Recommended Free Tools
To reduce input lag in a PC first-person shooter, first enable the latency feature supported by your game and graphics hardware, then compare synchronization, display mode, mouse polling rate and monitor refresh rate one change at a time. There is no universally best combination: the right choice depends on the game, GPU, display and how much screen tearing you will tolerate.
What causes input lag in an FPS?
Input lag is the delay between moving or clicking your mouse and seeing the result on screen. It can come from the peripheral, the game and PC rendering pipeline, and the display. A higher frame rate can improve how frequently frames are produced, but FPS alone does not measure the full delay. NVIDIA distinguishes render latency from PC-plus-display and full system latency in its Reflex Analyzer documentation.
How to reduce input lag, step by step
1. Establish a repeatable baseline
Use the same game, scene, display mode and settings for each comparison. If your game exposes latency statistics and supports your setup, record them; otherwise note how the controls feel in a consistent situation. Change one setting at a time so you can tell what helped and what introduced a trade-off.
NVIDIA Reflex Analyzer can report PC-plus-display latency; measuring full system latency also requires compatible mouse measurement hardware. Analyzer-compatible equipment is specialized measurement gear, not a prerequisite for trying software settings. Do not use FPS as a substitute for a latency reading.
#1 Best Overall
- The next-generation optical HERO sensor delivers incredible performance and up to 10x the power efficiency over previous generations, with 400 IPS precision and up to 12,000 DPI sensitivity
- Ultra-fast LIGHTSPEED wireless technology gives you a lag-free gaming experience, delivering incredible responsiveness and reliability with 1 ms report rate for competition-level performance
- G305 wireless mouse boasts an incredible 250 hours of continuous gameplay on just 1 AA battery; switch to Endurance mode via Logitech G HUB software and extend battery life up to 9 months
- Wireless does not have to mean heavy, G305 lightweight mouse provides high maneuverability coming in at only 3.4 oz thanks to efficient lightweight mechanical design and ultra-efficient battery usage
- The durable, compact design with built-in nano receiver storage makes G305 not just a great portable desktop mouse, but also a great laptop travel companion, use with a gaming laptop and play anywhere
2. Turn on the latency feature your game supports
With an NVIDIA GPU, check the game’s graphics or video settings for NVIDIA Reflex Low Latency. NVIDIA recommends setting Reflex to On when the game supports it. Reflex is game-integrated; if it is unavailable, NVIDIA describes driver-level Ultra Low Latency Mode as an alternative. Reflex overrides that driver functionality when both are enabled. Availability and behavior depend on the game, GPU, graphics API and software version, so confirm the current options in your title. See NVIDIA’s system-latency optimization guide.
On supported AMD systems, Radeon Anti-Lag is another option. AMD says it dynamically adjusts frame timing and is most useful when the GPU is the limiting factor. Anti-Lag 2 requires integration by the game developer and works only in supported games; it is not a universal driver switch. AMD’s configuration instructions were last updated February 28, 2025, and illustrate Adrenalin Edition 23.9.1, so labels and availability may differ in newer software: Configure Radeon Anti-Lag and related features and AMD Radeon Anti-Lag Technology.
Rank #2
- HERO Gaming Sensor: Next generation HERO mouse sensor delivers precision tracking up to 25600 DPI with zero smoothing, filtering or acceleration
- 11 programmable buttons and dual mode hyper-fast scroll wheel: The Logitech wired gaming mouse gives you fully customizable control over your gameplay
- Adjustable weights: Match your playing style. Arrange up to five 3.6 g weights for a personalized weight and balance configuration
- LIGHTSYNC technology: Logitech G LIGHTSYNC technology provides fully customizable RGB lighting that can also synchronize with your gaming (requires Logitech Gaming Software)
- Mechanical Switch Button Tensioning: A metal spring tensioning system and metal pivot hinges are built into left and right computer gaming mouse buttons for a crisp, clean click feel with rapid click feedback
3. Choose synchronization based on your tolerance for tearing
V-Sync and variable-refresh technologies affect how frames are presented, so choose according to the balance you want rather than assuming one setting is always fastest.
| Option | When it may fit | Trade-off or condition |
|---|---|---|
| V-Sync off | You prioritize low latency and accept possible tearing. | NVIDIA recommends disabling V-Sync when the player accepts tearing. Results still depend on the game and system. NVIDIA guide. |
| G-SYNC, V-Sync and Reflex | You use a compatible variable-refresh display and want to avoid tearing. | NVIDIA describes this combination as a way to avoid tearing with a modest latency trade-off compared with uncapped Reflex. NVIDIA guide. |
| AMD Enhanced Sync | You want to reduce tearing without limiting frame rates when the game exceeds the display’s refresh rate. | It is an AMD software option; check that it is available for your GPU and driver. AMD graphics settings guide. |
Compare the available options in the same game scene. A setting that looks smoother may not feel preferable to you if its latency trade-off is noticeable.
Rank #3
- Next-gen 12,000 DPI HERO optical sensor delivers unrivaled gaming performance, accuracy and power efficiency
- Advanced LIGHTSPEED wireless gaming mouse for super-fast 1 ms response time and faster than wired performance
- Ultra-long battery life gives you up to 250 hours of continuous gaming on a single AA battery
- Lightweight mechanical design and classic shape for maximum maneuverability, durability and comfort
- Compact, portable design with convenient built-in storage for included USB wireless receiver
4. Compare display modes and Windows Game Mode
NVIDIA’s October 1, 2020 guide recommends exclusive fullscreen where available and enabling Windows Game Mode. Treat these as options to test, not guaranteed improvements: display-mode behavior depends on Windows version and how the game implements fullscreen or borderless presentation. Compare the modes your title actually offers, and check the current Windows Game Mode setting rather than assuming that an older recommendation applies identically to every setup.
5. Check mouse polling rate and monitor refresh rate
If your mouse software offers a polling-rate control, verify its current setting and try a higher supported rate. Polling rate is one part of the peripheral-to-PC path; changing it does not establish that you need a new mouse. Consider replacement only if your current device is malfunctioning or lacks a control you genuinely need.
Rank #4
- ICONIC ERGONOMIC DESIGN WITH THUMB REST — PC gaming mouse favored by millions worldwide with a form factor that perfectly supports the hand while its buttons are optimally positioned for quick and easy access
- 11 PROGRAMMABLE BUTTONS — Assign macros and secondary functions across 11 programmable buttons to execute essential actions like push-to-talk, ping, and more
- HYPERSCROLL TILT WHEEL — Speed through content with a scroll wheel that free-spins until its stopped or switch to tactile mode for more precision and satisfying feedback that’s ideal for cycling through weapons or skills
- 11 RAZER CHROMA RGB LIGHTING ZONES — Customize each zone from over 16.8 million colors and countless lighting effects, all while it reacts dynamically with over 150 Chroma integrated games
- OPTICAL MOUSE SWITCHES GEN 2 — With zero unintended misclicks these switches provide crisp, responsive execution at a blistering 0.2ms actuation speed for up to 70 million clicks
Also verify that the monitor is running at a refresh rate it supports, both in the operating system and in the game where applicable. A higher-refresh-rate display is an optional hardware route if your current monitor is the limiting factor, not a substitute for checking settings first. No specific monitor model or expected latency reduction is established here.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to tell whether a change helped
- Keep the game, scene, display mode and other settings constant while comparing.
- Record supported latency statistics when available; distinguish render or PC-plus-display latency from full system latency.
- Notice whether a change affects tearing, smoothness or stability as well as responsiveness.
- Keep a change only if the result suits your game and preferences; restore the previous setting if it makes play worse.
Vendor documentation explains features and measurement methods, but does not establish a universal number of milliseconds that every player will save. The result varies with the specific game and PC.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Quick Recap
Best Value
- Pentakill, 5 DPI Levels - Geared with 5 redefinable DPI levels (default as: 500/1000/2000/3000/4000), easy to switch between different game needs. Dedicated demand of DPI options between 500-8000 is also available to be processed by software.
- Any Button is Reassignable - 11 programmable buttons are all editable with customizable tactical keybinds in whatever game or work you are engaging. 1 rapid fire + 2 side macro buttons offer you a better gaming and working experience.
- Comfort Grip with Details - The skin-friendly frosted coating is the main comfort grip of the mouse surface, which offers you the most enjoyable fingerprint-free tactility. The left side equipped with rubber texture strengthened the friction and made the mouse easier to control.
- 5 Decent Backlit Modes - Turn the backlit on and make some kills in your gaming battlefield. The hyped dynamic RGB backlit vibe will never let you down when decorating your gaming space, it would be better with other Redragon accessories with lights on.
- Fatigue Killer with Ergonomic Design - Solid frame with a streamlined and general claw-grip design offers a satisfying and comfortable gaming experience with less fatigue even though after hours of use.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
