JES Optical Wheel Mouse, USB “refurbished”

Optical mice have a light-emitting diode on the underside. This emits a light beam onto the surface, for example a desk. The desk reflects the light beam, whereupon a sensor on the mouse records the reflection. A built-in processor continuously calculates the various reflections and uses them to determine mouse movement and speed. Compared to a mechanical mouse, an optical mouse works much more precisely. And because there are no mechanical parts, there is no need for cleaning.

The optical mouse works with a light emitting diode. It only works really well on certain surfaces, which usually requires a mouse pad. On a glass table, for example, you would have problems. In return, it is less susceptible to surface irregularities than a laser mouse.