Changing DPI buttons on a mouse highly depends on your mouse type. If you have a normal mouse, there is a high chance that there won’t be any DPI button to change sensitivity. However, gaming mice have DPI buttons that give options to customize the sensitivity and accuracy of the mouse movement. Similarly, some mice require software, while others can be done on-the-fly.
DPI stands for dots per inch, meaning how many pixels translate on the screen with every inch of mouse movement. If your DPI is 100, the cursor on the screen will move 100 pixels on the screen. Therefore, if your DPI setting is higher, the cursor will move faster and vice versa. The DPI buttons allow customization of the sensitivity and resolution of the mouse.
Why Should I Change DPI Buttons on the Mouse?
You might have this question: Why should I change the settings of my DPI buttons? There can be many reasons to change DPI buttons. For instance, you can change it to customize your mouse’s precision and speed.
Precision
If your PC activity requires precision, like graphic designing, video editing, or gaming, you must change your mouse’s DPI buttons to suit your precision level. To achieve precision in your tasks, you will need higher DPI settings. With higher DPI, you will have to move the mouse a little bit and get the same precision.
Quick Movements
As far as speed is concerned, you need higher DPI settings. With a higher DPI, you can perform quick movements. This way, you will move the cursor quickly on the screen without much physical movement of the mouse. Moreover, it is good for gaming, which requires quick actions.
Gaming
Gamers use different types of DPI settings for different games. Generally, they prefer high DPI settings. Games like first-person shooters or the ones with quick actions require higher DPI settings. However, it is not fixed. Some may go for lower DPI settings for various games.
Multiple Devices
Users using one mouse with multiple devices might need to switch the DPI settings accordingly. Because a larger screen usually requires higher DPI settings. However, if you use it with devices with smaller desktops like a laptop, you must change it to lower DPI settings for your comfort.
Conserve Battery Life
There are different types of mice out there. Some of them are wireless and need batteries to run. Therefore, they require more battery power with higher DPI settings than lower DPI settings. So, people change to lower DPI settings so that the mouse consumes less battery power.
Personal Choice
Most of the time, DPI settings depend on the person’s personal preferences. If you are comfortable with a lower or higher DPI, you can personalize the DPI settings with the help of a button. After all, this is the main reason the manufacturers put the DPI button on the mouse. So, experiment with the DPI button, and play with both higher and lower to find out which suits you the best.
How to Use DPI Button on the Mouse
If you want to change the DPI settings on your mouse to customize it to your preference, follow the instructions below sequence-wise.
● First, search for the DPI button on your mouse; it is usually present either behind the scroll wheel or on the side of the mouse. Some models are labeled ‘DPI’ while others have symbols like pointers and plus or minus signs.
● Next, depending on the type of mouse you use, you will have two or more different DPI settings to change. So, press the button once. You will automatically switch to the next available setting by pressing it once.
● Then, you need to test the new settings now. Use your mouse, change the directions, play a short game, and check whether it is your desired setting. You will notice that the cursor movement has become slower or faster depending on the type of movement you selected.
● Finally, after checking the settings, if you do not like it, you can change it again by pressing the same DPI button if you do not like the previous settings. Repeat this process over and over again until you find the DPI settings that you are comfortable with.
Note: not all mice come with the same buttons; the button’s location may be different on different mice. Similarly, some mice do not have the button but require software instead. So, do not forget to check the user manual of your mouse for the instructions on DPI settings.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the DPI button can be used to change the mouse sensitivity settings. You can use the tiny DPI button to switch between higher and lower DPI settings. Moreover, the location and settings of the DPI buttons highly depend on the model you are using. So, experiment with different settings and determine which suits your comfort level.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my mouse has a DPI button?
Generally, mice have a button located on them. It is either near the scroll wheel or on the side. However, this location is not fixed for every model of mice. Therefore, check your mouse’s user manual or visit the manufacturer’s official website to find out if it has the DPI button and its location.
Should I always keep my DPI higher?
Not necessarily; DPI settings can be changed according to the task or setting you are comfortable with. However, a higher DPI is better for precision and accuracy, but it is not ideal for tasks with fine controls at higher speeds.
Can changing DPI settings affect my mouse’s accuracy?
Yes, the accuracy of your mouse’s movement highly depends on the type of DPI settings you have. I suggest higher DPI settings for accuracy as it enables the mouse to detect smaller physical movements of the mouse.
Is it necessary to use a high DPI setting for gaming?
No, it is not necessary to always use high DPI for gaming. In high-paced gaming, it can be helpful. However, it depends on the person. If you cannot control a high DPI setting mouse, it will not benefit you. Some gamers prefer lower DPI settings because they feel like they can achieve more accuracy by doing so.
