Which Gaming Mouse Has The Best Sensor?

Last Updated on November 29, 2022

Are you curious about Which Gaming Mouse Has The Best Sensor? We will provide a complete discussion in this article.

We will discuss several gaming mice that use the best sensors on the market today along with a list of the most perfect sensors in a gaming mouse.

So let’s get started!

Today’s modern gaming mice mostly use optical sensors where optical sensors have far better accuracy than the other type of mouse sensors. This has made many manufacturers use optical sensors in their gaming mice, such as the Focus+ Sensor on Razer, the PMW 3389 Sensor on the cooler master, the TrueMove Air Sensor on Steelseries, the Hero 25k Sensor on Logitech, and many more.

How Does an Optical Mouse Work?

Optical mice produce better precision than previous mechanical mice that use rubber balls. To find out more, here is the mechanism or how the optical mouse works:

• Bright red light is emitted by an LED and then reflected by a plastic lens onto the base surface (the case where the mouse is swiped). Meanwhile above the ground surface there is a CMOS image sensor that captures images of the ground surface with a very fast capture frequency, around 150 fps (frames per second) or even more.
• If the mouse is not moved, the image captured by the sensor is the same, there are no changes. If the mouse is moved, there will be changes in the image captured by the sensor, the sensor then sends these changes in the form of a signal to the Digital Signal Processor (DSP).
• DSP is sometimes in the form of a separate IC separate from the sensor, but sometimes it is part of the sensor chip. The DSP then converts the signals from the sensors into digital codes which contain a “clock” (Clk) and “data” (Dat).
• Each mouse shift (left, right, forward and so on) will result in different image changes resulting in a different signal. Thus the DSP will also produce information on Clk and Dat that are different too. This information is then sent via a connector cable or data cable to the computer.
• On the computer, the information in Clk and Dat is then decoded as a cursor shift that can be seen on the monitor screen.
• In the two channels, namely Clk and Dat, apart from containing information about mouse shifts, they also contain signals for the computer to respond when the right click, left click or scroll switches are turned ON.
• Because the sensor and DSP circuits require a voltage supply to work, the +5V voltage is taken from the computer’s power-supply via the “+V” line cable, while the ground is connected via the “gnd” cable.
• Thus, in the cable connector/data cable that connects the mouse to the computer, there are 4 cable connections, namely: +V line cable (+5V DC voltage), Clk line cable, Dat line cable and ground cable. These four cables are bundled together and terminate in a PS/2 or USB connector to connect to a computer.
• Usually, the data cable is also equipped with a “shield”, which is a protective layer that wraps the inside of the four cables. The shield layer is made of thin elastic aluminum and is connected to the ground or computer body. The connection for the shield layer is the fifth connection.
• In most optical mice (not all), each cable channel contained in the data cable is assigned a certain color, including: Red cable: +V ; Black wire : gnd ; Green wire : Clk ; White wire : Dat ; and black cable (thicker): connection for the shield.

Best Sensor for Gaming Mouse

In the table below, is a complete list of the best sensors for gaming mice:

Brand	Sensor	Type	DPI	IPS	Accel	Notes
Razer	Focus+	Optical	20000	650	50g	99.6% resolution accuracy
Pixart	PMW 3370	Optical	19000	400	50g	Promising new sensor
Pixart	PAW 3338	Optical	16000	400	40g
Pixart	PMW 3389	Optical	16000	400	50g
Pixart	PMW 3390	Optical	16000	450	50g
Steelseries	TrueMove Air	Optical	16000	400	40g	Based on PAW3335
Pixart	PAW 3369	Optical	16000	400	40g
Pixart	PAW 3335	Optical	16000	400	40g	Low power version of the 3389
Logitech	Hero 25k	Optical	25600	400	40g
Logitech	Hero 16k	Optical	16000	400	40g	Replaced by Hero 25K
Logitech	Hero	Optical	12000	400	40g
Pixart	PMW 3361 / Owl Eye	Optical	12000	250	50g
Steelseries	TrueMove 3	Optical	12000	250	50g	Modified 3360
Pixart	PMW 3366	Optical	12000	250	50g
Pixart	PMW 3391	Optical	12000	250	50g	Only seen on the Corsair mouse
Pixart	PMW 3360	Optical	12000	250	50g	The most popular sensor, seen on all wired Glorious Mice
Pixart	PMW 3336	Optical	10800	150	30g
Pixart	PMW 3359	Optical	8500	300	35g	Same as TrueMove Core and PMW3331
Steelseries	TrueMove Core	Optical	8500	300	35g	Based off of PMW3331
Pixart	PMW 3331	Optical	8500	300	35g
Logitech	Mercury	Optical	8000	200	25g
Pixart	PMW 3330	Optical	7200	150	30g	Budget version of the 3360
Pixart	SDNS 3989	Optical	6400	200	50g	Older Razer exclusive sensor
Pixart	SDNS 3988	Optical	6400	200	50g	Older Razer exclusive sensor
Pixart	PMW 3325	Optical	5000	100	20g
Pixart	PMW 3310	Optical	5000	130	30g
Avago	AM010	Optical	4000	120	20g
Pixart	PMW 3320	Optical	3500	80	20g
Avago	ADNS 3095	Optical	3500	60	20g
Avago	ADNS 3090	Optical	3500	60	20g
Avago	ADNS 3050	Optical	2000	60	20g
Roccat	Pro-Optic Sensor R3	Optical	4000	60	20g	Branded ADNS 3090
Avago	ADNS-3988	Optical	6400	200	50g
Avago	ADNS-3090	Optical	3600	60	20g
Avago	ADNS-3888	Optical	3500	120	15g

Some basic rules on a sensor that you should know:

• DPI: The number of dots (or DPIs) that a device can detect is the measurement unit used to determine the mouse’s sensitivity.
• IPS: Mouse speed is expressed in IPS, or inches per second. This corresponds to the most distance a mouse may travel in a second before its capacity for tracking is exhausted.
• Accel: When you utilize mouse acceleration, sometimes known as “mouse accel,” the pointer in the game advances in accordance with how quickly you move the mouse on your desk.

Gaming Mouse With The Best Sensor

The Gaming Mouse	Sensors	Type	DPI	IPS	Accel
Razer Viper Ultimate	Razer Focus+	Optical	20000	650	50g
Razer DeathAdder	Razer Focus+	Optical	20000	650	50g
Logitech G Pro X Superlight	Logitech Hero 25k	Optical	25600	400	40g
Steelseries Aerox 3	SteelSeries TrueMove Air	Optical	16000	400	40g
ENDGAME XM1	Pixart PMW 3389	Optical	16000	400	50g
Coolermaster MM710	Pixart PMW 3389	Optical	16000	400	50g
HyperX Pulsefire Haste	Pixart PAW 3335	Optical	16000	400	40g
Logitech G Pro Wireless	Logitech Hero 16k	Optical	16000	400	40g
SteelSeries Rival 310	SteelSeries TrueMove 3	Optical	12000	250	50g
Logitech G Pro Gaming Mouse	Pixart PMW 3366	Optical	12000	250	50g
Corsair Ironclaw Wireless	Pixart PMW 3391	Optical	12000	250	50g
Glorious Model O-	Pixart PMW 3360	Optical	12000	250	50g
Finalmouse Ultralight 2	Pixart PMW 3360	Optical	12000	250	50g
ROCCAT Burst Pro	ROCCAT Owl-Eye Sensor	Optical	16000	400	40g
ROCCAT KONE Pure	ROCCAT Owl-Eye Sensor	Optical	12000	250	50g
ROCCAT Kone Pro	Roccat Owl-Eye	Optical	19000	450	50g

Our Favorite Gaming Mouse With The Best Sensor

Razer Viper Ultimate with Razer Focus+

With Razer Focus+ Sensor, The ideal Razer mouse for those trying to gain a competitive edge is the Razer Viper Ultimate. This is a really fast tip; in Apex Legends, turning the camera allowed us to fly across the map while simultaneously keeping an unexpected level of control.

A winner for everyone, the Razer Viper Ultimate also manages to be comfortable because to its ergonomic, ambidextrous design. Since this is an FPS mouse, it goes without saying that it is a lightweight device. It’s important to keep in mind that the Razer Viper Ultimate weighs 5g more than the original Viper model. Our pace was never hampered by this tiny weight increase, which was scarcely perceptible in comparison to the original model.

It’s important to remember that you should take Razer’s claim of a 70-hour battery life with a grain of salt. That serves as a basis for a straightforward, no-LED runtime. With all guns blazing, we were actually clocking in at close to 30 hours. That’s still rather amazing, and we were glad that we had the choice to turn off for some serious juice.

Razer DeathAdder V2 with Razer Focus+

The Razer DeathAdder V2 significantly enhances the original DeathAdder in a variety of ways, which is remarkable given how effective, powerful, and well-liked the first was (it sold 10 million units).

It is among the best-shaped mouse now on the market and is ideal for all grip styles, from claw to palm. It is also incredibly accurate. The V2 has a 20,000 DPI sensor, which is significantly higher than that of any rival device. It also has a 650 IPS rating, making it blazingly fast while still being very accurate and responsive. The Razer DeathAdder V2 meets all of the specifications given, as we discovered after putting them to the test.

Additionally, compared to the Naga Pro or Basilisk V3, this mouse is significantly lighter, and the plastic feels a touch flimsier. That will work in your advantage if you’re looking for a quick competitive clicker, but the Viper Ultimate is far more equipped for FPS games, making this a more cost-effective choice.

Since then, Razer has produced the reasonably priced Razer DeathAdder V2 X, however it falls short of the original model in terms of value for money. This is especially true given that the original DeathAdder V2 is frequently sold for less than the new, “cheap” version. Here, staying with the original is advised.

Logitech G Pro X Superlight with Logitech Hero 25k

An improvement to the already outstanding Logitech G Pro Wireless is the Logitech G Pro X Superlight (also on this page). Despite needing a power source, the G Pro X Superlight manages to be surprisingly lightweight, making it the best wireless mouse for first-person shooter games.

Due to the G Pro X Superlight’s lack of a cable, extended PTFE feet, and ease of flicking, it excelled in our testing for twitchy games. Additionally, it shares the same design as the G Pro Wireless, which is beneficial for right- and left-handed people. The side buttons of the G Pro X Superlight can be moved around, whereas those on the G Pro Wireless are always left-flanked. For lefties, the G Pro Wireless is a better choice because of this.

But Logitech has created a mouse that boasts the stats and design of many high-end FPS mice but without the cable thanks to a high-end sensor that can climb to a DPI of 25,600, handle a speed of 400 IPS, and have 40g acceleration.

Steelseries Aerox 3 with SteelSeries TrueMove Air

The SteelSeries Aerox 3 is a great option if you’re looking for a portable gaming mouse. The Aerox 3 weighs only 68g and is offered in wired and wireless versions. You can move more quickly if you use a light mouse. It includes a grate design that allows you to see inside the mouse when it’s on and RGB lighting effects. Really cool! More importantly, the Aerox 3 performs superbly.

It makes precise, accurate performance using a unique tracking sensor. The wireless model has cutting-edge hardware that enables it to function quickly and steadily, rivaling the performance of wired mouse. Additionally, the sensor uses very little energy and may function for up to 200 hours on a single charge. The two side buttons are strategically positioned and offer a pleasing click. However, although having an ambidextrous form, the side buttons are designed for people who use their right hand.

The Aerox 3 is a versatile option as well because it provides a wireless connection via Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz USB-C dongle. By choosing the Aerox 3’s wired version, you may also save some money.

Logitech G Pro Wireless with Logitech Hero 16k

The Logitech G Pro Wireless gaming mouse has one of the most ergonomic designs on the market and is about as high-end as gaming mice can get. It has a pleasingly soft, matte plastic shell that will delight both left and right hands for hours, and it is ambidextrous. The coating improves your grip, and the lightweight, 1mm shell makes it seem manageable without feeling cheap. It moves around with ease because to the PTFE feet and light weight.

The HERO 16K sensor from Logitech has a staggering 16,000 DPI, 450 IPS, and 40G (or 25,600 with software. As opposed to sensors like the Pixart PMW3366, Logitech claims its device uses less battery power. According to the seller, the mouse can operate without the flash for 60 hours and for up to 48 hours with the RGB illumination on. I used the mouse for around 30 hours, both with and without RGB, and I barely noticed a difference in the battery life meter.

With 5 profiles of inbuilt memory, this wireless mouse is even simpler to use across numerous PCs for gamers. 4–8 programmable buttons are present (left and right click, 2 left side buttons, 2 right side buttons and scroll wheel in). Along with the scroll wheel, which presses in shallowly and softly, the left and right clicks are fairly light and don’t do anything particularly noteworthy.

The Lightspeed (opens in new tab) 2.4 GHz dongle from Logitech has never caused me any problems. The G Pro Wireless maintained its promised 1ms report rate even while a Bluetooth keyboard and an occasional 2.4 GHz headset were connected.

The main issue is lifespan. The mouse is pricey and has a two-year warranty, but after using it for nearly two years, my colleague started noticing inadvertent double-clicks. It appears that other people have also run into same issue. I’ve been told by Logitech that it is aware of the problem and is trying to fix it.

Glorious Model O- with Pixart PMW 3360

A lightweight mouse can significantly improve your FPS gaming experience, leaving you never wanting to use a “regular” mouse once more. The Glorious Model D-, which costs $50 and is the greatest gaming mouse for first-person shooter games due to its 2.15 ounce weight and ergonomic form that fits righties with palm or claw grips as well as smaller hands.

The Model D- mouse from Glorious is a superb illustration of the honeycomb-style mice we’ve been seeing more of recently. You can obtain a mouse with excellent PTFE feet that glides almost effortlessly if you can get past the dubious Glorious branding.

What is a Flawless Sensor, exactly?

An excellent gaming mouse has a faultless sensor; it is free of imperfections that would cause inaccuracy to transfer from your hand to the in-game pointer.

Inaccuracies in the sensor camera or data processing due to their controllers are introduced by defective sensors. A select few serious problems with faulty sensors exist.

Jitter

When a sensor detects a noisy signal, jitter occurs, which causes the cursor to hop about the screen. Because of their crisper laser cameras, laser sensors are particularly susceptible to this; they can distinguish between different types of mouse pads and reflect that information on the screen, which causes a jumpier cursor than optical sensors.

Smoothing

For instance, a mouse sensor can have an FPS capture of 2000 but only report 1000 times per second. This is because mouse sensors collect more images than they transmit to the computer (1000 Hz). Smoothing occurs when a mouse sensor averages the two recordings rather than sharing the most recent position. This causes a more delayed response to hand movement on-screen.

Cursor Acceleration

The majority of gamers like a 1:1 input ratio, which states that the pointer should move at the same rate as your hand moves the mouse. Over time, this consistency helps gamers develop stronger muscle memory and perform better.

acceleration alterations The main goal of acceleration was to prevent weariness from shifting the mouse cursor from one side of the screen to the other site, which could be useful for work but detrimental for repeating gaming performance. This 1:1 ratio occurs when speeds exceed a particular threshold.

Some gamers do prefer acceleration, and they can add it using software, but once acceleration is embedded into a mouse’s sensor, there is no getting around it.

Prediction

Prediction makes it easier for motions that are almost vertical or horizontal to seem completely straight on screen. This might be advantageous for some drafting or sketching applications, but it is utterly unacceptable for gaming, as exact performance depends on hand and on-screen movement being synchronized.

Axis Asymmetry

Regardless of movement along the X or Y axes (left or right) or both (up or down), a good sensor should react the same. Because of inadequacies in some sensors, X axis movement is marginally more sensitive than Y axis movement.

What is a Mouse Resolution?

Resolution, which is measured in counts per inch or dots per inch, is a measurement of how responsive a mouse sensor is to physical movement. The phrase counts per inch (CPI), which describes how much movement the sensor records for each inch of physical movement, is more widely used than dots per inch (DPI), which is erroneous but functions in the same way.

Simply said, the higher the CPI, the greater the movement of your mouse cursor per unit of movement. There is no ideal CPI setting for gamers because everyone has different preferences for how sensitive they like their mouse cursor to be.

What is a Mouse Sensor’s Polling Rate?

Not to be confused with the capture frame rate of a mouse sensor, the polling rate refers to how quickly the mouse provides the computer with new data. A 1000 Hz polling rate indicates that the mouse is reporting to the computer 1000 times per second.

For gaming, a greater polling rate is always preferred because you want the most recent mouse movement information available. A lower polling rate would be desirable if you’re seeking to prolong the life of your battery because higher polling rates do consume more power.

Some competitive esports players still use 500 Hz mice even though the majority of gaming mice and sensors have polling rates of 1000 Hz, which is more than enough for gaming. Higher polling rate gaming mice exist, most notably the Razer Viper 8K, although polling rates start to substantially decline around 1000 Hz.

What is a Mouse Frame Rate or FPS?

The number of frames, or photographs, that the sensor camera records in a second is referred to as frames per second or framerate in the context of a mouse sensor. The higher the better in this case, much like the polling rate. Typically, a sensor’s FPS is much higher than its polling rate.

FPS is not a reliable measure of the effectiveness of the mouse sensor.

What is a Mouse Inches per second (IPS)?

The tracking speed of the mouse is measured in inches per second, which indicates how much movement the mouse sensor can accommodate.

All sensors are rated according to their maximum capacity, and almost all contemporary sensors can manage movement well beyond what the majority of players are physically capable of.

The majority of sensors are rated at or above 150 IPS. If you move your mouse hand 10 inches from right to left in one second, that is equal to 10 IPS.

What is a Mouse Max Acceleration?

Max acceleration, which should not be confused with sensor acceleration, measures the maximum acceleration that a mouse sensor can withstand. It is expressed in gs.

The mouse needs to be able to track accurately, handle direction changes, and travel quickly from a stop. Look for sensors with an acceleration of at least 20g. Modern sensors are now capable of things that are much beyond what is physically possible.

What is a Mouse Lift off distance (LOD)?

A measurement in mm of the sensor’s operating distance from the surface.

Lower LOD is preferred by gamers who frequently pick up the mouse because it prevents the sensor from scanning surfaces while the mouse is in the air, which is an unpleasant and unexpected motion.

Lift off distance preferences are arbitrary, although some sensors feature programmable lift off distances. I suggest experimenting with a variety of LODs to get a sense.

What is the Ideal mouse surfaces?

The majority of opaque surfaces can be detected by optical mouse sensors, although uniformly textured surfaces, such as fabric, plastic, wood, or metal, are optimal for tracking.

Glass is difficult for optical sensors to read, and the camera is not sensitive enough to detect changes on glass. Because a laser sensor is more sensitive and can detect movement on glass, laser is superior for surfaces made of glass.

Higher sensitivity to surface changes in laser sensors sometimes overreports movement on textured surfaces, resulting in jitter. Get a mouse pad and an optical mouse if your desk is glass.