Braided vs smooth mouse cable

[Aquinus]

I love my Logitech MX Master 3 (wireless.) Granted, it's not like I do twitch gaming, but for the games that I do play, it's more than adequate. If you absolutely insist on a wired mouse, then I'd say braided, however I've had mice with both smooth and braided cables fail. So either way, you're not getting away from cheap construction if you cheap out on a mouse.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Everything is a dust magnet if dust is a problem

 

[ThaiTaffy]

So over the years I've had a fair few mice never really gone wireless though,.

I've been looking at the Mx masters just because I'd like a Bluetooth mouse for my phone but all in all smooth cables have lasted me alot longer that braided.
I'm sure a bungie would have swung braided for me, if I'd used one!
Personally the braided cables I've used have been too stiff and twists and kinks have killed them.

I have a collection of r.a.t mice from my early gaming days, all of which I've had to replace the cables on for smooth cables.
Braided might have been especially bad on them.

On the other hand I use a braided usb c cable on my keyboards now and velcro tie the mouse cable to that to get the required length.

 

[Aaron_Henderson]

I prefer wired, non-braided. I stick to the same mouse as long as possible once I find one that suits me. I've essentially only used three mice for around the past 15 years...a Logitech G5, then a CM Storm Spawn, and am currently on a Corsair Katar. All of them still looked like new when I was done with them, and I still have the Spawn...the scroll wheel just wore out using it for game development stuff for several years. I tried several mice with braided cables and didn't like them at all with my setup. And all of them had issues with the cables in short amount of time...fraying and loops coming off them. I've even been using the same mousepad for ages...on my second one now. I don't think I could switch to wireless...I'd be blaming every missed shot on it lol

 

[Steevo]

The last replacement cable I got was braided and I sometimes feel the tiny vibrations from it going across the edge of my desk when I’m making large movements in game or doing work in land apps for mapping and have to move area. It’s kinda annoying.

Wireless is good, but I still hate forgetting batteries and then finding one exploded in the battery compartment corroding terminals, or trying to find batteries when you need them.

So I vote for smooth cabling.

 

[Shrek]

I stick to the same mouse as long as possible once I find one that suits me.

That is why I replace mouse cables and switches, if the mouse is too my liking.

Part of it is also laziness, as then I don't have to figure out what new mouse to get.

 

[robot zombie]

IME, braided cable is good until it gets some rotation over the actual insulation, then you must hope that the inner insulation and wire isn't too stiff, because one day you might look down at it and find it permanently twisted over itself, as the tension and grip from the braiding have pulled it over itself. I've also see it contribute to memory effect, sometimes I think the braiding itself remembers kinks and twists better than the actual cable underneath it, which is what makes it able to twist so aggressively. It starts with the grip-points that the braiding adds, and ends with the braiding sitting stuck to itself. A mouse is always moving around, subtly tugging that cable back and forth, introducing the friction that helps give your braided cables the most b-e-a-utiful curls that you'll never get rid of.

There's a basic action that I think most people can easily imagine. Think about how a tire rolls as it grips the road. Now think of that cable as a really wide tire. That braiding on the outside can give the cable the ability to roll as it moves side to side, especially if it has carpet or even just other cables to roll over.

I have a braided Razer Wolverine cable with a good 4' of it being forever twisted and kinked over itself. You can pull them out easily, 'run' the twist back out with the whole pinch-slide motion towards the disconnected end... but the moment there is braid on braid action, it's over. It always comes back. I have never seen this with plain smooth cables outside of those really soft 'silicone-like' ones that feel like they didn't quite get a full cure and still have catalyst on them... you know... those stretchy, gooey ones, which for whatever reason get used on headphones and earbuds, where they not only snag but seem to move towards everything they are close to.

It seems worse when the braiding is *tight* around the cable... because it still is not like, glued or bound to the surface... it's just squeezing on it with tension, with the actual attachment point holding it in place being at the connector ends. Fine, until you roll over it a couple of times and that braiding *does* free up a little from the rest, somewhere in the middle of the cable. When the insulation is too tight, and it manages to twist past the cable underneath, that puts twisting tension on the whole thing and you will eventually find a permanent twisted kink at one of the connector ends. It tends to telegraph and spread like a virus. The same thing can happen with your plain extension cords, when the outer jacket twists a little past the insulated leads underneath. You wind up with these points where the jacket has separated and just past either end of those points will be (essentially) permanent twists.

I think that *maybe* just *maybe* if you managed to give a cable in that state a wicked enough Indian sunburn to free the outer along the whole run, the twists would actually come out. They stay because of those choke points where the outer is gripping the stuff packed inside of it differently.

It also adds to the memory effect in another way. When you've got that tight braiding around the wire and you do manage to get a kink or bend formed, the outer braiding exerting pressure only helps clamp it in place.

That's what I think it is though... it's the snagging capability mixed with the movement, and maybe the fact that many braided cables have the braiding almost totally friction-bound to the insulation underneath. My HyperX Alloy KB has a braided cable that's twice as old with zero twists or kinks. It is similarly long, maybe 8 or 10 feet. But it hasn't been moving around the way a mouse or controller cable would. I tend to think they're fine until they have to be moving a lot... then, they can be really terrible.

I love them for aesthetic, but I prefer the stuff that's braided in like... paracord, where it's not so aggressively bound to the insulation itself. That's functional, but it also looks and feels nice. Most braided headphone cables are like that and it actually seems to keep them from kinking or forming memory... specially if the cables underneath are also braided in a basic litz shape. They end up feeling very soft and limp, just kinda hang straight and lay flat. It basically acts as a guide with some relief on it. You get to have the cable be loose inside because the pattern of paracord jackets makes them stretch and give a bit like an accordion, so as the wire bends, it doesn't have to follow the jacket through everything, the bends inside can be less steep. You can feel the open space between the braiding and the insulation. I would love a controller or a mouse with a nice lil twisted paracord braid. I might try to make one at some point, but I think with USB it's going to be an issue to make that shape, because of how the cables are built and insulated..

 

[Aaron_Henderson]

That is why I replace mouse cables and switches, if the mouse is too my liking.

Part of it is also laziness, as then I don't have to figure out what new mouse to get.

I tried to repair the scroll wheel on my Storm Spawn, but that's the only fault I'd ever had to repair or replace. I would still be on the Storm if I could have fixed it. It was mechanical though, and when I went to buy another one, they were super expensive and out of production. I think I bought the Katar because it was inexpensive, like the Spawn, and used a similar/same sensor. I like braided cables, just not on my mouse. Plus, I have a "espresso" coloured desktop and the plain black cables practically disappear. I just recently changed out a braided white USB cable for my keyboard to a simple black one and it looks much cleaner, IMO.

 

[bonehead123]

wired mouse.... whadatizzzz ????

Seriously, years ago, I ditched everything wired wherever possible .... rodent, KB, printers, nics, speakers, doorbells, security lighting/cameras, roku's, etc etc..... and have NEVA, EVA looked back since !

 

[Vario]

So over the years I've had a fair few mice never really gone wireless though,.

I've been looking at the Mx masters just because I'd like a Bluetooth mouse for my phone but all in all smooth cables have lasted me alot longer that braided.
I'm sure a bungie would have swung braided for me, if I'd used one!
Personally the braided cables I've used have been too stiff and twists and kinks have killed them.

I have a collection of r.a.t mice from my early gaming days, all of which I've had to replace the cables on for smooth cables.
Braided might have been especially bad on them.

On the other hand I use a braided usb c cable on my keyboards now and velcro tie the mouse cable to that to get the required length.

I have a Logitech M720 triathalon that I use with my laptop, it is cheaper than the Mx Master, I like the ergonomics on the M720, might be worth a look. It also can pair with three different devices and you can toggle between control of those devices effortlessly just pressing a button. I doubt it would be good for gaming but its fantastic for office work. It works well with both RF and with bluetooth.

 

[Aquinus]

That is why I replace mouse cables and switches, if the mouse is too my liking.

Part of it is also laziness, as then I don't have to figure out what new mouse to get.

My favorite used to be the Logitech G602 because the batteries lasted insanely long and it was a pretty cheap mouse. Only problem is that the middle mouse button kept breaking and it eventually drove me to another mouse and so far I haven't had the same issue with this mouse (MX Master 3.) All of my G500s and G5s failed because of the wire (and it was braided.)

 

[Bloax]

I think the "opening post" question, which asked, "which is considered better" is too generalized. There are high quality braided cables and super cheap ones too. Just as there are high quality smooth insulation cables, and cheap ones. Plus, so much, especially in terms of flexibility, depends on the wires inside - for example, the size and number of strands in the wire. And the insulation on the individual wires inside the cable can affect how mouse movement feels and behaves.

So to be a valid question, it would have to compare two specific mice, one braided, one smooth. And ideally, it would have to be two identical mice, one with braided and one with smooth cables. That, to me, is the only fair and valid comparative test. Otherwise, there are too many other variables that will skew the results.

The "poll" question, on the other hand, is very valid as it simply asks what we "prefer".

I prefer wireless. I have not encountered lag issues (at least not with the latest wireless mice and keyboards). Plus I never have to worry about cable clutter, wire chaffing, wire snags, cable hangers/cranes, the cable pulling on the mouse sending the cursor to parts unknown - and most importantly, no worry with my feet and cable trying to occupy the same space.

(to everyone's great surprise, this was perfectly usable)
It is indeed a very broad question: https://zaunkoenig.co/blogs/blog/optimal-gaming-mouse-cable

Very high quality smooth cables are better than any braided cable, but a decent braided cable is better than a bad smooth cable.

No cable presents its own challenges for serious mice (weight, battery, signal speed), but offers the greatest "cable comfort" - or rather lack of discomfort. :- )
What's worse, is that the lighter the mouse - the more sensitive it becomes to cable quality, as any tugging will be felt much more than with a heavier mouse.

 

[erocker]

I went wireless and won't look back. When it comes to mouse cables though, I definitely prefer those wrapped in paracord. It seems to work best for not getting hung up on anything or tangling.

 

[Auer]

My Razer Basilisk has a charging stand where I just stick the thing every nite.

It's very responsive in use, there is no real reason to stay wired for most people anymore.

I never tested a mouse for lag and such tho, maybe some hyper sensitive individuals can tell the difference.

Only thing holding back my Aim Lab scores is, well, me.

 

[Outback Bronze]

Voted Smooth.

I find the braid starts to unravel/unstitch because its rough finish is easier for it to grab on corners of monitors/cases or generally anything on your desktop.

Smooth is also easier to clean.

 

[Shrek]

I can see the liking for wireless, but I actually brought in my own wired mouse to work and returned the wireless mouse they gave me.

This was a mouse I had actually repaired by cutting the broken cable and soldering the connector back on, and while it works fine, I am always on the prowl for projects and decided to order a replacement cable; but the cheapest was braided and so I came here wondering about the wisdom of my purchase (it won't be here for a while).

The cable on the way is actually intended for another mouse and has a strain relief attached and I am wondering how cleanly I can remove it; all so I can know if I can keep my box of mice running.

 

[freeagent]

I like braided, and I don't mind smooth. I used a Logitech G5 for about 8 years.. I loved that mouse. Where the cable exited the body is where it broke. My brother gave me a new EC2 Evo and where the cable exits the body is nice and reinforced. This Zowie is ok, but I wouldn't mind getting something a little nicer. I also agree that if dust is a problem, then there will be an attraction and nature will take its course.. Dust bunny control starts with a broom, and a dedicated regimen

 

[Shrek]

I like braided, and I don't mind smooth. I used a Logitech G5 for about 8 years.. I loved that mouse. Where the cable exited the body is where it broke.

Replacement cables are available.

 

[freeagent]

Replacement cables are available.

I didn't know that when I threw it away in 2017.

 

[jeremyshaw]

I use a cable stand (mouse bungee?) and the question of "what cable/wireless/etc" doesn't matter anymore. The cable's final approach to the mouse is completely suspended in midair and the cable has no practical effect on wear, weight, cable drag/snag, etc.

 

[Aaron_Henderson]

I use a cable stand (mouse bungee?) and the question of "what cable/wireless/etc" doesn't matter anymore. The cable's final approach to the mouse is completely suspended in midair and the cable has no practical effect on wear, weight, cable drag/snag, etc.

Mouse bungies don't really work for low sens gamers.

 

[AusWolf]

Wireless.

Nothing compares to the smoothness of a free-moving mouse.

 

[Sithaer]

I love them for aesthetic, but I prefer the stuff that's braided in like... paracord, where it's not so aggressively bound to the insulation itself. That's functional, but it also looks and feels nice. Most braided headphone cables are like that and it actually seems to keep them from kinking or forming memory... specially if the cables underneath are also braided in a basic litz shape. They end up feeling very soft and limp, just kinda hang straight and lay flat. It basically acts as a guide with some relief on it. You get to have the cable be loose inside because the pattern of paracord jackets makes them stretch and give a bit like an accordion, so as the wire bends, it doesn't have to follow the jacket through everything, the bends inside can be less steep. You can feel the open space between the braiding and the insulation. I would love a controller or a mouse with a nice lil twisted paracord braid. I might try to make one at some point, but I think with USB it's going to be an issue to make that shape, because of how the cables are built and insulated..

Same story here, I mainly prefer braided cause they look better imo.
Tho I'm not a fan of those really stiff ones, they can be a bit annoying to deal with sometimes and not much better than the smooth/standard ones I had before.

My new favourite is the one my current Canyon Puncher gm-20 mouse has, its braided-ish but very soft paracord like and I can't even feel its there when I'm moving the mouse around.
Luckily I don't have to keep many stuff on my desk and I have plenty of space so the mouse cable doesn't get stuck in anything.

Wireless eh never really tried but not that interested either, I can live with 3 cables on my desk anyway. 'keyboard/mouse/headset'

 

[looniam]

where's the IDGAF option?

we are an underrepresented minority!

 

[Shou Miko]

I use a Logitech G305 for my main rig and laptop.

For my main rig I use a dual A to triple A adapter to make the mouse lighter and at work I am using a Contour Unimouse also wireless: https://www.contourdesign.com/product/unimouse/

I never regret going wireless even want a wireless keyboard but I haven't found the correct one to replace my Razer Blackwidow X Chroma yet.