SteelSeries has released updated versions of two of its best-known gaming mice, the Sensei Pro and the Rival Pro, and neither comes cheap. The Danish company has added ultra-wideband wireless to both models, pitching them at players who, as the company puts it, want to “keep beating kids” online.
The new mice come after the Aeon Pro, a premium controller that works across multiple platforms. They target professional esports players and affluent gamers who play multiplayer titles. The launch coincides with SteelSeries’ 25th anniversary, and the mice offer high-performance wireless connectivity along with some exclusive features.
The Sensei Pro and Rival Pro both support ultra-wideband (UWB), which operates at much higher frequencies than the 2.4GHz used by conventional wireless mice. SteelSeries says UWB improves signal stability during tracking and reduces the effect of radio interference, resulting in “lag-free” wireless performance. Both mice also have an 8K polling rate, intended to lower lag further and improve stability and speed.
The Sensei Pro has a symmetrical shape based on design principles that are about 20 years old, so it can be used comfortably with either hand. The Rival Pro has an ergonomic shape designed for right-handed use.
Each model has an “infinite” power system (IPS) with two batteries. While one is in use, the other recharges inside the receiver. According to SteelSeries, the system lasts up to 120 hours at a 1K polling rate, which is 60 hours per battery. At 8K, battery life is 32 hours in total, or 16 hours per battery.
Both the Sensei Pro and Rival Pro are available in black and white, with standard and “Mini” sizes for each color. All versions are priced at $180. The mice are on sale through the SteelSeries online store, with third-party retailers expected to carry them from October 13.
The anniversary editions were introduced with a video clip showing adult players buying high-end mice to beat kids in online shooters. It ends with the message that anyone who still loses to kids with such an expensive mouse is simply bad at online games. Those who don’t want to pay $180 can choose a wired mouse, which costs much less.
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