Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Mice for CS2
We weighed three gaming mice on weight and max DPI; the Model O 2 Mini has the lightest weight, and the Pulsefire Haste 2 costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read3 products evaluated
Counter-Strike 2 players often want a plain, light mouse with a shape they can hold for hours. Every mouse here is wired and lists a weight of 70g or less, so there is no battery to recharge.
Rankings weigh weight, max DPI and connection as the makers state them; we did not test these gaming mice ourselves, and if a maker skips max DPI, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 3 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lightest Mouse
Glorious Model O 2 Mini Wired Gaming Mouse
The lightest weight here (49g).
Best for: Players who lift the mouse often at low sensitivity.
Our take Check price for Glorious Model O 2 Mini Wired Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wired Gaming Mouse
Undercutting the Model O 2 Mini on price when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the Model O 2 Mini the next step up.
Our take Check price for HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wired Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
SteelSeries Aerox 5
The top of this price range, adding a perforated shell.
Best for: Spending more than the Model O 2 Mini costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Our take Check price for SteelSeries Aerox 5 (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lightest weight here (49g). | Players who lift the mouse often at low sensitivity. | Check price for Glorious Model O 2 Mini Wired Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab) |
| Undercutting the Model O 2 Mini on price when we checked. | Spending as little as possible, with the Model O 2 Mini the next step up. | Check price for HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wired Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding a perforated shell. | Spending more than the Model O 2 Mini costs for the fullest feature set in this group. | Check price for SteelSeries Aerox 5 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lightest Mouse1 of 3
Glorious Model O 2 Mini Wired Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Glorious's Model O 2 Mini is a 49g symmetrical wired mouse with a 26K sensor.
Best for
- Players who lift the mouse often at low sensitivity.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Pulsefire Haste 2 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Glorious lists it for palm, claw and fingertip grips. It weighs 49g in a compact symmetrical shape for palm, claw or fingertip grips. The wired design avoids charging.
Glorious rates its switches for 80 million clicks, and the sensor includes Motion Sync. Six programmable buttons cover the usual binds without adding weight. Its 49g weight is the lightest here; the Pulsefire Haste 2 comes next at 53g.
You also get this: light 49g body. Another plus: no battery to charge. Its price falls between the Pulsefire Haste 2 and the Aerox 5, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Weight: 49g
- Max DPI: 26,000
- Connection: Wired
- Shape: Symmetrical, compact
Pros
- Light 49g body
- No battery to charge
- Symmetrical shape Glorious lists for palm, claw and fingertip grips
- 26K optical sensor
Cons
- Costs more than the Pulsefire Haste 2 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here2 of 3
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wired Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
HyperX's wired Pulsefire Haste 2 weighs 53g and reaches 8000Hz polling.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the Model O 2 Mini the next step up.
Skip if
- Pass on it if weight of 53g, behind the Model O 2 Mini (49g) rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Grip tape is included. It weighs 53g with a solid shell rather than holes, and the HyperX 26K sensor tracks up to 26,000 DPI. The wired cable keeps it simple.
Its paracord-style HyperFlex 2 cable reduces drag, and it polls at up to 8,000Hz, reporting every 0.125ms. Its 53g weight ranks second of 3 here, behind the Model O 2 Mini (49g) and ahead of the Aerox 5 (59g). Polling above 1,000Hz shortens battery life and needs a CPU with headroom.
Another plus: light 53g body. It undercut the Model O 2 Mini and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Weight: 53g
- Max DPI: 26,000
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
- Connection: Wired
Pros
- Light 53g body
- 8,000Hz polling
- No battery to charge
- Four pieces of included grip tape
Cons
- Weight of 53g, behind the Model O 2 Mini (49g)
Premium Pick3 of 3
SteelSeries Aerox 5 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Aerox 5 is built around a perforated shell.
Best for
- Spending more than the Model O 2 Mini costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- Skip it if weight matters most to you; the Model O 2 Mini offers 49g.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it weighs 59g and offers a 9 button count. On weight it trails the group at 59g, while the Model O 2 Mini weighs 49g. You also get this: light 59g body.
Worth noting: no battery to charge. It makes the most sense for spending more than the Model O 2 Mini costs for the fullest feature set in this group, since it offers the top of this price range, adding a perforated shell. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Model O 2 Mini the nearest cheaper option. Weight is its weakest area, and the Model O 2 Mini covers it better at 49g.
Key dimensions & specs
- Weight: 59g
- Programmable buttons: 9
- Connection: Wired
Pros
- Light 59g body
- No battery to charge
- Perforated shell
- The top of this price range, adding a perforated shell
Cons
- Weight trails the Model O 2 Mini (49g)
- Costs more than the Pulsefire Haste 2 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Gaming Mice for CS2
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We set side by side three mice on weight, max DPI and connection from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 2 of the 3 fields compared are stated for every pick, while max DPI has gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 3, from the Model O 2 Mini to the Aerox 5, state weight and connection and share Wired connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Aerox 5 gives no max DPI.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Pulsefire Haste 2 (under $50) to the Aerox 5 ($50 to $100).
What to Look for in a Gaming Mouse for CS2
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Weight across these picks
The Model O 2 Mini tops weight at 49g and the Aerox 5 sits lowest at 59g. The Pulsefire Haste 2 comes second at 53g, in the same price tier as the Model O 2 Mini.
Extras that separate them
The Model O 2 Mini: a 26K optical sensor. The Pulsefire Haste 2: a 26K sensor. The Aerox 5: a perforated shell.
Where your budget lands
Under $50 buys the Pulsefire Haste 2 and the Model O 2 Mini; $50 to $100 buys the Aerox 5 at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Players who lift the mouse often at low sensitivity: the Model O 2 Mini. Spending as little as possible, with the Model O 2 Mini the next step up: the Pulsefire Haste 2. Spending more than the Model O 2 Mini costs for the fullest feature set in this group: the Aerox 5.
Weight changes how aim feels
Mice around 60g are easy to flick and lift. Heavier mice feel steadier for tracking. A difference of 10g is noticeable over a long session.
How to Choose a Gaming Mouse for CS2
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Players who lift the mouse often at low sensitivity | Model O 2 Mini | The lightest weight here (49g) |
| Spending as little as possible, with the Model O 2 Mini the next step up | Pulsefire Haste 2 | Undercutting the Model O 2 Mini on price when we checked |
| Spending more than the Model O 2 Mini costs for the fullest feature set in this group | Aerox 5 | The top of this price range, adding a perforated shell |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Model O 2 Mini leads on weight at 49g, ahead of the Pulsefire Haste 2 at 53g. "Not listed" marks max DPI where the Aerox 5 leaves the figure out.
| Mice | Weight | Max DPI | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model O 2 Mini | 49g | 26,000 | Wired |
| Pulsefire Haste 2 | 53g | 26,000 | Wired |
| Aerox 5 | 59g | Not listed | Wired |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Pulsefire Haste 2 was the lowest-priced pick (under $50) and the Aerox 5 the highest ($50 to $100) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Mice |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Pulsefire Haste 2, Model O 2 Mini |
| About $50 to $100 | Aerox 5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Pulsefire Haste 2 compare with the Model O 2 Mini on weight?
Between the top two, it is 49g on the Model O 2 Mini against 53g on the Pulsefire Haste 2, an 8% difference. The spread runs down to the Aerox 5 at 59g.
What does the Aerox 5 add over the Pulsefire Haste 2?
The Aerox 5 matches or trails the Pulsefire Haste 2 on weight, so pay more only for a feature the spec sheet doesn't cover. The Pulsefire Haste 2 leads on weight (53g). On our last price check the Pulsefire Haste 2 was in the under $50 tier and the Aerox 5 in the $50 to $100 tier, with 1 other pick between them.
Why is the Model O 2 Mini our Lightest Mouse pick?
It earns the label for the lightest weight here (49g). On weight it leads the Pulsefire Haste 2, 49g against 53g, an 8% margin. It suits anyone who lifts the mouse often at low sensitivity.
What extras do the Model O 2 Mini and the Pulsefire Haste 2 include?
The Model O 2 Mini: a symmetrical shape Glorious lists for palm, claw and fingertip grips. The Pulsefire Haste 2: four pieces of included grip tape. The Aerox 5: a perforated shell.
Should I pick the Model O 2 Mini or the Aerox 5?
The Model O 2 Mini suits players who lift the mouse often at low sensitivity; the Aerox 5 suits spending more than the Model O 2 Mini costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Model O 2 Mini. Look at the Pulsefire Haste 2 for undercutting the Model O 2 Mini on price when we checked and the Aerox 5 for the top of this price range, adding a perforated shell if those matter more to you.
Check the shape against your hand size and grip before the spec sheet; a mouse that fits beats a lighter one that does not.