SteelSeries presents gaming mouse Rival 5

With the Rival 5, SteelSeries presents a revised version of the Rival 600, which sees itself as an all-round device and should be just as suitable for shooters as for RPG or MMO games.

Light weight and lots of buttons

Compared to the Rival 600, the Rival 5‘s lighter weight and additional buttons are particularly noticeable. The symmetrical mouse, which can only be used with the right hand due to the button arrangement, weighs 85 grams and is thus at least ten grams lighter than the Rival 600, which is equipped with a flexible weight system.

In addition to the buttons found on the Rival 600, which are arranged slightly differently here, there is a small toggle switch above the two main buttons that functions as a double button and thus expands the possibilities even further. In total, there are two thumb keys, five switches on the left, a clickable mouse wheel and the two keys integrated into the toggle switch. All these keys are freely configurable via software.

PixArt sensor, mechanical switches and more

Inside the new gaming mouse is a current PixArt sensor, but little more is known about it so far than the name TrueMove Air. The two main buttons are mechanical switches that, according to the name, come from SteelSeries itself and are supposed to have a lifespan of up to 80 million clicks. Furthermore, they are supposed to be IP54-certified and thus protected against dust and splash water, which should have a positive effect on the actual lifespan.

Furthermore, PTFE-based gliding feet and a flexible braided cable are used. SteelSeries thus says goodbye to the previously common rubber coating of its cables and relies on a more contemporary variant that offers more load resistance.

Price and Availability

Available now in North America, the new Rival 5 is available now. It is not yet known when it will hit the European market – but initial listings indicate a market launch before the end of May. The recommended retail price is around 70 euros.