How Does Polling Rate Affect Gaming?
Polling rate determines how many times per second data is sent. This gamepad latency test reveals the true input lag of your device. Higher Hz means smoother movement.
Value Guide
- 1000Hz (1ms): Competition standard. Data transmitted every 1 millisecond. Ideal for FPS and fighting games.
- 250Hz (4ms): Excellent wireless performance. Most 2.4G controllers and high-performance Bluetooth fall in this range.
- 125Hz (8ms): Standard Bluetooth performance. Suitable for RPGs or slower-paced games. More power efficient.
Input Lag
Polling rate directly determines theoretical minimum input latency.
125 Hz = 8.0 ms
250 Hz = 4.0 ms
500 Hz = 2.0 ms
1000 Hz = 1.0 ms
About Overclocking
Can Controllers Be "Overclocked"?
Some enthusiasts use third-party tools to overclock DualSense or Xbox controllers, forcing USB polling rates to 1000Hz or higher.
Risk Warning: This may cause connection instability, slight CPU usage increase, and potentially shorten the controller's motherboard lifespan. For most players, stable 125Hz-250Hz is smooth enough.