Calibrating Mouse DPI & Pointer Speed on Windows, macOS & Linux

Adjust pointer speed in Settings

Windows doesn’t display DPI numbers; instead it provides a slider ranging from 1–20 to control pointer speed.

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth & devices → Mouse.
2. Move the Mouse pointer speed slider left to slow the cursor or right to speed it up. The change takes effect immediately—test by moving the mouse.
3. If you want the cursor to travel the same distance on screen regardless of movement speed, disable Enhance pointer precision (Mouse Properties → Pointer Options). Leaving it enabled applies acceleration.

Configure exact DPI through manufacturer software

1. Install your mouse manufacturer’s configuration software (e.g., Logitech G Hub, Razer Synapse, SteelSeries GG). These tools display DPI values and let you set multiple DPI levels.
2. Open the software, select your mouse and assign DPI values for each profile or “gear”. Many gaming mice let you cycle through DPI presets with a physical button.
3. Adjust DPI based on your task: a lower value (e.g., 400–800) for precision aiming in FPS games, medium values (800–1600) for general use, or higher values (2000+) for large monitors or fast movements.

Change tracking speed

1. Click the Apple menu → System Settings (or System Preferences on pre‑Ventura) → Mouse.
2. Drag the Tracking speed slider left to slow the pointer or right to speed it up. The change applies instantly.
3. If you’re on older macOS versions, open System Preferences → Accessibility → Pointer Control and adjust Tracking speed there.

Use third‑party utilities for precise DPI

macOS doesn’t let you set absolute DPI values, but third‑party utilities can.

1. Install tools such as USB Overdrive, BetterTouchTool or SteerMouse. These applications detect a wide range of third‑party mice and allow remapping buttons and adjusting DPI and acceleration curves.
2. Open the utility and select your mouse. Assign specific DPI values or adjust the sensitivity curve per application. Save your changes and test.
3. Many manufacturer utilities (Logi Options+, Razer Synapse) also offer macOS versions for precise tuning.

Adjust pointer acceleration with xinput

Most desktop environments include a pointer‑speed slider. For granular control, use xinput.

1. List input devices: run xinput list in a terminal and find your mouse’s device name or ID.
2. View adjustable properties: xinput list-props <device> and note Device Accel Constant Deceleration and Device Accel Velocity Scaling.
3. Decrease or increase pointer speed by setting a deceleration value: xinput --set-prop "<device>" "Device Accel Constant Deceleration" 2.5 (higher values slow the cursor).
4. To make changes persistent, create a script that runs the xinput commands at startup or add them to your .xprofile.

• No “perfect” DPI: The best setting depends on your screen size, mouse pad and personal comfort. Experiment to find what feels natural.
• eDPI for games: In FPS games, effective DPI (DPI × in‑game sensitivity) matters more than DPI alone. Keep eDPI consistent when switching mice by adjusting either your DPI or in‑game sensitivity.
• Acceleration vs. raw input: Disabling OS acceleration yields consistent movement. Many games expose a “raw input” option that bypasses OS settings.
• Multiple profiles: If your mouse supports hardware profiles, assign separate DPI levels for work and play. Use on‑device buttons to switch between them.