SteelSeries starts the new year with three new input devices at fairly humane and entry-friendly prices. With the Rival 3 for 39.99 euros there is a new flyweight from the mouse series, the keyboards Apex 3 and 5 use membrane or hybrid switches for 79.99 euros and 129.99 euros respectively. We took a closer look at the trio.
SteelSeries Rival 3 (39.99 euros)
Let's start with the new rodent of the Rival series, which is available for an extremely affordable price of 39.99 euros. The Rival 3 is a classic gaming mouse with a symmetrical design, but is not suitable for left-handers due to the thumb buttons on the left. Thanks to its slightly rough surface, it fits comfortably in the hand even without side gumming and is particularly suitable for claw grip due to its shape.
With two mouse buttons, DPI switch, clickable mouse wheel and the two thumb buttons, it is rather minimalistic. The same applies to the weight, with a mere 77 grams, it is currently one of the lightest gaming mice. The mouse wheel is rubberized and clickable, with pleasant resistance and good click behavior. The side buttons are rather crisp from the pressure points, which largely prevents accidental triggering.
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Small details are nice, such as the very flexible cable, which prevents any interference when scurrying over the mouse pad. Of course, the usual lighting must not be missing, which can be configured quickly and easily using the SteelSeries Engine. There is an illuminated logo on the back and two coherent strips on the lower edge.
The Rival 3 is equipped with an optical TrueMove Core Sensor, which enables a sampling rate of up to 8,500 DPI and 300 IPS with 35G acceleration. Thanks to on-board memory, up to five DPI settings can be stored on the rodent. The light mouse glides nicely over the mouse pad and cuts a very good figure when gaming. For the price, an absolute buy recommendation if you like the housing shape.
SteelSeries Apex 3 (79.99 euros)
As you can already guess from the price, the Apex 3 is a membrane keyboard instead of a keyboard with mechanical switches. The slim keyboard is based on a plastic housing with "floating" keys in the form of a full keyboard. The keypad is supplemented by a multimedia button and a volume control – rather a rarity in this price range.
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In addition, the keyboard has a removable, magnetically attached palm rest with a pleasant soft-touch surface and cable guides on the underside of the case. A 10-zone lighting is available, also configurable via SteelSeries Engine. Interestingly, it is not the keys that are illuminated directly, but the membrane mat under the keys. This looks nice, but has the disadvantage that the labeling of the keys is relatively dimly lit. As a little extra for players who like to empty their coffee or cold drink over the keyboard, the Apex 3 has an IP32 splash protection.
The membrane switches work well so far, but are also a matter of taste. If you love mechanical keys, the relatively soft touch will not really warm you up, despite a noticeable pressure point. The advantage is, of course, that the keyboard is a bit quieter than the mechanical versions and the durability of the switches is significantly lower with 20 million keystrokes than with mechanical switches. But that doesn't change the fact that the Apex 3 can also be played well, unless you make more ambitious demands.
