My sweaty palm messes with mouse optics (probably, maybe?)

[XistenZ]

Sometimes, not uncommonly, my cursor jumps uncontrollably. It goes away within a few seconds. It "kind of" responds to input, but it more or less just increases the jumpyness.

I have the same issue with several different mice and computers, the only common factor is *drumroll* my hand! I'm not sweaty at all, actually, but I have really warm hands so I'm assuming the heat from my hand somehow creates some kind of micro-steam that confuses the sensor of my mouse.
I use a claw-grip with the back of my hand resting on the mousepad, and the only way for my handheat to go is towards the mouse, either up over it or under it.

It doesn't take a genius to understand this sounds pretty ridiculous, but it's the only explanation I got. Can anyone else come up with another explanation what's happening?

 

[Rusty1983]

Cheap or dirty mice or mousepad... Low batteries... wireless interference, could be a number of things... I've yet to use an optical mouse that doesn't experience issues similar to what you are describing... Roller/trackball FTW

 

[boju]

This kind of issue wouldn't be uncommon i think. I found myself lifting the mouse ever so slightly on an angle playing fast pace games. I try not to but sometimes i follow the habbit.

So maybe mouse pad is going through wear/shine on it or your lifting the mouse to reposition without noticing.