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The difference between CPI and DPI.

The CPI and DPI are two widely used terms in the domain of computer accessories, and if you have ever researched computer mouse when you are going to buy a new one, you might have come across the term DPI. When you are out there to buy a new mouse especially for gaming, it is one of the most common points to consider.

Instead of DPI, some companies offer a CPI switch on the computer mouse instead. But what is the real difference between the two, and how is the CPI switch different from the DPI switch. In this article, we will talk about the difference between CPI and DPI and how it affects you.

CPI vs DPI

CPI, which stands for Counts Per Inch is used to refer to the number of steps the mouse will report to the processor when it moves one inch. We can also refer it to the sensitivity of the mouse. The CPI is used to determine how much distance the mouse covers on the screen when it moves a certain distance when the physical movement of the mouse is measured.

Dots Per Inch, which is the full form of DPI, is a measure of spatial printing or video dot density. It also implies the total number of dots that can be placed in a line of length one inch. It is used to describe the resolution in the form of the number of dots per inch in a digital print. We can also refer to it as the printing resolution of a hard copy print.

In short, the CPI is a term that is related to your gaming mice, while DPI is a term used when speaking about the printing domain.

Sometimes, you might have heard about the terms DPI, while talking about gaming mice, but instead, the term CPI is correct. Graphic designers also use the term DPI to represent the quality and depth of their images, when they should be using PPI (Pixels Per Inch).

As most of the manufacturing companies try to use terms that the general public can relate and connect to, DPI is used as this is a term that almost everyone has heard in contrast to the term CPI. However, as the popularity of the term grew, people continue to use it in place of terms that relate closely to DPI, as we have seen in the case of gaming mice. So, from now on, if any of you come across the term DPI switch, keep in mind that they are referring to the CPI switch.

Some companies, such as SteelSeries Rival 100 Gaming Mouse, use the term CPI instead of DPI, but the values are 250, 500, 1000, 1250, 1500, 1750, 2000, and 4000. However, they are quite different from those found from other mainstream mice that have the advertised DPI switch, used in place of  CPI.

How Does This Concern Users?

Although they are closely related terms that are often used to mislead the customers, you can continue using your mouse the same way without needing to change it. Be assured that the manufacturers are aware of the differences between the two terms, but they continue to advertise with the term DPI as it is widespread amongst the consumers.

Conclusion

We know that most people are confused about the terms CPI vs DPI in mice. But never mind as mostly, you are using the right thing as the manufacturers know what to supply to the factories and what to supply to the customers in the form of advertisements. Although, CPI is supposed to be the correct nomenclature for mouse sensitivity and DPI is just a term used for an individual printer, you are all good to go with a mice that is advertised, in the terms of DPI.

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