How to Change Mouse Polling Rate
You can change mouse polling rate in three ways: through the manufacturer's software (the most common method), via a DIP switch on the bottom of the mouse, or by holding a button combination while plugging it in. The right method depends on your mouse model. After changing it, always verify the result using a live polling rate test — software settings don't always match what the firmware actually applies.
Polling Rate Support by Brand
Before changing your polling rate, confirm what your mouse supports. Here's a quick reference for the most common gaming mouse brands:
| Brand | Software |
|---|---|
| Razer | Synapse 3 |
| Logitech | G HUB |
| SteelSeries | GG / Engine |
| Corsair | iCUE |
| Zowie | None required |
| Endgame Gear | None required |
Method 1: Manufacturer Software (Most Mice)
This is the easiest method and works for Razer, Logitech, SteelSeries, Corsair, HyperX, and most other gaming mice.
Razer (Synapse)
- Open Razer Synapse 3
- Click your mouse under 'Devices'
- Go to the Performance tab
- Under 'Polling Rate', select 125 / 500 / 1000 / 2000 / 4000 / 8000 Hz
- Changes save automatically
Logitech (G HUB)
- Open Logitech G HUB
- Click your mouse in the device list
- Select 'Game Mode' or 'Performance'
- Find 'Report Rate' — choose 125 / 250 / 500 / 1000 Hz
- Click the rate to apply — no save button needed
SteelSeries (GG / Engine)
- Open SteelSeries GG
- Click 'Gear' tab → select your mouse
- Find 'Polling Rate' under Performance settings
- Select your desired Hz (125 / 250 / 500 / 1000)
- Settings sync to the mouse automatically
Corsair (iCUE)
- Open Corsair iCUE
- Click your mouse → Settings
- Scroll to find 'Polling Frequency'
- Select 125 / 250 / 500 / 1000 Hz
- Click 'Apply'
Method 2: DIP Switches (Zowie, Some Budget Mice)
BenQ Zowie mice (EC2, FK, ZA series) don't use software — they use physical DIP switches on the mouse's underside to change settings including polling rate. This approach ensures settings are stored on the mouse itself, independent of any PC.
Flip the mouse over and look for a small switch panel near the sensor. The polling rate switch is typically labeled 125/500/1000 or shows small dots corresponding to Hz values. Use a pin or small screwdriver to toggle the switch. Unplug and replug the mouse to apply the change.
Some Cooler Master and Endgame Gear mice also use DIP switches or button combinations instead of software. Consult your specific model's manual — available on the manufacturer's support page.
Method 3: Button Combination on Startup
Some mice (particularly older models from Logitech and SteelSeries) allow polling rate changes by holding a button while connecting the USB cable. The specific button and number of clicks varies by model — check your mouse manual for the exact sequence.
For example, on older SteelSeries Rival mice: hold the forward thumb button while plugging in for 500Hz, or hold the back thumb button for 1000Hz. This method is less common on modern mice, which use software instead.
Step 4: Verify the Change Worked
After changing your polling rate, always verify it using a real-time test rather than trusting software. Our free Mouse Polling Rate Test measures the actual Hz your mouse is reporting to Windows — not the configured value, but the measured one.
Move your mouse continuously for 3 seconds to get a stable reading. If the result is significantly lower than your configured rate (e.g., you set 1000Hz but the test shows 500Hz), try plugging into a different USB port — USB hubs and extension cables can reduce polling rate due to shared bandwidth. After confirming your polling rate, test whether the change affects your reaction time — higher polling rates produce more consistent input timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my mouse supports changing polling rate?
Check the manufacturer's product page. Any mouse marketed as 'gaming' from Razer, Logitech, SteelSeries, Corsair, or Zowie will have adjustable polling rate. Budget office mice are typically locked at 125Hz. If your mouse has dedicated software (Razer Synapse, G HUB, etc.), it almost certainly supports polling rate adjustment.
Will changing polling rate improve my aim?
Moving from 125Hz to 1000Hz will noticeably improve cursor smoothness and tracking accuracy. Moving from 500Hz to 1000Hz offers a smaller but still measurable improvement for competitive gaming. Anything above 1000Hz offers diminishing returns for most players.
Does changing polling rate require a restart?
No. When you change polling rate through software, the change takes effect immediately without needing to restart your PC or reconnect the mouse. DIP switch changes require unplugging and replugging the mouse to take effect.
Why is my mouse still showing the old polling rate after changing it?
Try unplugging and replugging the mouse after changing the setting in software. Also verify the change using our free Mouse Polling Rate Test rather than trusting the software display — occasionally software shows the configured rate but the firmware hasn't applied it yet.
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