Competitive gaming gear has reached a new milestone as SteelSeries introduces the Rival Pro, a high-end wireless gaming mouse that addresses traditional cordless latency issues through ultra wideband (UWB) connectivity. Priced at $180, the mouse combines a remarkably light 53-gram chassis with advanced tracking capabilities and an innovative removable battery system designed to provide uninterrupted gaming sessions. While it carries a steep price tag and lacks infinite scrolling, its rapid response times and clever power solution make it a formidable option for enthusiasts.
Key takeaways
- The SteelSeries Rival Pro costs $180 and features ultra wideband connectivity via a dedicated base station.
- The mouse weighs just 53 grams and features a 42K optical sensor with an 8K polling rate.
- It utilizes an interchangeable disc-shaped battery system that provides about 16 hours of battery life at full polling.
- The base station doubles as a charger for a secondary battery to ensure continuous power.
Design and Build Quality
Weighing in at a mere 53 grams, the Rival Pro feels exceptionally light during use, though competitors like the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 3 Pro at 47 grams and the Corsair Sabre v2 Pro Ultralight at 37 grams shave off even more weight. The device sports a four-button layout with traditional left and right clicks, two programmable side buttons, and a gently curved shape tailored for right-handed users. For left-handed gamers or those preferring a symmetrical layout, SteelSeries offers the Sensei Pro, alongside a smaller mini model. Large 100% PTFE non-stick pads on the bottom allow the mouse to glide smoothly across various surfaces.
The mouse's scroll wheel is functional with clicky presses and a shallow actuation point ideal for shooters, but it lacks a free-spin or infinite scrolling feature, making it less optimal for productivity tasks. Additionally, the matte surface tends to collect fingerprints and grease more easily than other mice, requiring occasional wipe-downs.
UWB Connectivity and Performance
Unlike standard wireless devices that rely on congested 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands, the Rival Pro routes its connection through an included wired base station housing an ultra wideband radio. This UWB technology helps bypass local wireless traffic from nearby phones and tablets, though it performs less effectively when heavy obstacles block the path between the device and transmitter. Performance is driven by SteelSeries' TrueMove 42K Pro sensor, which supports fine DPI adjustments down to single digits and a Smart DPI setting for consistent cursor tracking. Operating at a standard 8K polling rate with an optional 9K over-polling setting, the mouse utilizes optical switches for its primary buttons to ensure snappy execution.
Battery System and Pricing
To offset the higher power draw of UWB connectivity, SteelSeries includes an interchangeable disc-shaped battery system. One battery is pre-installed in the mouse while a second charges inside the base station, allowing users to swap power cells in seconds by twisting and pulling. Each battery lasts roughly 16 hours at an 8K polling rate, while reducing the polling rate to 1,000 extends runtime up to 120 hours. There is no USB port on the mouse itself for emergency cable charging, meaning users rely entirely on the swap system. Alongside the SteelSeries GG desktop app, users can adjust settings via a web portal, cementing its status as a robust peripheral despite its $180 cost.
Comments