Mouse Acceleration [Ultimate Guide]

Last Updated on January 23, 2023

Some people find mouse acceleration helpful for quickly navigating across the screen, while others find it frustrating and prefer a consistent, linear movement. Additionally, mouse acceleration can make it difficult to aim accurately in certain types of games or programs that require precision. Ultimately, it is best to experiment with different settings and find what works best for you.

Table of Contents

What Is Mouse Acceleration?

Mouse acceleration is a feature that causes the cursor or pointer to move faster or slower based on the speed at which the mouse is moved. This can make it more difficult to control the cursor with precision, as the cursor will move faster or slower depending on how fast the mouse is moved. Some users prefer to turn off mouse acceleration to have more control over the cursor movement.

Advantages of Mouse Acceleration

Improved precision: Mouse acceleration allows users to move the cursor more accurately, especially when trying to make small adjustments.
Faster navigation: With mouse acceleration, users can quickly move the cursor across the screen, making it easier to navigate through documents and websites.
Better control: Mouse acceleration allows users to adjust the speed of the cursor based on their needs, giving them more control over their movements.

Reduced hand strain: Mouse acceleration can reduce the need for users to make large and fast movements, which can help reduce hand and wrist strain.
More efficient work: Mouse acceleration can make it easier and faster for users to complete tasks, such as editing images or selecting text, which can lead to more efficient work.

Disadvantages of Mouse Acceleration

Difficulty in controlling cursor movement: Mouse acceleration can make it difficult for users to control the cursor movement, especially when trying to make precise movements.

Inconsistency in cursor movement: Mouse acceleration can cause the cursor to move at different speeds depending on how quickly the mouse is moved, making it difficult to predict where the cursor will end up.
Confusion for new users: Mouse acceleration can be confusing for new users who are not familiar with the feature and may have difficulty understanding how to control the cursor movement.
Interference with gaming: Mouse acceleration can interfere with gaming, making it difficult to aim and move the cursor accurately in fast-paced games.

Incompatibility with certain software: Some software may not be compatible with mouse acceleration, making it difficult to use certain programs or applications.
Potential for injury: Continuous fast movement of the cursor can cause strain on the hand and wrist, increasing the risk of injury over time.

Is Mouse Acceleration Good or Bad?

Mouse acceleration can be both good and bad depending on the situation and personal preference.

Some people find mouse acceleration helpful because it allows them to move the cursor quickly across the screen with minimal physical movement. This can be useful for tasks such as gaming or graphic design where precision and speed are important.

On the other hand, some people find mouse acceleration confusing or frustrating. They may prefer a more consistent and predictable cursor movement, and find that mouse acceleration makes it harder to control the cursor precisely.

Ultimately, whether mouse acceleration is good or bad depends on the individual’s needs and preferences. Some people may find it helpful, while others may prefer to disable it. It’s important to experiment with different settings and find the one that works best for you.

Mouse Acceleration vs No Mouse Acceleration

No mouse acceleration, also known as “pointer precision” or “mouse ballistics,” means that the cursor’s movement is directly proportional to the physical movement of the mouse, regardless of how quickly or slowly the mouse is moved. This can make it easier to perform tasks such as aiming in games or making precise selections in graphic design software.

It is a matter of personal preference whether to use mouse acceleration or not, Some people prefer mouse acceleration because it can make it easier to navigate large areas of the screen quickly, while others prefer no mouse acceleration because it can make it easier to perform precise tasks.

Mouse Acceleration vs DPI

Mouse acceleration and DPI (dots per inch) are two different things that affect the cursor movement on a computer screen.

Mouse acceleration refers to how fast the cursor moves based on the speed of the mouse movement. It is a feature that can be turned on or off in the mouse settings. When it is turned on, the cursor will move faster the faster the mouse is moved. This can be helpful for some users but can be confusing for others.

DPI (dots per inch) refers to the sensitivity of the mouse sensor. It measures how many dots (or pixels) the cursor moves on the screen for every inch that the mouse is moved. A higher DPI means the cursor will move farther on the screen with less physical movement of the mouse. This can be useful for users who want to make quick, precise movements.

In summary, mouse acceleration changes the cursor movement based on the speed of the mouse, while DPI changes the cursor movement based on the sensitivity of the mouse sensor.

Mouse Acceleration vs Mouse Sensitivity

Mouse acceleration refers to the way a mouse cursor moves on the screen in relation to the movement of the physical mouse. It can be set so that the cursor moves faster or slower depending on how quickly the mouse is moved. This can be useful for making fine adjustments when working with detailed graphics or for quickly navigating large areas of the screen.

Mouse sensitivity, on the other hand, refers to how sensitive the cursor is to the movement of the physical mouse. This can be set to a higher or lower level, depending on personal preference. A higher sensitivity will make the cursor move more quickly across the screen, while a lower sensitivity will make it move more slowly. This can be useful for gaming, as it can help players make precise movements and aim more accurately.

Mouse Acceleration vs CPI

Mouse acceleration refers to the way a mouse cursor moves in relation to the physical movement of the mouse. It is the ratio between the distance the cursor moves on the screen and the distance the mouse is moved on a surface. Mouse acceleration can be adjusted in the mouse settings to make the cursor movement feel more natural and precise.

CPI, or counts per inch, is a measure of the sensitivity of a mouse. It refers to the number of steps or counts that a mouse sensor sends to the computer per inch of physical movement on the mousepad. A higher CPI means the cursor will move farther on the screen with less physical movement, while a lower CPI means the cursor will move less distance with more physical movement.

In summary, mouse acceleration is the relationship between cursor movement and physical mouse movement, while CPI is the sensitivity of the mouse sensor and how many steps it sends to the computer per inch of movement.

Mouse Acceleration vs Polling Rate

Mouse acceleration refers to the way in which a mouse’s cursor movement corresponds to the physical movement of the mouse. It is the sensitivity of the mouse cursor to the physical movement of the mouse. The higher the mouse acceleration, the more sensitive the cursor will be to movement.

Polling rate, on the other hand, refers to the rate at which a mouse sends information to the computer. The polling rate is measured in Hertz (Hz) and it determines how often the mouse sends updates to the computer about its position and button presses. A higher polling rate means that the mouse sends updates more frequently, resulting in a more responsive and accurate cursor movement.

In summary, mouse acceleration determines the sensitivity of the cursor to physical movement, while polling rate determines how frequently the mouse sends updates to the computer. Both play a role in determining how smoothly and accurately a mouse cursor moves.

How To Check/Setting Mouse Acceleration

Windows

To check mouse acceleration on a Windows computer, you can use the built-in “Mouse Properties” tool. Here are the steps to access it:

Click the Start button and type “mouse” in the search bar.
Select “Mouse Properties” from the search results.

Click the “Pointer Options” tab.
Under “Motion,” you will see a setting for “Enhance pointer precision.” If this option is checked, mouse acceleration is enabled. If it is not checked, mouse acceleration is disabled.

Alternatively, you can also check the mouse acceleration settings in the Windows Control Panel. Go to “Control Panel” > “Mouse” > “Pointer Options” and check the “Enhance pointer precision” box to enable mouse acceleration. Use the “Motion” slider to adjust the level of acceleration.

Mac

Open System Preferences by clicking on the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen and selecting System Preferences.
Click on Accessibility.
Click on Mouse & Trackpad.

Under the Point & Click tab, you will see an option for “Trackpad options…”. Click on it.
In the Trackpad Options window, you will see a slider for “Tracking speed”. This is the mouse acceleration setting.
You can adjust the slider to increase or decrease the mouse acceleration as desired.

Click on the “Apply” button to save your changes.

Alternatively, you can also check mouse acceleration by using a third-party app such as “Mouse Acceleration Preference Pane” which can be downloaded from the App Store. This app allows you to adjust the mouse acceleration settings in a similar way as described above.

Linux

There are a few different ways to check and set mouse acceleration on Linux, depending on the specific distribution and desktop environment you are using. Here are a few common methods:

Using the terminal:

Open a terminal window and type “xset m” to check the current mouse acceleration settings.
To set a new acceleration value, use the command “xset m [value] [threshold]”, replacing [value] with the desired acceleration and [threshold] with the threshold value. For example, “xset m 2 2” sets the acceleration to 2 and the threshold to 2.

Using the Gnome Tweak Tool:

Install the Gnome Tweak Tool by typing “sudo apt-get install gnome-tweak-tool” in the terminal.
Open the Gnome Tweak Tool by searching for it in the applications menu or by typing “gnome-tweaks” in the terminal.

Go to the “Keyboard & Mouse” tab and select “Mouse”
Adjust the pointer speed to your liking.

Using the KDE System Settings:

Open the KDE System Settings by searching for it in the applications menu or by typing “systemsettings” in the terminal.
Go to the “Input Devices” section and select “Mouse”
Adjust the pointer speed to your liking.

Note: The above methods may vary depending on the Linux distribution you are using. Therefore, it’s best to consult the documentation of your specific distribution for more information on how to check and set mouse acceleration.

Razer Mouse

Open the Razer Synapse software on your computer.
Click on the “Mouse” tab in the top menu.

Scroll down to the “Mouse Acceleration” section and check the box next to “Enable Mouse Acceleration.”
Use the slider to adjust the level of acceleration to your preference.
Click “Apply” to save your changes.

Logitech Mouse

Open the Logitech Options software on your computer.
Click on the “Mouse” tab in the top menu.
Click on the “Advanced Settings” button.

In the “Pointer” section, you should see a slider labeled “Acceleration.” The current acceleration level will be displayed in the box next to it.
You can adjust the acceleration level by moving the slider or by entering a specific value in the box.
Click “Apply” to save any changes.

SteelSeeries Mouse

Open the SteelSeries Engine software on your computer.
Connect your SteelSeries mouse to your computer using the USB cable.
In the SteelSeries Engine software, click on the “Devices” tab in the top menu.

Locate your SteelSeries mouse in the list of connected devices and click on it.
In the “Device Settings” section, click on the “Advanced” tab.
In the “Advanced” tab, you will see a section labeled “Mouse Acceleration.” This section will show you the current acceleration settings for your mouse.

To change the acceleration settings, you can use the slider to adjust the acceleration level or click on the “Custom” button to enter specific settings.
Once you have made your changes, click on the “Apply” button to save the new settings.
You can test the new acceleration settings by moving your mouse around on the screen.

Roccat Mouse

Open the Roccat Swarm software by clicking on the icon in the system tray or by searching for it in the Start menu.
Click on the “Device” tab at the top of the window.
Select the mouse you want to check the acceleration for from the list of devices.

Click on the “Advanced” tab on the left side of the window.
Scroll down to the “Mouse Acceleration” section and check the current setting. The default setting is typically set to “Off”.
To change the mouse acceleration, click on the drop-down menu and select a different option. You can also use the slider to adjust the level of acceleration.

Once you have made your changes, click on the “Apply” button to save them.
You can also test the mouse acceleration by moving the cursor around on the screen and observing the level of movement.

Glorious Mouse

Open the Glorious software.

Click on the “Advanced” tab.
Under the “Mouse Settings” section, you will see a “Mouse Acceleration” option.
Click on the drop-down menu next to “Mouse Acceleration” to see the current acceleration setting.

You can also adjust the acceleration by sliding the bar to the left or right.
Click “Apply” to save any changes you have made.
To verify the changes, you can test the mouse movement in-game or on your desktop.

Cooler Master Mouse

Open the Cooler Master software: Go to the start menu, search for “Cooler Master” and open the software.
Navigate to the “Performance” tab: This tab should be located at the top of the software window.
Look for the “Acceleration” option: This option should be located in the “Performance” tab, under the “Mouse Settings” section.

Check the value: The value next to the “Acceleration” option should indicate the current level of mouse acceleration. A higher value means more acceleration, while a lower value means less acceleration.
Adjust the acceleration if needed: If you want to change the level of acceleration, use the slider or input box next to the “Acceleration” option to adjust the value.
Save the changes: Once you have made the necessary adjustments, click the “Apply” button to save the changes. The new acceleration setting will take effect immediately.

Hyperx Mouse

Open the HyperX NGenuity software: To check the mouse acceleration on a HyperX mouse, you will need to first open the HyperX NGenuity software. This software can be downloaded from the HyperX website and is used to customize and control various settings on HyperX mice.
Select your mouse: Once the software is open, select your HyperX mouse from the list of devices.
Go to the “Settings” tab: On the top menu, click on the “Settings” tab. This will bring up a list of settings that can be adjusted for your mouse.

Find the “Acceleration” setting: Scroll down the list of settings until you find the “Acceleration” setting. This setting controls the amount of acceleration applied to the cursor when you move the mouse.
Check the current acceleration level: The current acceleration level will be displayed next to the “Acceleration” setting. The value is typically measured in G-force, with higher values indicating more acceleration.
Adjust the acceleration level: If you want to change the acceleration level, simply click on the up or down arrows next to the “Acceleration” setting to increase or decrease the level.

Save your changes: Once you have made your adjustments, click on the “Apply” button to save your changes. Your mouse will now be set to the new acceleration level.

How to Turn Off Mouse Acceleration

Windows

Open the Control Panel on your computer.
Click on the “Mouse” icon to open the mouse settings.

Click on the “Pointer Options” tab.
Uncheck the box next to “Enhance pointer precision.” This will turn off mouse acceleration.
Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.

Alternatively, some games and software may have their own settings to turn off mouse acceleration. Check the options or settings menu of the specific program or game you are using.

Mac

Open System Preferences by clicking the Apple icon in the top left corner of the screen and selecting “System Preferences.”
Click on “Accessibility” in the bottom row of icons.

Select “Mouse & Trackpad” from the left sidebar.
Under the “Mouse Options” section, uncheck the box next to “Trackpad: Use mouse acceleration.”
Close the System Preferences window. Mouse acceleration should now be disabled on your Mac.

Note: If you are using a third-party mouse, you may need to check the settings within the software that came with the mouse to disable acceleration.

Linux

Open the terminal by pressing “CTRL + ALT + T” or by searching for “terminal” in the search bar.
Type in the command “xset m 0 0” and press “Enter”. This will turn off mouse acceleration for the current session.

To make this change permanent, open the file “~/.bashrc” using a text editor such as nano or gedit by typing in the command “nano ~/.bashrc” or “gedit ~/.bashrc” and press “Enter”.
Add the command “xset m 0 0” to the end of the file, and save the changes.
Restart your computer or log out and log back in to apply the changes.

To check if mouse acceleration is off, type in the command “xset q” and press “Enter”. Look for the “acceleration” line, and it should say “acceleration: 2/1”. If it says “acceleration: 0”, then mouse acceleration is off.
To turn mouse acceleration back on, type in the command “xset m 1 1” and press “Enter”. Repeat steps 3-5 to make the change permanent.

FAQs

Should I turn mouse acceleration on or off?

It ultimately depends on your personal preference and what you are comfortable with.

Mouse acceleration refers to how fast the cursor moves on your screen in relation to how fast you move your mouse. When it is turned on, the cursor will move faster the quicker you move your mouse, allowing for quicker cursor movement across your screen. When it is turned off, the cursor movement is consistent regardless of how fast you move your mouse.

Some people prefer mouse acceleration on because it allows for quicker cursor movement and can make certain tasks easier to complete. Others prefer it off because it can make aiming in games more precise and consistent.

It is recommended to try both options and see which one you prefer. You can turn mouse acceleration on or off in your computer’s settings or in the settings of the specific game or program you are using.

What does mouse acceleration do?

Mouse acceleration refers to the way in which the cursor or pointer on a computer screen moves in relation to the physical movement of the mouse. With mouse acceleration enabled, the cursor will move faster or farther on the screen for larger physical movements of the mouse, and slower or shorter for smaller physical movements. This can make it easier to navigate across the screen quickly and precisely, but can also take some getting used to. Some users may prefer to disable mouse acceleration for more consistent and predictable cursor movement.

Is turning off mouse acceleration good for gaming?

Yes, turning off mouse acceleration can be beneficial for gaming as it allows for more precise and consistent movement. With mouse acceleration enabled, the cursor movement is affected by how quickly you move the mouse, which can lead to unexpected or inconsistent movement in-game. Turning off mouse acceleration ensures that the cursor movement is directly proportional to the movement of the mouse, resulting in more precise aiming and control.

Do pro players use mouse acceleration?

Many professional players do not use mouse acceleration. They prefer to have a consistent and predictable cursor movement, which can be achieved by turning off mouse acceleration. This allows them to have more precise control over their cursor movement, which can be crucial in competitive gaming. However, some professional players may use mouse acceleration if they find that it helps them play better. Ultimately, it is a personal preference and it may vary from player to player.

Is DPI Matter on mouse acceleration?

DPI (dots per inch) does not directly affect mouse acceleration. DPI refers to the sensitivity of the mouse sensor and how many dots of movement it detects per inch of physical movement. Mouse acceleration, on the other hand, refers to how quickly the cursor on the screen moves in relation to the physical movement of the mouse. The two settings can be adjusted independently and will not affect each other.

Is sensor matter on mouse acceleration?

Sensor does not affect mouse acceleration. Mouse acceleration refers to the speed at which the cursor on the screen moves in relation to the physical movement of the mouse. It is controlled by settings within the computer’s operating system or through software settings on the mouse itself. The sensor in a mouse is responsible for tracking the movement of the mouse and sending that information to the computer, but it does not affect the acceleration of the cursor.

What is the best setting for mouse acceleration?

The best setting for mouse acceleration depends on personal preference and the type of activities you will be using the mouse for. Some users prefer to have mouse acceleration turned off for precision activities such as gaming or graphic design, while others prefer to have it turned on for everyday use.

If you prefer to have mouse acceleration turned off, you can do so in the mouse settings of your computer’s operating system. If you prefer to have it turned on, you can adjust the level of acceleration to suit your needs. It is recommended to experiment with different settings and find the one that works best for you.

Why is mouse acceleration not suitable for gaming?

Mouse acceleration is not suitable for gaming because it alters the movement of the cursor or crosshair in relation to the movement of the mouse. This can make it difficult to aim accurately and consistently, as the cursor or crosshair may move at a different speed or distance than expected. Additionally, mouse acceleration can make it difficult to control the cursor or crosshair at low speeds, which is important for precision aiming. Many gamers prefer to use a mouse with adjustable or no mouse acceleration for more consistent and precise control.

Is mouse acceleration good for Valorant?

It depends on personal preference. Some players find mouse acceleration helpful for quick and precise movements, while others prefer to have it turned off for more consistent and predictable movement. It is recommended to experiment with mouse acceleration and find what works best for you.

Is mouse acceleration good for FPS Gaming?

Mouse acceleration can be useful for FPS gaming in certain situations, but it can also be a hindrance. It can be helpful for quickly turning or aiming in fast-paced situations, but it can also make it difficult to make precise movements. Many professional FPS gamers prefer to disable mouse acceleration in order to have more control over their movements. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what works best for the individual player.

Is mouse acceleration good for MOBA Gaming?

Mouse acceleration can be beneficial for MOBA gaming, as it allows players to quickly move their cursor across the screen and target enemies or objectives more efficiently. However, it can also be a hindrance for some players, as it can make aiming and movement less precise. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and whether the player feels that mouse acceleration improves or hinders their gameplay experience.

Is mouse acceleration good for MMO Gaming?

It depends on personal preference. Some players find mouse acceleration helpful for quick and precise movements in MMO gaming, while others prefer a fixed sensitivity without mouse acceleration. Ultimately, it is recommended to experiment with different settings to find what works best for you.

Is there mouse acceleration on xbox?

No, there is no mouse acceleration on Xbox consoles as they do not support the use of a mouse as input device. Xbox consoles are designed to be used with controllers or other gaming input devices that are compatible with the system.

Is there mouse acceleration on ps5?

No, there is no mouse acceleration on the PS5. The PS5 does not support the use of a mouse and keyboard as it is designed to be used with a controller.

Is there mouse acceleration on ps4?

No, there is no mouse acceleration on PS4. The PS4 uses a DualShock 4 controller which does not have mouse acceleration capabilities.

Is there mouse acceleration on Bluestacks?

Bluestacks, an Android emulator for PC, does not have built-in mouse acceleration. However, some users have reported that the mouse cursor may move faster on Bluestacks than on their actual device, which could be due to the computer’s touchpad settings or the mouse itself. To adjust the cursor speed on Bluestacks, you can try adjusting the cursor speed settings on your computer or using a different mouse.