INTRODUCTION

   For most consumers wireless mice are directly linked to signal issues and battery life and although as mentioned in previous reviews technology has advanced to a point where these don't stand out nearly as much most models still can't compare with their wired competition. For gamers however things become even more complicated since response times, tracking performance, battery life and even looks need to be on a whole different level compared to what casual consumers are looking for. SteelSeries may have a near perfect track record when it comes to wireless gaming peripherals but it's been many years since they last released a wireless gaming mouse so when they announced the RIVAL 650 Wireless late last year we put in a sample request (did take a while for it to reach our lab however) and after almost two full months of testing we can finally release our review.

   SteelSeries is a leader in gaming peripherals focused on quality, innovation and functionality, and the fastest growing major PC gaming headset brand in the US. Founded in 2001, SteelSeries improves performance through first-to-market innovations and technologies that enable gamers to play harder, train longer, and rise to the challenge. SteelSeries is a pioneer supporter of competitive gaming tournaments and eSports and connects gamers to each other, fostering a sense of community and purpose. SteelSeries’ team of professional and gaming enthusiasts help design and craft every single accessory and are the driving force behind the company.

   The RIVAL 650 Wireless Gaming Mouse is built around the state of the art TrueMove3+ dual sensor system developed by SteelSeries which consists from the primary optical sensor manufactured by Pixart (12000CPI/350IPS/50G/zero hardware acceleration) and a secondary optical depth sensor used exclusively to track lift-off distance. As for its wireless capabilities SteelSeries has used their very own quantum wireless 2.4GHz lag-free system with 1000Hz (1ms) polling rate for incredibly low latency and a strong, consistent wireless connection. The RIVAL 650 Wireless also features 7 programmable buttons (60 million clicks for the primary ones), lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack that gives it over 24 hours of life, fast charging (over 10 hours of battery life with just 15 minutes of recharge), 32-bit ARM processor, innovative customizable side-load weight system (256 different weight combinations), fiber-reinforced rubber coated plastic body (ergonomic - right handed), 8-zone RGB lighting (4 modes/effects) and a 2 meter long detachable rubber coated cable.