Easy Ways to Adjust Your Mouse Polling Rate on PC & Mac

Download Article
Everything you need to know about mouse polling rate and how to change it
Download Article

Do you want to change your mouse polling rate? The mouse polling rate is how often your mouse sends information to your computer. A mouse with a higher polling rate allows for better performance and more precise movements. This is especially useful when you configure your mouse for gaming . The amount you can increase or decrease your mouse's polling rate depends on both your mouse and your computer hardware. This wikiHow article teaches you everything you need to know about your mouse polling rate and how to change it.

Things You Should Know

  • Mouse polling rate is different from DPI and measured in hertz (hz).
  • You can change the mouse polling rate using the dedicated keys on your mouse, the number keys on your keyboard, or your mouse's official app.
  • The faster your mouse polling rate, the less delay in milliseconds you will experience.
Section 1 of 4:

What is Mouse Polling Rate?

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This information includes both your mouse position and your button clicks. Mouse polling rate is measured in hertz (Hz). The faster the polling rate, the less delay in milliseconds you will experience. [1]
    • Mouse polling rate response time is as follows:
      • 125 Hz — 8 milliseconds
      • 250 Hz — 4 milliseconds
      • 500 Hz — 2 milliseconds
      • 1,000 Hz — 1 millisecond
      • 4,000 Hz — 0.25 milliseconds
      • 8,000 Hz — 0.125 milliseconds
    • Polling rate is not the same as DPI. Mouse DPI (Dots-per-inch) represents how many pixels your mouse cursor moves per inch when you move your mouse . While a higher DPI can affect the speed and sensitivity of your mouse, it does not affect your mouse's performance. A mouse with a higher polling rate will have better a much better response time in terms of position as well as button clicks.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Changing Mouse Polling Rate

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Many high-end gaming mouses that are capable of faster polling rates have dedicated mouse buttons on the mouse itself that you can use to change the polling rate. If your mouse has dedicated buttons that allow you to change the polling rate, go ahead and press the buttons and see if you notice a difference.
    • Using a higher polling rate can negatively impact the battery life of your mouse. Don't increase the polling rate beyond what is needed for your computer hardware and monitor.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fe\/Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fe\/Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your mouse supports a higher polling rate, you may be able to change the polling rate using the keyboard as you plug in your mouse. The mouse wheel should light up if you are successful. Use one of the followings steps to change the mouse polling rate using your keyboard: [2]
    • 125 Hz — Unplug your mouse from the USB port. Press and hold 4 and 5 simultaneously while you plug your mouse back in.
    • 500 Hz — Unplug your mouse from the USB port. Press and hold 5 while you plug your mouse back in.
    • 1000 Hz — Unplug your mouse from the USB port. Press and hold 4 while you plug your mouse back in.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/40\/Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/40\/Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Many mouse manufacturers have a utility app that you can download from their official website. If your mouse supports a higher polling rate, you may be able to use these apps to change your mouse settings, including the polling data. Go to your mouse manufacturer's website and download their app. The following are a few ways to change the polling rate for different mouse brands:
    • Razer Mouses: Download and install the Razer Synapse app from https://www.razer.com/synapse-3 . Open the app and select your mouse. Select Mouse > Performance > Polling rate . Then select your preferred polling rate.
    • Logitech Mouses: Download and install the Logitech G Hub app from https://www.logitechg.com/en-us/innovation/g-hub.html . Open the app and select your mouse. Then click the Sensitivity (DPI) icon . Use the drop-down menu under "Report Rate (per second)" to select your polling rate.
    • SteelSeries: Download and install the SteelSeries GG software suite from https://steelseries.com/gg/engine . Open the SteelSeries Engine app and select your mouse. Then select your preferred polling rate using the menu to the right.
    • Corsair Mouses: Download and install the Corsair ICUE app from https://www.corsair.com/us/en/s/downloads . Open the app and select your mouse under "Devices." Click Settings at the top. Click the Mouse icon and use the drop-down next to "Polling Rate" to select your preferred polling rate. [3]
    • HyperX Mouses: Download and install HyperX NGenuity from https://hyperx.com/pages/ngenuity . Open that app and select your profile or create a new profile. Then click Performance in the menu to the right. Use the slider menu to adjust the polling rate. Then click Apply . [4]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your mouse doesn't have a companion or utility app that allows you to change the polling rate, you may be able to use a third-party app that is used to overclock USB mice. If this doesn't work on your mouse, your may not be able to change the polling rate. Use the following steps to change your polling rate using a third-party app.
    5. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

How to Check Mouse Polling Rate

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fd\/Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The easiest way to check your mouse polling rate is to use a free online checker. There are tons of websites you can use to check your mouse polling rate. These will tell your maximum polling rate and your average polling rate. Use the following steps to check your mouse polling data:
    • Go to https://cps-check.com/polling-rate-check in a web browser.
    • Click the green button that says Click to start .
    • Move your mouse button in a continuous circle.
    • Continue for as long as you want but don't stop moving the mouse.
    • Click Click to stop when you are finished.
    • Note your average and maximum polling rate.
Section 4 of 4:

Does Mouse Polling Rate Improve Performance?

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Change-Mouse-Polling-Rate-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Increasing your mouse polling rate increases the number of times your mouse sends data to your computer. This can improve your mouse's performance and response time. However, your computer processor needs to be able to keep up with the polling rate of your mouse. You will also need a monitor with a high refresh rate: [5]
    • Computer processor speed: If your computer processor (CPU) speed isn't able to keep up with the mouse polling rate, you won't notice the difference. It may even cause some input lag. If you have a mouse that is capable of an 8,000 Hz polling rate, you will also need an 8,000 Hz CPU to keep up.
    • Monitor Refresh Rate: Your monitor refresh rate is how often the image on your monitor updates every second. This is also measured in Hz. A 120 Hz refresh rate monitor will update the image 120 times per second.
    • If you have a monitor that is capable of 240 Hz, increasing the polling rate on your mouse beyond 125 Hz might produce a noticeable improvement in your mouse's response time.
    • However, if you have a laptop with a 60 Hz monitor, you most likely won't notice much difference by increasing your mouse polling rate.
    • App Support: Even if you have a mouse that is capable of an extremely fast polling rate, and a CPU and monitor that can keep up, you may still find that not all apps and games support extremely fast polling rates.
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Does higher polling rate consume more battery?
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Definitely! You're asking the mouse to broadcast at quicker rates. Therefore, instead of it sending one signal out every 5 seconds, it sends a signal out every 10th of a second. So, if you're sending more signals out in a shorter amount of time, it'll absolutely kill the battery more quickly.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Restart Your Computer Using the Keyboard
      3 Easy Ways to Find the Publication Date of a Website
      How to
      Check Browsing History on a WiFi Router
      6 Ways to Pair Your JBL Earbuds: Guide & Troubleshooting Tips
      How to
      Connect PC to TV with HDMI
      How to
      Tell if Your Mac Is Too Old to Update
      Easy Ways to Read Crash Dump Files & Troubleshoot Crashes
      What Does DW Mean? Snapchat, Texting, and More
      10 Genius Ways to Cheat a Step Counter on a Phone (No Walking Required)
      How to
      Open a Digital Safe Without a Key
      How to Bypass Your Screen Time Passcode: Reset, Remove, or Hack Screen Time
      How to Guess a Password
      How to
      Format a Write–Protected Pen Drive
      How to Add the Google Play Store to an Amazon Fire Tablet
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about changing a mouse polling rate, check out our in-depth interview with Luigi Oppido .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.daskeyboard.com/blog/guide-to-mouse-polling-rate/
      2. ↑ https://www.tubeandtech.com/single-post/how-to-check-change-mouse-polling-rate
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy60x41CTEg
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InqbC97Szf8
      5. ↑ https://prosettings.net/blog/high-polling-rate-mouse/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Download and install the companion or utility app for your mouse manufacturer's website.
      2. Open the mouse companion or utility app.
      3. Select your mouse.
      4. Select the option to change the mouse polling rate.
      5. Select your preferred mouse polling rate.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 141,194 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement