Originally Posted by
Skylit
While the above post are trying to pin optical and laser into two separate categories, the most popular or common variations of both illumination sources are identical in terms of basic sensor technology. What you're really dealing with is a separate architecture with alternative limitations.
It isn't a matter of optical being better than laser or vice versa, though laser illumination technically has much wider compatibility.
-The claim "laser mice have acceleration" is only limited to 1 specific architecture and does not reflect the market (now very limited) as a whole.
-Claims of laser and optical "feeling" better or different could be considered mere placebo, at least compared to sensors with similar specifications tested on a neutral surface. In regards, surfacing is actually an important factor to specific LED and VCSEL performance. You will have laser and optical mice excelling in certain areas and vice versa.
@ Above mentioning 9500 perofming badly on cloth. This was true on very early A9500 mice, though specific areas have been improved and there are many mice that excel certain configured optical LED (30x0) variants in terms of tracking fidelity. IPS speed too.
PS: There are also laser mice utilizing alternative technology though not widely adapted. (Philips Twin Eye) I don't feel like bringing it up since most are focused on CMOS tech.