The new SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 is a prime example of how a really good gaming mouse doesn’t have to be expensive. For just around 60 euros, you get an outstanding rodent that should easily meet the requirements of most gamers. Particularly exciting: the wireless gaming mouse does not have a battery, but still lasts for up to 200 hours. Our test reveals how this works and what makes the mouse stand out.
Technical data
| Product: | Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 |
| Ergonomics: | Symmetrical (right-handed) |
| Sensor: | SteelSeries TrueMove Air, optical |
| Resolution: | 100 – 18,000 dpi |
| Speed: | 400 IPS |
| Acceleration: | 40G |
| USB polling rate | 1,000 Hz |
| Primary button: | 60 million clicks |
| Number of buttons: | 6 (4 top-side, 2 left-side); 6 customizable |
| Software: | 5 profiles storable, macro recording |
| Housing: | 121 x 67 x 38 mm, polymer |
| Weight: | 106 g (with only one battery 95 g) |
| Connection: | 2.4 GHz radio, Bluetooth |
| Power supply: | 2 AAA batteries, 200h runtime (2.4 GHZ) / 400h (Bluetooth) |
| Price: | € 50.99 * |
SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 Test: Elegant hand flatterer
- symmetrical design
- pleasantly grippy surface
- compact, but heavy
It has been five years since the Danish peripheral manufacturer launched the Rival 3 Wireless (our test), an excellent and attractively priced gaming mouse. Just recently, a new edition with the suffix “Gen 2” was introduced, which is intended to combine the strengths of the first model with modern features.
Visually, the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 hardly differs from the first model. The manufacturer offers a symmetrical gaming mouse that is available in four colors. With its flat mouse back, it is ideal for claw or fingertip grip and is pleasantly compact with a size of 120.6 mm x 67 mm x 38 mm.
The weight of 106 grams is quite a house number among all the ultra-light gaming mice. Nevertheless, the rodent moves very comfortably over the mouse pad and other surfaces thanks to three generous gliding feet.
Very cool: The underside is semi-transparent, making the inside of the gaming mouse easily visible. Here you will also find the mode switch to switch between wireless and Bluetooth.
On the top, next to the SteelSeries logo, you will find the two primary buttons, a clickable scroll wheel and the rectangular DPI button underneath. There are two additional side buttons on the left, although these are somewhat small.
As with the first model, the back of the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 mouse can be removed. The two AAA batteries, which are included in the scope of delivery, are stored underneath. This also shows why the mouse comes without a rechargeable battery, because using it with standard batteries is extremely practical – especially if you use rechargeable AAA batteries, which is also possible without any problems.
The build quality leaves an excellent impression in the test. What I really like is the pleasantly non-slip surface made of ABS plastic. This is slightly roughened, which provides an excellent grip.
Features & battery life of the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2
- 18,000 DPI, 400 IPS, 40G
- Quiet mechanical primary keys
- good, but narrow side keys
The SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 uses the same powerful TrueMove Air sensor that was used in its predecessor. This achieves a resolution of up to 18,000 DPI and 400 IPS with a mouse acceleration of 40G.
Both primary buttons rely on mechanical switches with a durability of 60 million clicks – a good value. The buttons have a very short trigger travel and a very low volume, which I personally find very pleasant. Not only are releases quicker, mouse clicks are also barely audible.
However, I don’t like the side buttons quite as much. Not in terms of the pressure point, which is really good. But because of their shape. Although they are noticeably longer than on many other gaming mice and are pleasant to touch, they are also very narrow. You have to get used to the shape first, then it works. However, the counterparts of other mice are easier to use as they are usually significantly larger.
The SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 largely dispenses with RGB lighting. There is an illuminated ring around the scroll wheel, but this only displays the four DPI levels.
Up to 450 hours runtime
- Operation with AAA battery(ies)
- 200h runtime via radio
- 450h via Bluetooth
One advantage of the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 is its dual connectivity. Thanks to 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth, the gaming mouse works with PCs, consoles, Android and iOS devices.
The rodent also lasts a whopping 450 hours via Bluetooth and up to 200 hours via wireless. A very strong value that wireless gaming mice with a battery can only dream of.
If you prefer, you can also operate the Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 with just one AAA battery without any loss of performance. This reduces the runtime, but also the weight by around 11 grams.
Sensor and practical test
- Precise sensor
- great performance
- quite high LOD
The second generation of the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless uses the same TrueMove Air sensor as its predecessor. This is an adapted version of the Pixart 3335 – a slightly older sensor compared to many current gaming mice. Nevertheless, the maximum resolution of 18,000 DPI is perfectly adequate for most gamers. Only with particularly fast movements could the maximum speed of 400 IPS lead to slight inaccuracies.
The responsiveness remains at a high level overall. The tracking works reliably on different surfaces and in different game genres. In my preferred setting of 3,500 DPI, there were no abnormalities. Only in the 6,500 DPI range did I notice a slight tremor – and even that was only minimal.
Considering the low price of the mouse, you really get everything you need here – but you have to do without the option of individually adjusting the lift-off distance. With a click delay of 1.9 ms, the wireless version is only slightly behind the wired version and is absolutely suitable for competitive gaming.
Newer sensors such as the Pixart PAW 3390 or 3950 allow a more precise adjustment of the point at which the mouse stops tracking when lifted. This can be particularly helpful for fast or repeated mouse movements in order to position the cursor more precisely. A smaller lift-off distance – for example 0.7 mm or 1 mm – ensures greater precision. The Rival 3 Wireless remains at a fixed 2.4 mm.
Nevertheless, the gaming and everyday performance gives almost no cause for criticism. The rodent masters fast-paced shooters just as well as everyday tasks. Due to its high weight, it is somewhat slower than many gaming mice in the 50-55 gram class, but some people prefer this. However, I am extremely satisfied with the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 in practice.
App connection: SteelSeries GG
The SteelSeries GG software is used to control and configure the SteelSeries hardware. This program can be used to customize all of the manufacturer’s devices – whether mouse, keyboard or headset. The software also includes features such as an integrated 3D Aim Trainer, which makes it more of a central gaming platform than a pure settings tool. No user account is required to use the basic functions. However, if you want to access advanced features such as the 3D Aim Trainer, you will need to create a user profile.
All mouse settings are clearly available on a central page. With the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2, all six buttons and the scroll wheel can be fully customized. The functions range from launching programs, multimedia and keyboard input to assigning macros and much more. The scroll wheel is also individually programmable.
The sensor resolution can be set between 100 and 18,000 DPI and can be saved in up to five levels. These DPI levels can be defined either uniformly or separately for the X and Y axes. The polling rate and various additional functions can also be adjusted.
SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 Review: Conclusion
With the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2, you get a lot of gaming mouse for comparatively little money. Sure, more expensive counterparts offer higher resolutions, perhaps more buttons and a better lift-off distance, but for the price of around 60 euros, you get an excellent overall package that most gamers should be more than satisfied with.
The rodent not only cuts an impeccable figure in gaming, but also in everyday office tasks and impresses with its pleasantly grippy design and impeccable performance. Thanks to dual connectivity, switching between PC/console and smartphone/tablet is also quick and easy.
In my opinion, the use of standard AAA batteries is a plus point. Especially if you use rechargeable batteries here. Because the runtime of 200 hours in wireless mode is almost unbeatable.
Is the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 the perfect wireless gaming mouse? No, other rodents offer considerably more features. But also for twice or even three times the price. In any case, the price-performance ratio is excellent.
VORTEILE
- Strong price
- Impeccable performance
- Non-slip surface
- Bluetooth and wireless
- Outstanding runtimes
NACHTEILE
- Side keys very thin
- High lift-off distance
- Older sensor
Fazit
Strong battery life, precise sensor, appealing design and attractive price: The SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 is a convincing wireless gaming mouse
