Reduce Input Lag in CS2 & CS:GO - Pro Hardware for Counter-Strike
Gaming on a TV has never been better. With the latest advancements in high refresh rates, low input lag, and fast response times, budget-friendly gaming TVs now offer smooth, immersive gameplay without the premium price tag. But not every TV is built for gaming—some models suffer from noticeable lag, motion blur, or slow response times that can make fast-paced games feel sluggish.
If you’re a competitive gamer or just want the most responsive experience possible, choosing a gaming-optimized TV is essential. A great gaming TV should feature low latency, HDMI 2.1 support, high refresh rates, and game mode optimizations to ensure instant reaction times and smooth visuals.
At inputdelay.com, we’ve tested and researched the best budget gaming TVs under $1000 for 2025, focusing on input lag performance, refresh rates, HDR quality, and real-world gaming experience. Whether you’re playing on PC, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X, these TVs deliver incredible performance without breaking the bank.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top gaming TVs under $1000, covering 4K options, OLED vs. LED choices, and the best models for ultra-low input lag—so you can enjoy buttery-smooth gameplay on the big screen.
Let’s find the perfect gaming TV for your setup! 📺🎮
Updated: March 12, 2025
Best CS2 (Counter-Strike 2) Gaming Setup 2025 – The Ultimate
1. 🖥️ Gaming Monitor – The Most Important
A fast monitor with a high refresh rate and low response time is essential for CS2. If your monitor cannot keep up, no other hardware upgrades will make up for the delay.
What to Look for in a Gaming Monitor for CS2?
- Refresh Rate: The higher, the better (360Hz+ is ideal for CS2)
- Response Time: Look for 1ms or lower (preferably with fast IPS or TN panels)
- Adaptive Sync: G-SYNC or FreeSync for smooth performance
Recommended Monitors 2025:
- ✅ BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K on Amazon* (Affiliate Link) – 360Hz, 1ms, DyAc+ for reduced motion blur
- ✅ ASUS ROG Swift Pro PG248QP on Amazon* (Affiliate Link) – 540Hz, NVIDIA Reflex for the lowest input lag
- ✅ Alienware AW2524H on Amazon* (Affiliate Link) – 500Hz, Fast IPS for sharp images without ghosting
Pro Tip: Set your monitor to its maximum refresh rate and enable NVIDIA Reflex to reduce latency further!
2. 🖱️ Gaming Mouse – Precision & Responsiveness
Your aim is only as good as your mouse. A top-tier gaming mouse will allow for quick reactions and precise control in every clutch moment.
What to Consider in a CS2 Mouse?
- Lightweight: Under 70g for fast movements
- Sensor: High-end optical sensor with flawless tracking
- Wireless vs. Wired: Wireless with low latency is preferred
Best Mice for CS2 2025:
- ✅ Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 on Amazon* (Affiliate Link) – Ultralight (60g), HERO 2 sensor, wireless
- ✅ Razer Viper V3 Pro on Amazon* (Affiliate Link) – Optical sensor, low latency, ergonomic design
- ✅ SteelSeries Aerox 5 on Amazon* (Affiliate Link) – Extremely light, premium sensor, top performance
Pro Tip: Use a low DPI setting (400-1600) and set your polling rate to 1000Hz or 8000Hz for better responsiveness.
3. ⌨️ Gaming Keyboard – Speed Matters
Mechanical keyboards with fast switches reduce input lag in CS2 & CS:GO, allowing you to react instantly.
What to Look for in a CS2 Keyboard?
Switch Type: Optical or Hall-effect for the fastest response
Tenkeyless (TKL): More space for mouse movement
Wired vs. Wireless: Wired ensures zero latency
Top Keyboards for CS2:
✅ SteelSeries Apex Pro on Amazon* (Affiliate Link) – Analog switches, rapid response
✅ Logitech G PRO X on Amazon* (Affiliate Link) – Adjustable actuation to reduce input lag in CS2 & CS:GO
✅ Razer Huntsman V3 TKL on Amazon* (Affiliate Link) – Optical switches for near-instant keypresses
4. 🖲️ Mousepad – Stability & Control
A large, smooth mousepad provides consistency and accuracy.
Best Mousepads to Reduce Inputlag in CS2 &CS:GO
✅ Artisan Ninja FX Zero Soft on Amazon* (Affiliate Link) – Balanced speed & control
✅ Zowie G-SR II on Amazon* (Affiliate Link) – Excellent grip, great for FPS games
✅ BenQ ZOWIE G-SR-SE on Amazon* (Affiliate Link) – Low resistance for precise aiming
5. 🎧 Gaming Headset – Hear Every Footstep
A high-quality headset is crucial for detecting enemy movements.
Best Headsets for CS2:
✅ SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless on Amazon* (Affiliate Link) – Premium sound, zero delay
✅ HyperX Cloud II Wireless on Amazon* (Affiliate Link) – Comfort & clear audio
✅ Sennheiser HD 560S on Amazon* (Affiliate Link) – Best-in-class sound for pinpoint accuracy
Conclusion: Best Hardware to Reduce Input Lag in CS2 & CS:GO
By optimizing your setup, you can gain the competitive edge in Counter-Strike. Invest in high-end hardware to reduce input lag in CS2 & CS:GO and ensure the best gaming experience. Happy fragging! 🎮🚀
You want pro tips on CS2 settings, console commands and more: Find out here.
Find out how you can improve your input lag in general: Learn more.