Review Methodology

Last updated: March 19, 2026

This page explains how FloatPeak evaluates hardware, skin marketplaces, and VPN services. Our goal is to give CS2 players specific, testable information — not vague impressions.

Hardware & Peripherals

Gear is evaluated specifically for CS2 competitive play. We do not review mice for Photoshop or headsets for music.

What we measure

  • Sensor performance — LOD, tracking at high speeds, smoothing, angle snapping. Verified against community-tested sensor data (Sensor.fyi, MouseTester logs).
  • Polling rate impact — 125Hz / 1000Hz / 4000Hz / 8000Hz tested for input latency difference in CS2 sub-tick.
  • Weight & shape — grip compatibility (palm, claw, fingertip) against hand size ranges used by CS2 pros.
  • Pro usage data — sourced from Prosettings.net and HLTV player gear pages, updated per major tournament.
  • Price-to-performance — we compare against alternatives at similar price points, not just within a brand’s lineup.

Scoring

FloatPeak Scores (shown in comparison tables) are composite ratings weighted: sensor 30%, build quality 25%, CS2-specific performance 25%, value 20%. Scores are not sponsored and not negotiable.

Skin Marketplaces

Marketplaces are evaluated on factors that affect real trading outcomes.

What we measure

  • Fees — seller fee, buyer fee, withdrawal fee. Verified by test transactions where possible, otherwise from official platform terms.
  • Withdrawal methods & time — PayPal, crypto, bank transfer availability and processing time based on community reports and direct testing.
  • KYC requirements — identity verification thresholds, relevant especially for EU traders above €1,000/year.
  • Safety & scam history — platform age, known incidents, community trust score on Reddit and Steam forums.
  • Inventory depth — number of listings for common items (AK-47 Redline, AWP Asiimov) as a proxy for liquidity.

VPN & Network Tools

VPNs are tested specifically for CS2 — not streaming, not torrenting.

What we measure

  • Ping overhead — average latency increase vs. baseline, tested from Warsaw to EU West CS2 matchmaking servers and FACEIT EU servers.
  • FACEIT compatibility — whether the VPN triggers FACEIT Anti-Cheat connection blocks.
  • Trust Factor impact — VPNs alone do not affect Trust Factor. We test and confirm this claim for each provider.
  • Protocol — WireGuard, NordLynx, OpenVPN. Gaming-relevant protocols are prioritised.

We do not accept payment for positive VPN reviews. Affiliate relationships are disclosed on every VPN article.

Update Policy

Articles include a “Last updated” date. We review and update content when:

  • Manufacturer releases new firmware, drivers, or hardware revision
  • Marketplace changes its fee structure or terms
  • VPN provider changes protocols, pricing, or affiliate terms
  • Pro player usage data changes significantly after a major tournament

What We Don’t Do

  • Fabricate benchmark scores or latency numbers
  • Accept payment for product placement or positive coverage
  • Recommend products we wouldn’t use in an actual CS2 session
  • Hide affiliate relationships — they are disclosed inline and on the Affiliate Disclosure page