Input Performance Lab methodology

Mouse Polling Rate Test Methodology

A repeatable browser protocol for measuring mouse report-rate consistency and interpreting polling-rate results.

What this method can establish

This method estimates how often the browser receives pointer movement events. It is useful for checking configuration and consistency, but it is not a USB protocol analyzer or a laboratory latency measurement.

Browser limitations

1.Browsers may coalesce, delay, or resample pointer events; operating-system scheduling and display load also affect delivery.
2.A browser result cannot prove firmware latency, click latency, or the exact USB report stream seen by the host controller.
3.Power saving, background tabs, remote desktops, virtual machines, and a saturated CPU can lower or destabilize the observed rate.

Repeatable protocol

1.Connect the mouse directly, close heavy background work, keep the test tab focused, and disable browser or OS power saving where practical.
2.Move in fast, smooth circles for at least 10 seconds without lifting the mouse. Slow movement does not generate enough reports for a useful peak.
3.Run three trials after one warm-up trial. Record the median or stable range, not a single maximum spike.
4.Repeat with the same port, surface, DPI, motion pattern, browser, and display state whenever comparing settings or devices.

How to interpret results

1.Use the distribution and sustained range as the primary evidence. A brief peak near the advertised rate is weak evidence by itself.
2.Small dips are normal in a browser. Large repeatable gaps or a result consistently near a lower standard rate justify checking software, receiver placement, cable/port choice, and system load.
3.Compare only like-for-like trials. Browser estimates from different computers are not a reliable hardware ranking.

Privacy

Measurement is performed locally from pointer-event timing. The methodology does not require mouse movement traces, device identifiers, or results to be uploaded.

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Mouse Polling Rate Test Methodology

A repeatable browser protocol for measuring mouse report-rate consistency and interpreting polling-rate results.