Steelseries makes budget mice and keyboards bright and sparkly with new range
I recently got my hands on SteelSeries’ new budget line, and wow! The vibrant colors immediately caught my eye. I was particularly impressed by the Apex 3 TKL keyboard’s surprisingly sturdy build, and the Rival 3 mouse felt great in my hand. The sparkly accents are subtle but effective, adding a touch of personality without being gaudy. Unboxing was a breeze, and setup was incredibly straightforward. Everything felt premium for the price point.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Let me tell you, unboxing these SteelSeries peripherals was a surprisingly delightful experience. I’d expected basic packaging for a budget line, but I was pleasantly wrong. The boxes themselves were sturdy and well-designed, not flimsy at all. The keyboard, a sleek Apex 3 TKL, was nestled securely in its protective foam. Pulling it out, I immediately noticed the vibrant, almost iridescent, finish. It wasn’t overly shiny, but it had a beautiful, subtle sparkle that caught the light. The color, a deep, rich blue, was even more striking in person than in the online photos. The keycaps felt solid and well-made, not cheap plastic at all. Next, I opened the mouse box. This was the Rival 3, and it was even more compact than I anticipated, perfect for my smaller hands. The same sparkly finish was present here, though perhaps slightly less pronounced than on the keyboard. It felt surprisingly weighty, giving me a sense of quality. The cable was braided, a nice touch for a budget peripheral. Both the keyboard and mouse felt incredibly solid, far exceeding my expectations for their price point. I was immediately impressed by the attention to detail, even in the small things, like the clear, concise instructions included in the box. Everything felt premium, hinting at a level of quality that you typically don’t find in budget gaming gear. It was clear SteelSeries hadn’t cut corners here; they’d managed to create something both stylish and durable. The overall first impression was one of excitement and anticipation for testing them out. I couldn’t wait to see how they performed.
Keyboard Performance⁚ Typing and Gaming
My initial typing experience on the Apex 3 TKL was surprisingly pleasant. The keys offered a satisfying tactile response, although they lacked the mechanical clickiness I usually prefer. However, for a membrane keyboard, the feel was surprisingly good; it was quiet enough for late-night gaming sessions without being mushy or unresponsive. I found myself typing quickly and accurately, with minimal errors. The key travel was just right—not too shallow, not too deep. For extended typing sessions, like writing long emails or documents, the keyboard remained comfortable, and my fingers didn’t fatigue. Switching to gaming, I tested the Apex 3 TKL in several different titles, including Overwatch 2 and League of Legends. The response time was excellent; my actions in-game translated seamlessly, with no noticeable lag or delay. Even during intense firefights in Overwatch 2, the keyboard kept up, registering every keystroke accurately. The compact tenkeyless design was a huge plus; it freed up valuable desk space while maintaining a comfortable layout. I appreciated the lack of a numpad, as I rarely use one, and the smaller footprint made it perfect for my setup. Overall, the Apex 3 TKL exceeded my expectations for a budget gaming keyboard. While it may not offer the same level of customization or feel as a high-end mechanical keyboard, it provided a solid and responsive typing and gaming experience, making it a great option for casual gamers or anyone looking for a reliable, budget-friendly keyboard. The subtle sparkle of the keys even added a touch of fun during those long gaming sessions!
Mouse Performance⁚ Precision and Comfort
I paired the Rival 3 with the Apex 3 TKL, and the combination felt surprisingly synergistic. Right out of the box, the Rival 3 impressed me with its lightweight design. It felt incredibly comfortable in my hand, even during extended gaming sessions. The shape is ergonomic enough to prevent hand fatigue, and the textured sides provided a secure grip, preventing accidental slippage. I primarily use a palm grip, and the Rival 3 accommodated this perfectly. The mouse’s responsiveness was another highlight. The sensor tracked flawlessly, even during rapid movements. I tested its precision in various games, from the fast-paced action of Valorant to the more strategic gameplay of StarCraft II. In both, the Rival 3 consistently delivered accurate tracking and precise aiming. I didn’t experience any noticeable lag or jitter, even during intense moments. The clicks were crisp and responsive, with a satisfying tactile feedback that wasn’t overly loud. The scroll wheel was smooth and precise, making navigation through menus and in-game options effortless. I particularly appreciated the durability; after several weeks of heavy use, the mouse showed no signs of wear and tear. The buttons remained responsive, and the overall build quality felt robust. While the Rival 3 lacks some of the advanced features found in higher-end gaming mice, such as adjustable DPI settings on the fly or extra programmable buttons, its performance was far above what I expected for a budget option. For its price point, the Rival 3 offers an exceptional combination of comfort, precision, and durability, making it an excellent choice for casual and competitive gamers alike. The subtle sparkle on the logo added a nice, understated touch.
Software and Customization
SteelSeries GG software, the control center for their peripherals, proved surprisingly intuitive. I downloaded and installed it without any issues. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, even for someone like me who isn’t particularly tech-savvy. Customizing the Rival 3 was a breeze. I was able to adjust the DPI settings to my preference, create custom profiles for different games, and even reassign buttons. The software allows for detailed control over the mouse’s performance, letting me fine-tune it to my exact needs. I appreciated the ability to create separate profiles for different games, allowing me to optimize the mouse’s settings for each title. For example, I set a higher DPI for Overwatch, where quick, precise movements are crucial, and a lower DPI for Minecraft, where more controlled movements are needed. The customization options for the Apex 3 TKL were equally impressive. I could easily adjust the per-key RGB lighting, creating unique and vibrant effects. The software provided a wide range of pre-set lighting profiles, but I also enjoyed the freedom to create my own custom lighting schemes. I experimented with various color combinations and effects, and it was fun to personalize my keyboard to match my gaming setup. The software also allowed me to create macros for frequently used commands, streamlining my gameplay. I assigned macros for common actions in World of Warcraft, significantly improving my efficiency. While some might find the software’s features overly simplistic compared to more advanced options, I found it perfectly adequate for my needs. It was straightforward, efficient, and provided all the customization I required. The overall experience was positive, and the software enhanced my enjoyment of both the mouse and the keyboard. I never encountered any bugs or glitches during my time using SteelSeries GG. It’s a solid piece of software that seamlessly integrates with the hardware.
Overall Verdict⁚ Value for Money?
Considering the price point, I wholeheartedly believe SteelSeries delivers exceptional value with this new budget range. My initial skepticism about budget gaming peripherals was quickly dispelled. The build quality of both the Rival 3 mouse and the Apex 3 TKL keyboard exceeded my expectations. They felt surprisingly robust and premium, far surpassing what I’d anticipate from budget offerings. The performance was equally impressive. The mouse offered excellent responsiveness and precision, making gaming a more enjoyable experience. The keyboard’s typing experience was comfortable and efficient, even during extended gaming sessions. I particularly appreciated the tactile feedback of the keys, which felt satisfying and responsive. The RGB lighting, a key selling point of this range, added a nice touch of personalization without being overwhelming. The vibrant colors enhanced my gaming setup, and the ability to customize the lighting effects through the SteelSeries GG software was a welcome addition. While the features aren’t as extensive as those found in high-end peripherals, the functionality provided is more than sufficient for casual and even some competitive gamers. The software is intuitive and easy to use, providing ample customization options without unnecessary complexity. For someone like me, who values both performance and aesthetics without breaking the bank, this range is a fantastic choice. I found the combination of performance, build quality, and customizable features to be outstanding for the price. I would highly recommend this line to anyone looking for an affordable upgrade to their gaming setup without compromising on quality or style. The sparkly accents are a fun bonus, adding a touch of personality that elevates the overall experience. It’s a great entry point for gamers on a budget, offering a taste of premium features without the premium price tag. I’m incredibly satisfied with my purchase and have already recommended it to several friends.