Review by Gen 2 by Steelseries Rival 3: Game mice of good budget

Over the years, Computer mice have become expensive. Anything It has become expensive. It can be frustrating to look at a list of game mice and see also the cheapest options that approach $ 80, especially when games now cost $ 80 and new graphic cards regularly pass the sign of $ 1,000.

This is where budget -oriented mice are perfect. Most high-end mice has passed to the point of reduction of returns for the average player, with most it never needs the precision of an eco-high eco-high mouse, ultra-liex perfectly balanced. These are all cute characteristics to have, but they are not necessary for everyday games, in which the delay, latency and falls of the frequency of the frames will probably have a greater impact on your game than your mouse that did not perceive a millisecond of movement.

Among the budget mice, the rival of Steelseries 3 Gen 2 shines. It does not give priority to extreme lightness, unnecessarily high polling rates or other captivating metrics. Instead, this mouse focuses on the supply of solid specifications that are quite good for the average player. I tested both the wired and wireless variants of rival 3 Jan 2, which sell at $ 35 and $ 60, respectively.

Budget performance

Photography: Henri Robbins

Both models are equipped with Pixart optical sensors capable of obtaining up to 18,000 points per inch (PPE) and 400 inches per second, much more capable of the mouse for medium office and more than enough for normal game. The mouse operates at a 1,000 Hz polling frequency, which is practically standard for gambling mice today. The sensor looks snappy and reactive, and I have not found any late model or loses input during regular use.

The wired and wireless models have almost identical shapes and sizes: the only significant difference between the two is the seams of the panel on the wireless model. The size of rival 3 Jan 2 finds an excellent middle ground, ideal for medium -sized hands but usable for almost any size. The shape of the mouse is standard but effective and although it does not have a fairly refined and smooth sculpted of Razer’s Viper lineIt is useful, it has intuitive positioning of the buttons and feels comfortable during prolonged use. The two thumb buttons are well sized for easy access and the central button behind the sliding wheel is short enough to never take it accidentally, but high enough to be pressed easily and quickly.

The wired model weighs about 80 grams without including the cable (and about 100 with it) and the soft woven cable is not captured or creates friction during regular use. Although it is not yet convenient as a wireless mouse, accessories like Mouse bungee They are not necessary at all. The largest functional difference between the wired and wireless models is the weight: the wireless model weighs 110 grams with batteries, which is significantly more than mass to move.

Despite the additional weight, the wireless rival 3 Jan 2 still seems agile and easy to move; The large and smooth feet on the lower side slide effortlessly on both benches and mousepads. The weight added by the batteries is evident, but are positioned higher in the mouse instead of in the bottom. This makes him feel less as he was dragging around the extra weight, since the batteries are closer to your hand and are positioned more centrally on the mouse.