The Razer 3G Laser™ sensor (“3G Laser Sensor”), developed by Razer, is derived from an innovative approach to advancing gaming-grade laser sensors. Through extensive research of gamer needs and observation of their actual mouse movements, the 3G Laser Sensor delivers significantly improved resolution, tracking speed and precision over previous and current generation laser sensors.

The 3G Laser Sensor marks an epoch in the history of computer gaming sensors, and will make its debut in the Razer Lachesis™ gaming mouse.

In 2005, Razer pioneered the move toward laser based gaming sensor solutions with the Razer Copperhead™, the world’s first laser gaming mouse. Two years on, the expectations of gamers inevitably rose and 1G laser solutions proved to be unable to meet market demands – which has led to the introduction of the 2G sensor and other similar tweaks to the 1G laser sensor solution. However, beyond higher DPI figures, the 2G sensor does not offer significant performance improvements.

In light of the foregoing, Razer has gone one step further and has, developed the next generation 3G Laser Sensor. A quantum leap in laser sensor solutions, Razer has worked with technology partners to ensure that the 3G Laser Sensor meets the demanding requirements of hardcore gamers worldwide and has incorporated the cutting edge sensor in the Razer Lachesis gaming mouse.

Sensitivity: Dots-Per-Inch (DPI)
With a true native DPI of 4000, the 3G Laser Sensor has surpassed the performance of current generation laser sensors. Taking DPI as the defining metric, the next best sensor available at the time of publication of this whitepaper is rated at 3200DPI.

The most common metric of sensor performance, DPI represents the number of pixels the PC display’s cursor will move when the mouse is moved one inch across the surface. For fast-paced gaming, especially for action First-Person-Shooter (FPS) games like Quake™ or Unreal Tournament™, DPI is an important metric. A higher DPI will allow the player to make a 180-degree turn in a three-dimensional environment with less actual mouse movement.

Razer’s scientists pioneered the breakthrough in DPI improvements in 1999 with the Razer Boomslang™ and has been continually on the forefront of precision technologies in the optical and laser solutions.  On the same note, Razer’s scientists and engineers have achieved significant breakthrough with the new laser sensors, allowing it to achieve true 4000dpi precision.

Unfortunately, while Razer has managed to achieve greater heights with higher precision in their mice, in recent years, DPI figures have been exaggerated in certain manufacturers’ mice. Some manufacturers apply software interpolation to artificially inflate the DPI specifications of their mice. However, when software interpolation is applied to the mouse sensor, the image capture, and accordingly the movement in a mouse, becomes exaggerated, but does not improve the accuracy of the sensor. Instead, software interpolation has an adverse effect on the sensor’s accuracy at high movement speeds, which renders the mouse virtually useless by demanding gamers.

In addition, previous-generation sensor drivers typically allow a maximum of five preset DPI values (400, 800, 1600dpi etc). To achieve any DPI that falls in between these fixed preset values, interpolation is used.

The 3G Laser Sensor makes a quantum leap by being able to achieve specific DPI figures (in multiples of 125dpi) falling in between preset values, by means of hardware instead of interpolation.

Tracking Speed: Inches-Per-Second (IPS)
IPS represents the maximum speed at which a sensor can track accurately on a mousing surface without resulting in random cursor movements. For gamers, this is an important metric that represents the maximum speed a gamer can move his mouse without the sensor losing tracking.
 
The IPS performance of a sensor is dependent on the uniformity of the surface being tracked. As a general rule, laser sensors achieve superior IPS on smooth surfaces while optical sensors achieve superior IPS on less uniform surfaces. Razer’s IPS ratings are typically conservative estimates that cover most common gaming mouse surfaces.

Razer’s scientists employ extensive tests on their sensors, and utilizing high-end robotic arms and machines in their validation and testing is a daily affair. Over thousands of iterations and developments are tested constantly to ensure that the performance of Razer’s sensors is a generation ahead of the competition.

The 3G Laser Sensor offers improved tracking at 60-100IPS on the majority of surfaces, and even higher tracking speeds under optimal conditions. Previously, gamers decided upon the type of sensor based on whether they preferred high DPI (laser) or high-speed tracking (optical). With the 3G Laser Sensor’s tracking speed, it closes the tracking speed performance gap between laser and optical sensors, where laser had been found wanting previously.

This improvement also addresses a common problem faced by FPS gamers. Generally preferring to play with mice configuration set at the lowest sensitivity level for more precise and accurate targeting, FPS gamers have to move the mouse over a large surface area repeatedly when moving in-game, such as making a 180° turn. With previous-generation laser sensors, this swiping action causes the cursor onscreen to move unintentionally away from the targeted area. With the 3G Laser Sensor, this swiping issue is rectified.

Acceleration
Just like there is a maximum speed at which the mouse can move over a surface and still retain accurate tracking, there is a limit to a mouse’s acceleration – the rate of change in velocity. This is measured in “g”, where 1g is equivalent to 9.8 m/s2 (meters per second per second) change in velocity. With the 3G Laser Sensor, maximum acceleration has increased from 20g to 25g.


Razer’s investment in the research and development into next generation gaming sensors has allowed it to maintain its pole position over other mouse manufacturers. With the focus on precision, speed and gaming features, Razer continues to meet the demanding requirements of hardcore gamers.
 
Offering markedly superior performance in comparison to existing sensors in the market, the 3G Laser Sensor sets a new bar for performance in laser mice for gaming. The inherent advantages in resolution and surface tracking performance make this sensor a choice for gamers who demand consistent control and unparalleled precision.

For full press release on Razer 3G Laser Sensor Technology, click here.