Why 'Low DPI' is best for Shooters | Guide

If you've been finding your aim a little off, it may just be that your DPI is to high. Let Emma talk you through the benefits of lowering your mouse sensitivity to get ahead of the curve in any FPS...

Instagram: @pcgamer_mag

[pcgamer]

Take a look at the full article for more insight on why low DPI can be good for FPS accuracy, as this video only highlights a small part of a longer article:

[pure]

Low Sensitivity is key.
Low DPI gives you pixel skips.
This is misinformation

[TheYeray]

Everyone trying to improve their aim by changing dpi every week then a kid playing Fortnite with a tablet headshots you with a sniper

[KeshenMac]

Amazing how a publication such as PC GAMER does not know the relationship between DPI, sensitivity, and effective DPI.

[kaykay_]

Depends on the game. More fast paced games where you move fast, higher dpi is nice cause you most likely do a lot of turns. While slower games where headshots are very important usually favor lower dpis.

[enmikos]

Finally, after a long time, and a certain obsession on my part for that matter and testing dozens of combinations, I found the answer as to why low DPI is t's definitely better (and maybe this is one of the reasons, or the main one, for pro-players use) Low dpi - more responsive. I've seen it talked about in very few places, but yes, it's real. It is true that, High DPI x Low Sens, gives you a better precision, by skipping fewer pixels, leaves a smoother aiming sensation, but if your observation level is as sharp as I, you will notice a small input lag between action and reaction if you use 1800-2000DPI, for example, compared to 400-800 (and this is not a placebo, my tracking improves absurdly after dozens of tests, having decreased my DPI from the maximum values ​​quoted, to 400-800, I feel the reaction of my mouse movements on the screen, VERY MORE responsive), the response time is practically instantaneous, (and this makes more sense when researching more about the subject of "not exceeding 1600 DPI as smoothing/jitter is added and faults in the communication between the mouse and the sensor = Input lag) both for players of flicks, or tracking (like me) will prioritize a shorter response time, than sacrificing this to not have" pixel skipping ", not least because it’s not that relevant (the vast majority of pro players use 400-800, mainly from quake series, is already a great proof of that, and another fact that they do not use highly absurd DPI, includes the human error margin of micro-movements, but that is not the focus here). I always found myself in periods when my aim got worse sometimes, and sometimes better, and I barely noticed that the increase in DPI to not have pixel skipping, had something to do with it, in other words, the cause of my problem, but I finally found that out, and I'm happy anyway (OBS: but of course, everything is a matter of preference, there are people who prefer high DPI vs. low sens, because they prefer a smoother aim, and be used to it in the long run, vice versa, but I VERY DOUBT, that 80% of them noticed at some point, this difference, small, but perceptible if observed with attention, or at some point they noticed, but he found this possibility discardable.) I hope I helped those who read this :))

[RpattoYT]

Yeah, PC Gamer is clearly misinformed on DPI. DPI and sensitivity are not that same thing, and lowing DPI does not make your mouse more precise. Higher DPI makes the sensor accuracy higher, but decreased sensitivity makes for slower, and more controllable movements by the user.

[JimmyStark]

You are wrong: DPI vs Low sens in-game.
Low 400 DPI = higher input lag latency = 25ms
High 1600 DPI more info per inch = less input lag = 17ms = Micro adjustment = Better aiming
1600 DPI = sens. in-game 0.65 ApexLegends + Windows mouse setting = 5

[galaxybiscuit]

always have your dpi set above 1200 and change your sensitivity to minimize pixel skips

[midnightflare]

Interestingly, the opposite is true for RTS and MMO games. With higher DPI, you can manouver around the screen faster and use key components of your strategy. Because these games focus on your AMP (action per minute) rate more than on your accuracy, you can get the required accuracy skill much faster, but AMP is something you improve pretty much forever.

[RpattoYT]

I think more research is needed over at PC Gamer. You can have relatively low *DPI* that is fine, even a polling rate as low as 400 is well high enough for it to feel smooth and un-aliased, but drop your DPI too much and you will notice your mouse moves in large stepped increments diagonally. PC Gamer should be recommending highest polling rate possible, at the lowest in-game sensitivity possible matched as closely as possible across all your games.

[gigamarv]

I guess 90% of all gamers don't know what DPI means. High DPI and low sensitivity is the way to go. Low DPI makes absolutely no sense, just reduce sensitivity.

[brkhnzn]

Its just not DPI. You can set higher your sensitivity for faster or lower for slower.
You can find out about sensitivity * dpi effect in youtube.
High dpi low sens = smoothless experience
Low dpi high sens = smooth, like made in 2005 games experience

[wafflecopter]

It actually depends on the shooter. For TF2 it is best for high DPI if playing soldier so you can do quick rocket jumps and fast mouse snaps for air shots

[seriouslogan]

Look at how far she has to move her hand just to look slightly to the right. She'd throw her mouse off the table in an effort to turn around.

[RYU]

The low dpi high dpi comparasion is useless because you are used too low dpi, try it with someone who is used dpi with the same skill level the result would probably be the same

[UnluckyNinja]

When your audience knows more than you

[YeetBomb]

low dpi is for smooth brains... high sensitivity = faster reaction time ... just don't make mistakes

[bachcba]

DPI is not the same as sensitivity....

[ohgmryo]

No matter how good you are, you'll always be stomped by aimbotting Russian teenagers who communicate telepathically.