Mouse Drift Test
Hover inside, press Start, then keep your hand off the mouse.
30s
Total drift
0.00 px
Max event delta
0.00 px
Pointer samples
0
Press Start and keep your hand off the mouse.
How to use
- Choose a sampling duration and press Start.
- Do not touch the mouse during the countdown and capture window.
- Let the tool record pointer jitter on your current surface and lighting.
- When finished, read total drift, max event delta, sample count, and the verdict.
- Repeat on another pad or USB port if you are comparing setups.
FAQ
Can surface type affect drift?
Yes. Some sensors behave differently on glossy, transparent, or very dark surfaces.
Does any movement always mean a bad mouse?
Not necessarily. Very small drift can be normal noise depending on environment and sensor.
Introduction
Mouse Drift Test measures pointer movement while the mouse is idle — no hand contact — to surface electrical noise, vibration, or incompatible pads.
Purpose
- Compare different mouse pads or lift-off height settings.
- Investigate suspected sensor instability at rest.
Key Features
- Idle cursor path integration while your hand stays off the mouse.
- Reports total drift, max step, samples, and a plain-language verdict.
- Highlights sensor vs environment issues without installing drivers.
Common Use Cases
- Shiny, glass, or textured pads that might confuse certain sensors.
- Comparing wired vs wireless behavior when idle on the same pad.
Best Practices
- Remove desk vibration (phones, speakers) during capture windows.
- Test twice: once at LOD height you actually play with.
Comparison metrics
| Metric | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Total drift (px) | Integrated idle movement — compare using the same duration and mouse position on the pad. |
| Max event delta | Largest single-step jump — can indicate vibration spikes. |
| Environment | Always note pad, lighting, and desk vibration; changing the pad can completely change results. |
Very small drift can be normal — rank relative results more than an absolute threshold alone.