Z5000 mouse does not work on dark surfaces

[DougMcMillin]

I've just installed a new Bluetooth Z5000 mouse on a Spectre x360-13 laptop. The mouse does not work on dark surfaces, not even medium grey. It does work on smooth white paper, however. I've replaced the battery and checked that the optics are clean. What to do? Is it possible that the optical source is weak or failing?

[sandytechy20]

@DougMcMillin

Welcome to the HP Forums. I would be happy to help you with your HP Z5000 Bluetooth Mouse. I understand that it dies not work on dark surface and you have already done some preliminary troubleshooting.

Don't worry though as I have a few steps to determine the issue and find a solution as well,

It is advice to use the mouse on a mouse pad.

When did this issue start?

However:

Update the drivers and check if the issue persists.

Download and install HP Support Assistant to update the drivers.

Click here to download HP Support Assistant.

Let me How it goes.

Cheers.

[DougMcMillin]

OK,

I checked for updates using HP Support Assistant and was told that new new updates were available for my Z5000 mouse.

I get satifactory results using a red mousepad (the only one I have), as well as white paper, but not grey nor black mat board. I have not tried anything else. Several other mice, RF wireless and corded, have been happy with the grey and black mat board.

Identical results were obtained installing the mouse an older Toshiba laptop, as well as the new HP Spectre.

I see no light coming from the sensor on the Z5000 and am worried that it is weak. I will be happy for a while, but fear eventual failure.

Doug

[sandytechy20]

@DougMcMillin

Thanks for the reply.

I appreciate your time and effort.

Flat black it should not reflect very much light and so the mouse would not pick up the reflection.

You shouldn't use an optical mouse on a black surface because black absorbs all color and reflects none, so the laser can't take an accurate picture, and thus the mouse doesn't move.

Let me know if that helps.

Cheers.

[DougMcMillin]

I agree that black aborbs light (although I can use black with some other mice).

Nonetheless, the best Z5000 response is still on white paper, better than anything darker including my red mousepad.

Let me live with things for a while. If the LED is weak and it dies, I hope it does so while still on warranty.

Doug

[sandytechy20]

@DougMcMillin

Thanks for the response.

May be the projection of beam might be lower comparing to other mouse.

That might be one of the reasons.

I request you to contact HP Phone Support for further assistance on this.

Cheers.