For years, optical mouse switches have been a premium feature reserved for high-end gaming mice, with Kailh and Omron dominating the market. Now, Huano—a manufacturer best known for budget mechanical switches—has entered the optical switch race with the Nuo, a component first spotted in the Xinmeng Zero 1 Pro, a gaming mouse priced at just $5.65.
This isn’t just another budget peripheral. The Nuo optical switch boasts a 100-million-click lifespan, a durability metric that rivals many of Huano’s own mechanical switches and aligns with the expectations of budget-conscious gamers. The Zero 1 Pro’s price point suggests these switches could soon appear in other affordable gaming mice, democratizing optical performance for a broader audience.
The Zero 1 Pro’s launch also signals a broader trend: optical switches are no longer the sole domain of Logitech or Razer. With Huano’s entry, even sub-$20 gaming mice could offer the reduced latency and precision that optical switches deliver.
Key Specs
- Switch Type: Optical (Huano Nuo)
- Lifespan: 100 million clicks
- Mouse Model: Xinmeng Zero 1 Pro
- Price: $5.65 (RMB 39)
- Market Position: Budget gaming peripheral with optical switch performance
The 100-million-click rating is particularly noteworthy. While it matches the lifespan of Huano’s higher-end mechanical switches, it also competes with mid-range optical switches from Kailh and Omron, which often fall into the 50–80 million-click range. This makes the Nuo a compelling choice for gamers who prioritize longevity without paying premium prices.
However, the real innovation lies in accessibility. A $5.65 gaming mouse with optical switches wasn’t imaginable a few years ago. This could push competitors to rethink pricing strategies, potentially leading to more affordable optical mice across the market.
Availability remains unclear, but given the Zero 1 Pro’s price and Huano’s history of rapid expansion, these switches could soon appear in other budget mice—possibly even under $10—within months.
