Page 3 - Subjective Performance Tests
After installing and properly configuring the SteelSeries Sensei Wireless to my likings using the software, I have put the mouse through our series of standard tracking performance tests. This includes normal office usage in the Windows environment, as well as gaming within first person shooter games such as Counter-Strike: Source. Graphics work is done in addition to the regular office usage with Adobe Photoshop CS6. Mousing surfaces used includes the Func F-Series 10 L and XTracPads Ripper XXL. Please note that these are subjective tests, but we attempt to make it as objective as possible with our cross reference testing methods.
Personally, when I use my mouse, I prefer to establish a palm grip rather than a claw grip. What this means is that I prefer to cover the whole mouse with the palms of my hands, therefore a comfortable ergonomic fit is a priority preference. The SteelSeries Sensei Wireless, despite being an ambidextrous mouse that traditionally is not that good for this purpose, works perfectly in my case. For those who like claw grips, or a semi-claw-palm-hybrid grip, the Sensei Wireless will definitely accommodate you. Of course, if you have exceptionally larger hands, you may start to have problems. It fits perfectly in my average sized hands. Furthermore, its lightweight design makes it excellent for first person shooter games, especially for those who commonly engage swift, quick actions. This does not happen too often with wireless mice, so I am quite impressed how SteelSeries pulled it off. This, in conjunction with its wide sensitivity sensor -- 50 CPI to 8200 CPI -- caters perfectly to all the different scenarios and game play strategies FPS gamers will encounter in the real world. The fact is, many laser sensors can meet or exceed 6500 CPI, but dipping as low as 50 CPI is definitely not something you will see every day.
The primary purpose of SteelSeries' Sensei Wireless is intended for the performance enthusiast crowd. It is primarily made for gaming, but this does not exclude graphic professionals and office users demanding the edge in tracking precision. Unlike some gaming oriented products, I found the SteelSeries Sensei Wireless to be excellent for both everyday office work in addition to performance demanding applications. The sense of control and the smoothness of its glide over most tracking surfaces are excellent, and the pointer goes exactly where I want it to go combined with the precision I want. At 1000Hz polling rate, we here at APH Networks never had any questions with the company's choice of laser sensor; the Sensei Wireless is a very precise and quick responding mouse, just as we would expect from a performance gaming product. Its lightweight build and excellent grip only enhances the capability of the electronics. No 'oil slick' delay is noticed; response time is consistently excellent from the lowest sensitivity setting all the way to its upper 8200 CPI limit. The SteelSeries Sensei Wireless is highly customizable for user desired tracking resolution, highly responsive, virtually lag free without any cables attached, and razor sharp handling characteristics. It glides very smoothly thanks to its PTFE feet too. It has the performance of every gaming class mouse should be. The fact this is all done wirelessly is very impressive.
With the SteelSeries Sensei Wireless sitting on my desk for the last couple of weeks, I have had no issues hitting the rated battery life. It is quite convenient the LEDs can be configured to reflect the charge status. For me, once it hits orange, just throw it on the charger overnight. During usage, I have never accidentally pressed any buttons I did not intend to click. Obviously, there are not a truckload of buttons of the SteelSeries Sensei Wireless to begin with, but at the same time, this is only made possible considering the few that are there are very well placed in the first place. At the same time, any feature I need is always well within reach, so props to SteelSeries coming up with a great design. My colleague Devin had issues with the buttons on the right side of the his corded Sensei, but again, for my average sized hands, I have absolutely no complaints. I am also a fan of the soft touch paint. The SteelSeries Sensei Wireless is very comfortable to use, and always grips well in my hand. Needless to say, I am impressed.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. A Closer Look - Hardware and Software
3. Subjective Performance Tests
4. Conclusion
