The Best Mouse For CS:GO

What is the Best Gaming Mouse For CS:GO? – 2018 Buyer’s Guide (Updated)

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is one of the most popular first person shooters around the world. With a peak of over 700,000 concurrent players in January 2018, the game is still going strong despite the fact that it’s several years old at this point – a testament to the game’s fun mechanics and superior replayability. While it’s possible to achieve great things with average equipment in CS:GO, the skill cap for the game is incredibly high. If you wish to rank in the upper echelons of the game, particularly in the higher ranks of Master Guardian and above, quality equipment can make all the difference. We’ve rounded up some of the best mice for CS:GO that will give you the edge to take your game to the next level.

Our Top Picks

Let’s take a look at some of the top picks. These are ranked in no particular order, but they are categorized based on where they excel. Whether you’re looking for the most luxurious model or that perfect mouse for your left-hand claw grip, there will be a gaming mouse here to suit your needs.

SteelSeries Rival 700 – Best High-End Model

Let’s kick off the list with one of the most luxurious mice. While all the mice on this list will help you climb the ranks in Competitive, the SteelSeries Rival 700 has a number of extra premium features – provided you’re willing to pay a premium price. With the majority of the models on our list hovering in the medium price range, the retail price of the SteelSeries Rival 700 is considerably higher. With that said, it’s packed with some serious specs and some neat quality-of-life features that may make this gaming mouse the top pick for the CS:GO connoisseur and absolutely justify the price (see lowest price).

We discussed the importance of switches above, and this SteelSeries mouse is pretty unique in that it has the capability to customize which in-game events have a tactile alert. While these alerts aren’t tied to the mouse switches themselves, it’s another example of the importance of having a mouse that gives you a good tactile response. Program your mouse to pulse when you get that perfect headshot, or to vibrate when you take a significant amount of damage. While this doesn’t enhance your gameplay directly, it’s a unique feature that really elevates the SteelSeries model to the next level. Additionally, the mouse is designed to have zero recoil. The tactile alerts will vibrate in the center of your palm as to not affect the mouse tracking.

The software for the SteelSeries mouse is also worth mentioning. With features such as the ability to customize the OLED screen on the device and real-time stats like headshot percentage whenever you need them, you’ll have full control over the setup and performance of your mouse as well as the data you need to understand where you’re excelling and where you need to improve. This same screen also features the ability to rapidly swap between your choice of DPI, with a visual indicator ensuring you’re always on the right sensitivity. Practice is a necessity if you’re to continue to climb, and this mouse goes the extra mile by giving you access to the tools you need to improve.

The Rival 700 also comes with two swappable cables, allowing gamers to choose the length best suited for their battlestation. There’s also the option to swap out the top cover and choose between different designs if you’re willing to pay a little extra, adding to the customizability of this excellent peripheral.

BenQ ZOWIE EC2-A – Best eSports Pick

While the features on the SteelSeries are no-doubt impressive, sometimes you’re just after a high-end gaming mouse backed by eSports professionals that performs flawlessly without all the bells and whistles. Unlike other devices in this price range, you won’t find extra software or flashy screens. What you will find, however, is one of the best options on the market that has been endorsed by CS:GO pros.

The ZOWIE EC2-A has DPI presets ranging from 400 to 3200 DPI, which is that sensitivity sweet spot we discussed in the first part of the guide. Additionally, the lift-off distance is around 1.5 mm, which means that the mouse will stop tracking almost immediately after it’s lifted off of the mousepad. Having ultimate control over your cursor is a necessity, and when you’re dealing with shots that have to be lined up in a fraction of a second, having equipment that responds immediately can elevate a CSGO player from excellent to the best around.

Another notable aspect of this BenQ mouse is the adjustable USB polling rate, ranging from 125 to 1000 Hz. These multiple options allow gamers to find the perfect number that offers them a lightning-fast response without taxing their CPU.

If you’re looking for a stripped-down mouse that performs nearly perfectly where it matters without any unnecessary frills and a great price (see lowest price), the ZOWIE EC2-A may be right up your alley.

Logitech G502 Proteus Core – Best Heavy Mouse

When choosing the perfect mouse for CS:GO, a lot of the comfort of the mouse comes down to personal preference. What may be the perfect peripheral for one gamer might be unusable for the next, and a large portion of what contributes to ease-of-use with a new mouse is the weight. If your preferences for weight trend towards the heavy side, the Logitech G502 Proteus Core is an excellent option.

If you’re not sure the amount of weight you’ll need, you’ll likely be more than happy with the G502’s fully customizable weights. This mouse is heavier than average by default, and you also have the option to add in the perfect amount of weight to ensure that your mouse moves seamlessly when in the heat of battle. The customizability of the mouse doesn’t end there, either. You can place the weights in specific spots as well, adjusting the center of balance to further add to the smooth feeling of a mouse that feels great in your hand and responds just as you intend it to.

In addition to the adjustable weights and center of balance, the mouse features some excellent specifications that make your gameplay a breeze. 5 customizable DPI settings ranging from 200 to 12000 give you a wide range of options to choose from that are optimized to your needs. While most gamers play best in the 400 – 3200 DPI range, at the end of the day it’s largely a personal preference and the G502 gives you the ability to choose from settings ranging from extremely low to extremely high. Additionally, a dedicated button allows you to downshift your DPI to quickly pull off that perfect headshot.

Finalmouse Ultralight Pro – Best Lightweight Mouse

For those of us who would like a lighter mouse, it doesn’t get much lighter than the Finalmouse Ultralight Pro. As the mouse of choice for many eSports gamers, the unique construction makes it nearly weightless and extremely easy to move and use. The philosophy of the company behind the Finalmouse Ultralight Pro is that the mouse should be as unimposing as possible in order to allow the “ultimate harmony between the mind, the hand, and the game.” While many manufacturers opt for fancy RGB lights and a heavier design that you can really feel, the Ultralight Pro takes the opposite approach. Similar to the BenQ mouse discussed above, it values simplicity and function over flashy features.

As the company states, the lighter the mouse the faster it is to move to your target. While there’s something to be said for the heft that a mouse with more weight to it provides, it’s true that the Ultralight Pro functions as a seamless extension of your arm and that you won’t have to expend any effort to get your cursor to where it needs to be. The unique honeycomb design protects the mouse internals despite the number of holes in the body that serve to make it the lightest mouse around. With the Finalmouse Ultralight Pro, you’ll also experience less arm fatigue during long stints of playing CS:GO, which may make a big difference when compared to a heavier mouse.

The high-quality wired connection also ensures flawless data transmission from the pmw3360 sensor – an eSports technology developed by Pixart – delivering raw and snappy 1:1 tracking that ensures your mouse performs just how you want it to.

While the light construction of the mouse is the biggest benefit behind the Ultralight Pro, it also features all of the basic necessities you’d expect from a quality CS:GO mouse – namely easy access to a DPI switch with options for settings including 400,800,1600, and 3200 sensitivities.

SteelSeries Rival 100 – Best Budget Mouse

While the majority of the mice on this list offer premium performance, the fact remains that they also come with a premium price tag. It is possible, however, to get a mouse that’s good enough to play like the pros without breaking the bank. The SteelSeries Rival 100 is a little brother of sorts to the Rival 700, and is available for a fraction of the price (see lowest price). This mouse should be more than accessible to any Counter-Strike player that wants a peripheral that will grow with them as they grow in skill as a player.

In order to provide a mouse that can keep up with serious play while remaining affordable, SteelSeries worked with their sponsored eSports professionals to develop a model that meets the rigorous standards of the best of the best. If the Rival 100 performs well enough for the best CS:GO players in the world, it’s clear that the mouse is good enough for almost every player and will do so without breaking the bank.

Perhaps one of the most notable aspects of the Rival 100 is the custom-engineered 3059-SS optical gaming sensors, with 8 DPI steps up to 4000, 143 IPS, and 20g acceleration. These specifications combine to provide extremely accurate 1:1 optical tracking in a more affordable mouse. The mouse also features an optimized lift off distance, ensuring that the mouse stops tracking as soon as you lift it off of the mat.

Expanding on the abilities of this technology is On-board zero hardware acceleration capabilities that ensure there are no accelerations in the sensor of the Rival 100. This essentially means that regardless of how fast you move the mouse, you’ll always reach the same point, with the mouse registering the distance in the same way with no regard to how fast the mouse was moved. This allows for optimal performance while playing CS:GO – regardless of how quick your movements get while trying to track your opponents. 

Even with the accessible price, the Rival 100 is fully customizable with the SteelSeries engine that allows gamers to remap all 6 buttons and adjust the optical sensor’s DPI. Users can also customize the illumination of the model with over 16 million options, as well as creating a specific profile for CS:GO that gives you the perfect color scheme for your next killstreak.

Steelseries also kept ergonomics in mind, and the mouse should be comfortable for all right-handed users – regardless of their grip style.

The SteelSeries Rival 100 provides top-notch performance with a budget price, and should be able to keep up with the best on this list without breaking the bank.

Razer DeathAdder Chroma – Best Ergonomics

While the majority of peripherals on this list feature a comfortable design, the Razer DeathAdder Chroma is widely renowned as a mouse with some of the best ergonomics around. With a simple design that just “works”, it should feel comfortable in the hand of any right-handed user – regardless of grip. It’s truly a joy to hold, and while it doesn’t feature any radical design changes, Razer has managed to nail down the formula for near-perfect comfort with a regular design that fits beautifully in the palm of your hand.

With a top-notch design, swift responsiveness, and solid build quality that ensures the device will last for years to come, the DeathAdder Chroma is one of the world’s most beloved mice – and for a good reason. The comfort and reliability of the DeathAdder Chroma have elevated it to perhaps the most popular peripheral around the world, and as Razer’s high-end device, it represents the best of the best from a company well-known for their mice that combine form with function for a reasonable price.

The mouse’s sensor is customizable up to 10000 DPI, and while that may be excessive for the majority of high-end CS:GO professionals, the fact remains that DPI is largely a personal preference, and the ability to adjust the settings to work optimally within such a large range is a definite benefit. On-the-fly sensitivity adjustment also allows you to adjust the mouse to suit the needs of your specific situation. Whether you’re trying to execute that perfect flick shot or track an opponent that is moving erratically, you’ll have the tools you need to address whatever situation may arise.

Razer’s device also features five independently programmable Hyperesponse buttons that allow you to map game functions to easily accessible keys, and the 1000Hz Ultrapolling technology ensures that your computer gets the signal as soon as you send it – allowing for an instantaneous response as soon as you move the mouse. Featuring up to 300 inches per second / 50g acceleration, the mouse is also designed to keep up with the hectic speed of a CS:GO match and has the chops to excel during even the most frantic gameplay.

The DeathAdder Chroma combines some of the best ergonomics around as well as superior performance capabilities to continue your climb to Global Elite.

BenQ ZOWIE FK2 – Best For Claw Grip

While an ergonomic mouse like the DeathAdder Chroma should serve fine for both claw and palm grippers, sometimes it’s nice to have a mouse that is optimized for those with a claw grip. The majority of mice cater to the more traditional palm grip that the majority of gamers use, but having a mouse that fits perfectly in your hand is important regardless of how you hold it. The BenQ ZOWIE FK2 has a great combination of ergonomic claw grip design and high-end specifications used by multiple CSGO eSports professionals.

Like the ZOWIE EC2-A discussed above, the FK2 gets all the basics right without any added frills. It’s an ambidextrous mouse with thumb buttons on each side in order to adequately serve both right and left-handed users, and its plug and play design means that you’ll be ready to start getting those headshots right out of the box. The DPI, while not fully customizable, is available in 400, 800, 1600, and 3200 levels.

As far as polling rate goes, you’ll be able to adjust that too with 125, 500, and 1000 Hz options just like the EC2-A. Additionally, the lift-off distance of around 1.8mm is the perfect edition to make sure your mouse stops tracking reliably when you lift it from the pad. While the ZOWIE mice lack the customizability and fancy colors of some of the other models on this list, they still manage to offer enough control to get the mouse working just the way you want it to.

It’s important to keep in mind that the FK2 is optimized for those with smaller hands. If you have a larger grip and are looking for a near-identical model, consider taking a look at the FK1 which offers the same design and features at a bigger size.

Razer DeathAdder Essential (Left-Handed) – Best For Lefties

It’s no coincidence that another Razer mouse made the list, considering the company’s dedication to supporting gamers ranging from mild enthusiasts to eSports professionals. Because the left-handed among us are much rarer than the right-handed population, the majority of mice are designed with the majority in mind. Because of this, what might be comfortable in a regular mouse for right-handed gamers might not work well at all for lefties. There are a number of ambidextrous mice that can be used by anyone, but this version of the Razer DeathAdder Essential is designed with the ergonomics of lefties in mind.

Adding to the comfort of the device, the weight of the peripheral was a significant consideration for Razer when it came to the design of the DeathAdder Essential. Striking a balance between heavy and light, the moderate weight of this mouse should give the perfect amount of traction and ease-of-use to ensure that you can move easily while still remaining in complete control of your game. Each aspect of the DeathAdder Essential was designed with the CS:GO gamer in mind, from the ergonomic design optimized for lefties down to the internal hardware with the best in tracking technology.

Speaking of tracking technology, the Razer DeathAdder Essential ships with one of the most accurate trackers around, using 3.5G infrared technology to produce a sensor with superior reliability. Out of all of the mice on this list, the DeathAdder has one of the highest polling rates at 1000 Hz, which means your clicks while playing CS:GO should register instantaneously. The majority of gaming mice have a 125 Hz response rate, which is about 7 ms slower. That might not seem like a lot, but in a game with such high skill requirements and strict reaction times, sometimes a split second can make all the difference.

As far as sensitivity goes, the DeathAdder Essential features a DPI that goes up to 3500, which should be more than sufficient given the sweet spot that most CS:GO professionals usually play with. However, if you find that you favor high sensitivities, you may be better off with one of the other mice on this list that give you the option to scale higher. Still, for left-handed gamers, you can’t do much better than this premium mouse from Razer.

Logitech G602 Lag-Free – Best Wireless Mouse

As mentioned above, there’s long been a debate in the gaming community as to whether wireless mice were effective in providing the level of quality that gamers looking to play CS:GO at a high-level require. While it was originally true that the reliability of wireless mice was not quite as good as that of a wired version, technology has come quite a long way in recent years and has resulted in the creation of some wireless mice that can compete with the best eSports peripherals the industry has to offer.

Logitech is one of the biggest creators of peripherals worldwide, and are responsible for some of the best gaming mice around. The Logitech G602 is no exception, offering wireless functionality that will give you the capabilities you need in order to excel during your next marathon CS:GO session.

One of the chief concerns many people have with wireless mice is the battery life. After all, having your mice die on you in the middle of a competitive match is surely enough to negatively affect your rating. The Logitech G602 shouldn’t have any issues in that department, however, with over 250 hours of life on a single battery. Additionally, during tasks that don’t require such strict performance, you can switch the battery into “Endurance Mode” which will give a shocking 1440 hours of battery life. With the ability to swap between performance and endurance modes, you can push your mouse to its limits while playing CS:GO while dialing it back during basic web browsing to ensure the battery life lasts as long as possible. A low-battery LED will also keep you informed as to when the charge is getting low, giving you ample time to swap the battery out when you’re in the midst of the action.

While the 11 customizable buttons may not be necessary in an FPS like CS:GO for most players, it’s a nice benefit to have for playing other games that require more keybindings. Still, having the ability to add game functions to the mouse does still have some applications in-game, as you can map keyboard shortcuts to your device for easier access. If you’re not interested in customizing all of the buttons to start, however, you’ll be happy to know that the G602 functions right out of the box with no additional setup.

We discussed at the start of this guide the importance of high-quality switches, and this mouse has some of the best. With switches rated to 20 million clicks, you would be able to use the mouse for over six months at optimal efficiency if you were to click every second of every day. Even with the busiest CS:GO sessions, your investment in the Logitech G602 should give you a mouse that will last for years to come.

Out of all of the mice on this list, the G602 has the lowest maximum DPI at 2500, but it also gives the option for settings all the way down to 250 DPI – making it the model with the lowest sensitivity option out of all the devices we’ve reviewed. Just like some of the best wireless mice, you have the option to shift your DPI levels from pixel-precise targeting to lightning-fast maneuvers with a single press of a switch.

Although the reliance on non-rechargeable batteries may be seen as inconvenient to some, in reality, a single charge will last for months rather than hours. Combine the long battery life with excellent customer reviews and some of the best performance around, and it’s easy why the Logitech G602 makes the list for the best wireless option.

CORSAIR M65 Pro RGB – FPS Gaming Mouse – Best Software Integration

A lot of the devices on this list – most notably the models from Logitech and Razer – have some sort of software integration that gives users more control over the specifics of their mouse’s function. While many people are just looking for a plug and play mouse, some people are looking for a mouse where they have complete control over every aspect of their play. The Corsair M65 Pro gives gamers access to CUE 2 – some of the best software we’ve seen in a mouse – making this mouse the king of customizability with an easy-to-use interface with an impressive number of options.

Like many other software options, the CUE 2 gives gamers control over the coloring of their mouse. However, Corsair’s software offers many more options, allowing you to chose static, gradient, ripple, or even wave patterns for your mouse’s coloring. If you’d prefer to stay with a more traditional coloring, you have that option too with access to an “infinite spectrum” of colors with millions of different options you can adjust to suit your needs. While the color of your mouse may not have any direct effect over your gaming in CS:GO, there’s something to be said for looking good while you’re climbing the ranks. CUE 2 also features a revamped user interface that is easy to use and understand, with support for up to a 4K resolution. Customize the software with unique icons and background image to make it your own, just as you would customize your brand new mouse.

The buttons on the M65 Pro are also fully customizable, allowing you to set macros, text strings, and more. While macros are generally frowned upon in competitive play due to the “one button, one action” rule, they’re a valid option for many games and general usage. Being able to rebind the keys to any CSGO action allows you to take quicker action when it counts without having to fumble around your keyboard for a distant keybind.

In addition to all of the software options that the Corsair M65 offers, the Corsair ecosystem offers unity across the board. If you’re happy with your new Corsair CS:GO gaming mouse and want to pick up another Corsair-branded device, such as one of their excellent keyboards, you can control the lighting, effects and keybindings across multiple devices – giving you a clean and unified performance and aesthetic.

While the software for the Corsair M65 is one of the best parts of owning this mouse, the device also manages to nail the basic necessities for high-end CS:GO play. With adjustable ratings up to 12000 DPI and a gaming grade sensor for pixel-precise tracking, you’ll be able to adjust your sensitivity dynamically to suit your in-game task.

The Corsair M65’s Aircraft-grade aluminum structure gives the mouse a lightweight while retaining durability and optimal mass distribution. Additionally, the surface calibration tuning utility allows you to optimize sensor precision and responsiveness for your playing surface, so no matter what kind of desk you play on, you’ll enjoy the same premium performance that this high-end Corsair model has to offer.

Also, The high-capacity Omron switches are rated for 20 million clicks, just like the Logitech model, which ensures your device will hold up spectacularly through even the most demanding play.

Our Top Pick: BenQ ZOWIE EC2-A

There are a wide variety of mice represented on this list. From lightweight mice with a honeycomb design to luxury models with all the bells and whistles, there’s bound to be a mouse on this list that will meet your needs while helping you take your CS:GO game to the next level. With that said, we feel that the ZOWIE EC2-A is the best option out there.

With the majority of mice getting more and more complicated, there are a bunch of features and clutter included that, while useful to many users, ultimately distract from the simple need for a mouse that just plain “works”. With the ZOWIE line, BenQ has brought their line back to basics, perfecting the DPI, sensors, and ergonomics of their mice in a premium package that doesn’t distract from the fact that the mouse is a means to an end: giving you the tools you need to execute your CS:GO plays flawlessly for a reasonable price. Also worth a mention is the FK2, which is a model with near identical specifications and the better option for those with a claw grip.

What Makes A Good Gaming Mouse?

While we’ll give you a good sense as to what the best mice on the market are for climbing ranks in CS:GO, there are some specifications to consider when looking to purchase the gaming mouse that’s right for you. This list gives you the best of the best when it comes to this crucial piece of CS:GO equipment, but it helps to have an understanding of the mechanics behind mice so you can better evaluate a potential purchase moving forward.

DPI

DPI, or “Dots Per Inch”, is often hailed as chief determiner when it comes to deciding between different mice. With many mice advertising huge DPI numbers, it’s easy for gamers to expect that a higher rating means a better quality mouse. However, that idea is a bit of a misnomer.

Additionally, you should be looking for a mouse that allows you to toggle through the DPI settings. As a CS:GO player, you’ll find yourself using different guns across different matches. While a high DPI may be ideal for a quick response while using a close range assault rifle, it’s equally important to be able to dial the DPI down when you’re trying to track a target at range with a sniper rifle. Different situations call for different DPIs, and as a gamer seeking to climb as fast and as far as possible, outfitting yourself with adaptable peripherals is key.

Polling Rate

Another aspect related to mouse performance that is worth mentioning is polling rate. This metric essentially refers to the speed at which a mouse delivers a signal to the computer. The faster the rate, the faster the computer can interpret your inputs and provide a response. In a game like CS:GO where it’s important to be on top of your game and be able to respond in a fraction of a second, having the ability to have your mouse move as fast as your reaction time is essential.

Design

The optimal mouse design for Counter-Strike is about more than simply looking cool. The best wired mouse with optimal DPI and switches won’t make much of a difference if you can’t comfortably use the mouse during the hours of grinding it will take to make it to Global Elite. It’s important to consider handedness as well as grip type when evaluating a mouse in order to make a purchase that will nest perfectly into the palm of your hand. Finding a mouse that works perfectly for your grip might be a bit of a challenge, so if you’re not sure of what you’re looking for, consider giving one of the ambidextrous models on our list a try while taking a look at user reviews regarding handedness. The majority of mice are optimized for a palm grip, although we do mention a great model for claw grippers below.

Switches

While the majority of technology in mice has advanced quite a long ways from the days of the rubber trackball, there’s one key aspect that remains mechanical: the switches. The sensors in mice have largely gone laser or optical, but every mouse still relies on a mechanical “switch” to facilitate button presses and send the correct commands to your computer.

Wired vs Wireless

The debate in the gaming community regarding wired vs wireless mice has been going on since wireless mice came onto the market, and it’s still a point of contention for many passionate gamers. While wired mice have a reputation for being more accurate and reliable, there have been major advancements in wireless technology that put some high-end models on par with their wired equivalents. Still, the fact remains that a wired mouse is generally going to be more reliable due to the ease of data transmission through a direct USB connection rather than over-the-air between the mouse and a dongle. With that said, it’s certainly possible to climb the ranks with a wireless mouse – just make sure you choose a model with superior specifications, such as one of the ones included on this list.

Sensor

Similar to the debate between Wired and Wireless mice, there has also been a good amount of discussion about whether laser or optical sensors are better. Despite what people might say one way or the other, the two technologies are pretty much equal. With that said, there are differences in quality within the group of laser and of optical sensors. A higher-end mouse will have better responsiveness and tracking, which can make all the difference when you’re trying to climb the ladder.

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