Jo22 wrote on 2020-12-29, 19:10:
I'm curious why optical mice are so important.
I'm still using serial ball mice here and they work like a charm if I use a good mouse pad.
I first encountered optical mice in the mid 1990s, when they still required a grid-pattern metal mouse mat and had the ergonomics of a brick. Nonetheless, after a very short time I was hooked. No regular roller-cleaning (or suffering the consequences if failing to do so). I bought my first Mouse Systems optical mouse around 1997 and never looked back. Logitech's early, fairly ergonomic optical designs from around 1999/2000 were a huge improvement, as were later sensors that could be used on just about any underground. I still mess around with ball mice every now and then (mainly old serial ones), but nostalgia is VERY short-lived.
The only way I like to see an uncastrated mouse is if it's on its back: trackballs. But there too optical sensors beat rollers hands-down.
Also, optical mice with LEDs are kinda lame, I think.
A real laser mouse with a laser diode would be interesting.. […]
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Also, optical mice with LEDs are kinda lame, I think.
A real laser mouse with a laser diode would be interesting..
Edit: I know that laser mice exist, but they are often aimed towards gamers and do look really awkward.
I'd love to see a serious, office mouse with a blue or green laser beam.
Serious office mice tend not to have showy beams of any description (LED or laser). Most work with infrared anyway.