Default sensitivity and dead zones need independent settings per device
Aliases: dead zone · controller calibration · input tuning · response curve
What it is
Device-specific control calibration stores default sensitivity, response curves, and dead zones separately for mouse, controller sticks, touch, and gyroscope input instead of applying one number to every source. Separate settings recognize that an identical camera turn or character movement can arise from different physical ranges, noise profiles, and motor-control strategies.
Why it happens
A mouse is a relative-displacement device; a stick is an absolute deflection device with a centre. Dead zones are usually meaningless for the former but determine whether the latter can resist hardware drift. A shared sensitivity or curve produces speed discontinuities, poor fine aim, or unwanted movement after a switch. Separate calibration matches controllable range to each signal’s resolution and to movements a person can sustain reliably.
Where it stops holding
Separate defaults do not mean one setting suits every player on a device. Stick wear, display latency, experience, motor impairments, and task all change suitable parameters. A cross-device “equivalent sensitivity” also cannot be guaranteed by one formula because acceleration, filtering, and field of view alter feel. Defaults must remain understandable and adjustable.
Applying it
- Store horizontal and vertical sensitivity, acceleration or response curve, inner and outer dead zones, and axis inversion separately for every device; load its defaults on first connection.
- Explain parameter effects through perceptible tasks and offer reset, preview, and fine adjustment. Never overwrite another device’s stored settings during a switch.
- Verification: use several new and worn controllers plus mice with different DPI for turning, tracking, and fine-aim tasks; record drift, overshoot, and completion time to assess defaults.
Related
- Same group: W3.09.1 Prompts should update when players switch between controller and keyboard/mouse · W3.09.2 Prompts in mixed-input play should show the device actually in use · W3.09.4 Switching devices should not interrupt an ongoing action sequence
- Nearby: W3.04 Sensitivity and response curves · W3.05 Dead zones and drift · W3.07 Remapping and personalized controls
- Search terms:
device-specific calibration·dead zone·response curve·controller sensitivity