Is an invisible LED mouse more accurate than one with a red LED?

In summary, an invisible LED mouse is not necessarily more accurate than one with a red LED. While the red LED can sometimes cause interference and inaccuracies, the invisible LED may have other issues such as difficulty tracking on certain surfaces. Ultimately, the accuracy of a mouse depends on a variety of factors and cannot be determined solely by the type of LED used.
  • #1
Ephant
147
2
I have a bluetooth Logitech M557 mouse with invisible led (it's written "invisible optics underneath) that I had for 5 years and I could use on any surface most often on a pure white bond paper. It can move smoothly. My only problem at present is the buttons are not so stable now due to dusts collected inside the switch (which I couldn't remove totally) or other problems.

I bought an A4tech 620D with red led. It has difficulty moving smooth in the bond paper. When I bought a mouse cloth-like pad. It can finally move smoothly.

Are white led generallly more accurate? Why? Or is it due to the unique model or build of the Logitech M557?
 
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  • #2
It probably depends more on which and how much brightener is used in the paper than on the color of the light. That said, the spectral response of the sensor could make the difference.(Infrared has a longer wavelength than visible light so that would reduce the spatial resolution.)

The popular optical mouse, originated by Hewlett-Packard (HP) several decades ago as I recall, consists of a 3x3 photosensor (a 9 pixel camera) and some processing. The times I've used a sheet of paper as a mouse pad, sometimes it worked fine and sometimes it didn't, it was also direction sensitive. My desktop is white with a little bit of texture, except for a shiny spot where I used the mouse for a while. I now use a mouse pad because the cursor movement will sometimes get erratic on that shiny area -- besides, a mouse pad adds a little bit of friction that makes the mouse more controllable; without that friction it's like walking on ice or a soapy tile floor!

Well, I probably didn't answer your question, but at least now you have a little more information, and history!

I just tried the mouse on a manilla envelope and got intermittent movement on various areas of the envelope.

Cheers,
Tom
 
  • #3
Ephant said:
Are white led generallly more accurate?
As white is the composite of different wavelengths, each as a possible way to sense the movements of those small fluctuations in intensity (compared to the standard monochrome, of any colour), it might be.
But in general, the build of the actual device will be the most important.
 
  • #4
Rive said:
As white is the composite of different wavelengths, each as a possible way to sense the movements of those small fluctuations in intensity (compared to the standard monochrome, of any colour), it might be.
But in general, the build of the actual device will be the most important.

I didn't mean white led. I mean invisible IR led.
 
  • #5
You wrote white there.
IR is just another monochrome.
 
  • #6
Rive said:
You wrote white there.
IR is just another monochrome.

It was a typo. I meant invisible.
 

FAQ: Is an invisible LED mouse more accurate than one with a red LED?

1. What is the difference between an invisible LED mouse and a red LED mouse?

An invisible LED mouse typically uses infrared (IR) light, which is not visible to the human eye, while a red LED mouse uses visible red light. The type of LED can affect how the mouse interacts with different surfaces, as infrared light may be absorbed or reflected differently compared to red light.

2. Does the color of the LED affect the accuracy of the mouse?

The accuracy of a mouse is influenced by various factors, including the sensor technology and the surface on which it is used. While some studies suggest that infrared sensors can provide better tracking on certain surfaces, the difference in accuracy between invisible and red LED mice may not be significant for everyday use.

3. Are invisible LED mice better for gaming compared to red LED mice?

Invisible LED mice can offer advantages in terms of precision and responsiveness, especially on glossy or reflective surfaces where red LEDs may struggle. However, many gaming mice now use advanced optical or laser sensors that can outperform both types of LEDs, making the choice less critical for gamers.

4. Can the type of LED affect the battery life of the mouse?

Yes, the type of LED can influence battery life. Infrared LEDs may consume less power compared to red LEDs, which could lead to longer battery life in wireless mice. However, the overall efficiency also depends on other factors such as the mouse's design and power management features.

5. What should I consider when choosing between an invisible LED mouse and a red LED mouse?

When choosing between the two, consider the types of surfaces you will be using the mouse on, your personal comfort and preference, the mouse's specifications (such as DPI and polling rate), and whether you need features tailored for gaming or professional use. Testing both types may help you determine which works best for your needs.

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