Computer peripherals such as a mouse, keyboard, and headset are essential tools for achieving success in competitive games that fall under the esports category. Counter-Strike 2, as a first-person shooter, is particularly demanding when it comes to gaming gear, as every action on the "battlefield" directly impacts the outcome.
Who better to know what makes the perfect setup for CS2 than professional esports players themselves? Which devices do top players prefer?
Best mouse for CS2
In Counter-Strike 2, shooting accuracy is the key to victory. A high-quality computer mouse will help ensure perfect crosshair placement on the screen. This is the device you should pay special attention to if you want to achieve even minor competitive success or become a professional player.
1. Logitech G Pro X Superlight – the king of eSports
Around 40% of esports athletes in our sample of 500 people prefer the Logitech G Pro X Superlight. This mouse is the choice of CS2 stars such as s1mple, m0NESY, sh1ro, blameF, and donk.
One of the key advantages of this mouse is its shape. It features the same universal design that gamers loved in the good old G Pro Wireless, which became a truly "popular" device among esports players and set a trend of professional gamers trusting wireless technology.
Other benefits of the GPX include its reduced weight, stable proprietary connection, and excellent battery life. As for drawbacks, the outdated micro USB charging port and the relatively high price for a 2021 mouse can be noted.
● Sensor: HERO (25,600 DPI)
● Max. acceleration: 40 G
● Switches: Omron
● Communication: LIGHTSPEED (wireless)
● Polling rate: 1,000 Hz
● Dimensions: 125x63.5x40 mm
● Weight: 63 g
2. Razer Deathadder V3 Pro – A Technological Breakthrough
Around 13% of esports athletes in our sample prefer the flagship mouse from Razer. This device can be seen in the hands of well-known players such as NiKo, karrigan, electroNic, gla1ve, Jame, and other experienced professionals.
The third-generation Deathadder mouse features a more "humped" shape, which has appealed to many gamers. It has become as comfortable as the popular ZOWIE EC models while surpassing competitors in terms of technology. The V3 Pro is equipped with one of the best sensors on the market, the Focus Pro 30K, proprietary optical switches with impressive precision, and the Razer HyperSpeed wireless polling rate can reach an incredible 4,000 Hz when using a special dongle. All of this is housed in a body weighing just 63 grams!
The main drawback of the Razer Deathadder V3 Pro is its price, but this is a case where you pay for a device with truly cutting-edge technology. It's also worth noting that user experience has revealed a flaw: the side buttons have too much travel, which could be a significant factor if you use them actively in CS2.
● Sensor: Focus Pro (30,000 DPI)
● Max. acceleration: 70 G
● Switches: Razer Optical (Gen-3)
● Communication: Razer HyperSpeed (wireless)
● Polling rate: 1,000 Hz (4,000 Hz with dongle)
● Dimensions: 128 x 68 x 44 mm
● Weight: 63 g
3. ZOWIE EC2-CW – classic
Just over 10% of esports athletes in our sample use the new release from ZOWIE. Among them are such big names as ZywOo, device, stavn, ropz, YEKINDAR, and Perfecto.
Typically, the ZOWIE EC2-CW is chosen by gamers who prefer reliable devices "without frills." It retains the ergonomic design characteristic of the EC series and time-tested components. A notable feature of this new-generation mouse is the improved proprietary receiver, which ensures truly stable wireless connectivity, which is crucial for CS2.
If you're looking for a technological edge over other players, the ZOWIE EC2-CW is clearly not the choice for you, especially considering the company's pricing, which is on par with Logitech and Razer and their breakthrough products. However, if you're a long-time fan of the EC series and want the familiar "classic" but without the cable, this reliable device deserves your attention.
o get the most out of a good mouse, it’s essential to use a high-quality mousepad. Each manufacturer can experiment with materials and designs, but the key characteristic of this accessory is the type of surface, which is generally divided into three categories: speed, control, and balance.
Typically, professional Counter-Strike players do not use mousepads with ultra-smooth surfaces that provide fast gliding. Since the shooter requires extreme precision in mouse movement, the majority of esports athletes choose rough surfaces with more predictable control or balanced options.
1. SteelSeries QcK Heavy – The Standard
The reliable, thick mousepad from SteelSeries has been a basic choice for esports athletes for many years. This surface is preferred by one in five professionals in our sample, including rain, cadiaN, blameF, m0NESY, and headtr1ck.
● Sliding: balance
● Thickness: 6 mm
● Dimensions L: 450x400 mm
● Weight L: 620 g
● Edges: not stitched
● Twisting: allowed
2. Logitech G640 – Perfect for the "King of eSports"
If you have chosen a mouse for Logitech G Pro X Superlight, why not choose a standard mouse pad from the same manufacturer? HooXi, Patsi, Snappi, Aleksib, Xyp9x and others adhere to the same logic.
● Sliding: balance
● Thickness: 3 mm
● Dimensions L: 460x400 mm
● Weight L: 352 g
● Edges: not stitched
● Twisting: allowed
Best Keyboard for CS2
If you’ve ever watched a Counter-Strike esports match, you’ve probably noticed how smoothly and flawlessly the players move. Undoubtedly, this is the result of countless hours of practice, but there’s one secret: all professionals use mechanical keyboards.
A mechanical keyboard is far more responsive and stable than a membrane one, and it’s almost unnecessary to explain the advantages this provides in-game. Of course, simply buying a good device won’t make you a pro, but if you want the best keyboard – it has to be a mechanical one.
1. Logitech G Pro X – Made for Professionals
Logitech is a leader among keyboard manufacturers preferred by players in CS2. Almost a third of our sample consists of models G715, G915, and Logitech G Pro X. The latter is currently the flagship product of the brand and boasts owners like gla1ve, Xyp9x, and Boombl4.
● Form factor: short
● Dimensions: 352x150x34 mm
● Weight: 980 g
● Communication: LIGHTSPEED, Bluetooth or wired
● RGB backlight: present
2. Razer Huntsman V2 – One Step Ahead
Razer continues to impress with its technological innovations, and the second generation of the Huntsman keyboard has delighted gamers. The engineers focused not only on ergonomics, improving the key shapes and wrist rest but also developed new optical switches that, combined with a polling rate of 8000 Hz, make this model one of the most responsive on the market. Interestingly, Razer has already updated the line with the Huntsman V3 Pro, but k0nfig, LNZ, Jerry, and others are in no hurry to switch from the still-relevant Huntsman V2.
● Form factor: full and short
● Dimensions: 448x150x39 mm
● Weight: 920 g
● Communication: wired
● RGB backlight: present
Best headset for cs2
Having good headphones and a microphone is critical in any competitive game. This is especially important in Counter-Strike 2, where the ability to hear opponents and clearly communicate information to teammates is one of the key factors for victory.
Typically, professional players use headsets – headphones with a built-in microphone. This solution is both convenient and effective during gameplay.
1. HyperX Cloud II – Still Good
It seems that when they created the Cloud II in 2015, the engineers at HyperX discovered the recipe for the perfect headphones for Counter-Strike. This headset has been used by pros for many years, and many still consider it the best despite technological advancements from HyperX and other manufacturers. The time-tested Cloud II is favored by players such as stavn, Jame, nafany, Woro2k, HexT, Ax1Le, jkaem, YEKINDAR, cadiaN, electroNic, and dozens of other professionals in CS2.