Mouse Latency Test
What Is Mouse Latency?
Mouse latency refers to the delay between a physical mouse movement (or click) and the corresponding action appearing on-screen. It is measured in milliseconds (ms), and lower latency means faster, more responsive performance.
There are three main types of latency in mice:
Sensor Latency – The delay between moving the mouse and the cursor responding.
Click Latency – The delay between pressing a mouse button and the computer registering the click.
Wireless Latency – Additional delay caused by wireless transmission (Bluetooth or RF receivers).
Each type impacts user experience differently, with sensor and click latency being most critical for gaming.
Why Mouse Latency Matters
1. Gaming Performance
In fast-paced games like CS:GO, Valorant, or Fortnite, even a 10ms delay can mean the difference between landing a shot and missing. Professional gamers often use mice with <5ms click latency for maximum responsiveness.
2. Productivity & Design Work
For graphic designers and video editors, cursor precision is essential. High latency can make fine adjustments harder, leading to frustration and inefficiency.
3. Everyday Computing
While casual users may not notice minor delays, a high-latency mouse can still make navigation feel sluggish.
How Mouse Latency Is Tested
Testing mouse latency requires specialized equipment and methodologies. Here’s how industry experts measure it:
1. Sensor Latency Testing
Equipment Used: High-speed actuators, USB analyzers, and motion capture systems.
Method: A mechanical rig moves the mouse at 200mm/s, while sensors track how quickly the cursor updates on-screen.
Key Metrics:
Delay to Start of Movement (ideal: <20ms)
Delay at Half Movement (ideal: <10ms)
Delay to End of Movement (ideal: <10ms)
2. Click Latency Testing
Equipment Used: Solenoids (for automated clicks), USB analyzers, high-speed cameras.
Method: The system records 205+ clicks to calculate the average delay.
Key Metrics:
Wired Latency (best: <10ms)
Wireless (Receiver) Latency (best: <10ms)
Bluetooth Latency (slower: <20ms)
3. Wireless Latency Testing
Wireless mice are tested for signal stability and interference resistance. The best gaming mice now rival wired models in latency, thanks to technologies like Logitech’s Lightspeed and Razer’s HyperSpeed.
Factors Affecting Mouse Latency & How to Reduce It
Several factors influence latency, but many can be optimized:
1. Polling Rate
Higher polling rates (1000Hz vs. 125Hz) reduce latency by sending data more frequently.
Recommendation: Use 1000Hz for gaming, 500Hz for general use.
2. Connection Type
Wired (USB): Lowest latency (~1ms).
Wireless (RF Receiver): Near-wired performance (~2-5ms).
Bluetooth: Highest latency (~15-30ms).
3. Sensor Quality
Optical vs. Laser: Modern optical sensors (PixArt 3395, Razer Focus+) offer lower latency than older laser sensors.
4. Debounce Time
Some mice artificially increase click latency to prevent double-clicking.
Fix: Adjust debounce settings in mouse software (if available).
5. PC & Monitor Latency
A slow CPU or high-input-lag monitor can add delay.
Solution: Enable Game Mode on monitors and use a high-refresh-rate display (144Hz+).
Best Low-Latency Mice in 2025
Based on industry tests, these mice offer top-tier latency performance:
| Mouse | Connection | Sensor Latency | Click Latency | Best For |
| Razer Viper V3 Pro | Wireless (HyperSpeed) | <1ms | 0.8ms | Competitive Gaming |
| Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 | Wireless (Lightspeed) | <1ms | 1ms | Esports |
| Endgame Gear XM2we | Wireless | <1ms | 1.2ms | Lightweight Gaming |
| SteelSeries Aerox 5 | Wired | <1ms | 0.5ms | FPS Games |
| Glorious Model O 2 | Wired/Wireless | <1ms | 1ms | Budget Option |
Mouse latency is a critical factor in gaming, productivity, and general usability. By understanding how it’s measured and what influences it, users can choose the best mouse and optimize settings for peak performance.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Sensor and click latency matter most for responsiveness.
✅ Wired and high-end wireless mice now offer similar performance.
✅ Polling rate, debounce time, and sensor quality significantly impact latency.
✅ Testing methods (like those from RTINGS and LTT Labs) provide reliable latency benchmarks.
For gamers and professionals, investing in a low-latency mouse can drastically improve precision and reaction times. Always check independent test results before purchasing to ensure minimal delay.
FAQ’s
1. How do I check my mouse latency?
Our online mouse latency tester checks the difference between both the hardware cursor and the most recent mouse location once you open the website and begin moving your mouse consistently.
2. How do I fix my mouse latency?
You can use numerous methods to fix this issue. Try to update mouse drivers or reinstall them. If this does not work, try to change click pad settings.
3. What mouse latency is good for gaming?
The highest polling rate your mouse can typically accomplish is the ideal polling rate for a gaming mouse. Many gaming mice have a 1000Hz frequency.
4. Do mice have latency?
The click latency is influenced by the mouse’s connector. Generally, Wireless mouse has the largest latency, while wired ones often have the lowest.