Finding a DPI that works for you is like finding the right sensitivity. The higher it is, the higher your overall sensitivity, and vice versa. Other factors to consider, however, include raw input, in-game sensitivity, etc. Below is a list of key terms you should know before moving on.
Dots Per Inch/DPI: The standard used to measure a mouse’s sensitivity. The greater the number, the higher your sensitivity. Basically, it increases your mouse's pointer speed.
Sometimes, your mouse will have a DPI button where you can see your settings. If your mouse doesn’t have it, go to mouse settings/advanced settings under Windows and change it from there (e.g. cursor/pointer speed). For Mac users, go under System Preferences and click mouse.
On a side note, most CS:GO pros use a DPI of 400. This is supposedly for greater control and precision.
Sensitivity: Most people refer to this as their in-game sensitivity. Usually, the higher your DPI and/or in-game sensitivity, the higher your overall sensitivity and vice versa. Most players like to mix and match the two, however. So if you see a DPI of 1600, it might be .70 compared to a DPI of 400 with a 1.5 in-game sensitivity, for example. Keep in mind that having a high DPI, but low sensitivity or low DPI, but high sensitivity can produce two very different outcomes. One possible reason is that DPI reflects a mouse's accuracy/speed while the in-game sensitivity acts as an amplifier.
Effect Dots Per Inch/eDPI: Perhaps the true sensitivity of all players, since it combines your in-game sensitivity with your mouse’s. To find your eDPI, simply multiply the two. So if I wanted to find s1mple’s, multiply 400 DPI x 3.09 S to get 1236 eDPI.
Zoom Sensitivity: This affects your sensitivity with scoped weapons, such as the AWP. Most pro players have it at 1 or near 1.
Polling Rate/Hertz/Hz: Refers to how many times per second a mouse’s position is updated and sent to your computer. Usually, in CS:GO it’s either 500 or 1000 Hz, but most pros use the latter (for a faster response time). Plus faster updates generally make it easier to control your aim. Overall, though, it’s a matter of personal preference.
Windows Sensitivity/Raw Input: When you type, “Mouse” in the Windows search bar, you should see the, “Mouse Settings” option. From there, you can go to, “Additional Mouse Options,” on the right-hand side, and then choose the tab that says, “Pointer Options.” You should see something similar to a scale that lets you choose your pointer speed. This is what is referred to as Windows Sensitivity. Your cursor speed is similar, if not identical to your pointer speed.
Most players have their pointer speed at the 6th tick mark, but with Raw Input on (under in-game settings), it ignores Window’s settings and focuses on your DPI/in-game sensitivity instead. Generally speaking, it’s better to have Raw Input on in case Windows randomly makes changes to your sensitivity. So any movements you make, belongs to you, without the help of an outside party, essentially. Thus, it gives you more control over your overall sensitivity.
Below the pointer speed scale, you should also see the option to enhance pointer precision. Generally speaking, it’s better to leave it off so you have more control over your movement/sensitivity as well (regardless if you have Raw Input On).
Mouse Acceleration: Speeds up your mouse essentially. Say, you move it to the left or right; it’ll speed up the motion in that particular direction. Most players don’t use it because it’s harder to control, and moreover, like with raw input, would rather control their own movements as much as possible (for greater consistency).
After choosing a DPI/sensitivity, try to stick to it and focus more on your practice routines, utility usage, aim, and so on. If you’re constantly changing your DPI, it’ll be harder to adjust to in-game.
Lastly, when I mention the term sensitivity, I am referring to the overall sensitivity, or DPI + in-game sensitivity (iGS) combined since those are the most relevant factors. This is also known as eDPI.
Now that you know these terms, let’s get into a few examples.
10. yuurih (400 DPI)
Known as one of brazil’s best riflers, alongside KSCERATO. At only the age of 22, he’s made about $250,000 playing CS:GO thanks to his skills, hard work, and consistency. HLTV also ranked him as the 14th best player in 2020. As for his personality, yuurih seems like a fairly calm and collected player that always seems focused on the task at hand.
Glancing at the numbers last year, we see a solid ADR of 81, DPR of .64, and an above-average IPR at 1.07. While he did get more opening kills than deaths (+100), HLTV gave him an Opening Kill Rating (not ratio) under 1. Some give and take there. His clutch rate is slightly above the 50% mark, but solid nevertheless. What’s left to boost his IPR then is his impact multi-kill rounds. With a decent KAST of ~72% and roughly ~800 Opening Encounters, it seems that yuurih has a fairly conservative playstyle.
Given the fact that he had plenty of kills, a good assist rate (15%; in my book at least), and survived frequently, what’s left is the times he’s been traded. Since his KAST isn’t super high, the T, or amount of times he’s been traded, probably won’t be high as well. And if you’re not getting traded often, that could imply a few things, such as rotating late, holding angles for long periods of time (as your team moved elsewhere), lurking (either t or ct), and moreover, a more conservative playstyle, as in yurrih’s case. It could also imply an aggressive playstyle if you’re lurking too much and dying, but with only ~800 OEs, that’s probably not the case.
Of course, non-trades or conservative playstyles aren't always bad. Sometimes, if you wait long enough, you’ll get a key opening kill from an aggressive AWPer or rifler, despite not getting traded. Or sometimes, you might be able to catch that lurker going to the other site while the teams have moved elsewhere. Moreover, with a conservative playstyle, you tend to live longer and thus gather more information as the round draws to an end. So take both sides with a grain of salt.
Overall, yurrih’s an exceptional rifler that regularly produces impact kills given his conservative playstyle, more or less.
In 2020, Furia defeated 100 Thieves 3:0 in the ESL Pro League S12 NA ($77,500/$225,000).
yuurih’s Setup
- Mouse: Logitech G Pro X Superlight
- DPI: 400
- Sensitivity: 2.50
- eDPI: 1000
- Zoom Sensitivity: 1
- Hz: 1000
- Windows Sensitivity: 6
- Raw Input: 1
- Mouse Acceleration: 0
9. EliGE (1600 DPI)
EliGE is an American CS:GO rifler for Liquid. From 2017-2021, EliGE was ranked as the 4th to 19th best player in the game, according to HLTV. He was also named MVP of the ESL Pro League S9 Finals /S11 NA . Even if he’s not in someone else’s top 10 list, EliGE is certainly one of the best NA riflers to play the game thus far.
Looking at his stats from last year, EliGE had a solid ADR of ~83, KPR of .74, and an IPR (Impact Rating) of 1.21. Basically, he was dealing a lot of damage and subsequently, getting plenty of frags. A lot of those impact frags came from 1v1 clutches and opening kills. Guessing by his DPR and “role” as an entry fragger, I’d assume he didn’t get as many multi-kill impact rounds, but nevertheless averaged a kill per round or so.
In sum, EliGE is still one of the best players in the game thanks to his overall consistency, ability to isolate enemies, and moreover, exceptional game sense.
In 2019, he and Liquid defeated ENCE in the Intel Extreme Masters XIV - Chicago (1st place: $125,000/$250,000).
EliGE’s Setup
- Mouse: Logitech G Pro Wireless SE
- DPI: 1600
- Sensitivity: .74
- eDPI: 1184
- Zoom Sensitivity: .8
- Hz: 1000
- Windows Sensitivity: 6
- Raw Input: 1
- Mouse Acceleration: 0
8. ropz (400 DPI)
Born in 1999 (22 years old), ropz is an Estonian CS:GO rifler for FaZe. He was ranked as the 7th and 18th best player from 2020-2021. He was also the MVP of the ESL Pro League S10.
According to his stats, most of his impact comes from multi-kills thus far. On top of that, he dies less often than his counterparts, with an DPR of ~.58 at the moment. It’s also worth mentioning that in 2021 he had roughly ~900 opening encounters (based on the Opening Kill Ratio) with a ~56% success rate.
Given all this, ropz seems to be a fairly conservative rifler that still manages to put himself in the right spot at the right time.
In 2022, ropz and FaZe defeated G2 in the Intel Extreme Masters XVI - Katowicee 3:0 (1st place: $400,000/$1,000,000).
ropz’s Setup
- Mouse: ZOWIE EC2
- DPI: 400
- Sensitivity: 1.77
- eDPI: 708
- Zoom Sensitivity: 1
- Hz: 1000
- Windows Sensitivity: 6
- Raw Input: 1
- Mouse Acceleration: 0
7. YEKINDAR (800 DPI)
YEKINDAR is a 22-year-old Latvian CS:GO player for Virtus.pro/Outsiders. He’s arguably one of the more impactful players in today’s game, thanks to his unique aggressive playstyle and elite game sense. Last year, he was ranked as the 8th best player in the world, according to HLTV.
In 2021, he compiled one of the highest IPRs at 1.36. That means he was getting plenty of impactful opening kills and clutches throughout the year. We may want to put on emphasis on the former two rather than his multi-kills given the fact that he dies a lot and serves as an entry fragger. Nevertheless, I’m sure YEKINDAR had a solid amount last year and overall given his skill set.
If you take a look at his number of Opening Encounters in 2021, it’s at an astounding ~1,800! That’s more than s1mple and NiKo! There’s nothing wrong with a high number of Opening Encounters, as long as you can make it work. In YEKINDAR’s case, he does. Last year, he had about ~100 more wins than losses, with an OKR of 1.11 alongside a ~53% success rate. Do keep in mind, however, that some Opening Kills may have a greater impact than others (e.g. eco rounds vs full buys) and that some Opening Encounters or kills come to you.
Lastly, his 1v1 clutch rate was ~65%, which implies that he’s adept at tracking enemies one by one given his playstyle and adaptation.
Overall though, it’s safe to say that YEKINDAR prefers a more aggressive approach to overpower and outplay his enemies.
In 2022, VP defeated FURIA 2:0 in the ESL Challenger #48 (1st Place: $50,000/$100,000).
YEKINDAR’s Setup
- Mouse: ZOWIE EC2
- DPI: 800
- Sensitivity: 1.20
- eDPI: 960
- Zoom Sensitivity: 1
- Hz: 1000
- Windows Sensitivity: 6
- Raw Input: 1
- Mouse Acceleration: 0
6. HObbit (800 DPI)
Born in 1994 (27), HObbit is perhaps one of the best upcoming riflers of our time. With multiple MVP awards under his belt and top 10 player rankings (or so), he’s established a solid resume. He currently resides in Kazakhstan.
Looking at his stats from last year, he posted a DPR of .63, IPR of 1.21 (largely from multi-kills) ADR of ~83, a HS rate at 48% and KPR close to .75. His OKR is nothing too special, but he did manage to keep it above 1. His 1v1 clutch rate is at a modest 58%.
Surprisingly, he had close to 1,500 Opening Encounters last year. I say that because watching him play, I never viewed him as an aggressive player, but perhaps that’s because he’s not. Given a solid DPR and decent KAST (all that’s left to bring it down is the T), instead of actively looking for an opening encounter, he might be more likely to anticipate them. That is, not all OEs require you to go out and pick a fight. Sometimes, an opponent will come to you, especially if you guess their location correctly.
Back to HObbit, if he’s surviving often and not getting traded as much, there’s a good chance he favors a more conservative playstyle. So even with a high number of OEs, it could very well be that he prefers to hold angles and wait (or anticipate) for the enemy to come to him (and retreat if they don’t) than vice versa. It could also be that he plays more aggressively on one side compared to the other. I could be wrong, but these are just a few things to keep in mind.
Generally speaking, if you tend to rack up multi-kill rounds or impact kills, there’s a good chance you know where your opponents are or where they’re going on a regular basis. That in turn, is a strong indicator of good game sense.
Perhaps HObbit is better suited for anticipating Opening Encounters than making the first move, given a conservative or aggressive playstyle, but this is just my take.
Overall then, HObbit makes our list because of his exceptional aim, consistent frags, and multi-kills impact, all encompassed by his stellar game sense that gives him these kinds of opportunities in the first place.
In 2022, Gambit defeated Entropiq 2:0 in the Funspark ULTI (A-Tier; $150,000/$250,000).
As of now though, HObbit plays for Cloud9.
5. Jame (1600 DPI)
Jame stands out as one of the most conservative and best AWPers in today’s game. If you’ve heard the term, “Jame time,” you know it's time to save your AWP. All jokes aside, what makes Jame so good is his ability to isolate enemies for the kill and maneuver around danger.
He was also ranked as the 10th best player in 2021 and was the MVP of the 2019 Blast Pro Series in Moscow. He currently resides in Russia.
Last year, he posted a DPR of .53, KDR of 1.33, and a IPR of 1.08. So it seems like he was getting plenty of frags, but on a one-by-one basis (rather than multiple multi-kill impact rounds). Nonetheless, he still made an impact with an incredible 2.29 OKR (or roughly two opening kills per death) and ~ 60% 1v1 clutch rate. The only problem, if any, was the fact that he had a fairly small sample size sitting at ~800 Opening Encounters (especially for an AWPer).
Nevertheless, Jame still stands out as of the best players in the game today not only because of his consistent frags and agility, but superb game sense that allows him to do such things in the first place. That could also explain why, despite his conservative playstyle, he also succeeds in many 1v1 encounters.
In 2022, VP defeated Furia in the ESL Challenger #48 ($50,000/$100,000).
Jame’s Setup
- Mouse: Logitech G Pro X Superlight
- DPI: 1600
- Sensitivity: .63
- eDPI: 1008
- Zoom Sensitivity: 1
- Hz: 1000
- Windows Sensitivity: 6
- Raw Input: 1
- Mouse Acceleration: 0
4. ZywOo (400 DPI)
ZywOo is a French CS:GO AWPer for Vitality. He’s arguably in the top 3 for best AWPer and best player overall. From 2019-2021, he was ranked as the 1st and 2nd best player, respectively. If that’s not enough, ZywOo’s won multiple MVP awards ranging from the Blast Premier to ESL One events. And he’s only 21!
ZywOo’s stats are off the charts as he does more than just frag. In short, he clutches, survives, gets multi-frags, etc. all on a consistent basis. With roughly 1,000 Opening Encounters, ZyWOo’s had a ~61% success rate in 2021 (again, based on the Opening Kill Ratio).
1,000 OE’s, in my book, is neither overly aggressive or conservative. In fact, if you look at NiKo’s (one of the most aggressive, but effective players in the game today) it was at ~1,400 last year. Compare that to yurrih at ~700, Jame at ~800, s1mple at ~1,200, XANTARES at ~1,600, and so on. Putting all this together, I’d say that ZyWOo knows how to pick and choose his battles, whether he plays aggressive or more passive from time to time.
On a side note, I know Opening Encounters aren’t the only factor in evaluating a player’s playstyle, but it is one of the most effective ways to disrupt your opponent’s timing (usually early on) and hence, one of the most widely used tactics for impact frags. Generally speaking, the more Opening Encounters you partake in (or at least the ones you choose), the greater the risk.
Moving back to ZywOo, in 2021, he and Vitality defeated NIP 3:0 at the Intel Extreme Masters XVI - Winter (1st place: $100,000/$250,000).
ZywOo’s Setup
- Mouse: Vaxee Outset AX
- DPI: 400
- Sensitivity: 2
- eDPI: 800
- Zoom Sensitivity: 1
- Hz: 1000
- Windows Sensitivity: 6
- Raw Input: 1
- Mouse Acceleration: 0
3. sh1ro (800 DPI)
sh1ro is a Russian AWPer for Cloud9. He’s arguably among the top 3 AWPers in today’s game, with the likes of ZywOo and s1mple. With various MVP awards ranging from the 2021 IEM Katowice/Fall to Funspark ULTI, one can see why. And last year, he was ranked as the 4th best player in the world according to HLTV.
In 2021, he compiled a KDR close to 1.50, DPR close to .50 (surviving every other round on average), IPR of 1.16, and KPR around .75 (averaging a kill 75% of the time per round). With roughly 1,000 opening encounters and an OKR of 2.36, he’s probably not the most aggressive AWPer out there, yet still gets the job done.
Given such an outstanding DPR (like Jame) at .52, it seems that sh1ro prefers to save his weapon than to engage in combat as the round draws to an end. This is especially true when an AWPer is heavily outnumbered, such as in a 1v4 or 1v5. On the flip side, he could very well be aggressive, but extremely agile. Some AWPers are also very adept at choosing angles or positions where they can still take a shot, but run away or hide easily thereafter. A low DPR often takes most of these factors into account.
In sum, what makes sh1ro so good is his agility (or ability to escape danger) and consistent impact frags. This is largely due to his opening kills, but more importantly, exceptional game sense that often enables him to put himself in the right place at the right time.
In 2021, Gambit defeated NAVI 2:0 in the BLAST Premier Spring Finals ($225,000/$425,000).
sh1ro’s Setup
- Mouse: XTRFY M4
- DPI: 800
- Sensitivity: 1.02
- eDPI: 816
- Zoom Sensitivity: 1
- Hz: 1000
- Windows Sensitivity: 6
- Raw Input: 1
- Mouse Acceleration: 0
2. NiKo (400 DPI)
Arguably the best rifler in the game, Niko is a Bosnian Serb CS:GO player for G2. From 2016-2020, he ranked as the 11th (and below) best player overall. Perhaps more notably, he was named 3rd best player in 2021. With multiple MVP awards from various BLAST and ESL One events, there’s talent and then there’s NiKo.
Looking at his stats from last year, we see an extremely high Impact Rating at 1.33, thanks to a solid Opening Kill Rating and an astounding clutch rate close to 70%. With an average to slightly below average DPR and ~1,400 OE’s, it’s safe to say that NiKo has one of the most aggressive, but effective playstyles.
Putting all this together, I would say NiKo’s best assets are getting kills early on and tracking enemies one by one, given his presence, timing, and moreover, unique playstyle.
In 2018, FaZe (alongside NiKo at the time) defeated NAVI 2:0 at the EPICENTER (1st place: $150,000/$295,000).
NiKo’s Setup
- Mouse: ZOWIE S2
- DPI: 400
- Sensitivity: 1.51
- eDPI: 604
- Zoom Sensitivity: .9
- Hz: 1000
- Windows Sensitivity: 6
- Raw Input: 1
- Mouse Acceleration: 0
1. s1mple (400 DPI)
Perhaps the best player on the planet, s1mple is a Ukrainian AWPer for NAVI. With close to 20 MVP medals, multiple S-Tier trophies (the highest tier), and stats like no other, s1mple defies human boundaries. So far, he’s made over a million dollars in CS:GO at only the age of 24. Yes, one could argue that s1mple was born to play this game. Nevertheless, he still deserves credit for his hard work.
Last year, he boasted a KDR close to 1.5 (roughly 2 kills per death), IPR of 1.43, ADR and KPR of 88, and an OKR close to 2. So not only was he getting kills consistently, but he was often getting them when he or his team needed them the most.
That may sound redundant, but truly I say to you, s1mple, without even trying it seems, regularly makes an impact in his matches thanks not only to his aim, but superior game sense.
In fact, as I’ve touched on before, you need good awareness to even have an opportunity for opening kills, clutches, multi-kill rounds, and even single frags. This allows you to position yourself for the kill, or rather, in a way that gives you an advantage (without always giving a fair fight). So it’s not always about who’s aim is better even though it is useful.
So s1mple is more than just good. His presence alone proves that CS:GO is more than just averaging a frag per round or death. Instead, there are things such as impact frags, clutch factors, and other intangible assets. And perhaps, most importantly, without even thinking about it too much, he’s helped prove that CS:GO is unlike any other game. It’s just that simple.
In 2021, NAVI defeated Gambit in the Blast Premier: World Final 2:1 ($500,000/$1,000,000).
s1mple’s Setup
- Mouse: Logitech G Pro X Superlight
- DPI: 400
- Sensitivity: 3.09
- eDPI: 1236
- Zoom Sensitivity: 1
- Hz: 1000
- Windows Sensitivity: 6
- Raw Input: 1
- Mouse Acceleration: 0
