SteelSeries Sensei RAW Review — RTINGS.com
- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Our Verdict
- Differences
- Compared To Others
- Test Results
- Retailers
- Deals
- Discussions
Tested using
Methodology v1.0
Reviewed
May 21, 2021 at 10:39 am
By Olivier Martin, Gregory Vodden, John Peroramas
7.1
Office/Multimedia
8.1
Video Games (FPS)
8.1
Video Games (MMO)
8. 0
Ultra-Light Gaming
5.3
Travel
overview
test results
deals
discussions
Type
Standard
Connectivity
Wired
The SteelSeries Sensei RAW is an impressive wired gaming mouse. It feels sturdy and has a true ambidextrous shape with two side buttons on either side. Our unit has a glossy plastic body, but a rubberized variant is also available. Its shape makes it ideal for a claw grip, regardless of hand size, though it’s suitable for those with larger hands using a fingertip grip and medium or large hands with a palm grip. It also has good latency, a low lift-off distance, mouse feet that glide well on mousepads.
Unfortunately, it has a stiff cable, and you can only adjust the CPI by steps of 90.
Our Verdict
7.1
Office/Multimedia
The SteelSeries Sensei RAW is decent for office use. It feels well-built and has a great number of programmable buttons. It’s ideal for all hand sizes using a claw grip, but it’s also suitable for those with larger hands using a fingertip grip or medium and large-sized hands using a palm grip. Unfortunately, it’s a wired-only mouse, and the scroll wheel lacks L/R tilt buttons and doesn’t unlock for free scrolling.
8.1
Video Games (FPS)
The SteelSeries Sensei RAW is great for FPS gaming. It feels well-built, has good click latency, a low lift-off distance, and mouse feet that glide well on mousepads.
It’s ideal for a claw grip, regardless of hand size, but it’s also suitable for those with larger hands using a fingertip grip and medium or large hands with a palm grip. Unfortunately, it has a stiff cable, and while you can adjust the CPI using the software, it uses an unusual slider, and you can only make adjustments by increments of 90.
Cons
-
Fairly stiff cable.
See our Video Games (FPS) Recommendations
8.1
Video Games (MMO)
The SteelSeries Sensei RAW is great for MMO gaming, but it doesn’t have as many side buttons as dedicated MMO mice. Despite this, it feels well-built, has a pair of side buttons on either side, and all buttons are programmable using the companion software.
It also has good click latency and a low lift-off distance. It’s best suited for claw grip, regardless of hand size, but it’s suitable for those with larger hands using a fingertip grip and medium or large hands with a palm grip.
See our Video Games (MMO) Recommendations
8.0
Ultra-Light Gaming
The SteelSeries Sensei RAW is a very good mouse for ultra-light gaming, but it’s heavier than most dedicated ultra-lights and has a fairly stiff cable. That said, it has a good click latency, it feels sturdy, its mouse feet glide well on mousepads, and it has a comfortable, ambidextrous shape ideal for a claw grip for all hand sizes. It’s also suitable for a palm grip for medium or large hands or a fingertip grip for larger hands.
Pros
-
Good click latency.
-
Feels well-built.
-
Fairly lightweight.
Cons
-
Fairly stiff cable.
5.3
Travel
The SteelSeries Sensei RAW is inadequate for travel. It’s fairly bulky and likely won’t fit into most laptop cases. It’s also a wired mouse, which can be cumbersome in tight spaces like trains or planes. On the other hand, it feels well-built and has companion software compatible with Windows and macOS.
Pros
-
Feels well-built.
-
7.1
Office/Multimedia
-
8.1
Video Games (FPS)
-
8.1
Video Games (MMO)
-
8.
0Ultra-Light Gaming
-
5.3
Travel
+ Create your own
-
Updated May 21, 2021:
Review published. -
Updated May 11, 2021:
Early access published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The SteelSeries Sensei RAW is an update of the original SteelSeries Sensei.
The unit we tested is the Heat Orange variant, but it’s also available in Rubberized Black, Glossy Black, and Frost Blue variants. This mouse was replaced by the next entry in the Sensei series, the SteelSeries Sensei 310. You can see the label for our unit here.
Compared To Other Mice
The SteelSeries Sensei RAW is a stripped-down update of the original SteelSeries Sensei. While it’s still marketed broadly towards the esports community, it’s also aimed more at everyday gamers than its predecessor. Compared to the original, it lacks some customizability, but it offers an updated sensor and either a rubberized or glossy surface texture. This mouse is now discontinued but remains a niche option for fans of the original Sensei shape.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best mouse, the best wired mouse, and the best gaming mouse.
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The SteelSeries Sensei RAW is an earlier version of the SteelSeries Sensei Ten, and the two have nearly identical shapes.
The Sensei Ten has a wider CPI range and a set CPI that you can adjust more precisely. On the other hand, the Sensei RAW has a lower lift-off distance. Both mice are ideal for claw grip and suitable for larger hands using a fingertip or palm grip.
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The Logitech G PRO X SUPERLIGHT is a significantly better gaming mouse than the SteelSeries Sensei RAW. It connects wired or wirelessly with its USB receiver, feels sturdier, and is much lighter. It also has a wider CPI, a more precisely adjustable CPI, and better click latency. On the other hand, the SteelSeries is wired-only and has two additional side buttons. The Logitech is suitable for nearly all grip types and hand sizes, while the SteelSeries is best-suited for a claw grip for all hand sizes.
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The SteelSeries Sensei 310 is an updated version of the SteelSeries Sensei RAW. It has a slightly different shape, feels more sturdy, and has a wider CPI range. On the other hand, the Sensei RAW is lighter, has a lower lift-off distance, and a more consistent sensor.
Both mice are ideal for claw grip with any hand size and suitable for larger hands using a fingertip grip, though the Sensei 310 is more suitable for smaller hands using a palm grip.
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
The SteelSeries Sensei RAW and the BenQ ZOWIE FK1-B are very good wired gaming mice with similar shapes. The SteelSeries has two additional side buttons on the right, a more flexible cable, a more consistent sensor, a lower lift-off distance, a wider CPI range, and a more adjustable set CPI. It also has companion software for customization. Comparatively, the BenQ has a significantly lower click latency and only four default CPI presets. Both mice are well-suited for a claw or palm grip for almost all hand sizes and a fingertip grip for larger hands.
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
The Endgame Gear XM1r and the SteelSeries Sensei RAW have visually similar shapes, but the Endgame Gear is a better gaming mouse overall. It’s significantly lighter, has a more flexible cable, better mouse feet, and much lower click latency.
The SteelSeries has two additional side buttons on the left, making it a good choice if you’re left-handed. It also has a button behind the scroll wheel, which the Endgame Gear lacks, that acts as a dedicated CPI button by default.
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The Razer Viper Ultimate is a significantly better gaming mouse than the SteelSeries Sensei RAW. It connects wired or wirelessly with its USB receiver and is much lighter. It also has a wider CPI range, a more precisely adjustable CPI, and better click latency. Unfortunately, its software is only compatible with Windows. On the other hand, the SteelSeries has software compatible with Windows and macOS. The Razer is well-suited for a fingertip grip for larger hands and a claw or palm grip for smaller hands, while the SteelSeries is best suited for a claw grip for all hand sizes.
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
The GLORIOUS Model D is a better gaming mouse than the SteelSeries Sensei RAW. The GLORIOUS is ambidextrous, significantly lighter, and has a much better cable.
It also has a wider CPI range and better click latency. Comparatively, the SteelSeries feels sturdier and has two extra side buttons. It also has a lower lift-off distance, and its software is compatible with Windows and macOS, while the GLORIOUS software is only compatible with Windows. The GLORIOUS is well-suited to all grip types and nearly all hand sizes, while the SteelSeries is best-suited for a claw grip for all hand sizes.
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
The Logitech G Pro Wireless is a better gaming mouse than the SteelSeries Sensei RAW. It feels sturdier and connects wired or wirelessly with its USB receiver. It also has a much wider CPI range, a more precisely adjustable CPI, and much better click latency. The Logitech is well-suited for all grip types and nearly all hand sizes, while the SteelSeries is best-suited for a claw grip for all hand sizes, a palm grip for medium-sized hands, and a fingertip grip with larger hands.
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Test Results
Sort Category───────────RATINGSOffice/MultimediaVideo Games (FPS)Video Games (MMO)Ultra-Light GamingTravel
Category AllDesignControlOperating System And Software
Design
Type
Standard
Lighting Color
Orange
Length
5.
0″ (127 mm)
Height
1.5″ (38 mm)
Width
2.7″ (68 mm)
Grip Width
65 mm
Volume
20.14 in³ (330 cm³)
Cable/Receiver Storing
No
Maximum Weight With Wire
126 g
Maximum Weight Without Wire
88 g
Minimum Weight Without Wire
88 g
Weight Distribution
Centered
Extra Weights
No
Right-handed
No
Left-handed
No
Ambidextrous
Yes
Coating
Glossy
Finger Rest
No
Small Hand
No
Medium Hand
Yes
Large Hand
Yes
X.
Large Hand
No
Small Hand
Yes
Medium Hand
Yes
Large Hand
Yes
X.Large Hand
Yes
Small Hand
No
Medium Hand
No
Large Hand
Yes
X.
Large Hand
Yes
Bluetooth
No
Receiver
No
Battery Type
No Batteries
Use When Charging
No
On/Off Activation
None
Receiver Extender
No
Battery Indicator
No
Connectivity
Wired
Cable Length
6.
2 ft (1.9 m)
Cable Type
Braided
Permanent Kink
Yes
Port Type: Mouse End
No Port
Port Type: PC End
USB
Gliding Experience
Good
Material
PTFE
Extra Included
No
- SteelSeries Sensei RAW
- User documentation
- Stickers
Control
Sensor Technology
Laser
Sensor Model
ADNS9500
Works On Glass
No
Minimum CPI (DPI)
90 CPI
Maximum CPI (DPI)
5,670 CPI
CPI (DPI) Adjustment Steps
90 CPI
CPI (DPI) Variation
-4%
Minimum Lift Off Distance
1.
2 mm
Maximum Polling Rate
1000 Hz
The polling rate options on the SteelSeries Sensei RAW are 125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, and 1000Hz.
Buttons Activation
Mechanical
Total Number Of Buttons
8
Number Of Side Buttons
4
Number Of Programmable Inputs
10
Profile Switching Button
Yes
CPI (DPI) Switching Button
Yes
Gesture Support
No
Scroll Wheel
Notched Wheel
Scroll Wheel Steps
24 Steps
Scroll Wheel Tilt
No
Thumb Wheel
No
Thumb Wheel Steps
No Thumb Wheel
Click Noise
Loud
Click Latency: Receiver
N/A
Click Latency: Bluetooth
N/A
Click Latency: Wired
16 ms
Operating System And Software
Software Name
SteelSeries GG
Software Windows Compatibility
Yes
Software macOS Compatibility
Yes
Account Needed
No
On-Board Memory
Yes
CPI (DPI) Adjustment
Yes
Polling Rate Adjustment
Yes
Profile Configuration
Yes
RGB On/Off
Yes
Note:The SteelSeries GG software is currently only available for Windows.
However, the older SteelSeries Engine 3 software is compatible with macOS and provides the same functionality, so we’ve chosen to indicate the software is compatible with macOS.
Windows Compatibility
Fully
macOS Compatibility
Fully
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SteelSeries Sensei [RAW] Review | PCMag
With so many game-accessory manufacturers going above and beyond the bounds of common sense when adding features to gaming mice, it’s refreshing at times to see a gaming mouse that was designed with the opposite approach. The SteelSeries Sensei [RAW]($64.95 at Amazon)(Opens in a new window), for example, strips down a complex gaming mouse to its essence, with a simple ambidextrous design, and a feature set that offers straightforward function with just enough customization to let a gamer tweak it to their preferences.
Design and Features
The Sensei [RAW] is the stripped down version of SteelSeries’ top-of-the-line Sensei mouse, offering a similar look and feel, but without quite so many bells and whistles. The result is a fairly basic mouse, in the same vein as the Razer Taipan, but not quite as stripped down as the Roccat Lua Tri-Button Gaming Mouse($84.87 at Amazon)(Opens in a new window) with its three-button design. We looked at two models of the Sensei [RAW] during this review, the basic black model, and the «Frost Blue» edition, which is actually white with blue accent lights.
Our Experts Have Tested 22 Products in the Computer Mice Category in the Past Year
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. See how we test.(Opens in a new window)
The basic model, the Sensei [RAW], comes in black, and is available with either a rubberized shell on the palmrest and buttons, or a glossy plastic shell with rubberized panels on either side.
The «Frost Blue» edition is also available with a glossy top and rubberized sides, but that version comes in white with grey side panels. In either color scheme, the Sensei [RAW] has an ambidextrous design, fitting comfortably in either hand. The Sensei [RAW], in all of its incarnations, measures 1.5 by 2.7 by 4.9 inches (HWD) and weighs 3.2 ounces.
Though we weren’t provided with a model utilizing the rubberized finish, I imagine that the improved grip and reduced slickness will be an improvement similar to that seen on the Razer Naga Hex and the Razer Naga Hex League of Legends Collector’s Edition( at Amazon)(Opens in a new window), which was greatly improved by the change from glossy to a rubberized matte finish.
Similar Products
4.0
Excellent
Corsair Vengeance M65
4.0
Excellent
Roccat Lua Tri-Button Gaming Mouse
The Sensei [RAW] has the usual right and left mouse buttons, along with a clickable ratcheting scroll wheel, and two buttons on either side, which are programed by default to be Forward and Back browser buttons on the left and Page Up and Page Down on the right.
One more button, set just behind the scroll wheel, lets you switch between high and low sensitivity presets.
The mouse connects with a standard USB 2.0 connection, with a 6-foot cable, giving you enough length to plug into the back of a PC tower or snake the cord around a monitor or other components. The basic black model comes with a braided cable, while the Frost Blue edition uses a white plastic-coated cable that matches the white color scheme.
The Sensei [RAW] is outfitted with a laser sensor that allows tracking up to 5670 dpi (SteelSeries prefers to call it CPI for Counts Per Inch), with 1,000 MHz polling and tracking up to 12,000fps. A button just behind the scroll wheel lets you switch from one sensitivity setting to another, and the customization software will manage this further, letting you preset the two settings to your preference. The optical sensor offers a higher DPI than that found in the Roccat Lua, but pales in comparison to the Corsair Vengeance M65 with a maximum DPI of 8,200.
The Sensei [RAW] functions as a plug-and-play device, but SteelSeries also offers SteelSeries Engine, a customization dashboard that lets you adjust the sensitivity, the accent illumination, and reprogram the buttons with customized macro commands. Both the mouse and the SteelSeries Engine software support both Windows (Windows XP/Vista/7/8) and Mac (Mac OS X) operating systems. SteelSeries covers the Sensei [RAW] with a one-year warranty on parts and labor.
Performance
After two weeks of using it for both gaming and my day-to-day work, the Sensei [RAW] proved to be a capable gaming mouse. Whether I was fragging and sniping opponents in Battlefield 4 or editing pictures in Photoshop, the Sensei [RAW] was a competent mouse, with no lag or tracking issues. The mouse glides smoothly on a variety of surfaces, and the buttons have a light enough action that you can click about as fast as your fingers will go.
But what I didn’t care for was the glossy exterior. Found on both the basic black and Frost Blue editions, the glossy plastic offers minimal grip to start and gets slick at the slightest hint of moisture. These issues may be alleviated on the version that has the rubberized finish, but on the two units tested for this review, it was a real problem.
The SteelSeries Sensei [RAW] offers simplicity without being simplistic with a stripped down design that still allows customization and a quality sensor that offers solid performance during heated battle. Though I have some gripes about the glossy finish, those sorts of comfort issues can be pretty subjective, so try before you buy. That said, the Editors’ Choice Corsair Vengeance M65 offers a better overall experience, even if it’s not ambidextrous.
SteelSeries Sensei [RAW]
Pros
-
Simple design still offers customization options.
-
Ambidextrous design.
-
High-quality optical sensor.
The Bottom Line
The SteelSeries Sensei [RAW] is stripped down and refined, creating a solid gaming mouse, though it’s not without its flaws.
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Sensei Ten | SteelSeries
- The return of Sensei’s iconic ambidextrous shape
- All-new TrueMove Pro sensor for better tracking on any surface
- Tilt tracking for more stability when you play hard
- Guaranteed 60 million clicks with precision and confidence
- Rugged construction ready for anything operating conditions
- The return of the famous Sensei shape for both hands
- All-new TrueMove Pro sensor for better tracking on any surface
- Tilt tracking for more stability when playing hard
- Guaranteed 60 million clicks with confidence
- Hyper-rugged construction ready for any environment
on sale for47. 99 € regular price €79.99
on sale for €47.99 regular price €79.99
This product is currently out of stock.
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With an unrealistic 18,000 CPI, 450 IPS, and 50G acceleration, the TrueMove Pro sensor, built to deliver the best performance on the market, will make you more accurate than ever.
When you reposition the mouse by lifting it off the surface, the TrueMove Pro sensor tracking system works flawlessly, eliminating tracking errors even in the most intense moments of the game.
Replacing the standard single spring with a twin spring mechanism increases durability and performance, meaning you’ll enjoy a crisp feel from first to 60 million clicks.
Masterpieces of engineering have resulted in a mouse made from high-quality polymer that can withstand even the harshest operating conditions. In addition, the material is deliberately lightweight, which reduces hand fatigue. The effect is supported by a special form.
Thanks to the famous shape of the body, the mouse can be used by both right-handers and left-handers. It lies comfortably at hand in any grip. You will quickly find the option that makes it easiest for you to keep the mouse for hours on end.
nine0027
«Ten» (天) is Japanese/Chinese for «sky». Sensei Ten is a true successor to the classic Sensei form that was introduced in 2009. Thus, Sensei counts over ten years of splendor. Ten more to come!
Allows you to store the polling rate, button assignments and up to 5 CPI options directly in the mouse memory.
Power up your game with custom macros and button mappings for optimal performance.
The high-quality durable matte finish is pleasant to the touch and designed to last.
nine0027
Sensor
Truemove Pro
Type of sensor
Optical
CPI
50 — 18 000 (with a change step of 100 CPI)
IPS
Polling rate
Polling rate
1000 Hz 1 ms
Hardware acceleration
None (zero hardware acceleration)
Coating material
Black soft touch
Housing material
Height
21 mm / 0. 83″ (front), 39 mm / 1.54″ (rear)
Length of rubberized wire
2 m / 6.75 ft
OS
, Mac, 90 Linux, and Xbox. Requires a USB port.
Software
SteelSeries Engine 3.15.1+ for Windows (7 or later) and Mac OSX (10.12 or later)
User Manual
Download Sensei Ten Product Information Guide
Sensei Ten gaming mouse
What is the difference between Sensei Ten and Sensei 310?
Sensei Ten features the first TrueMove Pro optical gaming sensor of its kind. It provides 1-to-1 tracking and was designed with more consistent performance on a variety of surfaces in mind than its predecessors. The Sensei Ten remains true to the original Sensei shape that made this model famous.
Why isn’t it wireless?
We believe the Sensei Ten would move away from the Sensei heritage if it were made heavier with a wireless module. We have focused on a best-of-breed sensor and improved durability while keeping the weight down to 92 grams.
What is the original Sensei?
When the Sensei was launched, it set the industry’s gold standard with its powerful built-in processor, comfortable shape, outstanding accuracy and incredible durability. Many have tried to capture the essence of the Sensei, but no one has come close to replicating the magic formula of the original SteelSeries Sensei. Read more about the Sensei history here.
Why did you use the shape of the original Sensei model?
nine0151
We’ve been asked by many, from die hard fans to esports pros. We didn’t want to just bring it back using the same technology it had in 2009. We wanted to improve every aspect and take it to the next level while staying true to the iconic form. We can safely say that the Sensei Ten is a true evolution of the legendary Sensei mouse.
Why are the colors different from the original Sensei?
Increased durability was one of our key focus points when creating the Sensei Ten. The original metal surface did not meet our requirements. Along with other durability enhancements, we opted for a hyper-durable matte black finish. nine0027
What is the difference between TrueMove Pro and TrueMove 3?
Both sensors provide 1-to-1 tracking and 50G acceleration, but the TrueMove Pro version features higher CPI and IPS, more advanced anti-jitter and performance on any surface.
Didn’t find your question?
FAQ Page Contact Support
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SteelSeries Sensei Ten gaming mouse review / Overclockers.ua
History is still going around and what was once in vogue is becoming popular again. This year in the field of gaming peripherals was marked by unexpected «returns of legends». The company SteelSeries did not stand aside, which decided to breathe a second life into the original version of its most sought-after mouse among gamers — Sensei. And they did it in the best way. They took the old form and added a new filling to it. And the prefix in the name Ten appeared in honor of the decade since the release of the first Sensei prototype, which was called Xai. nine0027
Specifications
| Model | SteelSeries Sensei Ten |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer website | steelseries.com |
| Interface | Wired (USB) |
| Type | Gaming (FPS/MMO/RTS games) |
| Sensor type | Optical |
| Sensor model | TrueMove Pro |
| Resolution cpi | 50 – 18,000 |
| Number of buttons | 8 buttons + scroll up/down (left, middle, right, resolution switch, four side buttons) |
| Maximum acceleration, g | 50 |
| Lift-off height (LOD), mm | 1.5 mm |
| Maximum speed, m/s | 11.43 |
| USB port polling rate, Hz | 125 / 250 / 500 / 1000 |
| Frame rate, fps | – |
| Internal memory, KB | – |
| Scroll | 1 |
| Scroll vertical/horizontal | +/- |
| Cord length, m | 2 |
| Variable weight | – |
| Adjustable body shape | – |
| Cable material | Without braid |
| Housing surface material | ABS Plastic / Soft touch |
| Color | Black |
| Light | + (RGB, 16. |
| Illumination zones | Scroll wheel, stern logo |
| Leg material | Teflon (PTFE) |
| Software | + (SteelSeries Engine 3) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) mm | 126 x 68 x 39 |
| Weight, g | 92 |
| Compatible with OS | Windows 7 x64 or higher / Mac OS X version 10.12 or higher |
| Optional | – |
| Average cost, $ | 80 |
Scope of delivery
The packaging of the mouse is made in a matchbox format, where all the main technical and marketing information is printed on the outer cover. nine0027
Inside there is a box made in orange tones of the flight recorder. The white text on it suggests «bow before the master». Inside, the mouse is protected from damage by a soft form of polyurethane foam.
The scope of delivery contains only instructions and nothing else. Respectable e-sports players will have to purchase interchangeable legs separately.
Appearance and design
The face of the updated Sensei Ten has been painstakingly copied in detail from its predecessor. The case has a classic symmetrical streamlined shape with a teardrop-shaped elevation in the center. The coating of the top panel has changed — now it is a soft-touch material that is silky to the touch. Fingerprints accumulate on it slowly but steadily. Everything else is familiar. The panels of the left and right mouse buttons are solid. They are pressed clearly, without play. The key stroke is short and distinct, the left click is muffled, the right one is more sonorous. The triangular key in the center is responsible for changing the resolution, and in front of it there is a white indicator that blinks according to the ordinal number of the selected sensitivity level. The middle button is pressed quite easily and clicks with a distinct, but muffled sound. nine0027
The left sidewall is also covered with soft-touch material. Two additional buttons are light and quiet to press, made of rough plastic. On the front side, there is a Japanese character for «heaven» that sounds like «ten» which is ten in English.
The signal cable enters the housing centrally, 3 mm from the surface, and is wrapped with a rubber anti-kink protection. The scroll wheel is rubberized and covered with subtle tactile notches. The locking positions are clearly marked with a ratchet, the noise of which is audible when turning quickly, although if turned slowly, the wheel is quite quiet. There is no backlash in the mechanism, the resistance to turns is weak, therefore the wheel can be turned a couple of divisions and by accident. nine0027
There are some questions about the USB cable. It is devoid of braid and has a length of 2 meters. But as for the «legendary» mouse, it is quite average in all respects — in thickness, in flexibility, in elasticity. Direct competitors Sensei — Dream Machines DM1 FPS and, in particular, the Razer Viper, things are much better with this. And under Sensei you will have to buy a wire holder.
The right side of the mouse is exactly the same as the left side, except for the absence of the ten symbol. Here, too, there are two additional keys. Especially for those few who play left-handed. Or developed the ability to use the ring finger productively. nine0027
Illuminated SteelSeries logo on the rear of the mouse.
The mouse has a completely symmetrical shape, and will be equally comfortable for both right and left hands. But the body of the mouse is long and wide, so it will be comfortable only for owners of large hands. But suitable for all basic types of grip. The center of weight balance along the axes is exactly between the side keys. The weight of the manipulator is 92 grams without the cord and 130 grams with the wire. It’s a bit heavy in my opinion, though lighter than the original Sensei. nine0027
The base of the mouse is made of smoked, translucent plastic. Two large semicircular Teflon legs at the back and one at the front remained in their rightful place, another round leg is glued around the sensor window located in the center. The LED screen at the back is gone, and that’s even better.
The mouse has two lighting zones — a scroll wheel and a logo on the stern. Managed separately, they can show the entire RGB color palette and several visual effects. White color is displayed correctly. The resolution indicator behind the scroll wheel does not glow constantly and blinks only when switching the sensitivity level. nine0027
Inside
Let’s take a look at the inside of Sensei Ten. To open the mouse case, you will need to remove all three Teflon feet. Under the front there are two mounting screws, and one more is located under the rear stickers.
Once the screws are removed, the housing can be easily divided into two halves. But do not rush, first of all, unfasten the loop of the top panel buttons from the main printed circuit board.
Under the main buttons are SteelSeries proprietary microswitches with blue pins and a claimed MTBF of 60 million clicks. The scroll wheel encoder is made by Kailh. nine0027
Due to the two blocks from the signal cable and from the scroll wheel encoder, I had to go to the trick and turn the right microswitch 180 degrees. Not surprisingly, LMB and RMB sound different when pressed and slightly differ in the nature of their operation. The wheel button is square with a blue pin. Probably also made by Kailh.
The optical sensor chip is really marked here as TrueMove Pro. So we didn’t manage to find out exactly which of the new PixArt sensor models it is a close relative of. nine0027
And this is what the additional top board looks like. It has four unidentified side switches (perhaps our readers will recognize the logo and tell you in the comments which manufacturer they belong to), a square resolution button switch (same as under the middle button) and a white sensitivity level indicator lamp.
Firmware
The SteelSeries Sensei Ten software uses the universal SteelSeries Engine 3 driver (the current version is 3.16.1). It can be downloaded from the official site. The current mouse firmware version is 0.8.0.0
In the driver settings, you can select one of the 12 available interface languages, select the option to download updates — automatically or promptly, select to turn off messages and autorun option. You also need to decide whether you need to send the application usage statistics to the company. In addition, it is possible to ignore Windows mouse settings, as well as disable settings such as increased pointer precision and pointer speed multiplier, which can cause sensor malfunctions. Moreover, if the driver determines that these options are enabled, it will offer to disable them automatically. nine0027
The main start screen displays a list of all connected SteelSeries devices, each of which can be quickly assigned a specific profile in the configuration tab. If there are problems with connecting or detecting peripherals, you can open the tab on the left, where you will be prompted to select a connection option and see answers to frequently asked questions. In the upper right corner there are keys for accessing notifications, settings and authorization in the program. In Applications, you can select a compatible application variant, to which you can link lighting functions by linking them to specific events in the program. And the «Library» contains all configuration profiles for all devices. They can be turned on manually, or set to start automatically when a certain program starts. nine0027
All available mouse settings are collected on one screen. In the left panel there is a list of configurations that are stored on the PC. Eight buttons and two scroll directions are available for reassigning commands. You can assign mouse and keyboard buttons, macros, or media commands. In addition, there is an option to use the key to switch configurations, launch an application, OS hotkeys, or quickly record a macro. Or disable the button completely. The sensor is adjusted to a maximum of five preset sensitivity levels in the resolution range from 50 to 18000 cpi, in increments of 50 cpi. Extra permission levels can be turned off, leaving only the ones you need. By default, the levels are set to 400, 800, 1200, 2400 and 3200 cpi. For the sensor, it is possible to set the level of acceleration and deceleration, the linearity of the trajectory, and the polling rate within 125, 250, 500 or 1000 Hz. But the separation height is not regulated anywhere and is not calibrated. nine0027
The two RGB lighting zones are separately adjustable. They have a palette of 16.8 million possible color combinations and lighting effects. Effects include steady glow, sequential change of the color spectrum, color ripple, activation of the backlight at the touch of a button, and complete backlight off.
The macro editor has not changed over the years and looks a bit primitive today. After the start of recording, mouse and keyboard commands are sequentially registered, taking into account time intervals. At the end of the recording, all this can be edited and saved under an individual name. Scroll wheel directions and mouse cursor movements are not recorded. nine0027
Ergonomics and testing
The SteelSeries Sensei Ten mouse was tested on the Mionix Alioth M mousepad. For those who held the original Sensei in their hands, Sensei Ten cannot offer any revelations in terms of ergonomics. The symmetrical shape of the case has not changed, all the buttons and the scroll wheel have remained in their places. The mouse does not fit perfectly in the hand, but it is comfortable enough to forget about its existence after a couple of minutes of use. The most comfortable will be the owners of large palms, in any type of grip. Significant differences include a new silky soft-touch coating (which gets dirty slowly but surely), slightly less weight and a slightly more comfortable cable (compared to the previous hard wire). There are no complaints about the nature of the switches and the scroll wheel. The weight balance along the axes is normal. The legs of the mouse are rather slippery, but for some reason there is very little inertia. The lighting is well done and of good quality. The software is generally standard for SteelSeries mice. nine0027
The main changes in Sensei Ten were not in appearance, but in the sensor. Instead of the laser Avago ADNS 9500, an updated optical TrueMove Pro is installed here, which is a further development of sensors from the PixArt PMW3360 family. The main problem of the old laser, in addition to artificially high resolution, was unpredictable acceleration. Now the sensor is very close to ideal. It has no smoothing, no acceleration, no other parasitic problems. Supports a very high surface reading speed with a high acceleration tolerance, in other words, it is almost impossible to cause the cursor to stall on this mouse. In order to somehow distinguish TrueMove Pro from TrueMove3 (Sensei 310) and TrueMove3+ (in Rival 600 and 650, with a liftoff height sensor), SteelSeries increased its resolution to 18,000 cpi and speed to 11.43 m / s, and the allowable operating range in 1:1 mode from 3500 to approximately 5000 cpi. There was also some marketing worth mentioning. So the Tilt Tracking technology used here is designed to solve a situation in which the cursor could be stalled when the mouse moves at high speed and is placed on the surface not evenly, but at an angle. True, I would like to remind you that such a problem was acute only for PixArt PMW3310 sensors, but not for 3360, on the basis of which proprietary TrueMove Pro are made. However, these are details. In real use scenarios, the mouse behaves perfectly. The only pity is that the liftoff height cannot be adjusted in the driver, on high-quality surfaces it could be lower. nine0027
Results
The revival of the classic Sensei in the form of the Ten model is a very correct step from SteelSeries, which fans of this brand have been waiting for for a long time. The only pity is that it can hardly be called timely, because competitors have already launched similar, and sometimes better models in this form factor and with similar sensor parameters on the market for several years.