There are six buttons on the SteelSeries Rival 3: standard left and right mouse clicks, two left-side buttons, an upper DPI switch, and a scroll wheel (clickable). The Rival 3 was the ideal size for my medium-sized hands, but people with large paws might feel cramped. It is also on the small side, at 3.8-inches long and 2.6-inches wide. With 2.7 ounces (without cable), the Rival 3 is a very light mouse. When it comes to looks, notches in the middle and edges make the mouse more aggressive than the Sensei Ten. The rainbow glow identifies the Rival 3 as a play mouse and gives it a specific cool factor. Colorful and customizable RGB lighting sketches the bottom of the mouse and matches a radiant SteelSeries logo on the palm rest. The Rival 3 resembles the cheaper Rival 110 but adds a few design elements you wouldn’t usually find on such an affordable mouse. And while it may look like it, the Rival 3 is not a hermaphroditic mouse (sorry, lefties).

However, the low-profile design makes it difficult to grip with a palm grip or one where your entire palm makes contact with the mouse. Claw- or fingertip grip gamers will feel at home when using the Rival 3. That’s a big compliment when you consider that this $30 model costs less than half as SteelSeries’ flagship of the 10th Anniversary Mouse. The SteelSeries Rival 3 has a traditional “tear-drop” shape that matches the shape of my hand and gives me flashbacks to use the Sensei Ten. It may not have the soft-touch design of the Sensei Ten, but the Rival’s minimalist shape blends with tasteful RGB lighting to build an aesthetic as attractive as the more expensive models.

I noticed how premium the Rival 3 looks and feels after placing my hand on its smooth body. Except for a few desired additions – a braided cable and interchangeable weights – the Rival 3 is the perfect gaming mouse for people on a budget.

We put the Rival 3 to the test and were impressed with the sensor’s responsiveness and comfortable, stylish design.

Rival 3 wireless review