SteelSeries has taken a bold step with its latest gaming mice, the Rival Pro and Sensei Pro, by completely eliminating USB connectivity. This decision, while raising questions about long-term functionality, appears to have paid off in terms of performance and design, according to initial impressions.
The most striking aspect of these new mice is the complete absence of USB ports. This design choice, SteelSeries suggests, has been crucial in achieving their remarkably low weight of 53 grams, even with the inclusion of hot-swappable batteries. This feature, rare in gaming mice, further enhances the premium feel and user experience.
Design and Ergonomics
Both the Rival Pro and Sensei Pro share top-tier build quality and specifications. The Rival Pro features an ergonomic shape with a distinct palm grip, while the Sensei Pro offers a symmetrical design with a subtle rear hump suited for a claw grip. Beyond their differing shapes, the two mice exhibit a solid construction with no discernible flex or wiggle. The scroll wheel is described as slightly mushy but functional, while the optical switches provide a satisfyingly crisp click.
Connectivity and Performance
SteelSeries is employing ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless technology for these mice, a niche but promising solution that aims for enhanced reliability. While the long-term stability of UWB for essential functions like firmware updates remains to be seen, initial testing has shown no connectivity issues. The mice boast a TrueMove 42K Pro sensor capable of 42,000 DPI, alongside optical switches. SteelSeries highlights an "8K" sensor polling rate, which sends individual data packets rather than batches, though the practical benefit of this is debated.
Price and Value
Retailing at $179.99 / £169.99 / €199.99, the Rival Pro and Sensei Pro are positioned at the premium end of the market. This price point places them in competition with other high-end offerings like the Logitech G Pro X2 Superlight and Razer Viper V4 Pro. Despite the cost, the combination of lightweight design, hot-swappable batteries, excellent build quality, and impressive performance makes them a compelling option for gamers with a sufficient budget, provided the UWB connectivity proves reliable over time.
The editor's experience with the Rival Pro has been overwhelmingly positive, leading to its adoption as the go-to mouse for games like Counter-Strike, even with the lack of a USB backup. This highlights the success of SteelSeries in balancing innovative design choices with elite gaming performance.