It is possible to wonder which one you prefer. Digital Gyan will be discussing the differences between CPI and DPI Mouse today.
Gaming mice have a specialized language that can be used to control acceleration, maximum speed, and even sync the RGB lights with other systems.
While most manufacturers refer to resolution measurement as DPI (details not shown), this is not the correct terminology. As the term has grown in popularity, manufacturers are forced to accept it. Steelseries (opens in a new tab), for instance, uses CPI while Logitech (opens in a new tab) uses DPI.
Definition of DPI
DPI (dots per inch) is a common measurement used to evaluate a printer’s output resolution. Although it is sometimes confusedly used to mean the pixel density of an image, even though it is a separate media, the actual pixel density refers to the physical ink density on a piece.
Higher DPI means that the dots are packed closer together. The picture may be more detailed if the dots are packed closer together.
Definition of CPI
CPI (counts per inch) is a term that describes a mouse’s sensitivities. CPI refers to how sensitive a mouse is to your movements. This number is similar to the CMOS sensor in a digital camera’s digital camera. It refers to how many pixels can fit within one inch of the surface of the mouse sensor.
It could be described as the number “steps” that the mouse’s sensor transmits when it movies an inch.
A mouse that has a range of sensitivity 100-12,000 can move at 100- to 12,000 steps per in.
A lower value will cause the mouse to appear to move slower, so you’ll need to move it further across your desk in order to transfer it to another side of the screen.
Although some manufacturers refer to the little button below the scroll wheel as a DPI, it is actually a CPI toggle. It doesn’t help matters when manufacturers such as Logitech refer to their CPI settings both as DPI and the “resolution range”.
What is the main difference between DPI/CPI?
Although it is difficult for most people to compare CPI and DPI between mice, there are likely to be the same thing depending on the context in which they are being used. CPI should be used to describe mouse sensitivity, as per technical standards.
The DPI is not related to mice, and it is only an technical characteristic for each printer. You will only be altering the mouse’s sensitivities, regardless of whether the CPI or DPI are changed, depending on the label.
Simple Words: DPI vs CPI
Only the names of CPI and DPI are different. Specialists in the field say that the names can be interchanged as they both refer to the same characteristics of a mouse. Dots Per inch (DPI), which is a misleading term, is not appropriate terminology for mouse sensitivity. Count Per Inch is the correct terminology.
Why choose DPI over CPI?
It’s simply that it’s more commonly known. Both phrases can be used to refer to mice and their sensors. This is the complicated answer. We are referring to the same measurement from either the sensor’s or display’s point of view.
DPI is often used to refer to the end user, as we are the ones who see our screens and follow the cursor’s movements. CPI is the measurement of the sensor that controls your mouse. As I have already explained, the sensor measures the number of pixels that it can fit within one inch of the surface on which your mouse is placed. Also known as optical resolution.
All of the mouse manufacturers that we have included on our top 10 list use the DPI terminology. However, regardless of whether you see DPI, CPI, or vice-versa, the term “mousesensitivity” is still applicable.
Which one is better for gamers? DPI or CPI?
DPI is not important for everyday use. In fact, office mouse technical specifications often omit this information. Gaming mice often boast high DPI and it is a good thing.
A higher DPI is often preferred for frantic games such as twitch shooters. The cursor’s faster mobility will allow players to react more quickly.
The process does require precision, and this may prove to be too costly for some players. Low DPI displays are also better suited for genres that require precision, such as MOBAs or strategy games.
IPS is the speed at which the sensor can follow movement accurately. Acceleration is another important metric to assess the accuracy of the mouse sensor. It is the maximum amount of gravitational force that the sensor can accurately track movement.
Do not aim to achieve higher CPI or DPI ratings. You don’t need great precision or sensitivity when browsing the internet or using Google Docs. A slight prod would send the pointer flying across your screen.
It’s not a guideline to follow. Instead, it depends on the individual’s preferences and how sensitive they are to using computers. The mouse’s weight and type of pad also have a significant impact.
Conclusion
While DPI is an important consideration when purchasing a gaming mouse model, it should also be considered that the best models should have as wide a range of options as possible.
DPI is a minor component of the overall package, and should not be considered the main deciding factor in choosing a gaming mouse.
