The Counter-Strike series has a loyal fan base, and Global Offensive is still on a roll in popularity as it offers a competitive game mode where the game puts players' skills to the test in many ways. The game's design is the best in play ability within the Counter-Strike series. However, a high skill set is one of many requirements in competitive conditions. Professional gamers need the right equipment to pull off slick moves that secure a win, whether the changing sensitivity with a choice of weapons or bunny hopping with an accurate keypress.
What gaming mouse and keyboard do CS: GO Pro use? In this article, we will observe what aspects of the keyboards and mouse are vital for professional gaming. Later, we will mention the products that CS: GO Pros use to stay on top of their game. Let's start with what features Pros need in their gear.
Professional gamers need gear that helps them secure wins and doesn't fail them while traveling, which make specific requirements on keyboards and mouse. For example, a keyboard needs to be durable, robust, repairable, and has enough keys to promote ease in gaming.
Professional CS: GO gamers need specific features that enhance performance and ensure durability. Here are some vital features:
There are generally two types of keyboards: mechanical and membrane. Mechanical types are the best for professional gaming, offering better performance and durability. The most popular layout for gamers is the 60% keyboard, as it leaves more space for mouse movement.
Linear is the best for response time among the three types of switches. It has no tactile bump or click noise. It actuates with a smooth movement and requires low force for actuation. A typical Cherry MX Red Mechanical switch has the following features:
○ Linear Movement
○ 45 cN operating force
○ 2.0 mm pre-travel
○ 4.0 mm total travel
○ No click
Long-lasting equipment is vital for professionals as they practice on their equipment and build muscle memory. Mechanical keyboards are robust, with a heavy base and high-end double-shot PBT keycaps. The PCB is generally solid and can withstand wear and tear, making it ideal for pro gamers.
Another vital aspect is the ability to maintain your gear. Mechanical keyboards come with switches underneath each keycap. Hot-swappable mechanical switches are the best for repairability, as gamers can easily select the defective or under-performing key with a new one.
If you want specific keys to behave differently, mechanical keyboards can offer that. Gamers can place different key switches with varying specifications under individual keycaps for maximum customization. The keycaps are also easily replaceable for a custom look.
Aiming is a vital part of CS: GO. A person with a lousy aim cannot survive in the competitive conditions of a counter-strike match. Therefore the mouse needs to meet the standard to overcome other players.
Micro-switches are the most vital part of a mouse. There are two main types: optical and mechanical micro-switches. Optical switches are the fastest as they do not have debounce delay, an inherent part of mechanical switches due to leaf spring vibration. Pros need a high-end optical micro-switch for the best performance.
There are two technologies: optical and laser. Professionals use both technologies. Most of them prefer optical as they can work on diverse surfaces. Laser are highly accurate but require specific conditions to operate at their best. DPI, acceleration, IPS, polling rate, and lift of distance all depend on the choice of sensor. We will mention the minimum specs for pro gaming in the later section.
Everything from lightweight design to high-end cable, programmable buttons, and vertical/horizontal adjustable scrolling is vital to ensure high speed and responsiveness. Pros need all of these functions to ensure speed.
The most important part of CS: GO is getting those clean headshots and controlling the recoil. Ensuring the crosshair moves smoothly with precision and accuracy requires high-end specs. DPI, polling rate, lift of distance, and tracking speed all play a crucial role.
When finding the best gear for CS: GO, here are the summarized tips with easy-to-follow steps:
1. Decide a budget and search for required specs within the category.
2. Go for a wired gaming mechanical keyboard.
3. Ensure that the polling rate is 1000Hz.
4. Look for a keyboard that features Cherry MX or Outemu mechanical switches.
5. Optical switches are the best category if there is no budget constraint.
6. Ensure that the layout suits your style. We recommend a 60% keyboard layout.
7. A detachable cable keyboard is best for traveling and a replacement.
8. Hot-swappable PCB keyboards are best for customization and repairability.
9. Doubleshot PBT has superior durability to ABS-type keycaps.
1. Pick a budget category and start exploring.
2. Find an optical mouse with a high-end sensor.
3. Optical microswitches are best for the least response time.
4. PWM, Razer, and Logitech produce the best sensors.
5. Ensure that the sensor has 1600 or higher DPI.
6. 1000Hz polling rate is best for responsiveness.
7. The mouse should have a lift-off distance of less than 2mm.
8. Tracking speed should be max 400 IPS.
There are a lot of CS: GO professional gamers. We have selected products that most gamers already use. In addition, we will list products that have competitive performance with a budget-friendly price tag.
Key Features:
● 63g Superlight Mouse Weight
● HERO 25K mouse sensor with 25600 dpi
● Hot-Swappable Pro-Grade GX Blue Clicky Mechanical Switch Keyboard
● 1ms response rate 75% layout mechanical keyboard
Key Features:
● Headphone+Mouse+Mousepad+Keyboard Combo
● 20M Clicks Rated Mouse Microswitch
● 40mm headset driver with 6mm noise canceling microphone
● Patternless mousepad for minimum distortion
Key Features:
● Ambidextrous Mouse with 20,000 dpi
● 0.2ms response time with Razer™ Optical Mouse Switch
● Full-scale layout with NKRO
● Wired, 2.4 Ghz Wireless, and BT connectivity
● Tactile and Clicky Razer™ Green Mechanical Switch
Key Features:
● Mini-Keyboard for extreme space-saving
● Keyboard Mouse Adapter for Console Connection
● 6400 dpi Laser Mouse Sensor
● 3mm Thick Rubber Base Mouse Pad
● 5-Multimedia Shortcut Keys
Finding the right equipment can be difficult. If you are someone at the start of your professional career journey, we recommend you follow the following guidelines:
● Ensure that the product you buy is available for a long time.
● Build muscle memory on a single product. Do not change products often.
● Practice on AimLabs to enhance your aim and get used to the equipment.
● Always stay within your budget. You won't see the difference in performance between products in the beginning.
We hope our article was helpful and you found the right path to selecting the best product to start your gaming career. If needed, don't hesitate to visit the official MEETION website for high-end and performance-oriented gaming products.