Wired vs Wireless Gaming Mouse Latency - Final Answer!

Summary

This script explores the myth of latency differences between wired and wireless gaming mice. Through testing using NVIDIA's Latency Display Analysis Tool (LDAP), it reveals a measurable difference in click latency, with some wireless mice outperforming wired ones. The video highlights the importance of factors like polling rates and debounce times, and shows that certain mice, like Razer's with optical switches, excel in response times. It also points out that software and firmware can significantly impact a mouse's performance, urging viewers to consider these elements when choosing a gaming mouse.

Takeaways

• 🔍 The video script investigates the latency differences between wired, wireless, and gaming mice, challenging the common belief that there is no significant difference.
• 🖱️ Modern gaming mice utilize various sensors, buttons, firmware, and software, including different debounce times, which can affect click latency.
• 📊 The testing revealed a measurable difference in click latency among top gaming mice, especially wireless ones, with a 14 millisecond difference between the best and worst performers.
• 🎥 The testing method used was end-to-end latency measurement, which includes the time for a mouse click to register as an input on the display.
• 🛠️ Nvidia's Latency Display Analysis Tool (LDAP) was used for testing, which can operate with either a wired connection or an audio input from the mouse click.
• 🎙️ The script confirmed that using audio input for the LDAP is as accurate as a direct wired connection, dispelling initial concerns about its reliability.
• 📉 Polling rates of the mice were tested, showing that higher rates result in lower latency, with a noticeable difference between 500Hz and 1000Hz polling rates.
• 🏆 Razer's optical switches proved to have the fastest response times, topping the latency test results with the Razer Viper Mini and Viper Ultimate.
• 🔧 The Glorious Model O Wireless had a long debounce time by default but showed significant latency improvement when the debounce setting was adjusted in the software.
• 🔌 When wireless mice were plugged in, there was a slight improvement in click latency, but the difference was minimal, suggesting the benefits of wireless outweigh this slight latency reduction.
• 📈 The script concludes that wireless gaming mice can perform as well as or better than wired ones in terms of click latency, and that other factors such as mouse shape, size, and feel are still paramount in choosing the best gaming mouse.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is to test and compare the click latency of various gaming mice, both wired and wireless, to determine if there is a significant difference in their performance.

What does the term 'click latency' refer to in the context of gaming mice?

Click latency refers to the time it takes for a mouse click to register as an input on the display, which includes the time taken by the mouse sensor, firmware, and software to process the click.

What factors contribute to the latency of a gaming mouse?

Factors contributing to gaming mouse latency include the sensor type, button design, firmware, software, debounce times, and polling rates.

What tool is used in the script to measure mouse click latency?

NVIDIA's Latency Display Analysis Tool (LDAP) is used to measure mouse click latency, with the latest revision allowing for microphone input to detect mouse clicks.

Why was the microphone input method chosen for measuring latency?

The microphone input method was chosen because it eliminates the need for a wired connection between the mouse button and the LDAP, and it was found to be as accurate as a direct wired signal.

What is the difference in latency between a 500Hz and 1000Hz polling rate as tested in the script?

The script found about a 1.6 millisecond difference in latency between a 500Hz and 1000Hz polling rate, with the higher polling rate resulting in lower latency.

Which gaming mice performed best in terms of click latency in the test?

The Razer Viper Mini and Razer Viper Ultimate, both equipped with Razer's optical switches, performed best in terms of click latency.

What is the impact of debounce time on mouse latency?

Debounce time, which is a feature to avoid double-clicking, can significantly impact mouse latency. A longer debounce time results in higher latency, while reducing it can improve performance.

How does the script address the concern of increased latency with wireless gaming mice?

The script shows that some wireless gaming mice can actually have lower click latency than wired ones, and that the difference in latency when a wireless mouse is plugged in is minimal.

What was the viewer's reaction to the results of the Pwnage mouse in the script?

The viewer expressed disappointment with the Pwnage mouse's software and firmware performance, particularly the debounce adjustment slider, which did not affect the latency results.

What advice does the script give for users considering a wireless gaming mouse?

The script advises that users no longer need to worry about increased click latency with wireless gaming mice, as some of the fastest options tested were wireless, and suggests trying lower debounce settings for improved performance.

Outlines

00:00

🕹️ Gaming Mouse Latency Test

This paragraph discusses the myth of latency differences between wired and wireless gaming mice and introduces a test to measure end-to-end click latency. The test includes various factors such as sensors, buttons, firmware, and software, with a focus on debounce times. The use of NVIDIA's Latency Display Analysis Tool (LDAP) is highlighted, which measures latency by listening for mouse clicks through an audio input. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of this test in understanding the true performance of gaming mice, especially with the advent of high polling rates and the comparison between wired and wireless options.

05:02

🔋 Wireless vs. Wired Mouse Latency Revealed

The second paragraph presents the results of the latency test, revealing that there is indeed a measurable difference in click latency among top gaming mice, with a significant disparity between the best and worst performers. It highlights the performance of Razer's optical switches, which topped the charts, and points out the impact of debounce settings on latency, as demonstrated by the Glorious Model O Wireless. The paragraph also addresses the slight improvement in latency when a wireless mouse is plugged in and expresses disappointment with Pwnage's software and firmware, which did not meet expectations despite the mouse's positive review in other aspects. The summary concludes by emphasizing that while latency is important, the shape, size, weight, and feel of a mouse remain crucial for gamers, and it introduces the new testing element for future gaming mouse reviews.

Keywords

💡Click Latency

Click latency refers to the time it takes for a mouse click to be recognized and registered as an input by the system. In the context of the video, it is a critical performance metric for gaming mice, especially when comparing wired and wireless options. The script discusses a measurable difference in click latency among top gaming mice, highlighting its importance in gaming performance.

💡Gaming Mice

Gaming mice are specialized computer peripherals designed to enhance the gaming experience with features such as high polling rates, customizable buttons, and precise sensors. The video's theme revolves around testing various gaming mice to determine differences in click latency, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right mouse for competitive gaming.

💡Sensors

Sensors in gaming mice are responsible for tracking the mouse's movement on a surface and translating it into on-screen actions. Different sensors have varying levels of accuracy and responsiveness. The script mentions that modern gaming mice use different sensors, which can affect click latency and overall performance.

💡Firmware and Software

Firmware and software are integral to a gaming mouse's operation, handling tasks such as data processing and communication with the computer. The script points out that different mice have different firmware and software, including debounce times, which can create variations in click latency.

💡Debounce Time

Debounce time is a delay intentionally introduced to prevent a signal from being processed more than once due to contact bounce. In the video, it is mentioned that different mice have different debounce times, which can significantly affect click latency. The script uses the Model O Wireless as an example, where reducing debounce time improved latency results.

💡Polling Rate

The polling rate of a mouse is the frequency at which it sends data to the computer, measured in hertz (Hz). A higher polling rate means more frequent updates, which can lead to lower latency. The script explains that most gaming mice have a polling rate of up to 1000 Hz, but some are limited to 500 Hz, affecting latency.

💡NVIDIA's Latency Display Analysis Tool (LDAP)

NVIDIA's LDAP is a tool used in the video to measure end-to-end latency of mouse clicks. It has a microphone input feature that allows for audio-based latency measurement. The script demonstrates the use of LDAP to test the latency of various gaming mice, showing that audio input can be as reliable as a wired connection for latency testing.

💡Wireless Mice

Wireless mice offer the advantage of freedom from cables but have traditionally been associated with higher latency due to wireless communication. The video challenges this notion by showing that some wireless mice can have lower click latency than wired ones, depending on their design and technology.

💡Razer Optical Switches

Razer optical switches are a type of mouse switch that uses light to register button presses, promising faster response times. The script highlights that these switches have resulted in lower click latency for Razer mice, such as the Razer Viper Mini and Viper Ultimate, validating Razer's claims about their performance.

💡Pwnage Mouse

The Pwnage mouse is mentioned in the script as an example of a gaming mouse with disappointing software and firmware performance, particularly in terms of debounce adjustment. Despite a good physical design and customization options, the script notes that the Pwnage mouse's software failed to improve latency as expected.

💡240Hz Gaming Monitor

A 240Hz gaming monitor is capable of refreshing the display 240 times per second, which is beneficial for gaming as it reduces motion blur and provides a smoother visual experience. The script uses the 240Hz monitor to put latency into perspective, explaining that a 14-millisecond latency difference can result in a delay of over three frames.

Highlights

There is a measurable difference in click latency between gaming mice, contrary to common belief.

Modern gaming mice use different sensors, buttons, firmware, and software affecting latency.

Wireless mice can have lower latency than wired ones, challenging traditional assumptions.

NVIDIA's Latency Display Analysis Tool (LDAP) is used for testing, with microphone input for accuracy.

Audio input for measuring latency proved to be as accurate as a hardwired connection.

Polling rates significantly impact latency, with higher rates resulting in lower latency.

The Razer Viper Mini and Ultimate topped the latency test with their optical switches.

The Glorious Model O Wireless has a long debounce time out of the box, affecting latency.

Debounce time can be adjusted in software to improve latency on some mice.

Wireless mice showed comparable or better latency than wired ones in the test.

Plugging in a wireless mouse only slightly improves click latency.

Pwnage mouse's software and firmware need improvement for better latency results.

Mouse shape, size, weight, and feel are still paramount for user preference.

The introduction of latency testing in gaming mouse reviews will provide valuable insights.

Wireless gaming mice are no longer a concern for gamers worried about click latency.

Smaller brands like Pwnage may offer interesting latency results in future tests.

Transcripts

the click latency difference between a

wide and wireless gaming mouse is

the same at least that's what we've been

telling ourselves for the past couple of

years

but today we're going to see if that's

actually true modern gaming mice use

different sensors different buttons and

most importantly different firmware and

software to sample that information

including different debounce times and

the real answer is that yes

there is actually a measurable

difference in click latency between

the top gaming mice out there especially

between the top wireless contenders

in fact when it comes to mouse latency

maybe there are other factors here that

are more important than just whether the

mouse is wide or wireless

so really excited to show you guys this

testing let's take a look

so what we're testing here is end to end

latency that is the time that it takes

for a mouse click

to actually register as an input on your

display this

does mean that we're also including a

bunch of other factors in the chain as

well

but since those are constant we'll be

able to measure the difference between

the changing variable which is the

different gaming mice

also since we are measuring latency on a

very lightweight desktop app and using a

360hz monitor with one of the fastest

pcs that you can build today

the rest of the latency in that chain is

very minimal as you'll see

so to actually measure latency we'll be

using nvidia's latest revision of the

ldap which is short for latency display

analysis tool

this one actually has a microphone input

which means that instead of relying on

a wide connection between the mouse

button and the ldap as you can see here

we can use an audio input instead so

with the microphone plugged in

the ldap listens for the mouse click

starts the timer and then waits for the

input to be registered in the software

in the form of a flash

now if you think that using audio as an

input here is an inaccurate and

unreliable way of testing

don't worry because i did too that was

until i compared the results between a

hardwired connection and the audio input

as a trigger

there i found absolutely no difference

in the average end-to-end latency

between using the audio as the trigger

versus a direct

wired mouse button signal so direct wire

versus audio as the trigger we get the

exact same result

also given that the distance between the

mouse click and the microphone is

only a few millimeters we're only

looking at a few micro seconds for that

sound to travel that short distance

when you consider that these results do

make sense also some quick testing on

polling rates here to see how much of

this will impact the following tests

this is the sampling rate of the mouse

so it makes sense that higher polling

rates result in lower latency

most gaming mice top out at a thousand

hertz or one sample every millisecond

but others like the final mouse ultra

light 2 are limited to 500hz

so testing with the g305 here i found

about a 1.6 millisecond difference

between the 500

and 1000 hertz polling rate it is a

measurable difference although not a

deal breaker at around an eight percent

increase in end to end latency

so just keep that in mind out there if

you're choosing between mice that are

locked at 500 hertz

but here's the graph that we all want to

see what is the true click latency of

the top gaming mice out there including

both wide and wireless

i think the first thing that i want to

point out here is the fact that there is

in fact a measurable difference here

it's not just as simple as

they're all the same if we take a look

at the bottom of the stack at 28.7

milliseconds of latency versus the top

of the stack at 14.9

that's almost a 14 millisecond

difference so a picture that is playing

with an additional 14 milliseconds of

network lag for example the concerning

part here is that that's 14 milliseconds

at the start of the chain which will

affect how mouse clicks are registered

in game

not just how they're displayed that's

very different for example to comparing

14 milliseconds of latency on monitors

where it's just affecting the display

not the actual registered input in game

like this

so to put 14 milliseconds into another

perspective if you play on a 240hz

gaming monitor your gunshots will be

delayed by a little over three frames

but let's start picking apart the stack

here highlighting the wireless gaming

mice in wide and leaving the

wired models in blue there really isn't

a correlation between what's better to

go with for lower latency

both have good and average performers

also it turns out that razer's optical

switches and their claims about

industry-leading response times aren't a

load of marketing fluff after all

they actually managed to top the chart

here with both the razer viper mini and

viper ultimate

on the same note this is exactly why a

default out of the box glorious model o

wireless performs towards the bottom of

the stack

so this is due to the model o wireless

having an exceptionally long

debounce time out of the box of 10

milliseconds

d-bounce is a feature that forces a

delayed signal on the mouse to avoid

double-clicking

something that razer has managed to get

past due to their optical switch design

you can improve the latency result on

the model o wireless though by reducing

the debounce setting in their software

and here we can see that that does have

a pretty significant impact on reducing

latency

even setting it to zero milliseconds i

didn't experience any double clicking in

my testing

so i would recommend trying towards

those lower end values

so now subbing in that new result for

glorious we're about one millisecond

behind the logitech g pro x super light

that sits in third

in fact what's really unexpected here is

that we actually have

wireless mice beating wide when it comes

to input latency

so this leads to another question what

happens when you plug in a

wireless mouse well as you'd expect the

click latency does improve

ever so slightly but it's a pretty small

difference the wireless connection on

the g pro x super light is just

0.3 milliseconds slower compared to

having it plugged in

and the model o wireless was just 0.6

milliseconds slower so i think we'd all

agree having that freedom of wireless

far outweighs the benefits of having a

half millisecond reduction in click

latency i'll also mention that i am a

little bit disappointed in pwnage

despite giving this mouse an

excellent review this result shows that

the software and firmware team can do a

lot better

specifically the de-bounce adjustment

slider in their software which

i found to do absolutely nothing i

tested both ends of the slider and the

default middle and i got the exact same

result every single time

i still rate the mouse pretty highly i

think the shape and customization is

quite good

but the software and tuning really is

lacking here which is disappointing to

find

so some really interesting results here

and if you're someone who was hesitant

to jump to

a wireless gaming mouse for fear of

increased click latency

and i know there are a lot of you out

there this just shows that that's not

something that you have to worry about

anymore in fact some of the fastest

gaming mics in this list

were actually wireless but also with a

lot of wireless gaming mics coming out

from smaller brands like pwnage i'd be

interested to see what the latency

results look like there too

as a disclaimer i still think that mouse

shape size

weight and feel are the most important

elements to finding what the best gaming

mouse is for you

but i'm really really excited to

introduce this new element of testing

to upcoming gaming mouse reviews so

definitely stay tuned for that if you

haven't already do hit that subscribe

button down below

as always a huge thanks for watching and

i will see you all in the next one