Skip to the tool

Mac Mouse and Trackpad Settings Guide

This Mac mouse and trackpad settings guide is a checklist to work through in order. Each step links to the test that proves the change worked, so you never have to guess whether a setting applied.

  1. 1. Disable pointer acceleration

    Open Terminal and run defaults write -g com.apple.mouse.scaling -1, then log out and in. Verify with the acceleration test; the two runs should match.

  2. 2. Set a native DPI

    Pick 800 or 1600 in your mouse software and confirm it with the DPI test. macOS pointer speed should sit near the middle of its slider.

  3. 3. Check polling and connection

    Bluetooth caps near 90 Hz on macOS. Use the dongle or a cable and prove it with the connection comparison.

  4. 4. Decide on scroll direction

    System Settings → Mouse → Natural scrolling. Confirm with the direction checker. Use a third-party tool if you want the trackpad and mouse to differ.

  5. 5. Tune the trackpad

    System Settings → Trackpad: set tracking speed, enable tap to click if you prefer it, and under Accessibility → Pointer Control → Trackpad Options review dragging and inertia. Check results with the tap accuracy and scroll smoothness tests.

  6. 6. Enable raw input in games

    CS2: console m_rawinput 1. Valorant and most Unreal titles read raw input by default. Finish with the sensitivity converter and a PSA session.

Why Macs need extra care

Acceleration is on by default

The system scaling curve is steep and cannot be switched off in the normal settings panel.

Bluetooth is slow

Apple's Bluetooth stack reports mice at roughly 90 Hz; a dongle fixes it.

One scroll setting for two devices

Mouse and trackpad share the natural scrolling toggle.

Safari throttles events

For the live tests, Chrome reports higher polling rates on the same hardware.

macOS mouse terms

Scaling
Apple's name for pointer speed with acceleration built in.
Tracking speed
The slider in Mouse and Trackpad settings; it also changes the curve.
Natural scrolling
Content follows the finger; on by default.
Force Touch
Pressure-sensitive trackpad click on MacBooks, exposed to web pages only in Safari.

Mac setup questions

Does the Terminal command survive updates?

Usually, but reopening the Mouse settings panel can reset it. Re-run the acceleration test after any change.

Is a Magic Mouse good for gaming?

No. Bluetooth only, around 90 Hz, and no side buttons.

Which browser should I test in?

Chrome for polling and movement tests; Safari only for Force Touch pressure.

Common Mac mouse problems

Cursor feels floaty

Acceleration is back on. Re-run the Terminal command and log out.

Side buttons do nothing

Install the manufacturer's macOS software or a remapper.

Trackpad ignores light taps

Enable tap to click and lower the click pressure setting.