Introduction
Input lag and slow mouse response can be frustrating, especially in fast-paced games like CS:GO, Valorant, and Call of Duty. A slight delay between your mouse movement and on-screen reaction can mean the difference between winning and losing.
In this guide, we’ll cover what causes input lag, how to fix it, and the best settings to improve mouse response time for a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.
1. What is Input Lag and Why Does It Matter?
Input lag is the delay between when you move your mouse or press a key and when the action appears on the screen.
Mouse response time refers to how quickly your mouse registers movements and sends the signal to your PC.
High input lag = Slow reaction times & worse accuracy. Low input lag = Faster response & improved precision.
Competitive gamers need the lowest possible input lag to perform at their best!
2. Common Causes of Input Lag
High refresh rate but low FPS – A 240Hz monitor won’t help if your PC only runs at 60 FPS.
Wireless interference – Cheap wireless mice can have slight delays.
Bad monitor settings – High response time and low refresh rates increase lag.
V-Sync enabled – Adds input lag by limiting FPS.
Bad USB polling rate – Low polling rate causes slower tracking.
3. How to Reduce Input Lag in Gaming
1. Use a High-Refresh-Rate Monitor
A 144Hz or 240Hz monitor reduces motion blur and lag. Make sure your GPU can handle high FPS to match the refresh rate.
2. Disable V-Sync & Enable G-Sync/FreeSync
V-Sync ON = More input lag (limits FPS).
G-Sync (NVIDIA) or FreeSync (AMD) = Smooth gameplay without lag.
3. Lower Your Display Response Time
Choose a monitor with a 1ms or lower response time to reduce ghosting and input delay.
4. Increase Mouse Polling Rate
Polling rate = How often your mouse reports its position to the PC.
- 125Hz (8ms delay) → Too slow
- 500Hz (2ms delay) → Decent
- 1000Hz (1ms delay) → Best for FPS games
Go to your mouse software (Logitech G Hub, Razer Synapse) and set polling rate to 1000Hz.
5. Use a Wired Mouse Instead of Wireless
Wireless mice have slightly higher latency unless they are high-end models like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight or Razer Viper V2 Pro.
6. Optimize Windows & GPU Settings
Turn off mouse acceleration:
- Open Control Panel → Mouse Settings
- Uncheck “Enhance pointer precision”
- Set mouse speed to 6/11 (default)
Disable background applications – Close unnecessary apps that consume CPU.
Update your graphics drivers – Newer updates reduce system latency.
7. Lower In-Game Graphics Settings
Lowering settings like shadows and textures improves FPS and reduces lag.
4. Best Mice for Low Input Lag & Fast Response
| Category | Best Mouse | Polling Rate | Latency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Logitech G Pro X Superlight | 1000Hz | 1ms |
| Best Wireless | Razer Viper V2 Pro | 1000Hz | 1ms |
| Best Budget | Logitech G203 Lightsync | 1000Hz | 2ms |
| Best for FPS | Finalmouse Starlight-12 | 1000Hz | 1ms |
Conclusion: How to Get the Fastest Mouse Response Time
Use a high-refresh-rate monitor (144Hz+) for smoother gameplay. Turn off V-Sync and enable G-Sync/FreeSync for lower latency. Set your mouse polling rate to 1000Hz for faster response. Choose a wired or low-latency wireless mouse for better accuracy. Optimize Windows & in-game settings to reduce unnecessary lag.
By following these steps, you’ll achieve instant mouse response and faster reaction times, giving you an edge in competitive gaming! 