SteelSeries introduces the Rival 5 as a strong all-rounder for all games and could thus be a strong competitor for Logitech’s G502 Hero. Because the G502 is already an all-rounder for gamers. But there are some differences between the mice.
Shortly after Roccat surprised with an ultra-light gaming mouse without holes, the Danish manufacturer SteelSeries has now introduced the Rival 5, a gaming mouse that aims primarily at players of different genres.
In its official presentation, SteelSeries introduces its new Rival 5 as an all-rounder mouse: Battle Royale, FPS, MOBA, and MMOs, all games should be playable with it without any issues.
And here comes Logitech’s successful G502 (Hero) into play, which has a strong market position among all-rounder mice. SteelSeries wants to shake that throne and deliberately positions the Rival 5 against the G502 in its presentation, describing it as superior in weight.
The G502 is, according to Logitech, the best-selling mouse in the world. A look at Amazon seems to confirm this, where the mouse occupies two top positions at the bestsellers in gaming mice, both wired and wireless. The all-rounder mouse seems to be a lucrative business. We present the Rival 5 and have collected initial reactions.
Rival 5 aims to be a strong all-rounder among mice
Here’s what the Rival 5 offers: The Rival 5 is an ergonomic right-handed mouse that caters to all hand sizes and grip styles, with a focus on claw and fingertip grips.
The Rival 5 weighs 85 grams, features 10-zone RGB, and is equipped with the optical TrueMove Air sensor. The sensor is an in-house development by SteelSeries. The sensor is currently used in the SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless and the Rival 3 Wireless. A maximum of 18,000 DPI is possible with the Rival 5.
Under the mouse buttons, SteelSeries installs switches that are said to be particularly durable. The buttons are designed to withstand at least 80 million clicks and are also water and dust resistant (IP54 certified).
How much does the Rival 5 cost and where can you buy it?
- You can already order the mouse for 69.99 Euros directly from SteelSeries.
- At Alternate, you can also order the SteelSeries Rival 5 for 69.99 €*, here there is a stated delivery time of 10 days.
- You can already pre-order the mouse on Amazon, but it is not officially available yet, and there is no date yet.
Has anyone tested the mouse yet? The online magazine KnowTechie was able to test the mouse (via KnowTechie.com). The testers praise the good workmanship and pleasant feel of the new gaming mouse. Programming the buttons is also very simple. There is criticism for the front thumb button, which is not very easy to reach.
Notebooksbilliger has also tested the mouse (via Notebooksbilliger.de). Here, the high-quality workmanship and the extensive software are praised. Despite its size, the mouse is very lightweight and offers pleasant ergonomics. Criticism is given for the non-detachable cable.
This is what early voices are saying about the SteelSeries Rival 5: In the subreddit “MouseReview”, users are already discussing the new gaming mouse (via reddit.com):
- “As a successor to the Rival 600, the model looks great. They basically addressed all the issues of the old model: better cable, round feet, more easily accessible third thumb button, flush RGB zones, softer edges in the area of the palm rest, removal of detachable sides/adjustable weight gimmicks.”
- “Feels like a refreshed Rival 600, and it’s overall better – lighter, more buttons, good cable, and a good sensor.”
- “The SteelSeries software lacks features, but honestly, it’s a step ahead of everyone else in terms of stability. It looks nicer, it runs nicer, it’s less intrusive, there’s no bullshit, and it just works.”
Logitech’s G502 Hero is the biggest competitor for the Rival 5
What is the biggest difference? Logitech’s G502 Hero weighs a total of 121 grams and is therefore very heavy. With additional weights, it can be increased to 139 grams. The wireless Lightspeed version of the G502 weighs only 114 grams.
Here, SteelSeries takes a different approach with the Rival 5. Because the new Rival 5 weighs 85 grams and is therefore significantly lighter than the competition. SteelSeries itself writes in the presentation that the Rival 5 is “30% lighter than the competition in the same category (G502)” (via steelseries.com).
G502 vs Rival 5 at a glance:
| Logitech G502 Hero | SteelSeries Rival 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 121 – 139 grams, weight system | 85 grams |
| Buttons | 11 buttons | 9 buttons |
| Sensor | HERO sensor, up to 25,600 DPI | TrueMove Air sensor, up to 18,000 DPI |
| SRP Price | 89.99 Euros | 69.99 Euros |
| RGB | LIGHTSYNC RGB: 1 zone | 10-zone RGB |
What other competitors are there? Another competitor is Razer’s Basilisk V2. This, like the G502 and the Rival 5, opts for an ergonomic design and also offers 11 buttons that can be freely assigned. The Basilisk V2 is slightly lighter than Logitech’s mouse at 92 grams.
We at MeinMMO count Logitech’s G502 among the best gaming mice currently available. This is due in part to the great sensor, the many features, and also the frictionless mouse wheel, which, so far, can only be found on Logitech mice.
