If you fail miserably at first, why not try making a wireless mouse? Due to a minor design error, SteelSeries’ inexpensive gaming mouse, the Rival 3, failed to meet expectations early this year. The wireless version should presumably do the same, but the $49.99 Rival 3 Wireless’ extensive feature set makes it stand out among budget wireless gaming mouse. If you’re seeking for a cheap wireless mouse with an improved sensor, long battery life, and several connection choices, the Rival 3 Wireless is a great pick. Its shell is poor, much like its predecessor.
Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Great battery life | Shape is somewhat unpleasant when using the palm grip |
Wireless technologies (Bluetooth + 2.4 GHz) | Reduced polling rate in “High-Efficiency” power-saving mode |
Surprisingly cheap for a wireless controller | Heavier than its wired counterpart |
Supports operation with single/dual AAA pack |
Sapacification
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Number of Buttons | 6 |
Interface | RF Wireless and Bluetooth |
Hand Orientation | Right-Handed |
Manufacturer & Model | SteelSeries TrueMove Air |
Maximum Resolution | 18,000 DPI |
Power Source | Two AAA Batteries |
Weight | 3.74 ounces |
Warranty | 1 Year (Parts & Labor) |
SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gaming Mouse: Design, Performance, and Battery Life Review
When comparing the Rival 3 with the Rival 3 Wireless, the only noticeable difference is the absence of the wire. Compared to the original, which had dimensions of 1.34 by 2.63 by 4.64 inches, this one is somewhat broader and taller at 1.44 by 2.63 by 4.88 inches (HWD). The Rival 3 Wireless is a rather simple six-button gaming mouse completely encased in matte black plastic, with the exception of the one RGB lighting element located in the scroll wheel. Two click buttons, a scroll wheel, and a button to cycle among DPI presets are the four inputs on top. A pair of backward and forward macros are located on the side. Two AAA battery slots and a storage box for the 2.4 GHz wifi dongle are revealed when the base panel is pulled off.

With 3.74 ounces as opposed to 2.86 ounces, the Rival 3 Wireless is noticeably heavier than its predecessor. Since they have more moving parts, most wireless mice are heavier than their cable equivalents. To make up for it, the mouse can function with a single battery, reducing its weight to 3.14 ounces. An excellent feature to include in a mouse that seems designed to encourage competitive play is the ability to play with a single battery, which reduces the load on the device.
With its narrow shape and hard-molded side edges, the Wireless is similar to the regular Rival 3. The “claw-” and “fingertip” gamers who don’t put their hands on the mouse’s base and aren’t concerned with its ergonomics are the target audience for this design. The original had a sharp right edge that was uncomfortable to use with a ring finger, and the slope of the base was too shallow for a “mouse palm” grasp that didn’t need active holding.
These issues are less noticeable on the Rival 3 Wireless, because to the little size change: While I was getting into position, my ring finger slid over the ridge, but it always ended up clutching the correct side. Even if the base panel’s gradual rise is still slick, my hand had less trouble sliding when playing. There are still problems with the chassis, but they are far easier to live with now.
Beyond its outward appearance, the Rival 3 Wireless has much superior hardware compared to its predecessor. Considering the price tag of $30 for the Rival 3, SteelSeries has upgraded the sensor from its previous TrueMove Core model, which offered subpar performance. The Rival 3 Wireless, equipped with SteelSeries’ latest TrueMove Air sensor, is accurate up to 400 inches per second and can track up to 18,000 DPI. These are impressive specs for any wireless mouse, not just the cheap ones.
Additionally, the wireless components are remarkable. Bluetooth wireless, which is more energy efficient and works with devices that don’t have any ports, and the gaming-standard 2.4 GHz connection by USB dongle are both supported by the Rival 3 Wireless. In a signal-crowded environment, both connections perform well.
The Rival 3 Wireless has an excellent battery life. According to SteelSeries, the mouse may last up to 400 hours on a single set of AAA batteries. Obviously, the power-efficiency mode of the mouse is required to achieve that optimized rate; this option disables the RGB illumination and reduces the polling rate. However, you still get an exceptionally lengthy power cycle even without it. Although I often go for internal rechargeable batteries—as I’ve said in previous reviews—I do like how far this one gets on a single charge.
SteelSeries Engine: Customize Your Rival 3 Wireless with Ease and CloudSync Convenience
To make all of the adjustments and alterations to the Rival 3 Wireless, the business’s configuration software, SteelSeries Engine, is used. The SteelSeries Engine centralizes all of the settings and customization choices into one screen. This includes power-saving settings, button mapping, illumination customization, and sophisticated mouse features like acceleration control and angle snapping. Everything is well located. Critically, you can get brief feature explanations in SteelSeries Engine by clicking the little question mark next to the parameter. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player aiming to improve your game, this will teach you how to adjust your mouse to suit your needs.

There is no built-in profile storage on the Rival 3 Wireless, but you can create and save an unlimited number of button mapping profiles on Engine. That leaves you with no options except to make all of your RGB, polling, and DPI adjustments on the go. However, it’s not really that serious of a problem. CloudSync is an integrated feature of SteelSeries Engine that allows you to save your presets to the cloud and then transfer them to any computer that is compatible with the software.
SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Review: Budget-Friendly Gaming Mouse with Impressive Performance
With the Rival 3 Wireless, SteelSeries’ budget mouse design is seen in a whole new light, and it looks considerably better. In comparison to wired budget gaming mice that cost $29.99, wireless mice are ridiculously inexpensive at $49.99. Plus, when weighed against far more expensive wireless six-button gaming mice, its long battery life and high-performance sensor make it a fantastic bargain. Even though it still has a few flaws and isn’t very ergonomic, this specimen is still impressive and stands out among similar mice like Razer’s Basilisk X. Discount shoppers seeking a high-quality wireless mouse at a reasonable price shouldn’t pass this one up. For wireless gaming, PCMag recommends the Razer Basilisk Ultimate, which won the Editors’ Choice award.
Conclusion
By combining affordability with outstanding performance, the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless stands out as an outstanding advance over its wired predecessor. As far as inexpensive wireless gaming mouse go, it stands out at $49.99 thanks to its high-quality TrueMove Air sensor, flexible connection choices, and great battery life. Some users may find the ergonomics and shell design unappealing, especially those who prefer a more comfortable grip. However, the benefits of its lightweight construction and sturdy features more than make up for these shortcomings. Even if it can’t compare to high-end versions like the Razer Basilisk Ultimate, the Rival 3 Wireless is a solid option for gamers on a budget who are seeking for a wireless gaming mouse.
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