Abstract: An optical encoder is disclosed. Specifically, a reflective encoder is disclosed that includes an emitter configured to emit light, a first detector configured to receive a first portion of the light emitted by the emitter and convert the received first portion of the light into one or more electrical signals, the received first portion of the light at least one of passing through and being reflected by an optical track of a coding element. The reflective encoder also includes a second detector configured to receive second portion of the light emitted by the emitter and convert the received second portion of the light into one or more electrical signals, the emitter is positioned between the first detector and the second detector such that a first light path between the emitter and first detector is approximately a same distance as a second light path between the emitter and the second detector.