Reduce Input Lag

If feel changes day-to-day, background load is a prime suspect. Use this kill-switch checklist to remove the usual culprits and stabilize frametimes.

Stop chasing myths. This checklist targets the real causes of heavy feel: display processing, unstable pacing, render queue buffering, and background spikes.

Many displays ship with processing that looks ‘nice’ in movies but breaks gaming: added latency, artifacts, and instability. Here’s the short list to disable and why.

Input lag is a chain, not one number. Learn where delay accumulates from device to display, and the practical fix order that improves feel without placebo.

PC audio feels random when routing changes silently. Learn the mixer traps (default device switching, enhancements, app routing) and how to lock one stable path.

Input lag is a chain: device, OS, game loop, render queue, display. Learn where delay accumulates and how to reduce it by stabilizing timing and removing hidden processing.

Higher refresh can expose instability. Use this checklist to diagnose why 120Hz feels worse: wrong mode, wrong refresh path, VRR range issues, or missing caps.

Pick Wi-Fi bands by stability, not hype. Use this decision guide to choose 2.4, 5, or 6E based on distance, congestion, and real jitter behavior.

Latency features help most when the system is stable and GPU-limited. Use this practical guide to test Reflex/Anti-Lag the right way and avoid placebo conclusions.

Windows Game Mode is not a magic latency switch. The biggest wins still come from stable frame pacing and background load control. Use it, but don’t worship it.

If mouse feel changes randomly, USB power saving can be the culprit. Use this checklist to stabilize USB input and stop stutter/disconnects.

Display modes aren’t cosmetic. They change processing, chroma handling, and latency. Use this glossary to pick the right mode for gaming clarity and feel.