A Laser Mouse from Optorite?

Introduction

When we hear the company name, Optorite, we immediately associate it with CD-ROM and DVD drives and burners. But, out of the proverbial blue, they have released to market the industry’s second mouse based on laser technology. Enter the ML100 (red) and ML101 (blue) Laser Mouse by Optorite. This corded mouse offers a simpler package than the Logitech MX1000 such as having no additional buttons around the scroll wheel, and a lighter software package.

Optorite ML100 Laser Mouse box front

ML100 box right

Angled view

Carrying a $29.99 price tag at Newegg in blue and in red, the ML100 is much cheaper than Logitech’s full-featured MX1000 Laser Mouse reviewed here six months ago. Comparatively a featherweight in terms of features, the ML100 series is much lighter the Logitech counterpart, as most of the weight was shed when the need for a rechargeable battery was eliminated. Also, the reduction in features also means that a cord is present – tethering the mouse in sometimes awkward positions, such as if the majority of the cable is hanging off the edge of the desk, the sheer weight of the 6-foot cable itself can be easily felt when operating the mouse. The presence of the cord may, or may not be a bad thing; depending on usage. For general office use and surfing, it surely is a treat to move the mouse freely. But, for gaming – a corded version may be called for.

We’ve read in some online forums that some users who play twitch FPS games with the MX1000 mouse feel a noticeable lag (if only very slightly) in mouse response, and that is probably why Optorite marketed the first corded version. Some gamers will always be adverse to using any wireless mouse for their serious gaming sessions. With higher accuracy than its optical counterparts and mouse lag eliminated, this could definitely be the weapon of choice for some gamers.

We will see if this if this is a capable mouse on many surfaces and more importantly – a mouse that can be relied upon during hardcore gaming, as well as day-to-day office tasks.

Features close-up

Box's backside details

Opening with plastic shell

Corner icons

Inner 'frame' taken out

Simple internal packaging

Features Overview

The ML100 ships with six buttons ( three thumb buttons, left and right mouse buttons and the scroll button ). The large mouse buttons are easy to access, and they can even be clickable when you apply pressure all the way to the top hump of the mouse, which makes the clicking area about 30% larger than the MX1000’s.

The right-handed-only configuration of this mouse will miff some left handed users who have also been alienated by the MX1000’s design. The grip around the sides are made of the same rubbery compound found on most modern mice, including the MX1000. It provides exceptional comfort while having the ability to stay clean-looking. We’ve tried hard to apply an oily finger imprint, only to be left with nary a spot to speak of. However, we’ve not tried to place such an impression after having potato chips.

What’s interesting about the bottom of the mouse is that it comes with six ‘skate’ pads for feet that comes in contact with the mousing surface. In this case, I compared it to the smoothness it has while gliding on top of an IKEA tabletop which has the roughness of roughly a cat’s tongue. While the MX1000 feels sluggish on it, the ML100 moves with much less effort across the surface. In this one department, the ML100 wins out on top of the MX1000. Kudos to Optorite for choosing superior pads for this mouse.