Not long ago, the gaming industry giant SteelSeries released a new product - a gaming mouse with “lightweight” functions SteelSeries Sensei RAW 5700 dpi. This model was developed on the basis of the professional gaming mouse for gamers SteelSeries Sensei, which is positioned as completely customizable to the needs of the pros. It has a 32-bit processor, a sensor with a CPI of 11400 and an LCD display at the bottom. Naturally, such indicators are necessary only for those users who participate in championships and for whom the performance and functional indicators of their desktop “rodent” are important. Ordinary users have no need for “stuffed” gaming devices. When it was announced that a “light” version of the SteelSeries Sensei would appear, every player wanted to have it in their arsenal, well fueled by the interest of the gaming community in the original model.

How does Sensei RAW differ from its “ancestor”?

Firstly, the SteelSeries Sensei RAW has only 5700 dpi - half that of the Sensei. The device’s sensor remains from the same manufacturer – PixArt. Secondly, the manufacturers removed everything that made the Sensei a real palm computer - the internal workstation processor and the built-in display. This mouse must be configured exclusively through the interface on a personal computer. Thirdly, this glorious descendant of Sensei’s polling frequency has been reduced. Fourth, the RAW body is made of a different material. If the Sensei has a metallized and non-slip one, then the SteelSeries Sensei RAW has a plastic one, of two types - glossy plastic Glossy Black in black, which looks very stylish, but collects fingerprints, and the rubberized SteelSeries Sensei RAW Rubberized Black, which is not endowed with such a disadvantage thanks to soft-touch surfaces (its sides are also plastic, but do not have a rubberized surface). In conclusion, we can say that three points of the body are highlighted on RAW: the wheel, the LED next to it and the company logo under the palm. The lower plastic part is transparent; the only thing that prevents you from fully seeing the “filling” of the device is the three Teflon legs that glide perfectly on almost any surface. It is also backlit, which is why when the backlight is on, the device takes on a futuristic look, especially when one of the pulsation modes is turned on. There is only one color - milky white, in contrast to the 16 million colors that could be used to “color” the original Sensei.

It can be noted that a little later another modification of the flagship from SteelSeries appeared - SteelSeries Sensei RAW Frost Blue - a mouse in a light snow tone, pleasant to look at, stylish and no different in button configuration and functionality from our black and gray RAWs. It, just like our “experimental” mice, is of very high quality.

It is worth noting that the model has modified indicators that were taken into account by the manufacturing company after “feedback” came from gamers around the world, ranging from a hard and inconvenient cable to problems with updates. Users pointed out shortcomings, which were corrected in the next version. For example, manufacturers made the wheel clickable, adding another button for ease of use. It still doesn't click on the sides, as SteelSeries surveys have shown that professional players do not use such wheel functions for fear of getting a misclick (no click when pressing a button, in this case the wheel). As for the rigid cord, it is better to place it in a special holder, which will solve the problem.

What Sensei RAW took from the “teacher”

The excellent stylish design remains from its predecessor, as well as the ergonomic shape that fits very comfortably in the hand. It's also suitable for both left- and right-handed users, keeping with the core comfort and versatility that SteelSeries preaches. The shape is very convenient for any type of position of the player’s hands – “claw” and “palm”. A high-precision laser sensor also remains, albeit with lower performance. For a wide range of users, the mouse has become more accessible at a price that has dropped by about half. And, of course, there remains the need to adjust the mouse’s operation to suit your own needs.

Basic indicators

The polling rate is 12,000 frames per second (or 10.8 Mps/sec), the response time is 1 ms, 8 buttons, 30 G of maximum acceleration, a 16-bit sensor and, of course, a USB connection. All SteelSeries Engine software must be downloaded from the manufacturer's official website; there will be no disc in the box.

Mouse functionality

Its predecessor had several complex customizable functions - as many as five that required customization. There were functions of slowing down movement and acceleration, which, according to the developers, made it possible to aim more accurately and faster, a function that made it possible to take into account the properties of the material under the mouse (from fabric to glass), adjustment of the speed of action, and much more. It was this filling that made it necessary to build a real PC processor into the mouse.

How to setup

Our option has only one customizable function - the number of dpi. So, as already mentioned, the maximum for the sensor is 5700.

Therefore, the first thing you need to do is download the software from the developers’ website. Then you can test the device in any game convenient for this. When shipped to users, the DPI (laser sensitivity) is 3600, an average value that will satisfy people who use the mouse for light gaming. Those who are passionate about playing shooters should experiment and adjust the DPI that is convenient in a special software tab. Setting up the Sensei RAW mouse does just that. The maximum should be enough for even the most rapid mouse movement in non-professional gaming conditions. Of course, this is a level for, so to speak, domestic use. When purchasing, everyone must decide whether they personally want to overpay for the gaming “filling” or opt for a more affordable option.

In addition, the mouse interface allows you to configure the values ​​of the buttons, of which there are eight. Through the interface, there are different options for using the mouse - both for the left hand and for the right. There you can also disable the possibility of accidentally pressing unnecessary buttons (for example, right-handers very often do not use the right side keys, which are difficult to reach, but this fact does not protect against accidental presses).

It’s worth saying that many versions of the device’s firmware have already been released, so it would be a good idea to download the firmware program from the SteelSeries Firmware Update Tool – the firmware program – when the indicator above the mouse scroll is actively blinking. Here is our mouse configured!

The mouse is, if not the main, then an indispensable tool for controlling a computer, and for a gamer it is also a way to achieve the desired results in cyber disciplines. The main indicators by which you can evaluate the attractiveness of a particular model are ergonomics, functionality and stability of the device. All these factors are extremely important in games, and a really good mouse can sometimes give you a significant advantage over your opponent.

The computer market now has a huge range of gaming mouse-type manipulators, and the number of brands under which they are produced is simply off the charts. Most gadgets differ from each other in build quality, some specific technical characteristics and additional controls.

The hero of today's review is the SteelSeries computer mouse, and below we will look at the most striking gaming line, Sensei.

Specifications

The gadget stands out from similar models due to its attractive and well-balanced technical characteristics. The mouse is equipped with a solid 32-bit ARM processor, the power of which is comparable to a Pentium computer with a frequency of 75 MHz, which automatically ranks the Sensei line among the company’s top models.

One of the important factors in the development of the SteelSeries mouse was the company’s cooperation with professional gamers, who have repeatedly demonstrated exceptional skills in controlling the mouse in games. The list of sponsored e-sports teams of the brand is very impressive and has earned respect in certain circles: Fnatic, SK, EG, Na"Vi, EHOME and other equally famous communities.

Players from each team formed their own opinions, which were taken into account when creating the ideal gaming mouse. For the most part, it was due to these wishes (along with recommendations) that the SteelSeries “Sensei” gaming mouse was created.

Execution

In addition to the original line, the company introduced variable editions to the computer market:

• MLG EDITION - design development began after the MLG winter championship in Columbus, resulting in a branded and specific product that differs from the original only in design;
• FNATIC EDITION - mice in this series are made in the style of the e-sports team of the same name and, like the previous version, differ from the basic version only in design;
• RAW Glossy Black - differs from the original mouse in its glossy style and corresponding body design;
• RAW Rubberized Black - the model is identical to the previous version with the only difference: instead of gloss, matte coating was used.

Equipment

The wired SteelSeries “Sensei” mouse comes in a nice cardboard box, where the main color is black.

You can look at the mouse before purchasing by opening the convenient “door” on the front side of the package. The mouse is protected around the perimeter by a transparent insert. Thanks to this marketing step, the buyer can immediately evaluate how comfortable the mouse lies in the hand, without damaging the packaging.

On the spread you can see a brief description of the device in several languages. At the bottom of the spread are comments from professional esports players: Patrick Sattermon (cArn) from Fnatic and the Dutch player Manuel Schenkhuizen (Grubby), who plays on the territory of Stracraft 2 and Warcraft 3.

On the back of the package is a technical specification detailing the main controls of the SteelSeries mouse. The review of the delivery set was able to please only with the presence of information booklets:

• device operating instructions;
• brand product catalogue;
• company brand sticker.

There was no media with drivers in the package, but this practice is beginning to be used almost everywhere, so all the necessary software can be downloaded from the official website of the device manufacturer.

Design

In appearance, the Sensei model is reminiscent of the legendary SteelSeries generation - the Xai Laser mouse, which has won the love of many gamers thanks to its well-designed ergonomics. The body of the new manipulator has a symmetrical shape, so the mouse is perfect for both right-handers and picky left-handers.

Streamlined lines coupled with a mirror surface give the manipulator a very presentable look that will appeal to almost any aesthete.

The body of the gadget is made of high-quality plastic with metal coating. The working surface looks like a perfectly polished stone, giving the mouse a special charm. It is worth noting separately that the surface of the device eliminates the appearance of fingerprints, which was a problem with models of previous generations of SteelSeries. The sides of the mouse are edged with black rubberized material, which gives it a certain positive contrast with the smoothly polished working surface.

The original backlight consists of three zones: a corporate logo, a CPI indicator and a zoom wheel. Each of these areas is highlighted in one of many colors (16.5 million). One of the interesting details of the backlight is the choice of the gamma you like. That is, by setting a separate profile to its own color, the user can easily switch between them, and the visual component clearly makes it clear which profile is currently enabled. Many owners speak highly of this feature, considering it extremely useful. It is a pity that it is extremely rare in such devices.

The zoom wheel is made of transparent plastic. The rubberized rim has clearly visible segmented areas for more precise scrolling. The entire process of zooming or swiping occurs smoothly, with clear and well-balanced transitions.

SteelSeries LCD display

Configuring the mouse using the LCD display allows you to fully work with the ExactTech functionality. The manipulator can be calibrated for almost all applications and to suit any taste:

• Sens - control over the CPI indicator, where the sensitivity range ranges from 1 to 11400 CPI, with a single step interval.
• Move - the channel is responsible for adjusting the mouse trajectory.
• Aim is a useful feature if you need to slow down your device while aiming. An indispensable item for any gamer.
• Accel - the parameter is responsible for the current and subsequent acceleration of the mouse cursor.
• Lift — setting the distance between the manipulator and the surface at which the device stops responding.

SteelSeries Personalization

The mouse can be personalized on the manufacturer's official website. To do this, just download a small image in BMP format to your device. The solution is non-standard, but very original.

You can create and then register your own art on the same site. If imagination is not enough, there are always ready-made logos of e-sports teams like the aforementioned Fnatic, NaVi, etc.

In order to activate the equipment and the display in particular, you need to press the CPI controller button and control the menu with the zoom wheel.

Proprietary software

When you connect the pointing device for the first time, the system will detect it as an HID-compatible device, and in its functionality the Sensei model will not differ much from a regular gadget. All possibilities and further customization are available only after you install proprietary software from SteelSeries.

If necessary, the mouse can be flashed with the latest version of the software through the same software in the Engine section. After completing all the preparatory procedures, finer tuning of the device will become available, in which you can adjust almost any parameter to your taste, while saving it to the desired profile.

The interface of the proprietary software is intuitive and pleases with its simplicity, simplicity and number of various settings.

Verdict

For its price (which is almost $100), the mouse more than lives up to all expectations, since it shows the love of the manufacturer for the consumer, especially since the price/quality balance is completely respected. In consumer reviews, the manipulator is called the most successful new product of last season.

This time we have a special type of rodent as our guest. A mouse in the upper price range from the rather famous SteelSeries. The Danish company has rightfully won the love of gamers; take SteelSeries Siberia for example, and it will already become clear that the company is seriously focused on gaming devices. This sensei has a postscript in the name: MLG – Major League Gaming, which can be translated as a professional gaming league. I doubt that most buyers care anything about this inscription; if they buy this mouse, it will obviously not be because of the logo, and it will completely turn someone off.

Specifications:

✔ Frames per second: 12000
✔ Inches per second: 150
✔ Megapixels per second: 10.8
✔ CPI (DPI): 1 – 8200
✔ Double CPI (DPI): 8201 – 16400
✔ Maximum acceleration: 30 G
✔ Lift height: 1mm
✔ Polling rate: 1000 Hz
✔ Buttons: 8
✔ Weight: 102 grams
✔ Dimensions: (WxHxD) 68.3 x 38.7 x 125.5 mm

Among the features, I would also like to note the presence of an ARM processor, which is faster in speed than the Pentium 75 Mhz of 1994, thanks to which it is possible to use the sensei without resorting to the help of specialized software.

Packaging and accessories:

You can look at the mouse without opening the box. Everything is neat and modest, nothing superfluous. It says above that it is suitable for both left and right hands.

The back of the box lists some specifications in different languages. In general, the box is not replete with an abundance of repetitive information, which is pleasing.

Includes only mouse and instructions. There is no disc with the software, you will have to download it from the website. The mouse works without drivers immediately after connecting.

The manufacturer claims that the legs are made of UPE Teflon, they cover 16% of the bottom surface of the mouse, providing maximum glide. The presence of a display is also striking.

There are two buttons on the right; by default, they are assigned an action: page up/down.

There are also two buttons on the left by default with an action assigned to them: forward/back, for example, return to a page or folder.

The triangle button is used to switch DPI, there are two modes in total. From above it may seem that the surface is metal, but in fact it is painted plastic. Far from being the most practical solution, in my opinion, Sensei Fnatic is a more “correct” option - the surface of the mouse is matte, and MLG’s paint will not last long and the appearance will be ruined. The surface is very smooth, but the mouse does not slip in your hands. The ergonomics pleasantly surprised me; it would seem that the mouse looks absolutely normal, but I got used to it after a couple of hours; they “got it right” with the shape; for most it will be comfortable.

The wire length is 2 meters

Gold-plated USB connector, 2-layer braided braid. The colors hint at a stylization of the MLG logo. There is a ferrite filter.

You can install a logo on the OLED screen. If you hold down the DPI change button, screen control is activated. The wheel rotates menu values, pressing the wheel performs forward/apply functions, and the DPI button performs cancel and exit menu functions.

Only the SENSOR SETTINGS column is available in the menu (I’ll talk about it later when describing the software), resetting settings and selecting profiles.

The ready-made logos on the site include the following:

Or you can draw your own there. Without skills, something beautiful will not happen. Use a better graphics editor.

This is the “major” league. According to SteelSeries, the mouse was developed taking into account their wishes and advice. The comrade in the 4th column and 5th row resembles some character from the game, of course he won’t pass for an orc, but he can definitely pass for a Martian.

With this rodent it is planned to use a rug from SteelSeries QCK with a stylization like the Lich King. The mat is light and thin – there is a layer of textured rubber on the bottom (so it doesn’t slide on the table), and on top there is a fabric covering. Although it is better to buy SteelSeries 9HD or 4HD mats to pair with this rodent.

It is convenient to position the mouse on it; on the one hand, it does not slip, and on the other, nothing impedes movement. Here's what it looks like with the mouse, the default color is blue-white-red, again hinting at the MLG logo.

Software

Well, now we get to the most interesting part.
Tab Buttons– allows you to fully configure the values ​​for any button. To begin with, it’s better to create a new profile on the left, then select the button and there are four types of actions available:
1 - Keypress Macro– assign the required macro (macro command) to perform several actions sequentially.
2 - Launch Application– you can assign a button to launch an application
3 - Text Macro– assigns the required text to the button. You can, for example, in the Question/Answer service, by pressing one button, insert an answer if it has been prepared in advance and fits the question.
4 - Disable Key– disable the button completely so that it does not respond to pressing.
Record Delays – record the delay between actions.

Tab On Board Profiles– here you can configure profiles, give them a name, for example the name of the game, and then change them on the fly using the OLED display without software.

Tab Settings– it includes sections for setting up the sensor and setting up the backlight.

ExactSense (fine sensitivity) – adjust mouse sensitivity, up to 16400. Why do you need so much? According to the developers, this will be relevant for a configuration consisting of multiple monitors. Given the ever-increasing screen resolutions, it is quite possible that this makes sense. Let's just say that such values ​​were introduced explicitly for the versatility of the rodent.

ExactLift (precise lifting) is a rather unusual option. The bottom line is that sometimes the user needs to lift the mouse and move it to another place on the mousepad. This option allows you to configure the level of mouse elevation at which it will continue to respond to movement. For some, this “trick” will be useful. This again allows us to speak about the versatility of the mouse, because there are few places where such an option is found, most likely it is not on any other mouse.

SteelSeries ExactAccel (accurate acceleration) – this option monitors the speed of the rodent’s movement, and adds acceleration if you start moving it faster. The essence is this: we are playing a game and suddenly, we need to quickly turn around - in this case, acceleration helps to do this faster, as if “anticipating” our desire to perform the action more quickly.

SteelSeries ExactAim (precise aiming) – does the same thing as precise acceleration, but on the contrary - the sensei’s deceleration is taken into account here. The essence is this: we are running/jumping in the game and suddenly, we need to fire an aimed shot - in this case, ExactAim helps us slow down (sensitivity decreases), as if “anticipating” our desire to fire a shot.

SteelSeries FreeMove (free movement) – helps to correct the path. The essence is this: when a person moves the mouse, he does not move it along a straight path, but along a distorted one. Some RM-104 manipulator is capable of performing everything according to coordinates, but the human hand is not capable of this. For this purpose, for example, photo lenses also have stabilization when shooting. This option is interesting, as it will have a positive effect on positioning accuracy and, as a result, on shooting accuracy.

Here we see settings for controlling the backlight; any combination is available, but you can turn it off completely. Here you can also set the sensor polling rate (Rolling Rate) and reset to factory settings. You can also adjust the brightness and contrast of the OLED display.

This is how it looks with “stylization” to match the color of the corvica.

Tab Properties– you can link a profile to a specific application. For example, StarCrat 2 is launched, and the prepared profile for it is automatically activated. Select the profile on the left.

Tab Statistics- the strangest tab. To be honest, I don’t understand why we need to know how many times we pressed which buttons over a certain period of time. Perhaps when testing in a game, this will help create macros or find out the most frequently used keys. Do most people need this? Unlikely!

Conclusions:

SteelSeries did an excellent job! The mouse is very interesting, everything has been done so that you can customize it for any game. The main thing here is to take it seriously and carefully select certain settings in a particular game. The mouse can be called universal, it is suitable for both right and left hands, good ergonomics, a lot of parameters can be customized, various backlight options, excellent design, OLED display with a logo, profiles, macros, crazy DPI level of 16400 - allows the player to choose , how exactly it will interact with the mouse.
The downsides include the price (decide for yourself) and coverage. I would have preferred a matte top panel, but I didn't like the color scheme of Fnatic's version.
Sensei’s main competitors are the Zowie EC-1/EC-2 rodents, but in the vastness of our homeland it’s difficult to get them, and I didn’t want to wait.

(18)

It's no secret that the mouse is an indispensable tool in the arsenal of a real gamer. Functionality, ergonomics and stable operation are the main indicators by which the device is evaluated. In addition, the above characteristics play an important role in the gameplay. They give an additional advantage over the opponent or, on the contrary, lead to a crushing defeat.

The gaming peripherals market has a huge number of gaming mice produced under different brands. Most devices differ in build quality, additional controls and technical characteristics.

Today we will test a mouse called Sensei, which belongs to the line of gaming controllers from the world famous company SteelSeries.

First of all, this device stands out from the rest with its technical characteristics. A solid 32-bit ARM processor, superior in computing power to Pentium-based computers with a frequency of 75 MHz, allows SteelSeries Sensei to be ranked among the company's top products.

An equally interesting fact during the development of the device was the collaboration of SteelSeries with professional gamers from such well-known e-sports teams as Fnatic, SK, EG, Na"Vi, EHOME, etc. The players brought their vision of the “ideal gaming mouse.” Actually, based on wishes and recommendations pro gamers, SteelSeries Sensei was created.

In addition to the original model, the manufacturer presented several licensed versions of the product:

• SteelSeries Sensei: MLG EDITION - Design developed in collaboration with the MLG community, surveyed at the MLG Winter Championship in Columbus;

• SteelSeries Sensei: FNATIC EDITION - made in the style of the Fnatic esports team.

The above versions have absolutely identical technical characteristics, differing only in external design.

At the CeBIT 2012 international exhibition, SteelSeries announced an updated version of the manipulator called Sensei RAW. The product was presented in two modifications:

• SteelSeries Sensei RAW Glossy Black - features a glossy body surface;

• SteelSeries Sensei RAW Rubberized Black - the body is made of rough matte plastic.

The updated version has lost its built-in LCD display, as well as a number of functional and technical components. We received the original version of SteelSeries Sensei for testing, and we will review it.

Specifications

Manufacturer	SteelSeries
Products webpage	http://steelseries.com
Model	Sensei
Interface	wired
Connection type	USB 2.0
Integrated processor	32-bit ARM
Sensor type	laser
Resolution, CPI	5 700 / 11 400
Polling frequency	6400 fps (5.8 Mps/sec)
Number of buttons	8
Maximum speed, m/s	3,81
Built-in memory, KB	128
Response time, ms	1
Always-on mode	+
Cord length, m	2, double nylon braided
Color	black/silver
Backlight	multi (16.8 million colors)
Software
Dimensions, mm	125 x 68 x 38
Weight, g	102
OS Compatibility	Windows 7 / Vista / XP / Mac OS X
Additionally	built-in LCD display

Delivery and configuration

The device is delivered to the market in a compact cardboard box, decorated in dark colors.

You can look at the mouse by opening the “door” of the box from the front. The manipulator is protected along the contour of the body by a transparent insert.

Thanks to non-standard packaging, the user can immediately evaluate how comfortable the manipulator lies in his hand, without the need to completely open the box.

The spread summarizes the product description in several languages. At the bottom there are comments from two eminent pro-gamers: Patrick “cArn” Sattermon from the Fnatic team and the Dutch player Manuel “Grubby” Schenkhuizen, who plays in the Warcraft III and StarCraft 2 disciplines.

On the back of the box, the technical specifications are detailed, as well as the main controls.

The delivery set was able to please us only with information booklets:

• user guide;
• Product Catalog;
• company sticker with the company logo.

There was no disk with proprietary software and drivers in the box. In principle, this has already become normal practice among many manufacturers. Special software and necessary drivers are available for download on the official SteelSeries website.

Appearance and Design

The design and dimensions of the SteelSeries Sensei are very reminiscent of the legendary SteelSeries Xai Laser mouse, which boasts excellent ergonomics. The body has a symmetrical shape, and therefore the manipulator is suitable for both right-handers and left-handers. Streamlined lines combined with a mirror surface give the device an aesthetic appearance.

The body is made of durable plastic with metal coating. The front surface gives the impression of a perfectly polished plate; visually the manipulator looks unusual. In addition, fingerprints are absolutely invisible on the iridescent surface.

The sides of the mouse are made of black rubberized material.

The SteelSeries Sensei backlight includes three zones: scroll, CPI indicator and logo. Each of these zones is individually illuminated in one of 16.5 million colors.

An equally useful function is the choice of backlight for a specific profile. By assigning each profile a specific color, the user can easily switch between them, while intuitively understanding which profile is currently activated. The function is convenient, but, unfortunately, not so often found in this type of product. In stock condition, all three zones are highlighted in bright orange.

The scroll wheel is made of transparent plastic. The rubberized rim features segmented markings for more precise scrolling, which occurs smoothly with distinct transitions. The CPI switch button is located above the scroll. This controller allows you to increase or decrease the sensitivity of the laser sensor up to a record 11,400 CPI. A small CPI switch indicator is located between the CPI controller and the scroll.

In the under-palm area there is an illuminated company logo made by dot engraving. The logo also has individual backlighting, including a wide palette of colors.

The SteelSeries Sensei has eight buttons in total. In addition to two standard buttons and a clickable scroll, the mouse has four additional side buttons - two on each side.

The manipulator is equipped with world-famous Omron push-button switches. The switches used respond as quickly as possible when pressed and have a clear click.

The side keys can be programmed or completely disabled in proprietary software - SteelSeries Engine. By default, the side buttons perform forward/backward actions.

Three Teflon feet are distributed along the edges of the bottom. They cover 16% of the bottom of the device and have a low coefficient of friction.

Wide legs provide maximum gliding on various types of playing surfaces.

The peephole of the high-frequency laser sensor is located in the center. The sensor resolution is 10.8 megapixels, and the reading speed reaches a record level of 12,000 frames per second. Those. in fact, the SteelSeries Sensei sensor is capable of correctly reading movements at a speed of 2-3 meters per second. The figures are impressive!

Another interesting feature of Sensei is the LCD display mounted in the bottom of the manipulator.

The built-in LCD display allows you to configure the so-called ExactTech functions:

• ExactSens - control the CPI sensitivity level. Sensitivity varies from 1 to 11400 CPI with single intervals;
• FreeMove - adjustment of the trajectory correction algorithm;
• ExactAim - slowdown function when aiming. Allows you to slow down the cursor movement for perfectly accurate aiming in games;
• ExactAccel — adjustment of the cursor acceleration parameter;
• ExactLift—change the lift-off distance from the surface.

By loading a small BMP format image into the device's memory using special software, the user personalizes his manipulator. The solution is not standard, but quite interesting.

You can create your own art on the official website of the manufacturer. Ready-made logos of popular esports teams are also available there: EvilGeniuses, Fnatic, NaVi, etc. The display is activated by pressing the CPI controller button, moving through the menu items is done by scrolling.

In addition to all of the above features, the built-in LCD display allows you to adjust sensitivity, set macros, calibrate the polling rate and switch between five profiles. Processing of all data, including ExactTech indicators, falls on the shoulders of a 32-bit ARM processor.

The manipulator is connected to a personal computer using a two-meter USB cable with wear-resistant nylon braid. The USB 2.0 connector is gold-plated for better contact. The cable is durable but, unfortunately, very rigid. Excessive rigidity, as a rule, has a negative effect on mouse control.

SteelSeries Engine proprietary software

When you first connect the SteelSeries Sensei, your computer recognizes it as a standard HID-compatible device. In this case, the functionality of the manipulator is no different from a simple mouse. Wide functionality is revealed after installing proprietary SteelSeries Engine software. The application can be downloaded from the official SteelSeries website in the "Downloads" section.

Before configuring parameters in the SteelSeries Engine, it is worth updating the firmware through the Firmware Repair Tool. After this, the word SteelSeries appears on the built-in LCD display. During the process of updating firmware version 1.3 on Windows 7 x64, a connection error was displayed. The problem was resolved by downloading updates in safe mode with sequential reconnection.

We also installed SteelSeries Engine version 2.6.2760. The SteelSeries Engine interface window includes five tabs: Buttons, On board profiles, Settings, Properties and Statistics. Creation of game profiles is carried out in the lower left corner. Saved and preloaded profiles are displayed in the left column.

In the first Buttons tab, actions are selected separately and macros are created for each of the 8 mouse buttons, including delay adjustments.

The second tab allows the user to work with profiles.

The Settings tab allows you to configure ExactTech parameters, adjust the backlight, brightness and contrast of the LCD display.

The Properties tab is responsible for working with applications linked to a specific profile.

The Statistics information tab provides general statistics on the number of button presses.

The proprietary SteelSeries Engine software frankly pleased us with its intuitive interface and a lot of useful settings.

Ergonomics and testing

The mouse fits comfortably in your hand. When working, you can use almost any grip. The device weighs only 102 grams, which is enough for complete control on the gaming surface. However, for those users who are used to holding heavier manipulators, the weight of the SteelSeries Sensei may seem insufficient.

Using the SteelSeries Engine, we disabled the additional buttons located on the right, as accidental clicks often occurred. When operating the mouse with your right hand, using these buttons is very inconvenient. The manipulator was tested on several playing surfaces with different structures. On the SteelSeries QcK Series gaming surface, the Sensei's Teflon feet glide slightly better than on the firmer mat of the Razer Goliathus Alpha Control Fragged Edition.

We were quite satisfied with the build quality. No typical backlash or creaking of the housing was noticed. The metal surface is tactilely very different from soft-touch plastic. And the device looks more solid.

SteelSeries Sensei has passed a number of tests in games of various genres, such as shooters, MMORPGs, simulators, etc. The testing focused on the popular military shooters Battlefield 3 and Call of Duty: Black Ops. It was possible to fully reveal the potential of the manipulator in games of this genre. The device conveys the trajectory of movement almost perfectly, the buttons respond quickly to pressing. The shooting results were slightly improved by activating the ExactAim function.

In games of the MMORPG genre, the device also showed its best side. The created macros significantly speed up the gameplay. At the same time, one cannot help but note the convenience of using ready-made game profiles for specific games.

When the sensitivity is increased to 5700 CPI, the mouse does not lose its movement trajectory at all. If you use the Double CPI mode, slight delays appear. From time to time the cursor simply froze or, conversely, moved chaotically across the monitor screen. This mode is more relevant for using SteelSeries Sensei with multiple monitors. The ability to finely adjust the sensitivity of the laser sensor allows the manipulator to be used not only in games, but also as an excellent tool for image correction in popular graphic editors. For example, by reducing the sensitivity of the laser sensor to 800-1000 CPI, you can carefully edit the image, drawing the desired lines as accurately as possible. The cursor moves more slowly, giving the user more control.

Results

Getting to know the SteelSeries Sensei gaming mouse left only pleasant impressions. The device has a stylish design, high-quality assembly and, most importantly, excellent ergonomics. In terms of its functionality, the manipulator can give odds to most competitors. The product supports proprietary SteelSeries Engine software with a lot of settings, from adjusting sensor sensitivity to creating game profiles.

The broad capabilities of the device can be truly appreciated in the games for which this product was created. A fairly fast 32-bit ARM processor and a built-in LCD display in practice turned out to be very useful innovations that SteelSeries successfully implemented in the SteelSeries Sensei. In addition, the manipulator boasts 4 additional keys, a CPI controller and three backlight zones.

At the time of writing, the average product cost was $94. For this price, the user will receive a high-quality and multifunctional mouse with great potential.

The SteelSeries Sensei manipulator was provided for testing by the Zona51 store.

Specifications

Type: wired mouse * Interface: USB 2.0* Material: plastic * Color: polished metal finish and black inserts * Sensor: laser, 5700 dpi * Polling Rate: 1 GHz * Built-in memory: for 5 profiles * Buttons: 3 main, 5 additional, wheel-button * Backlight: 16.7 million colors * Peculiarities: symmetrical design, integrated 32-bit ARM processor, ExactTech features* Length of cable: 2 m * Dimensions: 12.5x6.8x3.9 cm * Weight: 102 g * Price as of September 2012: 3300 rubles

At the end of last year, a most interesting mouse went on sale - the top-end SteelSeries Sensei, stuffed to the brim with new technologies. Unfortunately, for a long time it was difficult to find it in stores and get it for testing, so I have to write about it only now.

Familiar building

Externally, Sensei copies the famous Kinzu: symmetrical “egg-shaped” shape, the upper part of the plastic body is stylized as polished metal, the wheel and sides are made of soft-touch plastic. Closer to the back there is a corporate logo with widely variable illumination.

The tested sample fits well in the hand; both large and small fingers can be comfortably located on the wide back. The grip can be anything - additional buttons on both sides are always right under the thumb. It’s pleasant to control the mouse: the keys are soft and easy to press, and the resolution of the laser sensor is an impressive 5700 dpi. The model is suitable for both right-handers and left-handers.

Unusual technologies

The main feature of Sensei is the filling, namely the 32-bit ARM processor, which made it possible to implement many interesting functions. For example, few people think about the fact that modern sensors make full use of a cursor movement correction system, straightening its path and filtering deviations. SteelSeries FreeMove allows you to reduce the interference of this invisible ruler and make the scope follow your instructions exactly. No less useful ExactAccel With ExactAim. The first automatically increases the dpi number during sudden movements, the second, on the contrary, reduces it when you need to aim. Well, the final touch - ExactLift, which allows you to adjust the distance at which the laser sensor stops “clinging” to the mat.

On the belly of the Sensei there is another small (128x32) screen on which a pre-loaded image is displayed. For example, you can sign your mouse so that it doesn’t get lost in the computer club. The autograph is added using software that accepts files in BMP format.

Another use of the display is the selection of specified parameters, which are configured in the bundled software: you can register macros and keyboard shortcuts, even programmatically double the sensitivity to a mind-blowing 11400 dpi! The number of profiles is not limited, but only five can fit into the internal memory.

Master Class

The absence of unnecessary buttons, a wide body and a powerful sensor directly indicate that the main domain of this mouse is shooters. Therefore, the main test for Sensei was Battlefield 3. The device performed brilliantly: the rodent perfectly mastered its movements, allowing it to simultaneously sharply change the viewing angle and conduct targeted fire literally pixel-by-pixel. With ExactAccel/Aim, there is no need to adjust the sensor resolution during combat, although there is an opportunity - there is a special button in front of the wheel.

We liked fighting without “predicting movements.” The crosshair behaves exactly as it should. And the higher the dpi, the more noticeable the effect. The manipulator glides perfectly on almost any surface; free movement is ensured by smooth Teflon legs.

The Sensei buttons have a slight trigger action. Out of habit, it seems inconvenient, but once we got used to it, we appreciated this feature: the virtual weapon becomes much more responsive, your finger actually feels the trigger. By the way, the additional keys are less sensitive.

Unfortunately, we were not able to test Sensei at maximum resolution - we don’t have people in our editorial office who can fully play at such brutal sensitivity!

* * *

The SteelSeries Sensei leaves a lasting impression. A professional mouse with a symmetrical body is already a rare occurrence, and with such a rich set of functions, it’s generally a one-off. The only thing that upsets me about all this beauty is the price. The rodent will cost 3,300 rubles, which means that its competitors include the entire Roccat range and many eminent representatives of Razer, including the Imperator 2012 with dual optics and the fresh Taipan.

PROS:

• symmetrical design
• many useful features
• powerful sensor
• support for profiles and macros

MINUSES:

• high price