Need to change the polling rate of your mouse for better accuracy in Fortnite? Or trying to be more sophisticated with the graphic designing platform?
Whichever the case is, mouse polling rate plays a crucial part in both of these scenarios. Being a professional gamer, I know the struggle of having an inaccurate mouse polling rate. But as you are here on this page, I will clear out every confusion you possess regarding the topic.
Let’s start with the basics, What is the mouse polling rate?
I am going to explain a lot more about this topic. Do continue reading till the end to gather comprehensive knowledge about the polling rate.
How to Check the Polling Rate of My Mouse?
Usually, a higher polling rate of a mouse is considered better as it reports its position quicker. That means if your mouse has a polling rate of 500 Hz, it will give away the position to the computer five hundred times every second, or every two milliseconds.
If it has a rate of 125 Hz, communication speed will be 125 times every second, or every eight milliseconds. You get the idea, right?
Now comes the question, how do I check the polling rate of my mouse? Well, I got you covered.
There are several methods that you can utilize in order to check the polling rate of your mouse. But, In this article, I have shortlisted the best ways possible to check out the polling rate
Here are the methods to check the polling rate of your mouse:
Check Polling Rate Online
Testing anything online seems the best way according to me. There’s no need to download any tools to your system and it saves your time a lot.
Here’s the process to check mouse polling rate online:
- Launch your browser from the computer. Make sure your mouse is plugged on.
- Type in the search engine USB mouse rate checker and hit Enter.
- Click on the first link that appears from the search.
- Select the Start icon and move your cursor a little bit.
The website you entered will show you the polling rate of your mouse. This entire operation might take 15-20 seconds tops. And with that, you will have the polling rate of your mouse.
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Download Third-Party Application
If you want more accuracy in the measuring of your polling rate, you can always download third-party applications like mouse rate checker, and so on.
Usually, the branded mice provide information about the polling rate. But, non-brand users need to download utilities to check the polling rate of their mice.
Here are the steps to check mouse polling rate with third-party applications:
- Search for mouse rate checker on your browser.
- Download any of the applications. Generally, they are sized 30- 40 KBs.
- Double click on the application file. You don’t have to install anything.
- Move your cursor to get proper information.
Check the average polling rate and the usual polling rate at the same time with the application.
Also, don’t forget to check out our experts tested best Aura Compatible RGB Mice for ultimate gaming.
Change Your Mouse Polling Rate With Simple Steps
Now that you have the knowledge of the actual polling rate of your mouse, it is time to change the rate to your preference. Here comes a different set of choices. I don’t know the reason behind your switching. It could be for aiming perfectly in COD or other high-accuracy mouse pointing work.
It’s not a one-time thing, you can change the polling rate whenever you need. There are several methods of changing the report rate of your mouse. I have enlisted the most efficient ones. You be the judge of choosing the method that suits you best.
Change Mouse Polling Rate on Branded Mice
If you are using a branded mouse, things get easier for you. They provide extra buttons to switch the polling rate. If not, the branded mouse comes with dedicated software which is used to tweak the settings, change the DPI, correct the polling rate, etc.
I will be sharing both of the methods to change the polling rate on branded mice.
Here are the steps to change the polling rate on branded mice:
Mice brands like Logitech, Zowie provide some additional buttons to tweak the polling rate. If you are using one of them, you should find the buttons on the bottom of the mouse.
It varies from brand to brand where the buttons are. Go to the manufacturer’s website to get sure of what is the actual value of those additional buttons. If those are for changing the polling rate, every time you press a certain button, the polling rate will change the value.
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Use the Mouse’s Dedicated Software
Almost every renowned mice brands provide companion software to make changes in the mouse settings. The software helps you to personalize the user experience. Logitech G hub can be the perfect example.
Download the software from the manufacturer’s website and follow my instructions.
Here are the steps for changing mice polling rate via companion software:
- Launch the application from your PC
- Move to the Performance
- Locate the polling rate adjustment from the right side of the screen.
- Open the menu and choose your preferred polling rate.
Note: These steps might not be the exact solution for your mouse. Different mouse brands have optimized their utilities in different forms. Pathways might vary from brand to brand but, you will find similarities changing the polling rate.
Here’s a complete guide on how to fix Windows 11 Logitech Mouse not working.
Change Polling Rate of a Mouse With Keyboard
This may sound awkward but, this is the most effective method if you are not using a branded mouse. This universal method is workable, even for your $2 mouse ( I don’t know if you can get a mouse for 2 dollars).
Here are the steps to change mouse polling rate with combined buttons:
- Unplug the mouse from your computer.
- Press the numerical buttons 4 + 5 on your keyboard, and plug in the mouse. If the mouse is properly connected, the polling rate has switched to 125 Hz.
- Press the numerical button 4, and plug in the mouse in case you want to switch the report rate to 500 Hz.
- Press the numerical button 5, and plug in the mouse when you need to change it to 1000 Hz.
Note: Make sure you unplug the mouse every time before changing the value. If you notice lights on the mouse wheel after plugging in, that indicates your work has been done.
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What is the Ideal Polling Rate for My Mice?
I hate to break it to you, but there is no way I can determine the ideal polling rate for your mouse. You will have to find out by yourself.
Wait! I didn’t say I won’t help you find it. To pursue the best polling rate for your mouse, you need to ask yourself what are things will help you if you switch the polling rate.
If you are a gamer, and changing the report rate of your mouse for high accuracy/ perfect aiming, ask the gaming community whether this game needs a high polling rate or not.
Games that need swift communication between your PC and mouse, require a high polling rate. You can count FPS games in this criteria as they require fast action. Try to set the polling rate at 1000 Hz.
On the other hand, if you face lag whenever you play games, or if you are using a wireless mouse, then you should keep the polling rate between 125 Hz to 500 Hz.
Conclusion
The last thing I would like to add is, don’t confuse the polling rate with DPI. DPI will determine how far your cursor will move for mouse movement. Polling rate and DPI ain’t the same as you think.
If you have read the article from top to bottom, I believe you have got the proper idea of a mouse’s polling rate, and there will be no confusion in terms of changing the rate.
Then again, if you face any difficulties changing the report rate of your mouse or any confusion regarding the discussion, feel free to comment below.
