SteelSeries Rival Pro review: Rock solid connectivity, speed and a nifty battery system
Who knew UWB connectivity on a mouse could be so useful?
The SteelSeries Rival Pro is a high-end gaming mouse that boasts superior responsiveness compared to its wired counterparts. Weighing only 53 grams, this lightweight mouse offers a unique sense of freedom with its battery system, providing effectively infinite battery life. While priced at $180, it is an excellent investment for those seeking wireless convenience without the usual drawbacks.
The mouse's four-button layout, consisting of traditional left and right mouse clicks and two programmable keys on the side, makes it ideal for right-handed users. For left-handed individuals or those who prefer a symmetrical design, the Sensei Pro is available. The bottom of the mouse features large non-stick pads, facilitating smooth gliding on various surfaces.
The scroll wheel, though not perfect, performs adequately with a clicky feel and shallow actuation point. However, it lacks advanced features such as free spin or infinite scrolling. The Rival Pro's standout feature is its UWB connectivity, which eliminates issues caused by congested 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands and ensures constant speed and snappiness.
Although UWB performs inadequately in environments with numerous objects between the device and the transmitter, this is not an issue for typical mouse usage on a desk. The mouse also comes with a wired base station that houses its UWB radio and serves as a charger for the removable batteries. The battery life lasts around 16 hours at full 8K polling rate, with up to 120 hours when the polling rate is reduced to 1,000.
Overall, the SteelSeries Rival Pro is an exceptional gaming accessory for those seeking superior performance and wireless convenience.
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