
A mouse sensor is an important component of any gaming mouse. It determines how well the mouse will track movement on different surfaces, and it can affect your overall gaming experience. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of mouse sensors and list the best ones for gamers. We’ll also provide a few tips on how to choose the right sensor for your needs. So read on to learn more!
Choosing the best gaming mouse for you can be tricky – there are so many options and brands available today.
Below you will find the best mouse sensors currently available with notable gaming mice using them. This list features the best sensors and should not be used as a ranking. Any of the listed mouse sensors will bring you great results in your favorite games.
We´re reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Best Mouse Sensor for Gaming
Below you find the best flawless sensor for gaming currently available:
Brand | Sensor | Type | CPI | Flawless | IPS | Accel. | Mouse example |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Razer | Focus+ | Optical | 26,000 | Yes | 650 | 50g | Razer Basilisk V3 |
Logitech | Hero 25k | Optical | 25,600 | Yes | 400 | 40g | Logitech G Pro X Superlight Logitech G502 Lightspeed |
PixArt | PMW 3370 | Optical | 19,000 | Yes | 400 | 50g | Nixeus Revel-X |
SteelSeries | TrueMove Air | Optical | 18,000 | Yes | 450 | 50g | SteelSeries Rival 5 |
Logitech | Hero 16k | Optical | 16,000 | Yes | 400 | 40g | Replaced with Hero 25k through Software update from G HUB |
PixArt | PAW 3338 | Optical | 16,000 | Yes | 400 | 40g | NACODEX AJ380 |
PixArt | PMW 3389 | Optical | 16,000 | Yes | 400 | 50g | HyperX Pulsefire Surge |
PixArt | PAW 3335 | Optical | 16,000 | Yes | 400 | 40g | HyperX Pulsefire Haste |
Logitech | Hero | Optical | 12,000 | Yes | 400 | 40g | Logitech G305 Lightspeed |
SteelSeries | TrueMove 3+ | Optical | 12,000 | Yes | 350 | 50g | SteelSeries Rival 600 |
PixArt | PMW 3361 / Owl Eye | Optical | 12,000 | Yes | 250 | 50g | Roccat Kone AIMO |
PixArt | PMW 3366 | Optical | 12,000 | Yes | 250 | 50g | Used by Logitech before the Hero 25k |
PixArt | PMW 3391 | Optical | 12,000 | Yes | 250 | 50g | Corsair Ironclaw RGB |
PixArt | PMW 3360 | Optical | 12,000 | Yes | 250 | 50g | Fnatic Flick 2 |
What does CPI stand for?
CPI, sometimes also referred to DPI, stands for “counts per inch.” This is how mouse sensors measure movement. The higher the CPI, the more sensitive the mouse sensor is. This means that the cursor will move further with less input from you.
Most players prefer a CPI of around 800-1600. This gives you a good balance of sensitivity and control. If you’re a competitive gamer, you’ll want to experiment with different CPI settings to find what works best for you.
What does IPS stand for?
IPS stands for Inches per second. It is the maximum speed the sensor can accurately track movement. When you combine the CPI capability with IPS, it becomes a much more accurate measure of mouse sensor quality.
What is Acceleration?
Acceleration is the max gravitational force at which your sensor can accurately track movement. It is measured in G’s. A high acceleration rating (30-50G) is important for accurate flicks and swipes. There must be a balance of the three: CPI, IPS, and Acceleration.
What is Lift off distance?
Lift off distance is the distance your mouse must be from the surface for it to stop tracking movement. This is important for players who lift their mouse during gameplay. A low lift-off distance means that your cursor will stop moving as soon as you lift your mouse, which can be disruptive during fast-paced games.
What is polling rate?
To learn everything you need to now about the polling rate check this article.
What is a Flawless Mouse Sensor?
A flawless mouse sensor is a sensor that doesn’t have any prediction algorithms, mouse acceleration, jitter, or axis differences. This means that the mouse will track exactly what you’re doing on the screen, giving you a competitive advantage.
There are a few different types of mouse sensors on the market, but the best ones for gamers are optical sensors. Laser mice can be ‘too’ sensitive and produce irregular outputs, so they’re not as ideal for gaming.
When choosing a sensor for your mouse, it’s important to consider your needs. If you’re a competitive gamer, you’ll want a sensor that gives you the most accurate tracking possible. If you’re just using your mouse for everyday tasks, then you might not need a flawless sensor.
Issues with Flawed Sensors and how to fix them
Jitter
Jitter is a common issue with mice sensors. Jitter is defined as ‘an irregular movement of the mouse cursor on the screen. Jitter can be caused by several things such as low FPS, bad USB ports, cheap sensors, or even just a dirty mouse surface. While jittering can be annoying, it’s not a huge issue for most people. If you’re a competitive gamer, however, jitter can be a real problem.
There are a few things you can do to reduce jitter. First, make sure your mouse is clean and the surface you’re using it on is also clean. If you’re still having issues, try increasing your FPS or using a different USB port.
Cursor Acceleration
Cursor Acceleration is another common issue with mice sensors. Acceleration is when the mouse cursor speeds up or slows down based on your movement. This can be caused by several things but is usually due to the mouse sensor trying to predict your movement.
Most players prefer 1:1 or ‘zero’ acceleration. This means that the cursor will move at the same speed regardless of how fast you’re moving your mouse. If you’re a competitive gamer, you’ll want to avoid acceleration as it can throw off your aim.
There are a few ways to reduce or remove cursor acceleration. The first is to adjust your mouse settings. Most mice have an option to turn off acceleration. If your mouse doesn’t have this option, you can try using a software program like MarkC’s Windows Mouse Acceleration Fix.
Axis Differences
Axis differences are when the mouse cursor moves at different speeds on the X and Y-axis. This can be caused by several things but is usually due to the mouse sensor trying to predict your movement.
Most players prefer their mice to move at the same speed on both the X and Y-axis. This gives you more control over your cursor and makes it easier to aim. If you’re a competitive gamer, you’ll want to avoid axis differences as they can throw off your aim.
There are a few ways to reduce or remove axis differences. The first is to adjust your mouse settings. Most mice have an option to turn off-axis differences. If your mouse doesn’t have this option, you can try using a software program like MarkC’s Windows Mouse Acceleration Fix.
Prediction
Prediction is when the mouse sensor tries to predict your movement. This can be caused by several things but is usually due to the mouse sensor trying to predict your movement.
Most players prefer their mice to have no prediction. This gives you more control over your cursor and makes it easier to aim. If you’re a competitive gamer, you’ll want to avoid prediction as it can throw off your aim.
Smoothing
Smoothing is when the mouse sensor tries to predict your movement and then smooth it out. This can be caused by several things but is usually due to the mouse sensor trying to predict your movement.
Most players prefer their mice to have no smoothing. This gives you more control over your cursor and makes it easier to aim. If you’re a competitive gamer, you’ll want to avoid smoothing as it can throw off your aim.
There are a few ways to reduce or remove smoothing. The first is to adjust your mouse settings. Most mice have an option to turn off smoothing. If your mouse doesn’t have this option, you can try using a software program like MarkC’s Windows Mouse Acceleration Fix.
Price
Normally gaming mice are often more expensive than regular mice. This is because they typically have more features, are designed for gaming, use higher quality materials, and the latest technology. If you are a serious gamer, then a gaming mouse is worth the investment. However, if you only play casual games, then a regular mouse will suffice.
How to choose a gaming mouse
There are several things to consider when choosing a gaming mouse. The first is your budget. Gaming mice can range in price from $30 to $150. If you’re a casual gamer, you can get by with a cheaper mouse. However, if you’re a competitive gamer, you’ll want to invest in a higher-end mouse.
The second thing to consider is the size of the mouse. Gaming mice come in different sizes to accommodate different hand sizes. If you have large hands, you’ll want a larger mouse. If you have small hands, you’ll want a smaller mouse.
The third thing to consider is the number of buttons. Most gaming mice have between 5 and 20 buttons. The more buttons the mouse has, the more customization options you’ll have. However, more buttons doesn´t automatically increase your output.
Optional – Do you have a favorite mouse grip type?
There are three main mouse grip types: palm, claw, and fingertip.
- Palm grip is when you rest your whole hand on the mouse. This is the most common grip type.
- Claw grip is when you rest your fingers on the buttons and use your palm to support the mouse. This grip type is good for gamers who need to make quick, precise movements.
- Fingertip grip is when you only rest your fingertips and pinky on the mouse. Your palm does not touch the mouse. This grip type is good for gamers who need to make quick, precise movements.
Conclusion
When choosing a mouse sensor, there are three main things to look for: CPI, IPS, and Acceleration. Make sure your mouse has a high rating in all three categories to get the best possible gaming experience.
Furthermore, choose one with a flawless sensor. In this article, we’ve listed some of the best sensors on the market, so be sure to check the sensor next time you plan to purchase a gaming mouse.
If you are looking for a new mouse, or if you want to upgrade your current mouse, then we recommend checking out our list of the best gaming mice in 2022 with the best possible sensors. And this guide to find the best mouse grip style for you.
Affiliate Disclosure
Widgetstream is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
The Links with * are affiliate links that can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase through my links on Amazon.com. You can read our affiliate disclosure here.
Ressources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_mouse#Gaming_mice