High dpi mouse usage in real world

**dv986** · 21 February 2011, 10:59 PM

Ok, i'm considering buying a higher dpi mouse. However, I'm not so sure just how much would that be worth it in actuality. I know it matters a lot in gaming, and they say it also does in graphics design, but I can't really see how. I mean, if you need to be precise, you're probably gonna zoom in anyway, so whats the point, right?

What do you think? Is it worth it?

**pauland** · 21 February 2011, 11:24 PM

I've never had it come up as an important issue with any designer I've worked with. I've only seen design studios using standard kit as supplied with the machine.

Gamers are another breed altogether. Money to burn and testosterone fuelled machine specs.

**gwpriester** · 22 February 2011, 01:52 AM

I have a standard laser wheel mouse and I have never felt the need for anything more.

**dv986** · 22 February 2011, 01:17 PM

Thanks!

So basically, all this high DPI bs is nothing but marketing, right?

**pauland** · 22 February 2011, 01:21 PM

Are you unhappy with your mouse?

**dv986** · 22 February 2011, 01:24 PM

Well, no, i just need another one for my desktop computer so i don't have to plug it in and out when I'm on my laptop. So I was thinking since I'm already gonna buy one, maybe i should get a supposedly good one. Thats why I wanted to know just how much does higher DPI make difference.

**handrawn** · 22 February 2011, 01:24 PM

if you want to zap from one side of your monitor screen to the other fast and hit a target pixel[s] precisely - a high dpi will increase your hit rate

if you don't do fast mouse movements that need precision you may not notice any difference

**pauland** · 22 February 2011, 01:30 PM

I'm of the "I'll zoom in for greater precision" camp. I'm more interested in having a comfortable and reliable mouse that moves well. It's nice to ditch wires.

**handrawn** · 22 February 2011, 01:50 PM

it probably is a gamers thing.... animators too maybe, and video editors...

**pauland** · 22 February 2011, 02:34 PM

I suspect that the mouse is probably half the equation. If you have a large screen then mouse accuracy may be more important since it's easier to see more detail for a given resolution. There's probably a sweet spot for mouse resolution, physical screen size and pixel resolution.