Mice

What Mouse DPI and Pointer Speed Actually Change

A mouse can feel slow on one computer and extremely sensitive on another, even when you move your hand the same distance. Some mice also advertise adjustable DPI, while operating systems offer a separate pointer-speed control. It is easy to assume that both settings do the same job. They affect different parts of the path from your hand to the cursor. Mouse DPI changes how much movement the mouse reports. Pointer speed changes how the computer turns that reported movement into cursor movement. Understanding that distinction makes it easier to tune a mouse for a large monitor, precise work, or simply a comfortable everyday feel.