Is Mouse Laser Dangerous?

Mouse lasers are what distinguish laser-based mice from LED-based optical mice. While they are famous for accuracy and high sensitivity, they are also a matter of concern these days. People are wondering, is a mouse laser dangerous? To some, it might be a ridiculous question but think about it. Technologies and even children’s toys use all sorts of lasers these days. Therefore, this is a valid concern, and we’re here to help answer your question backed up by tech and science intel.

Before we get into the real question, let’s explore a bit about laser mice, their biggest competition and how the laser factor makes it a distinguished product.

Is Mouse Laser Dangerous? 

Have you ever been to the eye clinic before? You probably already know that eye checkups and surgeries usually include lasers because they can penetrate through delicate layers. A laser, therefore, gets more information at the speed of light. So you can only imagine that a laser used in eye surgical machines is pretty similar in properties to those found in mice. So, it’s not always dangerous.

This is why it probably sounds scary to most people. If it’s got powerful eye-penetrating properties, it’s probably not safe to use it underneath a mouse? It can be tricky to answer this. To explain it, we have to get a bit technical here. We have to explore color frequency factors and laser classes.

A comparison between Optical and Laser mouse

Gone are the days of mechanical mice to operate computers. From fiddling the rolling ball underneath those mice, technology has advanced and given us a few different types of mice. They either have a laser light, an infrared light or are even an LED-based optical mouse.

Chances are when you’re picking up a functioning mouse a little higher from its table surface, you’ll see a red light and mistake it for a laser mouse. Even though you see an illuminated colour from underneath, it’s a light-emitting diode or LED.

This light isn’t just something cool but actually plays a role in showing us where the cursor is located on our computer screen. The light does this by measuring the distance across the surface the mouse sits on.

The difference between an LED and a laser mouse is that the laser is far more intense. As you might already know that the light emitted in lasers is far more concentrated. This also means that it is far more precise and quicker at measuring the distance on the table surface. While the LED is more commonly used, the laser is no less important on today’s desktop.

Usability of Laser Mice

We know by now that lasers are light concentrated and quite precise. With the way it emits from its light source, it has an accurate beam. Because of that, the sensitivity on it is high, making it a better choice than mice with an LED base. However, being able to give a precise measurement of the distance on the tabletop is not the only functionality of the laser on mice. You might wonder whether you can detect the cursor on your screen and see it move, how comfortable it is to use, and mainly if it is efficient.

Types of Laser

Laser-based technology is built with either of the two types of laser- Class 1 and Class 2. Although they both have distinctive functionalities, they come with safety precautions too.

Class 1 lasers are the safest and instilled in technology for everyday use, such as CDs and printers. It has meager power, but even if so, you shouldn’t stare at the laser on your mouse for too long. It can be irritating to the eyes when exposed for an extended length of time. Children find illuminated objects the most fascinating, so the safety precaution applies primarily to them. If your device is not labeled and you’re confused about the laser class, it’s a class 1 type.

Class 2 lasers are used in equipment that is used to better accuracy. These impose more eye damage, so you are safe unless your mouse laser is this class type. Under this type, there are two more. As you can guess, one is more intense than the other. Up until class 2 laser, there are no dangers caused to the skin, so you can be relieved of that. Devices are always labeled, so detecting a class 2 laser mouse is easy.

If your mind is wondering about available lasers, the class type goes beyond 4. There’s no way to tell how damaging they could be to the eyes and even the skin.

Colour Frequency

You might be surprised, but the color of a mouse laser can have quite the effect on us. Colors that range between blue the purple are not user-friendly as lasers of this color are farther from the visible light range. The closest color to visible light is red, so it is the go-to option for mice lasers.

Safety Tips for using a laser mouse:

• No matter which class laser your mouse is powered with, it’s safe to divert your eyes within one second of exposure to the mouse laser.
• It is best to avoid purchasing mice with blue or violet lasers as they can inflict more harm.
• Keep laser mice away from the reach of children.
• Avoid pointing the mouse laser towards a reflective surface to minimize exposure.

Conclusion

Since laser mice have a higher resolution than optical mice, it is proven to be more accurate and sensitive. You can use laser mice anywhere, as it rests on any surface and still moves the cursor on your screen without difficulty due to its high measurability. Besides, a graphic designer or a gamer’s first choice these days is probably a laser mouse rather than any other type.

We hope that our technical intel of what makes a mouse laser dangerous helped you see that there are safe options widely used. A mouse laser doesn’t have to be harmful if you know what you’re purchasing.