Hardware SteelSeries Ikari mouse and SP mousemat

[Tim S]

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/200..._sp_mousemat/1

We got two Christmas presents from SteelSeries this year - the new SP gaming mousemat and the much-hyped Ikari gaming mouse. What better way to start the new year than to take them both for a spin and see how they hold up.

[r4tch3t]

Great review as always.
I quite like the idea of being able to adjust the DPI precisely, however I have grown accustomed to having 3 settings I think I will still stick with my MX518.
If I needed a new mouse though I would certainly test this one out for comfort.

[Fishlock]

Brilliant review, always love them.

I need to get a mousemat, but as the review said, I too prefer a larger, smoother mat, any recommendations? The larger the better!

As for the mouse, will i truely notice a big difference going from a wireless high-end mouse (MX-Revolution) to a wired gaming mouse? I do consider myself to be in the 'serious' gamer group, and wonder if my current mouse is holding me back?

Sam.

[CardJoe]

For a large smooth mouse mat I like the Steel Series SX steel pad. It's fantastic.

As for the whole wired v wireless debate, well it's sa thorny issue. Personally, I use a wireless G7 at home because I'm often sitting away from the PC or using it as a remote control. To me, the G7 is a fantastic mouse as long as you don't mind swapping batteries occasionally. That said, I'm mainly a singleplayer gamer by choice, so pausing a game doesn't bother me.

At work, I use the Deathadder or the Ikari (now). Both awesome mice and more suited to multiplayer gaming as I don't have to swap batteries.

In terms of input lag though, whether or not you can actually detect it is highly debateable. 99% of people can't/won't, though 90% of hardcore gamers say that they actually can. I don't believe that personally. There are a few people on the forums who have made me believe that they can detect the difference and I recognise that some serious clan and pro gamers don't want to take the risk even if they can't tell the difference, but I'm just not convinced that if you put a high end wireless mouse like the G7 against the Deathadder then a majority would detect the lag. Maybe I'll do a feature on it one day.

[Fishlock]

Originally Posted by CardJoe

Maybe I'll do a feature on it one day.

That would be brilliant. Thanks for the information. =)

[Emon]

That looks like the first gaming mouse from someone other than Logitech that actually looks usable. Most of them suffer from very poor design and ergonomics, take for example every mouse Razer has ever made.

[Aterius Gmork]

UK Price (as reviewed): £41.11 (inc. VAT)
US Price (as reviewed): $47.73 (excl. Tax)

makes me happy that I am not British.

[Kipman725]

I like using a cloth mouse pad but it takes a few years for dead skin and gresee to build up till you have a nice surface.

[mrb_no1]

nice review but that mouse doesnt bring anything usefully new to the table. I just purchased a logitech mx518 to replace my mx500 of 4 years(best mouse ever made that is!) and it came with the adjustable dpi settings, although its not on the fly like the steelseries ikari, but it gives a range between 2000 and 400 with up to 5 customisable settings that can be switched between at the touch of a button on the mouse as the 518 is old in technology terms. This for me is a superior way of changing the dpi ingame, you want to scroll 1600 dpi when you jump in a jet and then have to look at the mouse led to make sure its all the way up, i touch a button twice and i'm there, a far better solution as in fps's where speed is of the essence who wants to be looking at their mouse to check the dpi. There's my rant for the weekend, but i'd buy a 518 for less rather than the ikari.

peace

[Brooxy]

Originally Posted by Emon

That looks like the first gaming mouse from someone other than Logitech that actually looks usable. Most of them suffer from very poor design and ergonomics, take for example every mouse Razer has ever made.

Would just like to point out, there is NOTHING wrong with Razer mice...the Diamondback I have is quite honestly, the most comfortable mouse I have ever used...which is why I only intend on replacing it, if it totally dies..

[speedfreek]

Originally Posted by Brooxy

Would just like to point out, there is NOTHING wrong with Razer mice...the Diamondback I have is quite honestly, the most comfortable mouse I have ever used...which is why I only intend on replacing it, if it totally dies..

I find them to be uncomfortable and small, my G5 and mx518 are a little on the small side but those fit my hand better. Its all personal taste when it comes down to it, my friend feels completely lost when using anything but his razer and I cant stand the damn thing.

edit: As for mousepads, I use a cut up part of a cereal box for mine. Excellent tracking and it leaves a notepad for me to use, lasts really long for the price too, I have been using this piece since oblivion first came out as documented by notes on it.

[naokaji]

the price for that mouse in the uk is a complete rip off..

they cut out features logitech uses to justify their price but then they charge the same...

but i guess if your living outside of the uk where the price is lower than other gaming mice it might actually be a good option for those that dont want to do spend the amount logitech costs.

[naokaji]

argh.. damn double post

[haggisathome]

Originally Posted by Aterius Gmork

makes me happy that I am not British.

how come ? the mouse is cheaper in the uk than in us , the US one is plus tax !!!

[kliend]

I just bought a logitech G5 v2 and am as happy as can be with it. The scroll wheel takes a little getting used to for middle clicking but I think I'm fine with it now.

[Ghys]

Originally Posted by CardJoe

For a large smooth mouse mat I like the Steel Series SX steel pad. It's fantastic.

As for the whole wired v wireless debate, well it's sa thorny issue. Personally, I use a wireless G7 at home because I'm often sitting away from the PC or using it as a remote control. To me, the G7 is a fantastic mouse as long as you don't mind swapping batteries occasionally. That said, I'm mainly a singleplayer gamer by choice, so pausing a game doesn't bother me.

At work, I use the Deathadder or the Ikari (now). Both awesome mice and more suited to multiplayer gaming as I don't have to swap batteries.

In terms of input lag though, whether or not you can actually detect it is highly debateable. 99% of people can't/won't, though 90% of hardcore gamers say that they actually can. I don't believe that personally. There are a few people on the forums who have made me believe that they can detect the difference and I recognise that some serious clan and pro gamers don't want to take the risk even if they can't tell the difference, but I'm just not convinced that if you put a high end wireless mouse like the G7 against the Deathadder then a majority would detect the lag. Maybe I'll do a feature on it one day.

i'm not superhuman or anything but I can feel it in windows, let alone in games. I am not saying this to be 'cool' or 'better than everyone'. I wish I couldn't tell the difference and enjoy a brand new wireless mouse because, after all, wires can be a pain in the ass ...

[Aterius Gmork]

Originally Posted by haggisathome

how come ? the mouse is cheaper in the uk than in us , the US one is plus tax !!!

might be. but tax cannot be 100% in the US. More like 6%. And I am German - never mind though it is complete rip-off here as well. 65-70€ for a mouse that is not Logitech? No thanks.

[Lukeatluke]

Originally Posted by CardJoe

In terms of input lag though, whether or not you can actually detect it is highly debateable. 99% of people can't/won't, though 90% of hardcore gamers say that they actually can. I don't believe that personally. There are a few people on the forums who have made me believe that they can detect the difference and I recognise that some serious clan and pro gamers don't want to take the risk even if they can't tell the difference, but I'm just not convinced that if you put a high end wireless mouse like the G7 against the Deathadder then a majority would detect the lag. Maybe I'll do a feature on it one day.

Before i bought Razer Deathadder, i had mx1000, which has 8ms response time, like yours G7.When i first played cod2 multiplayer, I made 20% kills more done with razer 1ms response in comparison with 8ms and mx1000.So, ok lag, most people can't detect, but for response time, like you have 20fps more(in cod2 that's nothing, in cod4....huge difference in combat).So, wireless mouse? Yes, for remote control, programming, for "PRO" instant playing Multiplayer games-never again.

Thoughts:
Multiplayer games & 2.5 m(1ms) sitting infront of your PC=buy wired mouse,
for programming&playing Singleplayer Games or Secondperson games(wow-multiplayer too)=buy wireless mouse.

Razer and Logitech are perfect because of software witch come with mouse, for any other <TradeMark>, I'm not so shure...

[morris8809]

i have a logitech lx710 lazer desktop and love it untill my rechargeable batteries die and the mouse starts messing up. as for telling the difference between my mouse being wired and wireless. i can see some differnce as the wired feels a little bit more solid of what im doing than the wireless does. i think i can feel a small bit of lag iono, it may be just me.

[Firehed]

Originally Posted by haggisathome

how come ? the mouse is cheaper in the uk than in us , the US one is plus tax !!!

$47US is about £22. Not £41.