Comparison SteelSeries Kinzu v3 vs SteelSeries Sensei RAW

— Optical. The working element of an optical mouse consists of an LED that illuminates the underlying surface and an optical sensor that photographs this surface at high frequency. On the basis of a number of received images, the mouse electronics concludes about the direction and speed of movement of the manipulator and outputs the corresponding data to the computer. Optical mice are inexpensive, reliable enough and not too demanding on the working surface. Initially, they were poorly compatible with certain types of surfaces — mirror, fur, leather, etc.; however, in most modern optical sensors, this drawback is eliminated, and mice of this type are often quite "omnivorous".

— Laser. According to the principle of operation, laser mice are similar to optical ones (see above). The main difference is that they do not use an LED, but a laser, to illuminate the image. Thus, a narrower beam directivity is provided, and as a result, more accurate cursor positioning, which is especially important when working with complex detailed graphics, in games, etc. Theoretically, the laser is less versatile and not compatible with such an abundance of surfaces as optics, but this difference is noticeable only on specific surfaces like fur, polished metal, etc. But the unequivocal disadvantage of this technology is the higher cost.

— Optical, Bluetrack. Optical models (see a...bove) using a sensor with BlueTrack technology. This technology was originally developed by Microsoft, but nowadays it is also found in other manufacturers. The most noticeable difference between such sensors and conventional optical ones is the blue colour of the LED (hence the name). In addition, the design provides for a number of improvements: an increased area of illumination of the surface under the mouse, high resolution of the matrix, coated optics. Thanks to this, BlueTrack mice have high accuracy and are able to function even on “difficult” surfaces such as glass, polished stone, carpet pile, etc.

— Optical, V-Track. Optical sensor using V-Track technology. This technology was developed by A4Tech and is used primarily in mice of this brand. One of the key features of V-Track is that the beam of light in such sensors falls on the work surface vertically (rather than obliquely, as in conventional optics). In addition, the light spot size is very small, the light density is high, and the photodetector lens has a very narrow aperture, which gives a large depth of field. Thanks to these improvements, V-Track provides very high accuracy and (according to the creators) is able to work even on volumetric mechs, where other types of sensors are useless. However, mice with this feature are not cheap.

— Laser, V-Track. Laser sensor using V-Track technology. For more information about this technology, see above, but here we note that the use of V-Track in laser mice allows you to get rid of the main drawback of such devices — sensitivity to non-standard surfaces. At the same time, the positioning accuracy characteristic of laser sensors is further increased by V-Track. On the other hand, the price of such devices is high. Therefore, the combination of a laser sensor and V-Track is extremely rare, mainly in premium gaming mice from the same A4Tech.

— Hybrid. The combination of two sensors in the mouse at once — optical and laser. Such a combination allows you to combine the advantages of both technologies and partially compensate for the shortcomings: in terms of accuracy, hybrid mice are not inferior to laser ones, while they are not so sensitive to non-standard surfaces. At the same time, the presence of two sensors significantly affects the price of the device, while it is possible to achieve similar characteristics with one sensor — due to the BlueTrack or V-Track technologies described above. Therefore, hybrid systems have not received distribution.

Resolution of the sensor responsible for tracking mouse movements on the work surface. Specified in DPI — dots per inch.

The physical meaning of DPI as a whole is as follows. The sensor of a modern mouse works on the same principle as the camera matrix, and consists of pixels. And DPI is the number of pixels that fall on 1 inch of the underlying surface (length or width), "visible" by the sensor.

It is believed that more DPI means a more advanced sensor and mouse in general; nowadays, models for 3500 – 5000 DPI, 12000 DPI, 16000 DPI even more are not uncommon. In a way, it is — high resolution contributes to accuracy. However, the only thing that is directly determined by this indicator is the speed at which the cursor moves across the screen: the higher the resolution of the sensor, the greater the number of pixels that the cursor will move when the mouse itself moves a certain distance. At the same time, it is worth recalling that too high a speed is even more undesirable than too low. So the real need for high DPI ( 1000 and above) arises mainly when working on large screens (4K resolution and more); for more modest displays (HD and Full HD), smaller values are often enough.

The number of buttons provided in the design of the mouse. However, the term "buttons" can also refer to specific hardware solutions — for example, a solid touch area used in many Apple mice counts as two buttons, because. it is divided into two working areas. But the clickable wheels, as well as the power button, are not taken into account in this calculation.

The minimum number of buttons for modern mice and other similar manipulators is two : this is the number that is necessary for comfortable work in most modern operating systems. If there are more than two keys, this means that there are additional buttons responsible for specific actions. So, even relatively inexpensive devices can be equipped with 3 – 4 buttons ; in addition to the 2 main buttons, they can have, for example, 2 side thumb keys, or 1 double/triple click button (see below). Solutions for 5 – 6 buttons are extremely popular nowadays; among them are many gaming mice, where the mentioned thumb buttons are supplemented with a double / triple click, a sniper button and/or a DPI switch (see also below about these functions). And in the most multifunctional models, 7 – 8 buttons and even more can be installed. In some cases, this number exceeds a dozen and a half; such mice are usually gaming devices designed for RPGs and other simil...ar genres where it is important to have a wide range of actions at your fingertips.

The presence of the mouse side buttons — under the user's thumb.

The traditional, most popular option is two buttons, which by default are responsible for the “Back” and “Forward” commands in the browser, system file explorer, etc. There are more of these buttons in gaming mice; some of these models even have an interchangeable side panel that allows you to install a different number of side keys, as desired.

Anyway, the side mouse buttons provide additional convenience and expand the list of features available from the device. At the same time, the buttons are always at hand, in fact, in instant access. This is especially handy in games: some frequently used actions can be tied to the side keys, such as reloading or a special attack. However, even in everyday use, it is much easier to press a button on the mouse than to move the cursor to the Back or Forward icon every time in the same browser.

Grip — a way of holding in the hand — for which this model is best suited.

Grip types are divided according to the position of the hand on the mouse. This parameter is relevant primarily in games: for maximum efficiency, the player needs a mouse that matches the usual type of grip. This is especially important for professional eSports, where any little thing can be the key to victory or defeat. Therefore, the types of grip are indicated mainly for gaming mice (see "By Direction"). At the same time, one can come across statements that certain types of grip are best suited for certain genres of games, but this is not entirely true: the main selection criterion is the user's personal preferences and characteristics. For example, some players quite successfully use a "slow" palm grip in dynamic shooters, compensating for the reduced speed with a good reaction; and others, even in quests, prefer a "quick" claw or finger hold.

Here is a more detailed description of the most popular grip options:

— Palmar. A holding method in which the mice touch both the entire fingers and most of the palm. In other words, with such a grip, the palm with fingers rests on the mouse, making maximum contact with it. It is under this option that most of the "rodents" are initially made, it is also popular in gaming models. Most models, specialized specifically for the palm grip, have a large length, as well as a characteristic asymmetrical design with protrusions...and depressions on the body — for maximum ergonomics; although there are exceptions. Anyway, the main advantages of this method of holding the mouse are the minimum strain on the wrist, as well as good smoothness and accuracy of movements. On the other hand, the speed of moving the mouse may be somewhat slower than with other types of grip.

— Claw. A claw grip is a grip in which the user's hand forms an arc and touches the mouse only with the lower part of the palm and fingertips. At the same time, the classic claw grip assumes an almost perpendicular arrangement of the fingertips relative to the buttons, but this requirement is not strictly necessary — the fingers can also lie at a slight angle. Anyway, due to the reduction of the contact area and the greater degree of freedom for the hand, such a hold provides more speed than the palm hold, and at the same time it is easier to master than the finger hold. Therefore, many gamers consider the claw grip to be the best option for shooters, action games and real-time strategies where reaction speed is important. Specialized mice for this method of holding are usually somewhat shorter than traditional "palm mice", and they often have a characteristic "hump" in the back of the case.

— Finger. A grip where the user only touches the mouse with their fingertips, with no hand contact with the mouse (but the wrist remains stationary). This type of grip allows you to achieve a high reaction rate, but it is quite difficult to master and does not differ in accuracy, especially if you are not used to it. However, many users use this method of retention intuitively, without thinking; the finger grip is specially mastered mainly by professional players and enthusiastic enthusiasts. Mice of this format usually have a small weight with a centre of gravity shifted closer to the front, and the body is made relatively short, most often symmetrical, and the “hump” (protrusion) is located closer to the centre of the body, or even absent (based on the fact that the palm still does not touch the mouse).

Note that there are models that combine several grip options — up to all three at once. The design of such mice may provide adjustment for one or another method of retention, however, the presence of such an adjustment does not interfere with clarifying separately.

The presence of illumination in the design of the mouse.

This illumination can be provided by the same LED that illuminates the surface below the sensor, or by separate light sources. It can have a different colour, and the most advanced systems — RGB backlighting — allow you to adjust the shade to your liking. Anyway, the backlight gives the mouse an unusual and stylish appearance, besides, it can also have special effects (see below). However, this function has not only an aesthetic, but also quite a practical meaning: for example, a colour change can be used as a DPI level indicator (see above) or as a low battery signal. On the other hand, the backlight affects the cost of the device, and the real need for it is not so often — moreover, in many cases (for example, in the office) an extra “illumination” is completely useless. Therefore, most modern mice still do not have a backlight.

The total weight of the mouse. For models with a wired connection, usually, it is indicated without cable, and for devices with weight adjustment (see above) — without weights.

This parameter is important primarily for professional gaming applications, although it is often relevant for ordinary users. Theoretically, less weight promotes speed and reduces fatigue. At the same time, in fact, much depends on the personal habits and preferences of the user: a mouse that is too light may “not be felt in the hands” and not give familiar feedback. Therefore, although most mice have a lower weight limit of 60 – 80 g, however, even among professional gaming models there are much more massive devices — 120 – 140 g or more. The lightest variety of "rodents" is laptop (see "In the direction"), among them devices come across and less than 60 g.

Also note that the weight to some extent depends on the size and “tricked out” of the device, but there is no unambiguous dependence here: models similar in size and functionality can differ markedly in weight.