Best mouse for CS:GO and CS2: Quick Menu
If you’re serious about competitive Counter-Strike and are currently getting to grips with the latest entry, picking up the best mouse for CS:GO and CS2 could be your ticket to better performance in online matches. When you’re playing a first-person shooter (FPS) that relies so heavily on pin-point accuracy, being able to properly aim and control your shots with a specialized gaming mouse could mean the difference between a last-minute clutch win and a heartbreaking narrow defeat.
If you’re looking for a new gaming mouse, there are loads of options to choose from, each boasting their own distinct features and unique selling points. As someone who is currently obsessed with all things Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), not to mention a long-time player of its previous incarnation Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), I’ve put together this list of top recommendations for gaming mice based on the features that are most likely to put you at an advantage in your average match.
With a wide range of options from the unbeatable value of the Logitech G203 Lightsync, which is often found well below $20 / £20 on sale, to more expensive alternatives like the super lightweight Asus TUF M4 Air ($49 / £39.99) and the ridiculously high DPI Razer DeathAdder V3 ($69.99 / £69.99), we have loads of tailored recommendations to suit different preferences and budgets.
In addition to breaking down the pros and cons of each model, we’ve included tons of expert buying advice from either myself or the rest of the TechRadar Gaming team to help you make the most informed purchase possible. For more general recommendations, be sure to also visit our comprehensive breakdown of the best gaming mouse this year.
The Quick List
The best overall mouse for CS:GO and CS2
The Zowie EC2-C esports gaming mouse is a favorite in the competitive scene for good reason. With a simple wired design and no superfluous cosmetic features, you’re paying a very fair price for pure gaming performance.
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2. Logitech G203 Lightsync
The best budget mouse for CS:GO and CS2
The Logitech G203 Lightsync is a very attractive looking mouse that frequently dips below the $20 / £20 mark at major sale periods like Black Friday. At these low prices, it presents almost unparalleled value with up to 8,000 DPI, a dedicated DPI switch, and two additional buttons.
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3. Logitech Pro X Superlight 2
The best premium CS:GO and CS2
If you’re willing to part with quite a lot of cash, the Logitech Pro X Superlight 2 is an excellent option. Its lightweight design uses a comfortable form factor while its wireless capabilities allow you to cut down on desk clutter
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The best high DPI mouse for CS:GO and CS2
Although other mice can achieve a higher DPI with software support, the Razer DeathAdder V3 can go up to 30,000 DPI out of the box with no additional programs installed. This makes it our top pick if you’re just after a high refresh rate.
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The best lightweight mouse for CS:GO and CS2
Weighing just 47g, the Asus TUF M4 Air gaming mouse is by far the lightest option on this list and our top choice if you just want to keep the weight of your mouse to a minimum.
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The best wireless mouse for CS:GO and CS2
The SteelSeries Aerox 3 wireless gaming mouse is a great choice if you want to cut the cord. It is very lightweight and boasts an absolutely incredible battery that can last up to 200 hours on a single charge.
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The best mouse for CS:GO and CS2 in 2023
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The best overall mouse for CS:GO and CS2
Buy it if
✅ You value simplicity and performance: The Zowie EC2-C lacks superfluous features like RGB lighting and instead focuses solely on function in competitive titles like Counter-Strike 2. With plug and play connectivity, this is a simple to use mouse that will deliver top performance out of the box.
✅ You want to use the same gear as the pros: According to BenQ, the Zowie has the highest market share of any mouse brand when it comes to competitive FPS gaming. Pick one up if you want a taste of some of the equipment used in professional tournaments all over the world.
Don’t buy it if
❌ You want a wireless connection or higher DPI: Other mice on this list offer wireless connectivity, which may be preferred depending on your setup. You can also find options well above the 3200 DPI found here, if you need increased sensitivity.
You might not have heard of the BenQ Zowie EC2-C, but this esports oriented mouse is our current top pick when it comes to the best overall mouse for CS:GO and CS2. Designed for competitive play and used in tournaments all over the world, this unassuming design has everything that you need to perform your best in a Counter-Strike match. Simplicity is key and, without any flashy RGB lighting to speak of and an understated black aesthetic, there’s very little to distract you from your game. Underneath the hood, you can find formidable specs with support for up to 3,200 DPI, a variable USB report rate, and two additional side buttons for those vital extra inputs.
We particularly appreciate the plug-and-play capabilities of this model, which completely remove the need for any intrusive software that could potentially cost you vital frames in matches. The lack of many superfluous visual features also makes it a surprisingly affordable product with an RRP of $69.99 / £79.99 which is the perfect middle ground between cheaper and more premium options here. There are three sizes of EC2 to choose from, each offering its own unique ergonomic profile. We think that the medium-sized EC2-C is likely to be the option for most people, but those with larger hands should consider trying the bigger EC1-C instead. If you prefer a smaller mouse, you would most likely be best served by the more compact EC3-C.
It’s worth bearing in mind that this mouse is a wired-only design. While this removes any potential risk of input latency and the small possibility of electronic signal interference as you play, those who want to cast off the cable should consider some of the wireless options on this list instead.
The best budget mouse for CS:GO and CS2
Buy it if
✅ You’re shopping on a budget: Frequently dipping below the $20 / £20 mark at major sale periods like Black Friday, the Logitech G203 Lightsync offers almost unparalleled value for money. This is one the best options around if you’re shopping on a tight budget.
✅ You enjoy the design: You rarely see attractive color options like lilac or bright blue on the cheaper offerings by major manufacturers. Pick up a Logitech G203 Lightsync if you enjoy the range of color options available.
Don’t buy it if
❌ You want a wireless connection or higher DPI: This is another wired mouse that won’t be suitable if you prefer a wireless design. The 8,000 DPI is also very respectable and enough for most users, but not near the highest on the market right now.
The Logitech G203 Lightsync is the mouse that I use with my PC and comfortably our pick for the best budget mouse for CS:GO and CS2. In addition to sporting two useful side buttons, it features a handy DPI switch that allows you to quickly toggle between several highly customisable sensitivity settings. These go all the way up to 8,000 DPI, which should be more than enough for most players. The switches used on the Logitech G203 Lightsync are pleasantly clicky too, reducing the likelihood of missed inputs and avoiding the gross mushy feel found in other budget mice.
The aesthetic of the Logitech G203 Lightsync is itself rather compact and attractive, with four eye-catching color options to choose from including a cute lilac and bright blue; a level of choice that’s very rare to see at such an affordable price. There’s also a tactful RGB lighting strip and illuminated logo on the rear of the mouse, adding some additional visual customisation should you desire it. Although the mouse is fully compatible with the Logitech G Hub software, it also works very well without it, saving you the need to clog up your PC with additional programs.
The RRP of $39.99 / £39.99 is frankly a steal given the quality and feature set on offer here, but this particular model frequently sees its price slashed to well below the $20 / £20 mark around major sales periods. This makes for a value proposition that is near impossible to beat. Although a strictly wired model, I think that the relatively simple design helps contribute to its superb reliability. I have been using this model on a daily basis for a couple of years now and it remains just as accurate and responsive as the day I bought it – despite a few added layers of gamer grime.
The best premium mouse for CS:GO and CS2
✅ You want a wireless connection: Logitech’s LIGHTSPEED wireless technology is reliable and performs well. We recommend the Logitech Pro X Superlight 2 if you’re searching for a wireless option to play Counter-Strike 2.
✅ You like a lighter mouse: Coming in at just 60g the Logitech Pro X Superlight 2 isn’t the lightest mouse on this list but it comes pretty close. You’re getting an incredibly light mouse that should glide across your gaming surface with ease.
Don’t buy it if
❌ You need a dedicated DPI switch: One of the most noticeable omissions on the Logitech Pro X Superlight 2 is the lack of a dedicated DPI switch. If you like to frequently change the DPI on your mouse during a match you would be better off buying any of the cheaper models with dedicated DPI buttons.
If you have more cash to spend, then consider the Logitech Pro X Superlight 2 as our top pick for the best premium mouse for CS:GO and CS2. With a similar form factor to the Logitech G203, you’re getting a compact and comfortable design that’s ideal for stopping your hands getting cramped when you end up in one of those seemingly endless competitive matches that just seem to drag on and on. Unlike the Logitech G203, however, this is a wireless design that should go a lot further in helping to reduce the clutter on your desk.
Although it’s not the lightest mouse we’ve ever used, it still very much lives up to the Superlight moniker with a total weight of just 60g which should help reduce friction and fatigue while you’re trying to aim. You’re also getting easy access to two additional mouse buttons on the side of the Logitech Pro X Superlight 2, but it does lack a dedicated DPI switch which is somewhat disappointing given the high price tag of $159 / £149.
Logitech boasts that this mouse can achieve a tracking resolution of up to 32,000 DPI when used in conjunction with their Logitech G Hub software, which is incredibly high and should provide more than enough sensitivity no matter your personal preference. This is only achievable with the support of their software, however, meaning that you will need those additional programs installed in order to make the most of the features on offer here. There is no major RGB lighting to speak of but, in addition to the basic black and white colors, there’s a neon pink version of this mouse which I very much appreciate.
The best high DPI mouse for CS:GO and CS2
Buy it if
✅ You want a high DPI for a good price: With an adjustable DPI up to 30,000, you’re not going to struggle to find your ideal sensitivity level here. Although it’s not quite the highest on the market any more, you’re not paying over the odds for that feature.
✅ You don’t want any extras: Part of that low price tag is almost certainly the result of the lack of cosmetic features like RGB lighting. This is a great choice if you don’t want to spend extra money paying for looks.
Don’t buy it if
❌ You want a wireless connection: As you should probably expect given the $69.99 / £69.99 price point, this is a wired mouse. Razer offers wireless options that use the same Focus Pro optical sensor but they are generally much more expensive.
Boasting Razer’s Focus Pro optical sensor, the Razer DeathAdder V3 is able to achieve a max sensitivity of 30,000 DPI out of the box which makes it our top pick if you’re looking for the best high DPI mouse for CS:GO and CS2. Although this number is technically a little lower than the 32,000 DPI possible on the Logitech Pro X Superlight 2, the lack of a need for any additional software with the Razer DeathAdder V3 makes it the better option for those concerned about the possible performance ramifications of having something else running in the background.
This mouse is also much more affordable with a price tag of just $69.99 / £69.99 which makes it one of the cheapest high refresh rate mice from a major brand that’s widely available right now. This lower price is also likely to be partially the result of the wired design, which not only decreases cost but reduces the chance of your connection cutting out or electronic interference affecting your aim.
As this is a model designed for esports, you’re also missing out on any RGB lighting here but I think that this is a cosmetic sacrifice well worth making in order to keep the specs high and the cost down. Another facet of its esports focus is the impressively low 59g weight and the ergonomic shape which, depending on the size of your hands and how you hold your mouse, makes it one of the more comfortable options on this list.
The best lightweight mouse for CS:GO and CS2
Buy it if
✅ You want one of the lightest mice around: Weighing just 47g, this is comfortably one of the lightest mice on the market right now. If your number one priority is to cut down on the weight of your peripheral, this is one of your best choices.
✅ You don’t want to break the bank: Retailing at a surprisingly low price of $49 / £39.99, the Asus TUF M4 Air is proof that you don’t need to spend a lot to get a super lightweight mouse.
Don’t buy it if
❌ You’re not sure if it’s right for you: Only some players enjoy using a super lightweight mouse in games like Counter-Strike 2. If you’re not 100% committed to the idea, it’s probably better that you stay within your comfort zone and pick up a mouse with a more familiar weight.
One of the lightest mice available from a major manufacturer, the Asus TUF M4 Air gaming mouse should be your number one choice if you’re looking for the best lightweight mouse for CS:GO and CS2. Weighing just 47g, this is an unbelievably light mouse that will do the absolute most to help reduce the friction and fatigue caused by heavy hardware while you play. It features a formidable 16,000 DPI resolution and uses a wired connection meaning that you won’t have to worry about your connection dropping in the middle of a firefight. Despite the super low weight, there are still plenty of desirable features like a DPI switch and additional mouse buttons.
With a honeycomb design that actually allows you to see right through the mouse, it also looks as light as it feels. If you’re concerned about the possibility of moisture entering the mouse through those added holes, either as the result of a spilled gaming beverage or the sweat from your greasy little palms, you shouldn’t worry too much as this mouse is rated with IPX6 water resistance that should be enough to keep it protected from anything short of being dropped in the bath.
With an RRP of $49 / £39.99 it is also a very affordable option. If you’re looking for a lightweight wireless gaming mouse and have a little more to spend, however, consider the slightly heavier (but still very light) Logitech Pro X Superlight 2 from elsewhere on this list instead.
The best wireless mouse for CS:GO and CS2
Buy it if
✅ You want incredible battery life: Lasting up to 200 hours on a single charge, you’re very unlikely to find yourself out of juice at key moments. Even if you do, the SteelSeries Aerox 3 charges back up to full power in a matter of minutes.
✅ You want the option to go wired: The ability to plug in a cable and use the mouse in a wired capacity is fantastic for your peace of mind. If you’re worried about losing connection in a key moment, you can simply plug the mouse in and carry on.
Don’t buy it if
❌ You don’t want to wait until a sale: This is quite an expensive mouse, but it frequently receives discounts of around $40 / £40 in major sale periods like Black Friday or Amazon Prime Day. If there isn’t an offer available when you’re shopping, consider waiting or picking up another model instead.
Although there are other wireless options on this list, I think the SteelSeries Aerox 3 wireless gaming mouse is a serious contender for the best wireless mouse for CS:GO and CS2. Much of this comes down to the incredible battery life, which can see this mouse lasting up to 200 hours per charge. It charges back up to full juice in minutes too, which should almost entirely eliminate those annoying occasions when you sit down to game only to find your wireless hardware running low on battery.
Better still, the SteelSeries Aerox 3 can even work over a wired connection, which gives you a handy backup option to dispel any fears that your game is being affected by wireless latency. The mouse uses a super lightweight design coming in at just 68g but still packs plenty of features like a DPI switch and two additional mouse buttons. In terms of sensitivity, you’re getting up to 18,000 DPI here which should be more than sufficient for most preferences. The bright RGB lighting is also a neat bonus, giving you some additional control over how your setup looks. SteelSeries is by no means a budget brand and all of this doesn’t exactly come cheap. You can expect to pay the RRP of $99.99 / £99.99 outside of the steep discounts of around $40 / £40 found in major sale periods.
The best mouse for CS:GO and CS2 – FAQS
What is the best mouse for CS:GO and CS2?
The best mouse for CS:GO and CS2 is largely going to come down to personal preference and budget. Some players appreciate a mouse with a super high DPI for extreme sensitivity, while others want something more lightweight to help reduce the mouse’s friction with the surface while they play. That said, we think that the BenQ Zowie EC2-C strikes a good balance between value, features, and usability across the board. Also be sure to consider some of the other options on this list to make sure you’re getting the best choice for you.
What mouse do Counter-Strike pros use?
Although professional players generally use a wide range of equipment depending on their personal preferences, the Zowie line of gaming mice by BenQ currently has the highest market share of any gaming mouse brand in competitive FPS esports. In addition to the Zowie EC2-C, this list explores some compelling gaming mouse options that will have you playing Counter-Strike like the pros.
What is DPI on a gaming mouse?
When you’re buying a new gaming mouse, there’s a strong chance that you’re going to hear specialist terms like DPI a lot. DPI stands for “dots per inch” and is effectively a measure of how sensitive a mouse is. A mouse with a higher DPI will see the cursor move further on your screen for each mouse movement. Most gaming mice will give you some form of control over their DPI level, so double check the maximum limit before buying to make sure that it will be able to reach your desired sensitivity setting.
What is CPI on a gaming mouse?
In the context of gaming mice, CPI generally stands for “counts per inch” and is a term used by some gaming mouse manufacturers in place of the more conventional “dots per inch” or DPI measurement. The two units are effectively interchangeable and can often be compared directly between models. When you’re considering which mouse to buy, be sure to check that it is able to reach your desired DPI or CPI setting before making your purchase.
Why not also upgrade the rest of your setup? See our guides to the best gaming chairs and the best gaming monitor for more expert recommendations.