Raw Mouse Input On or Off in CS2?
Despite the existence of dozens of settings and console commands in Counter-Strike 2, most players think they have a negligible effect on gameplay. Indeed, most of those have a limited impact or are mostly used for personal customization. Still, many old-school players still seek a raw mouse input ON or OFF setup.
This feature significantly affected the mouse movements in previous games of the CS franchise. However, we were disappointed to discover that the developers have removed the possibility to set raw input ON or OFF in Counter-Strike 2. Now, you can’t manipulate this feature via console command or in-game settings.
What is Raw Input, and How Does It Work?
In simple words, the raw input CS2 command was responsible for the setting that allowed sending the signals from the game directly to the mouse hardware and vice versa, omitting your OS settings. In theory, this should reduce CS2 mouse stutter and improve processing speed. In Counter-Strike 2 this option is always ON.
This simplifies communication due to fewer calculations in the system, decreasing the chances of stumbling over a digital obstacle (or, in human language, hitting an invisible wall). If you used to play with the CS2 raw input command OFF, you’ll simply need to adjust to smoother mouse movements in the current CS version.
Does the Raw Input Setting Have Disadvantages?
Luckily, the majority of CS2 players like the current CS2 raw mouse input settings. Now, there are no significant decreases in the game performance because of not-so-smooth mouse movement. In Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, the only reason why some players preferred to turn this option OFF was the desire to play with their operating system’s native sensitivity settings.
However, you can still adjust your mouse settings to find your perfect DPI. Just enter the in-game Settings, find Keyboard & Mouse Settings, and experiment with Mouse Sensitivity and Zoom Sensitivity Multiplier.
Is It Possible To Enable Raw Input in CS2?
As we've already mentioned, currently, there is no such thing as CS2 raw input. Nonetheless, hundreds of players have already signed a petition for Valve asking the developers to bring this option back. Thus, there is a chance this feature will return to the game with the upcoming updates.
You may also discover third-party applications that return the raw input option. Nonetheless, it’s not recommended to use these apps in case you don’t want to get a VAC ban.
Of course, for a comfortable game, it is recommended to choose one of the best mouses for CS2 to avoid lags and delays.
Summary
Is raw input being turned ON by default good for CS2? In our humble opinion, it surely is. This option allows sending signals to and from the mouse, excluding the PC operating system. It increases the precision of your aim, helping you perform better in the game. Besides, it makes the competition between players more fair.
The only reason to keep raw input inactive was to gain consistent DPI in every game you played. However, Valve currently provides a wide range of settings to perfectly adjust your mouse movement while still playing with the same DPI you're used to.