The mouse is an indispensable tool for working on a computer, and its performance directly impacts your user experience. An often overlooked but important factor is the LOD (Lift-Off Distance) – the height at which the cursor stops moving when you lift the mouse. While not as well-known as DPI, it has a noticeable effect on how smoothly you can use the mouse. Let's take a closer look at how it works.
What is mouse lift-off distance (LOD)?
The LOD (Lift-Off Distance) of a mouse is the height at which the sensor stops registering movement after the mouse has been lifted. For example, with an LOD of 3 mm, the mouse will function normally if lifted within 3 mm. However, if lifted higher, it will no longer respond correctly.
Technical basics
Modern optical mice use LEDs or lasers to illuminate the surface, and the sensor captures tiny "snapshots" of the underlying structure. By comparing the changes between these images, the mouse calculates both the direction and distance of movement. The level of detection (LOD) is the height at which the sensor detects that the mouse has lifted from the surface and should stop tracking.
Why is the mouse LOD important?
1. For gaming
Precise control
In games – especially competitive FPS games – players often need to lift the mouse to make large camera movements or fine adjustments. The correct level of detail (LOD) ensures that the sensor immediately stops tracking as soon as the mouse is lifted from the surface and resumes tracking precisely when it is placed back down.
This prevents unwanted cursor drift, reduces misalignment, and helps avoid costly in-game errors.
Adaptation to different DPI settings
Players have different DPI preferences – high DPI for quick movements and turns, low DPI for precise aiming. LOD works in conjunction with DPI.
- At high DPI, a lower LOD helps to avoid unnecessary tracking errors when quickly lifting the mouse.
- At low DPI, a slightly higher LOD can keep the cursor stable during slow, precise movements and make the control feel more natural.
2. For office and everyday life
Efficiency improvement
In everyday office use, the mouse is often briefly lifted. A suitable level of deflection (LOD) ensures that the mouse stops responding immediately when lifted. This gives the user more control over the mouse position and improves accuracy and efficiency.
Improved adaptability
Office environments are often diverse, with various surfaces. A mouse with a suitable LOD adapts better to different surfaces – from classic mousepads to wooden surfaces and smooth surfaces like glass – and reduces cursor jitter or malfunctions caused by changing surfaces.
3. For ergonomics
Reduced hand fatigue
The correct LOD allows for a more natural lifting and lowering of the hand when using the mouse, without having to consciously adjust the hand position.
This makes longer periods of computer work more comfortable, reduces hand fatigue and lowers the risk of conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Improved grip comfort
If the LOD (Level of Detail) matches individual usage habits, users can grip and operate the mouse more comfortably.
Recommended LOD settings by use case
Different use cases require different mouse LOD values. Below are the recommended LOD values for common scenarios.
| Use case | Recommended LOD | Technical background |
|---|---|---|
| FPS Gaming (Cloth Pad) | ~1.0 mm | Maximum precision, as tracking is completely eliminated when lifting. Ideal for stable sensor reflection on fabric surfaces and consistent muscle memory movements. |
| FPS Gaming (Hard/Coated Pad) | 1.5–2.0 mm | Provides additional tracking stability on smooth or reflective surfaces and reduces micro-stuttering or signal loss at very low LOD. |
| MOBA / RTS | 1.5–2.0 mm | Balances precision and fast cursor movements. Stable tracking with frequent clicking and rapid camera changes. |
| MMO / Office use | 2.0–3.0 mm | Prioritizes comfort and surface compatibility. Reduces unintentional tracking interruptions during relaxed use. |
| Users with multiple mouse pads | ~2.0 mm (compromise) | Ensures consistent tracking on different pad materials. Alternatively, surface calibration functions (e.g., Logitech Surface Tuning) are recommended. |
| "Wrist Aim" players | Slightly higher (2.0–3.0 mm) | A low lift frequency allows for a higher LOD without compromising control consistency. |
| "Arm Aim" / Low-DPI Player | Must be low (1.0–1.5 mm) | Frequent mouse lifting requires ultra-low LOD to avoid cursor drift and landing deviations, which directly affects aiming accuracy. |
Note: Optimizing LOD should always be evaluated in combination with DPI, sensor type, and mousepad material. While lower LOD values increase precision in competition, they can lead to temporary tracking loss on unsuitable surfaces. The best setting is the one that ensures both stability and consistency for your specific setup.
How do I change the LOD of my mouse?
If you are using an Akko mouse , you can easily adjust the LOD via the Akko Driver.
1. Connect the mouse to the Akko Driver
Download the Akko Driver from the Download Center. down.
2. Go to the performance settings
3. Adjust LOD
FAQ
Is a lower LOD always better?
A low LOD is ideal for FPS and low-DPI players, but can cause tracking issues on reflective or uneven surfaces. Casual gamers or high-DPI users might prefer a slightly higher LOD for greater comfort.
Does DPI affect LOD?
DPI affects cursor sensitivity, not the lift-off height. LOD is a separate hardware/firmware setting that determines when tracking stops after the mouse is lifted.
In practical gameplay, however, the two settings are closely linked and influence how the mouse feels and how you configure your controls:
- Low-DPI players are very sensitive to LOD: a low LOD is necessary to avoid cursor jitter.
- High-DPI players are relatively insensitive to LOD and can accept a higher LOD.
Do expensive mice always have the perfect LOD?
The level of detail (LOD) depends on the sensor type, firmware, and design, not just the price. Some premium mice have a higher standard LOD to ensure compatibility on different surfaces.
Do glass mousepads result in a high LOD?
Modern sensors with surface adaptation can maintain a low level of detection (LOD) even on glass or coated surfaces. The type of surface influences the LOD, but does not determine it entirely.
Conclusion
The optimal LOD isn't simply the lowest number – it's the setting where you completely forget about the LOD. When you no longer think about how high to lift the mouse, when resetting the mouse becomes a completely automatic movement, and your full attention remains in the game – not on the mouse – then you've found your ideal LOD.
Open your mouse software now and start your optimization!
