couple days ago rendering the scroll wheel useless. The keyboard keys are also getting sticky. I prefer a sharp "clicky" feel over a smooth, muddy feel when it comes to keyboards. Even though I don't play games I'm considering a laser mouse because good scan resolution and smooth movement also come in handy when I'm CAD drafting or doing CG work. I was looking at the Logitech G5(laser, corded). Who uses a laser mouse here? How different is it from an optical mouse? What are the pros and cons? Any other models to consider? BTW, this time, I'm buying my keyboard and mouse separately, and also avoiding cordless.

06-30-2006, 02:02 PM	#2
Devhux Rear Admiral Lower Half Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Calgary Alberta Canada Posts: 2,511	I have been using the Logitech G5 mouse for quite a few months now and really like it. The sensitivity is amazing (and for gaming or precise Photoshop work, it's nice to adjust the sensitivity on-the-fly (when using the Magnetic Lasso tool in Photoshop, for example, I put it to its lowest setting). As for the problems you are discussing, it's probably due more to the cordless nature of the devices -- I've seen that on a few occasions on my older MX700 mouse as well. I definately notice a difference between my MX700 and this mouse. __________________ 0118 999 881 999 119 725... 3

07-03-2006, 10:54 AM	#8
chrisa86wm Lieutenant Junior Grade Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 74	I second the "yes"! Once you get a laser, you will not want to go back to optical. __________________ http://www.ubuntu.com/

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06-30-2006, 02:40 PM	#3
ArkiStan Admiral Join Date: May 2000 Location: Recession Central Posts: 5,898	thanks for the feedback guruX. I've got a question. How's the feel of the clicking the middle scroll button? I've read in some reviews that it's really stiff and hard to press. I've got a couple CG programs which require extensive clicking of the middle button for navigation. Do you feel that it's particularly uncomforatble to use?

06-30-2006, 03:22 PM	#4
Devhux Rear Admiral Lower Half Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Calgary Alberta Canada Posts: 2,511	It is definately a bit tricky to press. I rarely use the middle button, so it's not something I've really noticed much. Scolling is fine though -- not too clicky, not too mushy. The only other weakness of this mouse is that there's no Forward button.

07-01-2006, 09:23 AM	#6
ArkiStan Admiral Join Date: May 2000 Location: Recession Central Posts: 5,898	Thanks DF. What do you guys feel about the laser tracking? Is it really more precise than optical?

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