CS2 Mouse Sensitivity Guide

Throughout the history of shooters, what is still relevant today is the selection of mouse sensitivity. All players want to shoot accurately, but sometimes the results of aiming come down to just the same settings. In this article, we will talk about the aspects that affect the accuracy of your mouse movements and help you choose the appropriate sensitivity value.

What is Mouse Sensitivity in CS2

First, let’s understand such concepts as mouse sensitivity in CS2 (CS:GO). That is a configurable value from 0.05 to 8.00, which in combination with the DPI (dots per inch) value, calculates the number of pixels that the cursor passes when moving the mouse one inch.

It may sound a little complicated, so let’s break it down in more detail.

Sensitivity Settings in CS2

The first thing everyone needs to do for a good sensitivity setting in CS2 (CS:GO) is to disable full screen optimization. To do this, go to the folder with the game. You can do this in Steam by right-clicking on the CS2 (CS:GO) icon and selecting “Properties”. In the window that appears, select Local File and click Browse.

In the game files we find “csgo.exe” click on it with the right mouse button and select Properties. Then, in the Compatibility tab, check the box next to the Disable full screen optimization parameter.

Perhaps you have encountered such a problem that the crosshair is not moving to the place you need, just this setting will help you fix this.

In addition to the parameter in which you can set the sensitivity, the game also has other, sometimes frankly unnecessary and interfering, mouse settings in CS2 (CS:GO), such as “Mouse Acceleration” and “Reverse Mouse”.

The first parameter is supposed to increase pixel permeability when moving the mouse, but in reality, you just run the risk of missing the target, especially with fast mouse movements. Each CS2 (CS:GO) pro player advises to turn off mouse acceleration. The same thing with the mouse reverse.

But there is also a useful setting, namely “Raw Input”. We highly recommend enabling it. This is necessary so that the mouse sensitivity is not affected by Windows settings.

Thus, the game will take into account the sensitivity set in the game settings multiplied by the DPI value of your mouse.

DPI

We have already touched on this concept before, so let’s decide what DPI value you should set in the settings for comfortable gameplay in CS2 (CS:GO). On average, this value should vary in the region of 400 – 800.

If we take into account the players, then the majority have exactly these values. For those players who play with 400 DPI, the sensitivity setting in the game is in the range of 1.60 – 2.20. For those who play with 800 DPI, the mouse sens ranges from 1.00 to 1.60.

source: https://prosettings.net/lists/cs-go/

All mentioned above  is purely individual and also rests on the capabilities of your device, especially the next item.

Mouse Polling Rate

The polling rate is a value that indicates how often the mouse reports to the computer about the distance traveled in one millisecond. In this parameter, unequivocally set the maximum possible value for your mouse, basically, it is 1000Hz. The higher the hertz value, the smoother the mouse behaves, and the easier it will be for you to find a comfortable sens.

This is with regards to technical characteristics, but there are other features that affect the selection of sens for playing CS2 (CS:GO).

Factors Influencing Mouse Sensitivity

All players are different, and things like a personality you cannot set in the settings. For example, some people hold the mouse with their left hand, so they need the right device form for comfortable playing or depending on the role they prefer to play. For example, snipers often play with higher sensitivity than riflers.

In this section, we will talk about the individual characteristics that can be taken into account when choosing a sense in CS2 (CS:GO).

Personal preference and playstyle

Previously, we gave examples about players and their sensitivity settings, but since this is an individual thing, you can customize it for yourself. If you feel that your current sensitivity suits you and it is higher or lower than other players, this is normal. But still, trying to change something will not be a mistake.

Also, the sensitivity will depend on what style of play you prefer. If you have a lightning-fast reaction time and like an aggressive play style, you can try increasing your sensitivity a little, which will help you aim faster. This is especially true for snipers who prefer an aggressive playstyle and entry fraggers.

source: https://tenor.com/ru/search/csgo-awp-gifs

If you are playing as a patient defender or support, then a low sensitivity will perfectly suit you, so you will be able to aim more accurately to throw off smoke or flash. You can read more about playstyle in the article on our blog.

Another parameter also affects the choice of sensitivity, your mouse, and the way you hold it.

Mouse grip style and ergonomics

To pick up the sense more accurately, you must decide on the choice of a gaming mouse. It should fit you in size, weight, and body shape. Our blog already has an article on this topic that will help you decide on the choice of this device.

Also, when choosing a mouse and sensitivity in CS2 (CS:GO), you should also consider how you hold the mouse. There are several types of mouse grip, all of which depend on your preferences and the shape and size of the mouse. 

The most common “Palm Grip”. A way to hold a mouse when your palm wraps around the mouse completely. Thus, the player has better control over the mouse and, accordingly, the positioning of the crosshair in the game. Low mouse sensitivity is suitable for this grip type.

source: http://netobzor.org/forum/index.php?topic=15204.0

“Claw Grip” – differs from the previous method in that the area of contact between the palm and the mouse is almost minimal. The mouse sensitivity of players who use this type of grip is high.

“Fingertip Grip” is the most extreme option because the contact area is minimal. In most cases, players using this type of grip have lightning-fast reactions. This type of grip is quite rare, but its users play with very high sensitivity. 

Now let’s move on to the last point you should pay attention to when choosing sensitivity.

Mousepad surface and its effect on tracking

The choice of a gaming mat is a purely individual thing, but we can still give you some tips. First, it is worth explaining the situation with the speed of sliding. Manufacturers divide their mousepads into speed and control classifications. But in fact, the sliding speed on them is the opposite.

Contrary to the name, version control has faster properties, and speed versions have slower coverage. This is very confusing for many novice gamers, which is why it is easy to make a mistake with the choice.

source: https://ru.pinterest.com/pin/155303887753552637/

The mousepad should have good stop power for shooters like CS2 (CS:GO). That is a parameter of how quickly you can stop the mouse while moving with minimal effort. That is especially important in situations when you need to flick or quickly aim at a few targets.

Another key parameter is static friction. It helps to control and correct mouse movement in terms of micro control much easier. It is from the balance of these two parameters that you should start when choosing a mousepad.

Conclusion

Choosing the appropriate sensitivity is a vital task for CS2 (CS:GO). Since the choice of this parameter is an individual thing for each player, there is no certain variant. You just need to do it through trial and error.

So do not be too lazy to spend a few hours of your time, because, in the end, you will surely get comfort and also show much greater performance in the game. If you find this information useful, we advise you to read other articles in our blog. Good luck!