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deepmind.google·6d ago
AI Engineering
Lobsters·Jun 10·5 min read
Linux latency measurements and compositor tuning
TL;DR
Linux users often experience latency issues in gaming, leading to a need for precise measurement. A Teensy microcontroller was used to measure click-to-photon latency by logging data from a light sensor against the screen.
✦ Why It Matters
Engineers can use these findings to optimize Linux gaming setups for reduced latency and improved responsiveness.
Key Takeaways
- Utilize Teensy microcontroller for precise latency measurements.
- Test different compositor settings to reduce latency.
- Log data automatically to streamline testing processes.
- Maintain consistent hardware configurations for valid comparisons.
Full Summary
Latency in gaming on Linux can be problematic, causing a 'floaty' mouse feel that affects user experience. To investigate this, a Teensy microcontroller was configured as a USB Human Interface Device (HID) mouse, paired with a light sensor to measure click-to-photon latency.
The setup logged data automatically, allowing for extensive testing on two computers with similar hardware configurations running NixOS and Windows 11. Using KDE Wayland and various tools like Proton-GE and MangoHud, the tests aimed to maintain 120 FPS on a 120 Hz display.
Despite the automated logging, controlling variables proved challenging, leading to discoveries that invalidated earlier measurements. The findings indicated that compositor settings and software stack configurations significantly impact latency, necessitating careful tuning for optimal gaming performance.