Polling Rate in League of Legends: The Ultimate Competitive Player’s Guide 2025
The polling rate in League of Legends refers to how frequently your input device—typically a mouse or keyboard—communicates data to your PC. Measured in Hertz (Hz), polling rate defines how many times per second your device sends signals to the system. A 1000 Hz polling rate means a 1 ms interval, while 500 Hz means the device reports every 2 ms.
Even though League of Legends isn’t a twitch shooter like Valorant or CS2, input precision, consistency, and responsiveness play a major role in ranked and professional gameplay. Smooth input enhances kiting, ability weaving, and reactive plays. Whether you’re trying to animation cancel as Riven, dodge a Blitzcrank hook, or land that perfect Ezreal Q, polling rate is silently working behind the scenes.
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Why Polling Rate in League of Legends Can Make or Break Your Gameplay
When it comes to improving performance in League of Legends, most players think about ping, FPS, and champion mechanics. But the polling rate in League of Legends—how frequently your mouse and keyboard communicate with your PC—can have a massive impact on your reaction time, input consistency, and overall precision.
Here’s how polling rate affects every key aspect of high-level play:
🎯 Champion Control & Kiting
ADC mains like Kai’Sa, Jhin, or Zeri rely on smooth movement and attack-move precision. A mouse with a high polling rate (1000 Hz or more) allows for ultra-responsive orb-walking, enabling better spacing, smoother strafing, and tighter last-hits. It minimizes micro-stutter, which is crucial when trying to dodge abilities while dishing out consistent DPS.
💥 Skill Shot Accuracy
Champions like Lux, Xerath, and Blitzcrank live and die by their ability to land skill shots. A higher polling rate ensures that every slight movement of your mouse is captured instantly, translating to a more accurate and predictable crosshair trajectory. This is especially useful in tight duels and long-range engagements.
⚡ Combo Execution for Mechanical Champions
For mechanically complex champions like Lee Sin, Riven, or Viego, every input counts. Combos that rely on animation cancels, input buffering, or flash+ability chains are far more consistent when your hardware isn’t holding you back. A higher polling rate reduces input delay, making your combos smoother and more reliable under pressure.
🔁 Spell Weaving & Auto-Attack Resets
Champions like Camille, Irelia, and Renekton require perfect timing to weave spells between auto attacks. Polling rate in League of Legends directly affects how reliably these inputs register, allowing you to cancel animations precisely and maximize DPS during trades or all-ins.
🧠 Clutch Reactions & Outplays
Need to Flash out of a Veigar cage, QSS a Malzahar ult, or Dodge an Ashe arrow at the last second? While polling rate won’t improve your actual reflexes, it removes hardware-induced delays, ensuring that your clutch decision is executed with minimal lag.
🌐 Stability Under Variable Ping
Even if you’re stuck playing on 40–60ms ping, maintaining a high local polling rate helps smooth out input delivery. This makes your actions more consistent, especially during chaotic fights where clean execution is critical—regardless of server latency.
Optimal Polling Rates for League of Legends
| Device Type | Recommended Polling Rate | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming Mouse | 1000 Hz | Fluid crosshair, better click precision |
| Mechanical Keyboard | 500–1000 Hz | Lower input delay for combos and skill rotations |
| Wireless Gaming Mouse | 250–500 Hz | Still viable if latency-optimized |
| Budget/Office Gear | 125 Hz | Acceptable for casual play, not ranked ideal |
Gaming Mouse
Recommended Polling Rate: 1000 Hz
Benefits: Fluid crosshair, better click precisionMechanical Keyboard
Recommended Polling Rate: 500–1000 Hz
Benefits: Lower input delay for combos and skill rotationsWireless Gaming Mouse
Recommended Polling Rate: 250–500 Hz
Benefits: Still viable if latency-optimizedBudget/Office Gear
Recommended Polling Rate: 125 Hz
Benefits: Acceptable for casual play, not ranked idealPro Tip: Most gaming peripherals let you change polling rate through bundled software (e.g. Logitech G Hub, Razer Synapse).
Best Gear for High Polling Rate in League of Legends
Here are some top peripherals that combine high polling rates with esports-ready responsiveness:
| Device | Type | Polling Rate | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech G Pro X Superlight* | Mouse | 1000 Hz | Ultra-lightweight, HERO sensor, wireless performance |
| Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro* | Mouse | 1000 Hz | High-speed wireless, ergonomic, Focus Pro 30K sensor |
| SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL* | Keyboard | 1000 Hz | Adjustable actuation, per-key RGB, OLED display |
| Wooting 60HE* | Keyboard | 1000 Hz | Analog keys, rapid trigger technology, per-key tuning |
| Glorious Model O 2* | Mouse | 1000 Hz | Lightweight, customizable DPI & RGB |
Logitech G Pro X Superlight*
Type: Mouse
Polling Rate: 1000 Hz
Features: Ultra-lightweight, HERO sensor, wireless performanceRazer DeathAdder V3 Pro*
Type: Mouse
Polling Rate: 1000 Hz
Features: High-speed wireless, ergonomic, Focus Pro 30K sensorSteelSeries Apex Pro TKL*
Type: Keyboard
Polling Rate: 1000 Hz
Features: Adjustable actuation, per-key RGB, OLED displayWooting 60HE*
Type: Keyboard
Polling Rate: 1000 Hz
Features: Analog keys, rapid trigger technology, per-key tuning[*Affiliate Link – Supports our site at no extra cost.]
🖱️ Optimizing Your Polling Rate in League of Legends: Mouse & Keyboard Guide
While many players focus on FPS or ping, the polling rate in League of Legends is a hidden performance factor that can greatly impact how quickly and accurately your inputs register. Whether you main ADCs like Kai’Sa or play high-APM champions like Riven, optimizing your mouse and keyboard polling rate can make your mechanics feel sharper and more responsive.
🖱️ Mouse Polling Rate in League of Legends
Mouse accuracy and click timing are essential in League of Legends, especially for kiting, orb-walking, and skill shot precision.
🎯 Why It Matters:
ADC Movement & Kiting: Champions like Jhin, Zeri, and Kai’Sa rely on tight movement control. A higher polling rate (1000 Hz or more) reduces the delay between your hand and the champion’s reaction on screen.
Skill Shot Champions: For Lux, Blitzcrank, Xerath, and similar mages, high polling improves crosshair smoothness and consistency in aim.
🛠 How to Adjust Mouse Polling Rate:
Use manufacturer software like Logitech G Hub, Razer Synapse, or SteelSeries GG.
Set your polling rate to 1000 Hz or 8000 Hz if supported.
Test stability using MouseTester or USB Rate Checker.
⌨️ Keyboard Polling Rate in League of Legends
Fast and accurate keyboard inputs are crucial for ability combos, Flash + spell executions, and tight reactions under pressure.
⚡ Use Cases in LoL:
Combo Champions: Lee Sin, Riven, and Viego benefit from rapid, clean input timing when chaining abilities or animation canceling.
Auto-Weaving & Spell Rotation: Champions like Irelia or Camille rely on precise inputs to weave autos between abilities with no delay.
🔧 Tips to Improve Keyboard Polling Rate in League of Legends:
Use wired mechanical keyboards with 1000 Hz or higher polling rate.
In supported devices (like Wooting or Razer), enable Performance Mode and set to 8000 Hz if available.
Avoid wireless mode when playing ranked or competitive matches.
🎮 Polling Rate in League of Legends: Does It Really Make a Difference?
In League of Legends, where split-second decisions and frame-perfect mechanics decide teamfights, the polling rate of your peripherals can make more of a difference than you think. While improvements may seem subtle, moving from 125 Hz to 1000 Hz reduces input delay from 8 ms to just 1 ms—an advantage that becomes critical during high-intensity plays.
🔍 Where Polling Rate Helps in League of Legends
Even though LoL isn’t as twitch-focused as an FPS, a higher polling rate in League of Legends can noticeably improve:
Animation Cancels: Champions like Riven, Jayce, or Aatrox benefit from cleaner ability chains.
Dodging Skill Shots: Tighter mouse response helps you sidestep Morgana binds or Lux ultimates at the last frame.
Orb-Walking & Auto-Weaving: ADC mains will feel smoother transitions between attacks and movement.
Combo Execution: Clean inputs matter for mechanical champions like Lee Sin or Viego, where mistiming ruins the whole sequence.
⚠️ What to Watch Out For
Before cranking your polling rate to 8000 Hz, keep the following in mind:
Diminishing Returns: Going from 125 Hz to 1000 Hz brings a significant jump in responsiveness. Beyond that, most players won’t notice a difference—especially in LoL’s engine, which isn’t optimized for ultra-high-frequency inputs.
System Load: Devices polling at 8000 Hz consume more CPU cycles. Unless your PC is high-end, this might reduce overall system stability.
Monitor Limitations: If you’re playing on a 60 Hz monitor, your screen won’t show the difference between 1000 Hz and 8000 Hz polling. Upgrading to 144 Hz or 240 Hz helps align visuals with your input improvements.
Common Myths About Polling Rate in League of Legends — Debunked
There’s a lot of confusion around the topic of polling rate in League of Legends, especially when it comes to what it can—and can’t—do for your gameplay. Let’s clear up some common misconceptions:
❌ “Polling rate reduces ping” — False
Polling rate has nothing to do with network latency (ping). It strictly controls how often your mouse or keyboard sends data to your PC, not how fast your game communicates with Riot’s servers. Reducing ping requires better routing, not a faster input device.
❌ “Low polling = terrible experience” — Misleading
While playing at 125 Hz polling rate isn’t unplayable, it’s definitely suboptimal—especially for players who depend on smooth camera control, animation cancels, or quick movement reactions. Upgrading to 1000 Hz provides tighter input that helps during high-speed trades and clutch dodges.
❌ “Wireless always means lag” — Outdated
Modern pro-grade wireless mice, like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight or Razer Viper V2 Pro, offer 1 ms latency or better, on par with top-tier wired models. In fact, some wireless setups can outperform budget wired gear when properly configured.
🔧 How to Optimize Polling Rate in League of Legends
Fine-tuning your system for maximum responsiveness isn’t just for FPS players—polling rate in League of Legends plays a key role in ensuring your inputs feel fast, fluid, and accurate. Here’s how to get the most out of your gear:
🖱️ Use Wired Connection When Possible
Even high-end wireless devices benefit from switching to wired mode during ranked games. This ensures consistent polling intervals and reduces the chance of packet loss between device and PC.
🧭 Turn Off “Enhance Pointer Precision”
This Windows mouse setting introduces acceleration, which can interfere with your muscle memory. Disabling it allows raw polling rate data to pass cleanly into League of Legends, resulting in more consistent cursor control.
🧠 Close Background Apps
Voice chat overlays, recording software, and RGB sync tools can consume CPU cycles. Freeing up system resources improves how your polling rate in League of Legends performs—especially during teamfights or high APM plays.
🔄 Update Drivers and Firmware
Peripheral drivers are often overlooked. Outdated mouse or keyboard firmware can cause polling instability or slowdowns. Use manufacturer tools like Logitech G HUB, Razer Synapse, or SteelSeries GG to keep your gear optimized.
🔌 Use the Right USB Port
Always connect your input devices directly to your rear I/O USB 3.0 ports, not through hubs or front-panel ports. This reduces the chance of signal interference or bandwidth bottlenecks, especially at 1000 Hz or higher.
⚡ Enable Windows High-Performance Mode
In your Windows power settings, select “High performance” or “Ultimate performance”. This mode reduces CPU throttling, ensuring stable processing for both the game engine and your high-frequency input polling.
By combining these tweaks with a solid peripheral setup, you’ll maximize the benefits of a high polling rate in League of Legends, leading to cleaner skill combos, tighter movements, and more precise mechanical execution—without needing to touch your ping or GPU.
FAQs About Polling Rate in League of Legends
Q: Should I get a 1000 Hz mouse for LoL? A: Yes. While the gains aren’t dramatic, they accumulate in fast-paced situations.
Q: Do LCS and pro players use high polling rate gear? A: Absolutely. Tournament gear typically includes 1000 Hz devices from trusted brands.
Q: Is there a way to see polling rate in LoL settings? A: No. You must check it through hardware tools or peripheral software.
Q: Can I use 8000 Hz gear in LoL? A: Yes, but benefits over 1000 Hz are minimal and may not justify increased CPU usage.
Final Thoughts – Polling Rate in League of Legends
In a game like League of Legends, where timing, precision, and control shape every teamfight and outplay, polling rate still matters—even if the pace feels slower than a twitch shooter. Whether you’re orb-walking, flashing at the perfect moment, or landing that critical skill shot, how quickly your inputs register can be the difference between a clean play and a missed opportunity.
While LoL doesn’t rely on raw aim like FPS titles, your mouse and keyboard polling rates still influence how responsive your controls feel. A consistent 1000Hz polling rate ensures snappy camera movement, tighter ability casts, and smoother micro in intense skirmishes. Especially during high APM moments—like kiting, juking, or executing a clean combo—lower latency gives you that extra layer of control.
And let’s not forget stability. Spikes in input delay caused by poor USB connections, bad polling rate management, or low-quality peripherals can throw off your rhythm—just when you need it most. If you’re serious about climbing or improving consistency, don’t overlook the importance of optimized input hardware.
At PollingRate.com, we break down how small tweaks in polling rate can lead to big improvements in-game feel—even in MOBAs like League.
Want smoother input, sharper control, and cleaner plays? Check out our full guide and make sure your setup is tuned for peak performance in every match.