What is the DPI of a mouse?
DPI stands for "Dots Per Inch," which means the number of pixels per inch. The DPI of a mouse refers to how many individual dots a mouse can detect per inch of movement. If our mouse is set to 900 DPI, the mouse cursor will move 900 pixels on the screen when the mouse is moved 1 inch (about 2.5 cm) on the desktop. The higher the DPI, the more sensitive the mouse is.
DPI vs. CPI
Both DPI and CPI can be used to indicate the resolution of the mouse. So what is CPI?
CPI stands for "Counts Per Inch," which means the number of "counts" the sensor registers per inch of movement. Each count corresponds to a data signal sent to your computer. This attribute depends entirely on the performance of the mouse and is independent of the monitor. Therefore, CPI more accurately represents the precision of the mouse.
Although DPI is the most widely used unit of measurement for mouse resolution, it is not the most precise. DPI technically refers to "Dots Per Inch"; however, the "dots" do not always consistently represent screen pixels. They are affected by factors such as screen resolution, so it is possible that this dot is 4 pixels or 1 pixel. DPI reflects a static indicator that is more suitable for printers or scanners.
However, since most mouse manufacturers have adapted to the DPI terminology and gamers are also familiar with this terminology, it continues to be widely used.
How do I check the DPI of the mouse?
1. Check the product specifications
Typically, the DPI is listed in the mouse's user manual or technical specifications. If you have kept the packaging, you can also find the relevant information on the box.
2. Use the mouse software
Many mouse brands offer dedicated software to manage the mouse's settings, including checking and adjusting the DPI. If you have an AKKO mouse , the Akko Cloud Drive supports various customization options, including DPI checking and setting.
There is also professional software that can help you test the DPI of your mouse.
3. Use online DPI analyzer tools
You can find online DPI analyzer tools like Mouse DPI Analyzer and CPS Check. On the website, enter the distance you moved the mouse and follow the instructions; this will give you the current DPI of the mouse.
4. Manual DPI measurement (without software)
Go to your computer's mouse settings (Control Panel > Mouse > Pointer Options).
Set the pointer speed to the middle (6/11 on Windows).
Take a ruler and measure an exact distance of 1 inch (2.54 cm) on your mouse pad.
What is a good DPI value for a mouse?
You can't simply say that a higher DPI value of a mouse is better. Because when using the mouse, habits vary from person to person. Many say that 1000 DPI is best for FPS games, while others think that 400 DPI is more suitable. In fact, each person's usage habits are different, so it cannot be said that a certain value gives the best feeling.
So when choosing a mouse, we should simply choose the mouse with the DPI value that best suits our use.
How do you choose the right DPI value for you?
1. Wrist or arm movements
Most people move the mouse within a range of about 3 cm, with the wrist as the center. With a screen resolution of 1080p, this distance is ideal and the DPI value should be set to around 1500.
In general, 800-1600 DPI is suitable for wrist users, while lower DPI values (e.g. 400-800) are better suited for arm movements. Since the arm moves a greater distance, a lower DPI value allows for more precise control.
2. Larger monitor size requires higher DPI
Let's check! For a monitor with a resolution of 1920x1080, the diagonal pixel count is about 2202.91. If your comfortable movement distance is 3 cm, the DPI value should be set to (2202.91 * 2.54) / 3 ≈ 1870.
The larger the monitor, the further the cursor needs to be moved, so the DPI value needs to be adjusted accordingly. A large monitor with a high DPI value ensures that operating efficiency remains high even with large movements.
3. Office applications
For daily office use, a medium DPI value (such as 1000-1600) is usually enough to meet the needs and provide a good balance in operation. In high-precision application scenarios such as graphic design, 2000-3000 DPI can ensure that every step of the operation is accurate.
4th player
In different game types, players have different DPI choices. FPS players tend to use low DPI values (like 400 or 800), while other game types allow slightly higher DPI settings.
For gamers, eDPI is more popular these days.
eDPI stands for "effective dots per inch" and is calculated by multiplying the mouse DPI by the in-game sensitivity. This provides gamers with a way to compare the actual sensitivity of different players, regardless of their hardware or software settings.
Player A has a DPI of 1600 and an in-game sensitivity of 2. Player B has a DPI of 400 and an in-game sensitivity of 8.
Player A's eDPI = 3200 (1600 2)
Player B's eDPI = 3200 (400 8)
Both players have the same actual sensitivity (eDPI), although their DPI and in-game mouse sensitivity settings are very different.
We cannot define a single "good" DPI value for mice, as choosing the right DPI depends on factors such as screen resolution, personal usage habits, application needs, and device performance. By adjusting settings and testing in the field, users can find a DPI value that balances efficient operation with precise control.
Akko AG ONE 8K gaming mouse
If you're not sure which mouse to buy, the Akko AG One 8K Gaming Mouse is a great choice. It offers a good balance of precision and high performance. The DPI settings of this mouse are fully customizable and support 8 adjustable DPI levels from 400 to 26000 that can be switched with a simple click. This allows users to adjust the sensitivity for different game genres or tasks. With a polling rate of up to 8000 Hz and a high-precision sensor, this mouse offers ultra-responsive tracking, making it perfect for competitive gaming.
The DPI settings are fully customizable and support 8 adjustable DPI levels from 400 to 26000, which can be switched with a simple click. This allows users to personalize the sensitivity for different game genres or tasks.
Plus, there are a variety of themes to choose from; whether you like the classic black and white design or prefer the cute Pompompurin theme, there's always a choice.
Conclusion
Different users have different needs; there is no one DPI value that works for everyone. You can find the balance between accuracy and efficiency by experimenting and gaining hands-on experience.
