An integrated resolution switching surface detection system for an optical navigation device. The integrated resolution switching surface detection system includes a resolution switching engine, a surface detection engine, and a navigation engine. The resolution switching engine sets a resolution status based on a motion speed of a tracking surface relative to a navigation sensor, wherein the motion speed is a measure of motion data over time. The surface detection engine sets a surface detection status based on the resolution status that is set by the resolution engine. The navigation engine reads motion data from the navigation sensor and reports the motion data to a computing device according to the surface detection status that is set by the surface detection engine. Embodiments of the integrated resolution switching surface detection system maintain smooth and predictable cursor movement associated with a plurality of finger assert and finger de-assert events.