Get to grips and optimise your DPI for gaming with our one-stop guide.
If you're a gamer, you've probably seen the term DPI thrown around. Major pro players will declare what DPI they use when they are gaming, but what does that term even mean and why is it so important? We've broken down everything you need to know about DPI so you can make sure you're using the right settings when you're playing your favourite game.
Here is everything you need to know about mouse DPI in gaming.
Mouse DPI explained
Mouse DPI stands for dots per inch. We'll save you the super technical details, but put simply it controls how sensitive your mouse will feel. The higher the DPI, the faster and further your mouse will move with the same level of physical mouse movement.
This then has a direct impact on how it will feel to play FPS and other mouse controlled games. That is why you will see lots of different players in different games have different DPI settings. Additionally, different mice have different DPI capabilities so some high or low numbers might not be possible on every sort of mouse. Check your mouse specifications to see what your equipment can handle.
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DPI vs sensitivity
DPI and sensitivity are settings that are similar, and often work hand in hand. Sensitivity is a multiplier of your DPI, deciding how fast your mouse moves in a specific game. However, for things like being in your inventory or a game menu only your DPI will count.
That is why professional players have preferred DPI's and preferred sensitivity. Some players might have the same effective in game settings, but with a different DPI and sensitivity that amount to the same number.
For instance, someone playing at 1 sensitivity at 800 DPI would have the same in game movement speed as 0.5 sensitivity at 1600 DPI. That means a lot of it can come down to personal preferences, or what sort of game you are playing and the mechanics involved.
How to find the best DPI settings for gaming
The best DPI settings for gaming depend on a few factors. Firstly there is simply personal preference. Like when different athletes use different running shoes, or football players with different boots, you can achieve great results with different parameters if that is what works for you.
However, there are two other factors that should, at the minimum, inform your personal preferences for DPI.
- The game you are playing. Just like with sensitivity, the game you are playing will factor into the DPI that is best. For instance, Apex Legends sees players enter Deathboxes and quickly loot items and swap shields. This would use your raw DPI and not your sensitivity. So, you need a DPI that you prefer to do that. There are similar mechanics in other games like Fortnite and even Minecraft!
- How much space you have on your desk and mousepad. A lower DPI means, simply, you'll be moving your mouse more and in bigger distances when gaming than a higher one. A super high DPI and you will be only twitching your mouse slightly. If you have a bigger desk and bigger mousepad, you have more space to work with. That lends itself better to a lower DPI.
Usually, most players use one of three different DPI values. 400 DPI, 800 DPI or 1600 DPI. These are three values you should try to get started finding the DPI and sensitivity that works for you. 800 DPI is a great starting point and a DPI we would suggest.
Good luck with your gaming adventures!
