How to Adjust Your Mouse Polling Rate on PC & Mac: A Complete Guide

Your mouse polling rate plays a significant role in determining how responsive your cursor feels. Whether you’re a gamer, graphic designer, or general user, adjusting your mouse polling rate can optimize performance and provide a smoother experience.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about adjusting the mouse polling rate on Windows and macOS to enhance precision and responsiveness.

What is the Mouse Polling Rate?

The mouse polling rate refers to the frequency at which your mouse reports its position to your computer. It is measured in Hertz (Hz), and a higher polling rate means the mouse sends more updates per second, resulting in lower input lag and smoother cursor movement.

Common Mouse Polling Rates:

• 125 Hz – Reports position every 8 milliseconds
• 250 Hz – Reports position every 4 milliseconds
• 500 Hz – Reports position every 2 milliseconds
• 1000 Hz – Reports position every 1 millisecond

For competitive gaming or precise tasks, a higher polling rate (500Hz–1000Hz) is recommended. However, a lower polling rate can help conserve battery life on wireless mice.

How to Check Your Mouse Polling Rate

Before adjusting your mouse polling rate, you may want to check its current value.

Method 1: Online Polling Rate Test (PC & Mac)

1. Visit an online mouse polling rate tester such as https://zowie.benq.com/en/support/mouse-rate-checker.html.
2. Move your mouse around the screen.
3. The website will display your mouse’s polling rate in real time.

Method 2: Using Software (Windows Only)

Some gaming mice, like Logitech, Razer, and Corsair, come with their software that shows the polling rate. Open the software and navigate to the mouse settings section.

How to Adjust Mouse Polling Rate on Windows (PC)

If you are using a gaming mouse, adjusting the polling rate is usually done through the manufacturer’s software or physical DPI buttons.

Method 1: Using Mouse Software

Most gaming mice come with dedicated software that allows you to change the polling rate. Here’s how:

For Logitech G Mice (G HUB Software)

1. Download & Install Logitech G HUB from the official website.
2. Open the software and select your Logitech mouse.
3. Navigate to DPI & Polling Rate Settings.
4. Choose a polling rate: 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, or 1000 Hz.
5. Click Apply and restart the software if necessary.

For Razer Mice (Razer Synapse Software)

1. Install Razer Synapse from the official website.
2. Open the software and select your Razer mouse.
3. Go to the Performance tab.
4. Select the desired polling rate (125Hz–1000Hz).
5. Save and close the software.

For Corsair Mice (iCUE Software)

1. Download the Corsair iCUE software.
2. Open the software and locate your mouse.
3. Navigate to Device Settings.
4. Adjust the Polling Rate.
5. Apply the changes.

Method 2: Changing the Polling Rate Using Mouse Buttons

Many gaming mice come with a dedicated polling rate button (usually underneath the mouse). To change the polling rate:

1. Disconnect the mouse from your PC.
2. Hold down the polling rate button.
3. Plug the mouse back in while holding the button.
4. Release the button when the LED indicator changes or blinks (varies by brand).

Here’s a reference for common mouse brands:

• Logitech: Hold the DPI button while reconnecting.
• Razer: Use Razer Synapse software.
• Zowie: Hold button combinations (Check the manual for details).

Method 3: Using Windows Registry (Advanced Users)

If your mouse doesn’t have dedicated software, you can tweak the polling rate in the Windows registry (risky if done incorrectly).

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\HidUsb\Parameters
   

3. Locate PollingRate (if it doesn’t exist, create a DWORD (32-bit) Value named PollingRate).
4. Set the value to:
   • 8 for 125Hz
   • 4 for 250Hz
   • 2 for 500Hz
   • 1 for 1000Hz
5. Click OK and restart your PC.

How to Adjust the Mouse Polling Rate on a Mac

Unlike Windows, macOS does not offer built-in options to modify the polling rate. However, you can still adjust it using third-party tools.

Method 1: Using USB Overdrive

USB Overdrive is a macOS tool that allows you to adjust polling rates for USB mice.

Steps to Adjust Polling Rate on Mac:

1. Download USB Overdrive from https://www.usboverdrive.com/.
2. Install and launch the app.
3. Select your mouse device.
4. Look for the Polling Rate option (if supported by your mouse).
5. Adjust it to 250Hz, 500Hz, or 1000Hz.
6. Apply the changes and restart your Mac.

Method 2: Using SteerMouse

SteerMouse is another great tool for tweaking mouse settings on macOS.

1. Download and install SteerMouse from https://plentycom.jp/en/steermouse/.
2. Open the software and select your mouse.
3. Adjust the polling rate in the settings.
4. Apply the changes and test your new settings.

Best Polling Rate for Gaming & Productivity

For FPS & Competitive Gaming:

• Recommended: 1000Hz for fastest response times.
• Alternative: 500Hz if experiencing unstable performance.

For Casual Gaming & General Use:

• Recommended: 500Hz for a balance of speed and stability.
• Alternative: 250 Hz for power efficiency (especially for wireless mice).

For Graphic Design & Office Work:

• Recommended: 250Hz–500Hz for smoother cursor movement without excessive CPU usage.

FAQs

1. Does a Higher Polling Rate Make a Difference?

Yes, a higher polling rate reduces input lag and makes mouse movements more responsive, especially in fast-paced games.

2. Can I Change the Polling Rate on a Regular Office Mouse?

Most non-gaming mice do not support polling rate adjustments. You may need a gaming mouse with built-in software or hardware toggles.

3. Will a Higher Polling Rate Use More CPU?

Yes, a 1000Hz polling rate requires more CPU resources than 125Hz, but the difference is negligible on modern systems.

4. Why Is My Mouse Lagging After Changing Polling Rate?

Some USB ports may not support high polling rates. Try using a different USB port or reverting to a lower polling rate.

Conclusion

Adjusting your mouse polling rate can greatly improve performance for gaming, designing, and general use. Whether you’re on Windows or Mac, using the right tools and settings can help you get the best experience from your mouse.

Try out these methods and let us know which one worked best for you! 🚀