If you are thinking of buying a new mouse, either for play or work, one of the questions that you have probably asked yourself is related to the words DPI. What is IPR?
We could translate DPI (Dots Per linear Inch) as PPP (dots per inch), a way of measure mouse sensitivity, and, therefore, to the user experience, both in games and using applications on any computer.
What are IPRs?
IPR refers to the Speed measurement the mouse cursor moves on the screen, relative to the distance the user moves the mouse.
The higher the number, the mouse it will move faster on the screen, so it will have higher sensitivity. The DPI is not related to the precision of the mouse, but to the sensor (although some manufacturers insist on the opposite).
It is quite simple to understand. However, if you still have doubts, with the following example you will understand.
- If we move the mouse two centimeters to the right with a low DPI, mouse scrolling on the screen will be minimal.
- However, without increasing the DPI, when we move the mouse two centimeters to the right, we will see how the cursor arrow has traveled much more space than with the lowest sensitivity.
DPI and sensitivity
DPI and sensitivity are usually correlated in our minds. Increasing the DPI of a mouse makes the mouse more responsive to any movement, but this is not always the case, as They are different measurements.
The DPI is generated through the optical or laser sensor that each mouse incorporates. Sensitivity is set via the desktop application for each mouse or via physical button that they incorporate.
You can have a Low DPI and high sensitivity and vice versa. To make correct use of our mouse, increasing the sensitivity of a mouse with low DPI is not always the best solution.
high and low DPIs
There are many mice, especially those intended for the gaming world, that include a DPI superior to 10.000, as if it were synonymous with better performance and/or precision.
However, if the option is there, it is always better than not having it, since it allows us to play with the configuration of the application and/or the operating system to find the exact balance point what do we need.
Higher DPI is great utility when working with a 2K or 4K resolution screen, since moving the mouse from side to side takes a matter of milliseconds. If the DPI is low, moving the mouse across the screen can take us all day.
By using higher DPI we can save time and efforts, in addition to improving ergonomics and having a significant impact on your workflow.
But if you're doing something requires greater precision such as editing photos, timelines in a video, profiling or creating objects, a lower DPI is the best option, as it allows for finer and more precise movement.
DPI in games
The IPRs are vital importance in the world of video games, hence it is one of the main points that manufacturers highlight.
When playing a first person shooter game with high DPI settings, the aiming reticle will move faster across the screen and it will require fewer hand movements.
This is extremely useful for scroll quickly or to drag the crosshair to one side to another screen in less time, making it ideal for games where speed of movement and response is important.
If we get out of shooting games, things change. by having to move the mouse greater distance and without haste, greater precision is achieved as we have more space and time to find the right place to click.
Most current mice allow change the DPI with the push of a button. Many have a physical button on the body of the mouse to change the DPI profiles that we have previously established with the application or use the ones configured natively.
Next to the button, a series of visual indicators that allows us to quickly know the profile that we are using at all times.
If setting the sensitivity button isn't enough for you, it's best to modify the setting of the In-game mouse sensitivity section. This is especially useful in first person shooter games.
Is there an ideal number of DPI?
No. It depends on your preferences and how you use the mouse. The purpose of an adjustable DPI is allow the user to find the configuration that best suits to your needs.
There isn't one setting that works for everyone. Many are the streamers who share the sensitivity that use both on your mouse like in the games they stream so people can play with that setting and see if it suits them.
that setup is specific to each user. You can try your best to adapt to it, but that doesn't mean you can be as good as your favorite streamer.
It is best to try, try and try until find the best fit to the space you have to move the mouse and your facility to do it.
How to change mouse sensitivity
For change mouse sensitivity in windows, if it does not include manufacturer software that allows us to do so, we must access the Windows configuration options.
- First of all, we access the Windows configuration options through the keyboard shortcut: Windows + i
- Next, let's polish on Devices.
- Within Devices, in the left column, click on Mouse
- In the left column, in the section Choose cursor speed, move is slider to the right (slower) or to the left to make the mouse arrow move faster.
For modify sensitivity in game, we must access the Settings section and raise or lower the number that is displayed by default.
Each game use different values. If in Apex you use a sensitivity of 2,3 in Apex Legends, in PUBG the number range to set it is from 0 to 2.