What Does DPI Mean For Gaming Mice? (2023)

By Mark Sammut and Rahim Amir

Updated

DPI is a term that comes up a lot when searching for gaming mice. What does it mean exactly?

What Does DPI Mean For Gaming Mice? (1)

Quick Links

  • What Does DPI Stand For?
  • Does DPI Make A Difference For Gaming?
  • Conclusion

When putting together a gaming PC, every component must be given due consideration. It doesn't matter whether someone is purchasing a graphics card or an HDMI cable, they need to carefully check the available options to make sure they pick the right item for their rig. Of course, gaming mice are no different.

There are a number of things that should be taken into account when selecting a mouse: its sensor, shape, customization options, and whether to go with a wireless or wired model. A feature that tends to be highlighted in the description of these products is the DPI, a technical term that can be difficult to decipher if someone is not that familiar with PC mice.

RELATED: Most Important Things To Consider When Buying A Gaming Mouse

What Does DPI Stand For?

What Does DPI Mean For Gaming Mice? (2)
(Video) What DPI Should I Use For Gaming? [Simple Guide]

DPI stands for "Dots Per Inch," with "dots" referring to the pixels on a monitor. Essentially, a mouse's DPI determines the number of pixels the cursor will cover to coincide with a player's hand movement. The higher the DPI, the more of the screen the cursor will traverse for every inch the mouse is moved. DPI is typically associated with a mouse's sensitivity.

Is DPI The Same As CPI In A Mouse?

DPI and CPI are often used interchangeably when it comes to gaming mice, although the latter is technically the proper term. CPI refers to a mouse's "Counts Per Inch," which is directly connected to the accessory's sensor and physical movement.

Unlike DPI which is resolution-bound and may mean different things on different displays, the higher the CPI, the more sensitive the mouse. Therefore, when a mouse with a CPI of 2800 is moved one inch, its cursor will provide a reading of 2800 counts.

Although they do have their differences, DPI and CPI generally refer to the same thing in the world of computer mice. As an example, the SteelSeries Rival 5 lists CPI rather than DPI as part of SteelSeries' long-term push to list CPI over DPI as it feels the former is more accurate a depiction of a mouse's accuracy and capabilities.

What Does A Typical Mouse DPI Look Like?

Office mice tend to have a low DPI preset between 800-1600. This is more than enough to get the job done if the accessory is not being used for activities like gaming or graphic design.

In relation to gaming mice, DPI on offer can often number in the thousands. For example, the Logitech G502 HERO supports up to 25,600 max DPI. That is, admittedly, an extreme case, but gaming mice tend to offer a minimum of 4000 DPI at prices as low as $30 in some cases.

RELATED: Do I Need A Gaming Headset?

The Logitech G502 Hero: An Accurate High-DPI Mouse On a Budget

What Does DPI Mean For Gaming Mice? (3)
Logitech G502 HERO

High DPI Budget Mouse

The Hero You Want

$45 $80 Save $35

The best wired Logitech gaming mouse is the G502 Hero. Not only is this gaming mouse one of the best wired mice in general, it’s also incredibly affordable. Along with housing the Hero 25k sensor and 11 low-latency mechanical buttons, what makes the G502 special is its wide-ranging customizability. Even with a weight of 121g, Logitech has managed to create a balance that feels more like a much lighter mouse. It is so light that many players may prefer to add one of the 5 optional weights, which snap easily into a base compartment.
With 11 programmable buttons, including side-scrolling switches, and 5 profile slots in the on-board memory, gamers that need to switch gears quickly will find exactly what they need with the G502 Hero.
The Hero 25k sensor gives players a max DPI of 25,600 and a max acceleration of 40g. The max IPS of just under 400 is in-line with comparable mice, as is the reporting rate of 1000Hz/1ms. All in all, nothing is sacrificed for affordability and Logitech’s G502 Hero wired gaming mouse is a competitive option for gamers of all genres.

Weight
121 g + 18g (optional)

Sensor and DPI
Hero 25K

Switches
11

RGB Lighting
Yes

Programmable Buttons
Yes

Connectivity
N/A

Wireless
No

(Video) Why Gamers are Switching to High DPI

Battery Life
N/A

Battery Type
N/A

Multi-Device Pairing
Yes

DPI
25600

IPS
400

Polling Rate
1000Hz

Acceleration
40G

Pros

  • Has an industry-leading scroll wheel on offer
  • Has a significantly high DPI compared to most budget alternatives thanks to the exemplary HERO sensor
  • Has multiple programmable buttons

Cons

  • The mouse switches do sometimes break down with sustained use
  • Is considerably larger than most of its direct competition
(Video) Mouse DPI (CPI) as Fast As Possible

$45 at Amazon $45 at Best Buy $49 at Walmart

(Video) Mouse DPI Explained: Does Higher DPI Matter for Gaming?

The Logitech G502 Hero is an excellent, wired high-DPI mouse available to gamers and professionals alike even if it targets the former as its main audience. Costing just under $50 and coming with an impressive 25K DPI sensor coupled with a return to a larger Claw/Palm grip for end-users it offers significant value and premium feel at a price that we feel is well deserved, earning it the top spot at our guide for the best budget gaming mice in the market.

Does DPI Make A Difference For Gaming?

What Does DPI Mean For Gaming Mice? (4)

For casual use, the DPI is not that important; in fact, it is not unusual for the technical details of office mice to omit this information entirely. However, gaming mice tend to heavily advertise their DPI, and that's because it does make some difference.

A higher DPI tends to be seen as a better option for fast-paced games like Counter-Strike or Call of Duty: Warzone 2. Essentially, players will be able to improve their response time due to the cursor's faster movement. However, this comes at the cost of accuracy in some cases, a price that might not be worth it for every player out there.

RELATED: What Gaming Mice Do The Pros Use?

A high DPI is also a better fit for genres that prioritize significant map and minimap movement like strategy games and MOBAs with many professional FPS players preferring having low DPI presets on high-CPI mice to allow for accurate aim without compromising on their ability to land headshots from variable distances.

Do You Have To Commit To Just One Level?

The majority of gaming mice seek to remove restrictions as much as possible, and this extends to DPI. Rather than forcing players to stick to a specific sensitivity, most accessories will include a button that instantly switches between DPI levels, covering the entire supported range. The Cooler Master MM720, for instance, has seven levels starting from 400 and concluding at 16000 DPI. High-end options might even come with a program that permits users to set their preferred DPI levels.

What Is eDPI?

Most PC games allow players to change a mouse's sensitivity, creating what is known as the eDPI. If a mouse has a DPI of 2400 and its in-game sensitivity is set to 0.75, then its eDPI would be 1800. This setting gives players even more freedom, and someone might prefer to set the mouse's DPI to a low setting like 400 or 800, and then tweak the game's sensitivity to suit their tastes. This is in effect, a DPI multiplier that is used to offer a more software-centric solution to mice with DPI presets that are often less easy to change at times.

Conclusion

What Does DPI Mean For Gaming Mice? (5)

If someone is purchasing a gaming mouse, they should not ignore DPI, but the goal should be to find one that supports as wide of a range as possible. Ultimately, personal preference will dictate what setting a player uses, so having room to maneuver is ideal.

Also, DPI is just one part of the overall package and should not be the only (or primary) factor used for selecting a gaming mouse.

(Video) Comparing High DPI vs Low DPI

MORE: The Best Gaming Headsets For Under $30

FAQs

What Does DPI Mean For Gaming Mice? ›

What is DPI? DPI stands for dots per inch or in gaming terms, pixels per inch. DPI determines how far a cursor moves per inch of mouse movement. 400 DPI = 1 inch mouse movement, moves the cursor 400 pixels. The lower the DPI, the less sensitive your mouse.

Is 2400 DPI too high? ›

Digital. The really high resolutions, however — 2400, 3200, and 4800 dpi — are really intended for capturing really small and highly detailed sources like film negatives and slides. If you want to experiment with these resolutions, just make sure you stay away from the “digital” ones.

Is 1000 DPI good enough? ›

Definitely. It is plenty enough. In fact, you should avoid playing at such high dpi settings. Set your dpi to around 800 or 1000 and then adjust the in-game sensitivity.

Is 6000 DPI good for gaming? ›

In a first-person shooter (FPS) game, you realistically can't go much higher than a DPI of 6000 because accuracy is key, and this DPI would mean that the cursor moves from left to right in just half an inch of movement in FPS games, which is more than enough.

Is 1200 DPI good mouse? ›

Most professional first-person shooter players buy a large mousepad and set their mouse DPI to anywhere between 800 and 1200 because a lower DPI gives you precision. The “ideal” DPI setting will have more to do with what kind of game you're playing, your monitor's resolution and your gaming style.

Is 1600 DPI too much for gaming? ›

Aim for somewhere around 1600 DPI. The old wisdom was that lower DPI = better, more control, but this isn't the case, gamers are just used to the DPI they started with. A modern mouse performs better at a slightly higher DPI, 1600 DPI will have lower input latency and fewer pixel skips compared to 800 DPI.

Is 3200 DPI good for gaming? ›

The only DPI steps you should care about are between 400 and 1600. For competitive gamers, we advise using 1600 DPI and decreasing your in-game sensitivity to match your previous CM/360 for maximum reduction in input lag and increased responsiveness.

Is 1200 DPI overkill? ›

1200 dpi is extreme over-kill for photographic prints. Nothing is gained by going beyond 300 dpi/ppi. While there may be a slight difference with higher settings, no one will be able to say that one print is better than the other.

Why do pros use 400 DPI? ›

Instead, the player's aim should tend to be snappy when you're at 400 DPI, noticeably being much easier to stay at the exact headshot level, which is rarely changing, rather than using a higher DPI because player's crosshairs can feel somewhat locked in that plane of motion.

Does high DPI cause lag? ›

A higher DPI reduces your mouse's input lag and makes it more precise. After all, even if the benefits are small, in competitive games, every millimeter matters. 🖱️ The average eDPI of CS:GO professionals is 876.

Is 10000 DPI good for a mouse? ›

When researching computer mice you'll sometimes find a higher DPI (often 10,000 and above) marketed as a desirable attribute. Though a higher DPI can potentially result in slightly lower accuracy, to the average user it will have a negligible impact. Having the option of using a higher DPI is usually worth it.

Is higher DPI faster or slower? ›

A higher DPI means the cursor will move faster and cover more screen distance with less physical movement. A lower DPI results in slower, more precise cursor movement.

Is lower DPI better for FPS? ›

Technically a high DPI and low sensitivity is smoother

The Best dpi for fps games will help you a lot while Aiming towards your opponents. The second option is a high DPI and low in-game sensitivity, which means the mouse movement is slow and precise, but it's also too slow to be used in FPSs.

Why do pros use low DPI? ›

Pros need to use low sensitivity for better weapon spray control and steady aim. But they have sacrifice quick flicks/fast turns. People with high sensitivity can do those fast turns and flicks but sacrifice their own aim. Was this worth your time?

What is the highest DPI a mouse can go? ›

Office mice typically come with a DPI of somewhere between 800-1600; however, gaming mice are different. While exceptions exist, most gaming mice promote flexibility, allowing players to choose from a range of DPI.

Why don't pros use 1600 DPI? ›

Past 1600 DPI gives diminishing returns but still the same basic theory, and all you have to do is change ingame sens by a scaling variable. Going from 800 to 1600 means halving your original sensitivity, and voi'la you have the same sens with less input lag.

Is 10000 DPI too much? ›

When researching computer mice you'll sometimes find a higher DPI (often 10,000 and above) marketed as a desirable attribute. Though a higher DPI can potentially result in slightly lower accuracy, to the average user it will have a negligible impact. Having the option of using a higher DPI is usually worth it.

Does DPI really matter? ›

Let's start with some basics: higher mouse DPI means that the cursor will move further with less physical movement from your hands. The opposite is true with lower DPI numbers—it takes considerably more effort to move the cursor across the screen at 100 DPI than at 1000 DPI.

Is higher DPI better quality? ›

Print quality - The higher the DPI/PPI, the better the print quality will be. This is because there are more dots or pixels per inch, so each dot or pixel can be printed at a higher resolution. This results in sharper images and smoother gradients.

Is 8000 DPI good for gaming mouse? ›

Since most gaming monitors have 1080p or 1440p resolution, an 8000 DPI mouse is still too fast and sensitive, especially when accuracy is vital in the game.

What is TenZ sensitivity? ›

These are all of TenZ's VALORANT mouse settings that he uses in competitive VALORANT. DPI: 800. Sensitivity:0.3. Zoom Sensitivity: 1. DPI: 240.

What should my mouse settings be for FPS? ›

We recommended that you keep your DPI on the higher end, about 1000 to 4000, and adjust your in-game multiplier to achieve a particular eDPI. This recommendation also applies to gamers who prefer a low overall sensitivity because of a phenomenon called pixel skipping or pixel jumping.

What DPI does shroud use? ›

Shroud Valorant Settings: Mouse and Map Settings

Shroud currently uses Logitech G303 Shroud Edition: DPI - 400. eDPI - 312. In-game Sensitivity - 0.78.

How many DPI is enough? ›

The industry standard for quality photographs and image is typically 300dpi. For businesses, producing an external document like a brochure, a booklet, or a flyer requires 300dpi. You might be able to get away with 250dpi if you are less concerned with the quality and resolution of the printing.

What does 4800x1200 DPI mean? ›

For example, HP, one of the largest printer manufacturers, specifies the value 4,800 x 1,200 dpi for its DeskJet 4120. This states that the multifunction device can print 4,800 dots in a row and 1,200 dots from top to bottom. This means it prints a total of 5,760,000 dots per square inch.

What is the highest DPI? ›

The maximum DPI of a printer is restricted by the hardware it's using. For instance, while inkjet printers can have a resolution ranging from 300 to 720 DPI, laser printers can go anywhere from 600 to 2,400 DPI.

Is Apex Legends 400 or 800 DPI? ›

What mouse DPI is good for Apex Legends? We recommend using a mouse DPI of 800 for Apex Legends.

Why gamers use high DPI? ›

Many professional players use high-DPI mice because they can be more precise. A high DPI mouse can detect even the slightest movements, this can be especially important in competitive gaming, where every little advantage can make a difference.

Is 800 DPI faster than 400? ›

800 at 0.5 in-game is the same as 400 and 1 in-game. But superior due to higher resolution and lower input lag.

Does DPI make you click faster? ›

The greater the number of DPIs, the higher the mouse sensitivity, and the faster the pointer speed.

Does DPI increase graphics? ›

DPI is what makes an image look crisp and high-quality. The higher the number, the more ink droplets are tightly bunched together. This also goes for scanning. Like a printer, scanners also measure quality in DPI, meaning the number of points of data the scanner and computer picks up from the image.

Does DPI affect gaming? ›

DPI means dots per inch and affects how fast your mouse cursor moves across the screen. This is useful, for example, for gamers who need to move quickly while playing a shooter game. In this article, I explain briefly what DPI is exactly, how it works and whether it is of any use to you.

Is there a 50000 DPI mouse? ›

The IRIS RGB Optical Gaming Mouse provides super accurate and high-speed tracking with up to 50000 DPI for the widest variety of surfaces.

What is normal mouse DPI range? ›

Average mice range between 800 and 1600 DPI, though gaming mice often feature DPIs greater than 4000 – and some models range up to 20,000 DPI or more.

Does DPI matter in FPS? ›

In FPS (first-person shooter) games, precision aiming is critical. Higher DPI settings can give players more precision in their aim, as they can move their cursor more quickly and accurately. However, this also requires more control and a steadier hand.

Does 1600 DPI give less delay? ›

Higher DPI does not mean lower latency. Don't be afraid to lower your DPI if you prefer lower sensitivity.

Does DPI affect aim? ›

On a high DPI, maybe the smallest movement you can make is 5° horizontally. On a much lower DPI, perhaps your smallest movement becomes 2°. In this way, decreasing DPI increases the 'resolution' of your aim.

What is the best DPI for 1080p? ›

Around 1800 or so should be fine high sens. You'll want to go lower if you want to be any good at FPS games though.

Is 3200 DPI better than 1600? ›

The greater the number of DPIs, the higher the mouse sensitivity, and the faster the pointer speed." In many videos and tests people are claiming that high DPI reduces the total system Input Lag. Usually 1600DPI-3200DPI is the best sensitivity.

Is 1800 DPI good for gaming? ›

Definitely. It is plenty enough. In fact, you should avoid playing at such high dpi settings. Set your dpi to around 800 or 1000 and then adjust the in-game sensitivity.

What is disadvantage of high DPI? ›

Increased sensitivity: One of the main disadvantages of a high DPI mouse is that it can be too sensitive for some users. This can make it difficult to control, especially for users who are not used to such a high level of sensitivity.

How do I know my DPI for gaming? ›

Once you've set up your gaming software, it's time to check your DPI:
  1. Navigate to your home screen and find the Automatic Game Detection option.
  2. Activate the option by pressing the On button and clicking the pointer-gear symbol to open a new window.
  3. You should now see your current DPI.
Sep 23, 2022

Is DPI and sensitivity the same thing? ›

DPI stands for dots per inch and measures how quickly your mouse cursor can move per inch of screen space. Mouse sensitivity is a software setting that affects how quickly your mouse pointer moves on the screen.

What is the fastest DPI mouse in the world? ›

1. Razer Naga Pro. The Razer Naga Pro is the complete package, a goliath in terms of performance, features, and DPI.

Which gaming mouse is best? ›

Best gaming mouse 2023
  • Razer Basilisk V3 Pro (Best premium gaming mouse)
  • Glorious Model I (Most comfortable mouse)
  • Razer Viper Mini (Best gaming mouse for small hands)
  • Corsair Sabre RGB Pro (Best gaming mouse for large hands)
  • Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite (Best MMO mouse)
Jan 4, 2023

Is there a 1000 dpi mouse? ›

Product description Canyon 1000DPI Optical Mouse

The buttons are created to handle over 3 mln clicks and 1000 DPI resolution is optimal for working on small laptops and standard computer monitors.

Is 2400 DPI good for photos? ›

You can simply pick a number that will provide a good quality scan with a reasonable filesize. For a slide or negative this usually between 2400 dpi and 3200 dpi. That will provide enough pixels to print a decent size photo while maintaining photographic quality.

What resolution is 2400 DPI? ›

A true 2400 dpi covering 8.5 inches (20,400 pixels) would necessarily require very small CCD cells (not so good).

Is 2400 DPI good for fortnite? ›

Clearly this suggests a DPI of either 400 or 800 is best for Fortnite. Of course, you have more things than just your DPI to consider when choosing your sensitivity.

What is 2400 DPI mouse? ›

2400 DPI RESOLUTION OPTICAL TRACKING TECHNOLOGY provides more sensitivity than standard optical mice for smooth and precise tracking on a wide range of surfaces. Exclusively adopts imported chip technology and super laser engine help easily control the infinite passion with higher precision and strong interface effect.

Is 2400 DPI good enough for gaming? ›

You need a 1000 DPI to 1600 DPI for MMOs and RPG games. A lower 400 DPI to 1000 DPI is best for FPS and other shooter games. You only need 400 DPI to 800 DPI for MOBA games. A 1000 DPI to 1200 DPI is the best setting for Real-Time strategy games.

Is 1800 DPI good for FPS? ›

Definitely. It is plenty enough. In fact, you should avoid playing at such high dpi settings. Set your dpi to around 800 or 1000 and then adjust the in-game sensitivity.

Is 2400 DPI better than 1200 DPI? ›

1200 dpi provides a lot of printed detail, and 2400 is probably above the threshold of what the human eye can detect. Printing at 4800 dpi is probably overkill in that regard. If you don't notice a visible difference, you will probably save RIP time (and have better quality gradients) with a lower dpi.

How much DPI is good for 1080p? ›

800 is the best starting DPI for a 1080p or a 1440p system. While it might seem low, this level is suitable for most gameplay styles. Rather than constantly changing a mouse's DPI, players should set an eDPI for each game.

How many DPI is a 4K screen? ›

At 100% magnification, the 3840 x 2160 pixel UHD 4K resolution can be fully utilized, but the pixel density is around 140 ppi, and the pixel pitch is about 0.18 mm, so it appears quite tiny from the normal viewing distance (left).

What DPI is best for FPS? ›

For shooting precision in FPS, the recommended DPI for gaming is in the lower scope of 400-800.

Is higher DPI better for FPS? ›

Even though it comes down to personal preference, a higher DPI is better for gaming than a low DPI for several reasons. A higher DPI reduces your mouse's input lag and makes it more precise. After all, even if the benefits are small, in competitive games, every millimeter matters.

Is 3000 DPI a lot? ›

Simply put: Yes, a 3000 DPI mouse is enough for graphic design, but it's overkill and offers no real benefits.

What is the max DPI for a mouse? ›

Every mouse has a DPI count, although some mice let you change the DPI by pressing a button or using an app. Most regular computer mice — the kind you can buy for $10 to $20 — range from about 800 to 1,600 DPI.

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