Among all your gaming equipment, your mouse might be the most influential in terms of performance relative to its price. Fortunately, you don’t need to shell out over $100 to find an excellent high-performance wireless model.
SteelSeries invites you to contemplate their budget-friendly wireless mouse, the Rival 3 (Gen 2). This device certainly justifies its worth with both its impressive performance and robust construction. However, there’s more to discover as well, offering unexpected delights.
In most affordable wireless gaming mice, Bluetooth connectivity is rarely found. However, SteelSeries stands out by providing vibrant, non-traditional color options, rather than the usual monotonous black, white, or grey hues.
But is that enough at this price?
This review was made feasible through a complimentary review unit supplied by SteelSeries. SteelSeries played no role in shaping or viewing the content of this review before its release.
Rival 3 Wireless review: Pricing and specifications
The model you find at SteelSeries is the wireless iteration of the SteelSeries Rival 3 (Gen 2), priced at $34.99, yet it has several other distinct features apart from integrating a wireless transmitter.
The updated SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless model boasts enhanced functionality and is available for purchase at SteelSeries for just $59.99 in colors like black, white, purple, and blue.
Additionally, you can acquire this mouse priced at $59.99 from Best Buy or Amazon, or even find it on sale for as low as $55 elsewhere. I’ve noticed the Rival 3 (Gen 2) Wireless being discounted before.
| Spec | SteelSeries Rival 3 (Gen 2) Wireless |
|---|---|
| Sensor | SteelSeries TrueMove Air Optical Sensor, 18,000 Dots-per-Inch (DPI), 400 Inches-per-Second (IPS), 40G max acceleration |
| Hardware features | Symmetrical design, mechanical switches (60-million click lifespan), 6 programmable buttons, 100% PFTE feet, up to 1,000Hz polling rate |
| Software features | SteelSeries GG Engine support, maco shortcuts, 5 DPI profiles, onboard memory, acceleration/deceleration settings, angle snapping settings |
| Connectivity | Wireless via USB Type-A 2.4GHz dongle, wireless via Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Battery | Up to 200 hours w/ up to 2x AAA alkaline disposable batteries (rechargeable AAA batteries supported) |
| Dimensions | 121 x 67 x 38mm (4.74 x 2.64 x 1.5in) |
| Weight | 83.5g (0.18lbs) w/ no batteries, up to 106g (0.23lbs) w/ batteries |
| Warranty | 1-year standard |
Inside the box, you’ll discover the SteelSeries Rival 3 (Gen 2) Wireless Gaming Mouse in a color of your preference. Also included is the USB Type-A 2.4GHz wireless dongle and two AAA alkaline batteries for initial use. Please note that you’ll need to provide your own replacement batteries once these run out, but the Rival 3 (Gen 2) is compatible with rechargeable AAA batteries.
Rival 3 Wireless review: What I like
The eye-catching aspect of the Rival 3 (Gen 2) Wireless, which is one of its strongest points, leaves me a bit disappointed to say this – it does have some color.
Apart from the traditional black and white shades, you can opt for a purple or blue version of this mouse, which are the same hues as the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless headset that I am currently evaluating.
Beyond its color scheme, the Rival 3 (Gen 2) Wireless boasts a slightly smaller build, tailored for both claw and fingertip grips. Its symmetrical structure leans towards right-handed users, although it can be comfortably used by lefties as well.
The construction of this mouse is solid, showing no sign of bend or flex, boasting secure seams, and emanating a sense of reliability from its matte and slightly transparent plastic materials. Interestingly, this mouse already feels quite heavy even without the AAA batteries inserted, which some users might find appealing.
As an analyst, I find that the entire backside of the Rival 3 (Gen 2) Wireless is the detachable battery compartment, and it’s securely fastened in place. Moreover, there’s a nifty little storage space within the mouse for your USB Type-A dongle, which I appreciate as it keeps things tidy and organized.
Regarding performance, the Rival 3 Gen 2 Wireless mouse demonstrates a more conservative approach, boasting an 18,000 DPI optical sensor and mechanical switches. Although it may not be the most impressive in terms of specs, this mouse offers a highly accurate and smooth sensor, along with consistently responsive and tactile mouse buttons.
Despite the hardware not being exceptionally notable, SteelSeries compensates for this point by offering robust software, which I’ll discuss later. The Rival 3 (Gen 2) Wireless mouse, although heavy, is effortlessly movable due to its smooth PFTE feet and well-balanced weight distribution.
In addition, I experienced no problems with the 2.4GHz wireless connection. The latency was virtually non-existent, and I seldom faced any interruptions or delays, except for a few times when my mouse came out of sleep mode.
It might come as a pleasant surprise that the Rival 3 (Gen 2) Wireless model includes Bluetooth connectivity, which is not typically found at its price range. While many users may not require this feature, having it available adds convenience, and it doesn’t impact gaming performance unless you choose to engage with it.
As an analyst, I was pleasantly surprised by the software integration – specifically, the SteelSeries GG Engine app. This tool mitigates some of the potential drawbacks that might come with a mouse within this price bracket. With it, I have the flexibility to reassign all my buttons and set up macro shortcuts, ensuring a more personalized gaming experience. Furthermore, it offers additional features like Bluetooth smoothing and high-efficiency mode, enhancing overall performance.
Regarding its functionality, it offers separate adjustments for Dots-per-Inch (DPI) along both axes, customizable acceleration and deceleration sensitivity, and angle snapping as well. This device provides a substantial number of options that surpass some premium mice, boasting five onboard DPI profiles and ample memory to save all your additional settings within the mouse itself.
Regarding its durability, it’s worth noting that the Rival 3 (Gen 2) Wireless relies on disposable batteries. While they have certain drawbacks, there’s a unique advantage: you can enjoy up to an impressive 200 hours of battery life from this mouse, which indeed seems accurate.
This small device, a mouse, can still operate at maximum power using just one standard AAA battery. However, keep in mind that the running time will be shorter compared to when using multiple batteries. Plus, it’s compatible with rechargeable AAA batteries if you prefer a more eco-friendly and less hassle-prone option, as you won’t have to replace batteries frequently.
Rival 3 Wireless review: What I don’t like
From my perspective, I find that the SteelSeries Rival 3 (Gen 2) Wireless mouse is comparatively heavier than its high-performance gaming counterparts in the market. Unlike them, it doesn’t offer a wired connection option. Instead, you’ll need to swap out batteries as they run out of power – a recurring task that I’ve noticed can be inconvenient.
Besides its existing flaws, this mouse also has some other issues. The scroll wheel feels rather soft and inexpensive, while the side buttons are oddly thin and can easily be accidentally clicked. Primarily, what hinders this mouse the most is that by spending just a bit extra, you could get significantly better models.
In my experience, the Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed mouse stands out as a remarkable example. Much like its counterparts, it delivers superior performance and boasts a sleek, higher-quality design that’s lighter in weight. What sets it apart is its extended battery life, which is quite impressive. Although it costs $10 more, I frequently find it selling for the same price as the Rival 3 (Gen 2) Wireless mouse.
Rival 3 Wireless review: Also consider
Rival 3 Wireless review: My final thoughts
✅You should buy this if …
- You want a reliable wireless gaming mouse for $60 or less.
- You’re looking for a mouse with some actual personality.
- You want to finetune your mouse’s performance in the software.
❌You should not buy this if …
- You absolutely don’t want to deal with disposable batteries.
- You’ll never use the Bluetooth connectivity.
You won’t have to break the bank for a top-notch gaming mouse, as evidenced by the SteelSeries Rival 3 (Gen 2) Wireless. While it may not become legendary as the ultimate budget gaming mouse, it certainly checks all the boxes with its clear advantages and disadvantages.
This wireless gaming mouse from SteelSeries isn’t the cheapest ever, but it offers a fantastic balance of pros and cons, making it a great choice for gamers who want quality without spending a fortune.
Looking for a vibrant, balanced design that offers robust performance and Bluetooth compatibility? That’s fantastic! Tired of disposable batteries and seeking top-tier performance? There might be superior options available.
I just can’t help expressing my desire for more companies to adopt vibrant colors, as the monotone tech we see now feels lifeless and bland, mirroring the sterile minimalism that has become all too prevalent in our world. The Rival 3 (Gen 2) Wireless model from SteelSeries certainly looks captivating, so keep innovating with color!
You’ve got two options to grab the SteelSeries Rival 3 (Gen 2) Wireless mouse. It’s priced at just $59.99 on Best Buy or Amazon. If you ask me, I prefer the purple color, but if you’re after a more vibrant design, go for the blue one!
Read More
- WLD PREDICTION. WLD cryptocurrency
- SUI PREDICTION. SUI cryptocurrency
- USD ILS PREDICTION
- Gold Rate Forecast
- EUR USD PREDICTION
- BTC PREDICTION. BTC cryptocurrency
- Charlize ditches pants for racy red carpet look at The Old Guard 2 premiere with Uma Thurman
- XEC/USD
- New Nintendo Switch 2 Report Teases Luigi’s Mansion 4
- Planet Zoo Update Welcomes New Animals
2025-06-29 14:10