Ultimate Guide to Mouse CPI [Does it Matter?]

Last Updated on January 19, 2023

Mouse CPI, or Mouse Counts Per Inch, is a measure of the sensitivity of a mouse. It refers to the number of counts or “steps” that the mouse sensor will register for every inch of movement. A higher CPI means that the mouse is more sensitive and will register more movement for a given physical movement of the mouse. This can be useful for tasks such as gaming or graphic design where precision is important. Some mouse’s CPI can be adjusted to a user’s preference.

What is Mouse CPI for?

Mouse CPI (Counts Per Inch) is a measure of a mouse’s sensitivity. It refers to the number of counts (or “steps”) that the mouse will register for every inch that it is moved. A higher CPI means that the mouse is more sensitive, and will register more counts for the same amount of movement, resulting in a cursor that moves faster on the screen. This setting can be adjusted in the mouse’s software or driver settings.

How CPI Works?

Mouse CPI (Counts Per Inch) refers to the sensitivity of a computer mouse. It is a measure of how many counts of movement the mouse sensor records per inch of movement on a surface. The higher the CPI, the more sensitive the mouse is, and the faster the cursor will move on the screen.

The CPI is determined by the mouse sensor, which is a small device located inside the mouse that tracks the movement of the mouse on a surface. The sensor uses optical or laser technology to detect the movement and sends the data to the computer.

When the mouse is set to a high CPI, the cursor will move quickly on the screen with small movements of the mouse. This is useful for fast-paced games or tasks that require precise cursor movement. On the other hand, when the mouse is set to a lower CPI, the cursor will move slower on the screen with larger movements of the mouse. This is useful for tasks that require more control and less speed.

Most modern mice have the ability to adjust the CPI, allowing users to customize the sensitivity of the mouse to their preferences. Some mice even have multiple preset CPI settings that can be easily switched between.

In summary, mouse CPI is a measure of the sensitivity of a computer mouse and is determined by the mouse sensor. A higher CPI means the mouse is more sensitive and the cursor will move faster on the screen, while a lower CPI means the mouse is less sensitive and the cursor will move slower on the screen.

Wireless Mouse vs Wired Mouse CPI?

Wireless and wired mice can have different CPI (counts per inch) settings, which determines the sensitivity of the cursor movement.

Wireless mice typically have a lower CPI, usually around 800-1000, as they rely on radio frequency or Bluetooth technology to connect to the computer. This can result in a slightly less precise cursor movement, but it is still suitable for most everyday tasks.

Wired mice, on the other hand, have a higher CPI, usually around 1200-1600. This is because they are directly connected to the computer via a USB cable, providing a more stable and consistent connection. This results in a more precise cursor movement, making it more suitable for tasks that require high accuracy such as graphic design or video editing.

It’s important to note that some wireless and wired mice allow users to adjust the CPI settings, so they can customize the cursor movement to their preference.

Is CPI Matter?

CPI (counts per inch) refers to the sensitivity of a mouse’s movement detection. A higher CPI means the mouse will move the cursor on the screen more quickly with less physical movement.

Whether or not CPI matters depends on the individual’s needs and preferences. Some gamers and graphic designers may prefer a higher CPI for precision and quick movements, while others may prefer a lower CPI for more controlled and slower movements.

Ultimately, it is important to find a mouse with a comfortable and suitable CPI setting for your specific needs and preferences.

Is CPI Matter for Gaming?

Yes, CPI (counts per inch) can affect gaming performance. A higher CPI means that the cursor or in-game crosshair will move farther on the screen with a smaller movement of the mouse, which can be beneficial for precision aiming in fast-paced games. A lower CPI may make it easier to control larger movements in games that require more sweeping motions. Ultimately, the best CPI for gaming will vary depending on the individual player’s preferences and the specific game being played.

Is CPI Matter for Video Editing?

CPI (Counts Per Inch) does not directly affect video editing. It refers to the sensitivity of the cursor movement on a mouse and is typically used for gaming or graphic design. However, having a higher CPI can make precise cursor movement easier, which may be beneficial for certain editing tasks such as color correction or detailed masking. Ultimately, the most important factor for video editing is a comfortable and responsive mouse that fits the user’s needs.

Is CPI Matter for Daily Computer Use?

For daily computer use, mouse CPI can be important for some users, depending on their specific needs and preferences. For example, if someone frequently uses their computer for graphic design or video editing, a higher CPI may be beneficial for precise cursor movement and control.

However, for general daily computer use such as browsing the internet, writing documents, and using basic programs, a lower CPI may be more comfortable and easier to use for most people. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific tasks you will be using your computer for.

What Difference Between CPI and DPI?

Mouse CPI (counts per inch) refers to the number of steps a mouse sensor takes per inch of movement. It measures the sensitivity of the mouse and how accurately it tracks movement.

DPI (dots per inch) refers to the resolution of the image on a screen. It measures the number of pixels that can fit within one inch of screen space.

In summary, mouse CPI measures the sensitivity of the mouse sensor, while DPI measures the resolution of a screen. They are two different measurements and are not directly related to each other.

Are CPI And DPI Works Togather?

Yes, mouse CPI (counts per inch) and DPI (dots per inch) work together to determine the sensitivity of a mouse. CPI refers to how many counts the mouse sensor generates per inch of movement, while DPI refers to how many dots of cursor movement are generated per inch of mouse movement. Together, they determine how sensitive the cursor movement is in relation to the physical movement of the mouse.

How To Check Mouse CPI

How To Check CPI on Windows

Open the Mouse Properties: Right-click on the desktop and select “Mouse Properties” or go to the Control Panel and select “Mouse.”

Go to the “Pointer Options” tab: This will be the first or second tab, depending on the version of Windows you are using.
Look for the “CPI” or “DPI” setting: This setting will be located in the “Pointer Options” tab and will be labeled “CPI” (counts per inch) or “DPI” (dots per inch).
Check the value: The value will be in numbers, such as 800 or 1600. This value represents the sensitivity of the mouse. The higher the number, the more sensitive the mouse will be.

Close the Mouse Properties: Once you have checked the value, you can close the Mouse Properties.
Use any mouse software: Many gaming mice come with software that allows you to adjust the CPI settings. You can use this software to check your mouse’s CPI setting.

Note: Some mice also have physical buttons or switches that allow you to change the CPI settings on the fly. Consult your mouse’s manual for more information.

How To Check CPI on Mac

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

Under the “Trackpad Options” section, you will see the “Tracking speed” slider. This is where you can adjust the CPI (counts per inch) of your mouse.
To check the current CPI of your mouse, move the slider to the left or right until you find the setting that feels most comfortable to you. The current setting will be displayed next to the slider.
If you want to reset your mouse’s CPI to the default setting, click the “Reset” button.

When you’re finished, close the System Preferences window.

Note: Some Macs and third-party software may have additional settings for adjusting the mouse’s CPI. You should also check with your mouse’s manufacturer to see if they provide any software or settings that allow you to adjust the mouse’s CPI.

How To Check CPI on Linux

There are a few different ways to check the CPI (counts per inch) of a mouse on Linux. Here are a few methods:

Use the command line tool “xinput”:

Open the terminal and type “xinput” to list all input devices connected to your computer. Look for the device that corresponds to your mouse and note the ID number. Then, type “xinput list-props [ID number]” (without the brackets) to see a list of properties for that device. Look for the “Resolution” or “CPI” property to see the current setting.

Use the “evtest” tool:

Another command line tool that can be used to check the CPI of a mouse is “evtest”. Type “evtest /dev/input/event[x]” (without the brackets) in the terminal, where “x” is the number of the event associated with your mouse. Look for the “Abs X” and “Abs Y” entries, which will indicate the current resolution or CPI of the mouse.

Use the “xsetpointer” tool:

The “xsetpointer” tool can also be used to check the current CPI of a mouse. Type “xsetpointer -l” in the terminal to list all pointer devices connected to your computer. Look for the device that corresponds to your mouse and note the device name. Then, type “xsetpointer -q [device name]” (without the brackets) to see a list of properties for that device, including the resolution or CPI.

Note: Some of these tools may require additional packages to be installed on your system in order to work.

How To Setting Mouse CPI

It depends on the specific mouse brand and model. Some brands and models of mice offer the option to adjust the CPI (counts per inch) setting, which allows the user to adjust the sensitivity of the mouse cursor. Others may not have this feature. You would have to check the specifications or consult the product documentation for a specific mouse to see if it has a CPI setting.

On Logitech Mouse

Open the Logitech Options software on your computer.

Connect your Logitech mouse to your computer.
Click on the “Pointers” tab in the Logitech Options software.
Locate the “Sensitivity” or “DPI” option and click on it.

Use the slider or input box to adjust the CPI (counts per inch) to your desired setting.
Click “Apply” to save the changes.
Test your mouse to ensure the new CPI setting is working properly.

Note: The steps may vary slightly depending on the specific Logitech mouse model you have. Additionally, some Logitech mice may have a button on the mouse itself to adjust the CPI without the need for software. Consult the user manual for your specific mouse for instructions on how to adjust the CPI.

On Razer Mouse

Open the Razer Synapse software on your computer.
Connect your Razer mouse to your computer using the USB cable.

Click on the “Performance” tab in the Razer Synapse software.
Scroll down to the “Sensitivity” section and click on the “CPI” button.
Use the slider or the arrows to adjust the CPI (dots per inch) to your desired setting.

Click on the “Apply” button to save the changes.
Test the new setting by moving the cursor around on your screen. If it’s not to your liking, you can adjust it again.
Once you’re satisfied with the setting, close the Razer Synapse software. Your mouse will now be set to the new CPI.

On SteelSeries Mouse

Connect your SteelSeries mouse to your computer.
Open the SteelSeries Engine software.
Click on the “Devices” tab in the top menu.

Select your mouse from the list of connected devices.
Click on the “CPI” button in the “Performance” section.
Use the slider or enter a specific value to set your desired CPI (counts per inch) level.

Click “Apply” to save the changes.
Test your mouse to ensure the new setting feels comfortable and accurate. Note: If your SteelSeries mouse does not have the option to set the CPI, it may not be adjustable.

On Corsair Mouse

Start by connecting your Corsair mouse to your computer.

Open the iCUE software by clicking on the icon in your taskbar or by searching for it in the start menu.
Once the iCUE software is open, click on the “Devices” tab on the left side of the window.
Locate your Corsair mouse in the list of devices and click on it to open the settings.

Under the “Performance” tab, you will see an option for “DPI.” This stands for “dots per inch” and is the measure of how sensitive your mouse is.
You can adjust the DPI by clicking on the up or down arrows next to the DPI number. You can also use the slider to set the DPI to your desired level.
Once you have set the DPI to your desired level, click on the “Apply” button to save the changes.

You can also set different DPI levels for different profiles and switch between them easily.
Once you have set the DPI, you can test your mouse to ensure that it is working correctly and that the cursor is moving at the desired speed.
Enjoy your new Corsair mouse with the CPI set.

On Glorious Mouse

Connect your Glorious mouse to your computer.
Open the Glorious software. This can be found by searching for “Glorious” in the Start menu or by going to the Glorious website and downloading the software.
Click on the “Mouse” tab in the software.

Under the “DPI” section, you will see a slider that allows you to adjust the CPI (counts per inch) of your mouse.
Adjust the slider to your desired CPI setting. The higher the value, the faster the cursor will move on the screen.
Click on the “Apply” button to save your changes.

Test your mouse to ensure that the CPI setting is comfortable for you and that it is working correctly.
Repeat steps 4-7 as necessary to adjust the CPI to your preferred setting.

Note: Some Glorious mouse models also have dedicated DPI buttons on the mouse that allow you to change the CPI on-the-fly without the need of software.

How Setting CPI on Any Mouse

Connect the mouse to your computer.
Open the software or driver that came with the mouse. This may be located on the CD that came with the mouse, or it may be a downloadable software from the manufacturer’s website.
Locate the CPI (counts per inch) or DPI (dots per inch) settings. These settings are usually found in the “Sensitivity” or “Mouse Settings” section of the software.

Adjust the CPI or DPI settings to your desired level. Some mice allow you to set specific levels, while others may have a slider or adjustment tool.
Test the mouse sensitivity by moving the cursor around the screen. You may need to adjust the settings multiple times to find the perfect level for you.
Once you have set the CPI or DPI to your desired level, save the settings and close the software. Your mouse should now be set to your desired sensitivity level.

What is The Best Mouse CPI Setting?

The best mouse CPI setting varies depending on the individual’s preferences and usage. A higher CPI (counts per inch) setting will result in a faster cursor movement, while a lower setting will provide more precision. It is recommended to experiment with different settings and find the one that best suits your needs. Some popular options include 800-1200 CPI for general use, and 1600-2400 CPI for gaming. Ultimately, the best setting is the one that allows you to comfortably and accurately control your cursor.

Is Higher Mouse CPI Better?

Higher mouse CPI (counts per inch) generally indicates that the mouse is more sensitive and can detect smaller movements. This can be beneficial for tasks such as gaming or graphic design where precise cursor movement is important. However, a higher CPI may not be as beneficial for general office or browsing tasks where a lower CPI may be more comfortable to use. Ultimately, it depends on the individual’s needs and preferences.

Gaming Mouse With The Best CPI

Gaming Mouse With The Best CPI	Description
Logitech G PRO X SUPERLIGHT	The Logitech G PRO X SUPERLIGHT has a high CPI (counts per inch) range of up to 25,600, which allows for precise and responsive cursor movement. This makes it a great option for gamers and professionals who need high precision and accuracy.
Razer Viper Ultimate	The gaming mouse with the best CPI (counts per inch) currently on the market is the Razer Viper Ultimate, which has a CPI of up to 20,000. This mouse also features Razer’s Speedflex cable for minimal drag and Razer’s Focus+ optical sensor for precision tracking. Other features include customizable RGB lighting, 8 programmable buttons, and Razer’s Synapse 3 software for advanced customization and macros.
Razer DeathAdder V2	Razer DeathAdder V2 has a maximum CPI of 20,000, which allows for precise and smooth cursor movement.
Logitech G Pro Wireless	Logitech G Pro Wireless is a gaming mouse that has a maximum CPI (counts per inch) of 16,000. This means that the mouse sensor will track up to 16,000 individual points of movement per inch. You can also adjust the CPI to your preference. This can be done through the Logitech G Hub software.
Logitech G502 Hero	The Logitech G502 Hero is considered by many to be one of the best gaming mice on the market, and it has a maximum CPI (counts per inch) of 16000. This high level of sensitivity allows for precise cursor movement and can be useful for tasks such as graphic design, video editing, and gaming. The G502 Hero also features customizable RGB lighting and a customizable weight system, making it a versatile and customizable option for users.
Logitech G604 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Mouse	Logitech G604 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Mouse has a high CPI (counts per inch) of up to 16000, which allows for precise and accurate cursor movement. This makes it a great option for gamers and professionals who require high precision in their mouse movement.
Corsair Dark Core RGB/SE	The Corsair Dark Core RGB/SE is considered to have the best CPI (counts per inch) among Corsair mice, with a maximum of 16000 CPI. This high sensitivity allows for precise cursor movement and can be adjusted to fit the user’s preferences. The mouse also features customizable RGB lighting and customizable buttons for added convenience.
Razer Naga Trinity	It is not specified how many CPI settings the Razer Naga Trinity has. The website states that it has a “16000 DPI 5G optical sensor” and “On-The-Fly Sensitivity Adjustment,” but it does not specify the specific number of CPI levels available.
SteelSeries Rival 600	The SteelSeries Rival 600 is considered to have the best CPI (counts per inch) among SteelSeries mice. It has a maximum CPI of 12,000, making it highly accurate and responsive for fast-paced gaming or precision tasks. It also features a customizable weight system, customizable RGB lighting, and a dual sensor system for optimal tracking.
Glorious Model O	Glorious Model O gaming mouse is known for its high CPI (counts per inch) sensitivity. It can reach up to 12000 CPI, allowing for precise and smooth movement control in games.

Gaming Mouse With The Best CPI

FAQs

Is Screen Size Matter for Mouse CPI?

Screen size does not directly affect mouse CPI (counts per inch). CPI refers to the sensitivity of the mouse sensor and how many pixels it moves on the screen per inch of physical movement. The screen size only affects how much of the screen the cursor can cover with a certain amount of mouse movement. A larger screen may require more mouse movement to cover the same area as a smaller screen. However, the CPI remains the same regardless of screen size.

Is Screen Resolution Matter for Mouse CPI?

No, screen resolution does not affect mouse CPI (counts per inch). CPI refers to the sensitivity of the mouse sensor and how many pixels the cursor will move on the screen for every inch of physical movement of the mouse. Screen resolution refers to the number of pixels displayed on the screen and has no impact on the sensitivity of the mouse sensor.

Is PC Specs Matter for Mouse CPI?

PC specs do not directly affect mouse CPI (counts per inch). CPI is a feature of the mouse itself and is determined by the sensor and hardware within the mouse. However, a higher-performing PC may be able to process and respond to higher CPI settings more efficiently, resulting in smoother cursor movement. Additionally, a higher-performing PC may be able to handle more demanding games or applications that may require higher CPI settings.

Is Mouse Sensor Matter for CPI?

Yes, the mouse sensor is an important factor in determining the CPI (counts per inch) of a mouse. The sensor is responsible for detecting the movement of the mouse and translating that movement into cursor movement on the screen. A higher quality sensor will be more accurate and precise, resulting in a higher CPI. This means that the cursor will move more quickly and smoothly with a higher quality sensor.

Is Higher Sensor DPI Impact to CPI?

DPI (dots per inch) and CPI (counts per inch) are two different measurements used to describe the sensitivity of a mouse sensor. DPI is a measure of the mouse’s hardware resolution, while CPI is a measure of the software sensitivity settings. In general, a higher DPI would mean that the mouse can detect smaller movements and therefore can move the cursor on the screen more quickly.

However, a higher DPI does not necessarily mean that the CPI will also be higher. The CPI can be adjusted separately in the software settings, and it is possible to have a high DPI mouse with a low CPI setting.

Is Low CPI Gaming Mouse Good for Gaming?

Low CPI (counts per inch) gaming mice can be good for gaming, depending on the type of games you play and your personal preferences.

Low CPI mice typically have a lower sensitivity, meaning that you will need to move the mouse further to cover the same distance on the screen. This can be beneficial for games that require precise aiming, such as first-person shooters or real-time strategy games, as it allows for more precise control.

However, if you prefer a faster cursor movement and prefer to quickly move the cursor across the screen, a higher CPI mouse may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the best mouse for gaming will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Conclusion

The best CPI (counts per inch) for gaming mouse will vary depending on personal preference and the type of games you play. Generally, a higher CPI will allow for quicker and more precise cursor movement, but can also make it harder to make precise movements at low speeds. A lower CPI can make it easier to make precise movements at low speeds, but can make cursor movement feel slower.

Some popular options for gaming mouse CPI include:

800 CPI: This is a good starting point for most gamers. It provides a good balance of speed and precision, and is suitable for most types of games.
1600 CPI: This is a higher setting that can be useful for fast-paced games, such as first-person shooters, where quick cursor movement is essential.

3200 CPI: This is the highest setting available on most gaming mice, and is ideal for professional gamers who need the fastest and most precise cursor movement possible.

Ultimately, the best CPI for gaming mouse will depend on your personal preferences and the type of games you play. It’s recommended to experiment with different CPI settings to find the one that works best for you.