Higher DPI Mouse: What's the deal? - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

unclejr · 09-10-2008, 08:02 PM

Hey, quick question to gamers/graphic artists/general mouse users. I've been seeing talk about mouse tracking resolution for 20 years. I haven't ever (ever) understood what the issue is, exactly. Can you feel a difference in tracking with a higher res mouse? What does one look for?

TheMarchingMule · 09-10-2008, 08:07 PM

Without checking, doesn't that mean Dots Per Inch? Therefore, the higher the number, the more accurate it is in reference to the screen resolution, because it "skips" less (or no) pixels.

A bit spotty what I just wrote I'll admit, but I think that makes the most sense.

roastpuff · 09-10-2008, 08:15 PM

Originally Posted by TheMarchingMule

Without checking, doesn't that mean Dots Per Inch? Therefore, the higher the number, the more accurate it is in reference to the screen resolution, because it "skips" less (or no) pixels.

A bit spotty what I just wrote I'll admit, but I think that makes the most sense.

Not exactly...

More DPI = more sensitivity. Less mouse movement will be needed to move the pointer on the screen a set distance.

leftnose · 09-10-2008, 08:25 PM

Yes, you can sense a difference with a higher DPI mouse. The cursor will track more smoothly and faster than with a lower DPI mouse.

TheMarchingMule · 09-10-2008, 08:40 PM

Originally Posted by roastpuff

Not exactly...

More DPI = more sensitivity. Less mouse movement will be needed to move the pointer on the screen a set distance.

Naw, DPI and sensitivity are two different things. Similar, but different.

unclejr · 09-10-2008, 09:08 PM

Yeah, DPI is definitely dots per inch.

So it sounds like what we're referring to as 'sensitivity' is something about the ratio of physical mouse movement transduced into cursor movement. (Correct me please if I'm wrong.)

Are these mouse resolution figures sensitivity i.e. transduction of mouse movement to cursor movement, or are we talking something else here? I'm happy to see I'm not the only one apparently confused by this.

leftnose, are you saying you've tried two mice at different DPIs and this is your experience?

What, exactly, is the problem that higher DPI mice are trying to solve?

sentinl · 09-10-2008, 09:14 PM

In sort terms more DPI the faster the mouse will move on your screen. Basically if its 1600 DPI it will move a supposed 1600 pixels per inch you move your mouse. I use a 400DPI mouse and I have to have it low sensitivity otherwise it is too uncontrollable.

unclejr · 09-10-2008, 09:20 PM

Originally Posted by sentinl

In sort terms more DPI the faster the mouse will move on your screen. Basically if its 1600 DPI it will move a supposed 1600 pixels per inch you move your mouse. I use a 400DPI mouse and I have to have it low sensitivity otherwise it is too uncontrollable.

Oh. If this is true, that makes sense. So how would this translate into favorability for gaming and graphic design? Would gamers want super sensitivity to move across the screen faster? Does limiting a high res mouse for a given screen resolution proffer any control benefits?

Seaside · 09-10-2008, 10:45 PM

Let's think about this way.

1600 DPI vs. 400DPI => 1600 DPI mouse can move cursor 4 times faster across the screen. To do so, 1600 DPI mouse have to process things fast => Better & faster controller equipped => Better precision/responsiveness can be achieved => Gives a gamer an edge over old mouse user.

Fast Shooting Game where who shots fast wins, a gamer with higher DPI mouse can move his line of fire faster than the other guy, which means shorter response time. So, that's important, especially, for hardcore gamers. High DPI mouse also is nice at high resolution settings like 1920*1200 or higher. 1600DPI mouse can move the cursor arround the screen quite fast, while 400 DPI mouse is... kinda... slow.

roastpuff · 09-10-2008, 11:16 PM

Originally Posted by unclejr

Oh. If this is true, that makes sense. So how would this translate into favorability for gaming and graphic design? Would gamers want super sensitivity to move across the screen faster? Does limiting a high res mouse for a given screen resolution proffer any control benefits?

Switchable DPI allows for a on-the-fly change of sensitivity without fiddling with the software control panel. This allows graphic artists to exert better control when editing or modifying a design - more precision.

Gamers love it because it gives them quicker movement and response time, especially to threats from behind - the pros all run cranked-up mice and barely move their hands on the mousepads in games, because they can do a 360 with just a flick of the wrist. It's just a matter of getting used to the super-fast response-time. Slowing it up also makes it easier for those who prefer to snipe from afar - less prone to movement as you lie in wait for your target.

I think the human brain is the limiting factor in this - and it's adaptable, so you could keep the sensitivity high and then just adjust mentally to the increased speed. Limiting the mouse itself wouldn't really do anything but hamper its performance.