Page 3 - Subjective Performance Tests
After installing and properly configuring the SteelSeries Rival 500 to my liking using the software, I put the SteelSeries Rival 500 through our series of standard tracking performance tests. This includes normal office usage in the Windows environment, as well as gaming tests. 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 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 Rival 500, being designed mainly for users like me in mind, is perfect for the occasion. For those who like claw grips, or a semi-claw-palm-hybrid grip, the Rival 500 will also accommodate you. Furthermore, its lightweight design makes it excellent MOBA/MMO games, especially considering all the thumb buttons it has. This, in conjunction with its wide sensitivity sensor -- 100 CPI to 16000 CPI in 100 CPI increments -- caters perfectly to all the different scenarios and game play strategies MOBA/MMO gamers will encounter in the real world. The fact is, dipping as low as 100 CPI is definitely not something you will see every day, nor is the epic 16,000 CPI maximum. I am not entirely sure why anyone would need something that nauseatingly sensitive, but hey, it is there for those who want it.
During usage, I have never accidentally pressed any buttons I did not intend to click. This is very important, considering all the buttons the SteelSeries Rival 500 has the first place. This is only made possible considering the few that are there are very well placed in the first place, unlike those with grid layouts. At the same time, any feature I need is always well within reach, so props to SteelSeries coming up with a great design. I am also a fan of the textured anti-sweat finish and molded rubber grip. The SteelSeries Rival 500 is very comfortable to use, and always grip well in my hand. I found no awkwardly placed buttons from my usage experience.
The primary purpose of SteelSeries' Rival 500 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 Rival 500 to be excellent for both everyday office work in addition to performance demanding applications. The PixArt PMW3360 is considered to be one of the best, if not the best, sensors in the market today, and you can definitely see why with this mouse. The sense of control and the smoothness of its glide over all tested tracking surfaces was excellent, and the pointer goes exactly where I want it to go combined with the precision I want. I noticed no tracking problems with the SteelSeries Rival 500 on all surfaces I have tested it on.
At 1000Hz polling rate with the optical sensor, the Rival 500 is an incredibly 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 input lag was noticed; response time was consistently excellent from the lowest sensitivity setting all the way to its upper 16,000 CPI limit. Although sensitivity range is a not a direct indicator of performance, similar to how resolution is not a direct indicator of digital camera performance, its incredible precision was sustained across the entire sensitivity range. I noticed no real jitter even at the highest resolution. The SteelSeries Rival 500 is highly customizable for users desiring wide tracking resolution, maximum responsiveness, lag free performance, and razor sharp handling characteristics. It glides very smoothly thanks to its PTFE feet too. This is everything you can expect from a gaming product and more. Tactile Alerts only added to the experience in a positive way.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. A Closer Look - Hardware and Software
3. Subjective Performance Tests
4. Conclusion
