SteelSeries’ New Budget-Friendly Wireless Mouse: Colorful and Worth the Investment?

Why You Can Trust This Review (Or Not? Just Kidding)

Not gonna lie, I’m a bit of a mouse nerd. Like, I’ve spent more time clicking around than I’d care to admit. So here’s my take on the SteelSeries Rival 3 Gen 2 Wireless—mostly because I love, and maybe hate a little, these tech toys.

Okay, first—mice are weirdly personal. You’re either going to find the perfect fit or something that feels off. No middle ground, really. But hey, this mouse? It’s affordable, wireless, and does a pretty good job for what you pay.

So, SteelSeries threw their hat in the affordable ring with this Rival 3 beastie. And get this, it’s not your grandad’s boring black. We’re talking colors! Not just one or two, but fun shades like purple and blue. Finally, a mouse with a bit of flair, right? Though, I’m not exactly sure who decided that black and white are no longer colors. But anyway…

Oh! Quick detour. Ever notice how mice boxes always look like they’re performing reconstructive surgery? This one’s no exception—comes with AAA batteries. Yeah, the disposable ones. For some, that’s a dealbreaker (shrug).

Now back to business. The Rival 3 Wireless is priced at $59.99 across various stores. Once in a while, you might catch it on sale, so keep your eyes peeled. The specs aren’t through the roof, but they’re not scraping the floor either. An 18,000 DPI optical sensor, six programmable buttons, and it’s as clicky as that pen you won’t stop clicking during meetings.

Performance-wise, nothing to scream about, but not much to complain about. It’s sturdy; scrolls neatly, and the buttons respond like they actually care about your gaming destiny. Plus, there’s that Bluetooth option they threw in, which most probably won’t use, but it’s like the cherry on top. Or the one nobody eats?

The battery life claims 200 hours—assuming you’re not doom-clicking like a maniac. The software lets you play around with settings more than I played with the idea of becoming a rockstar (spoiler: it didn’t happen). You’ll get your macros, DPI profiles, and all that jazz. Fancy, eh?

Gripes? I have a few. Disposable batteries mean heftier mouse and constant reminders of environmental guilt. Plus, a so-so scroll wheel kind of robs a bit of magic. And, for just a bit more cash, you might stumble on something that feels more like a supportive partner than a fun fling.

In the end, if you’re low on moolah and in love with colors, this mouse might just be your kind of kitchen table grail. Or go hunting for deals on flashier ones. Although, I do want more companies to catch this color train—everything’s gone too bland and monochrome, don’t you think?

Right, that’s my chaotic human spill. Hit ‘buy’ if you dare or window-shop till you drop.