CPI - what is it on the mouse?

The variety of assortment of computer mice is obvious, as well as the difference in price between models with the most standard features and more advanced and sophisticated devices. With regard to gaming computer mice, manufacturers are actively promoting the idea of ​​the need to purchase models with high sensitivity. Increasingly significant CPI indicators are convincing a potential buyer of their importance for quick reaction, speed, improving results and player skills. Of course, any user needs a convenient mouse, convenient to use, equipped with the necessary functionality and suitable for his needs. However, before making a choice, it is important to understand what these characteristics mean, their effect on the speed of movement and sensitivity of the mouse.

What is the CPI on the mouse?

To begin with, it is important to distinguish between definitions used by mouse manufacturers and users. The term “CPI”, which is short for “Counts per inch,” is often mistakenly replaced by concepts such as:

• "DPI" ("Dot Per Inch"), which was originally used to determine image accuracy and is currently an incorrect option for characterizing optical mice;
• "Mouse sensitivity", which usually means one of the items in the cursor settings. Thus, the sensitivity is actually a modifier of the parameter in question.

In fact, the CPI indicator determines the distance the cursor will go when the mouse moves across the table 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. So, if it is equal to 50, then the cursor on the screen will move by 50 pixels. It follows that a higher value of this parameter indicates a greater sensitivity of the sensor installed in the mouse.

Why do I need a CPI button on the mouse

Most standard mouse models have a fixed sensitivity. The CPI parameter cannot be changed otherwise than through the control panel. The difference between bloody and other gaming mice is the presence of a special button to change the resolution. Moreover, some game models have several of these buttons.

Using them, the user can quickly change the sensitivity, almost without distraction from the process. For example, a quick change in indicators may be required for the most accurate aiming.

Why is a high CPI required?

The question naturally arises about the possibilities of using high CPI parameters and the need to purchase devices that provide them. The larger this value, the faster the mouse cursor moves on the screen. Ordinary users feel the sensitivity of the mouse as the ratio of the length of the screen to the path that it goes through. At the same time, a large screen resolution requires more accuracy from the sensor.

REFERENCE. The higher the CPI, the more convenient it will be to use the mouse on high-resolution screens.

So, if the monitor has a resolution of 2,000 pixels, then a low CPI value makes it uncomfortable to move the mouse across the entire screen. In turn, if there is a monitor with a lower resolution and a habit of lower mouse sensitivity, a lower parameter will be enough for the user.

How much CPI is needed for a gaming mouse?

There is no specific answer to this question, for each player the most comfortable and suitable indicator can be completely different.

REFERENCE. It is worth noting that high CPI parameters will certainly lead to a significant decrease in accuracy.

In strategies, a higher CPI will be very useful, but in fast shooters, on the contrary, it may turn out to be superfluous. In situations where several pixels are crucial, the movement of the player’s hand should be as precise as possible. Often, experienced players choose lower options to achieve high firing accuracy.

To date, some models of gaming mice have indicators of 8,000 CPI. At the same time, player reviews suggest that a value of 3000 is more than enough for most computer games.

This, however, does not mean that devices with higher parameters are the results of marketing tricks and are useless to users. A high CPI value indicates a really powerful device sensor.

An obvious plus in this case is the very ability to change parameters, adjusting them for yourself, which allows you to make almost all game models of mice. In addition, these changes can be made using the mouse software. When setting the indicators programmatically, it is necessary to understand that if the selected value is higher than the hardware sensor capabilities, this will lead to its malfunction, adversely affect accuracy and response speed sensor. If for the average user “jerks” when moving the cursor are acceptable and do not entail much discomfort, for the player these factors are of great importance.

To summarize, we can conclude the following: the need for high / low rates depends on preferences of each individual player, however, when choosing a gaming mouse, you should focus on the indicator CPI from 3000.