Our Verdict
78%
A slightly more divisive shape than some rivals, but performance is good for the price.
The Rival 3 is similar to the Logitech G203 in that it’s notably compact and cheap, and includes RGB lighting but features a relatively modest sensor. However, where the Logitech had notable drawbacks, such as its weight and stiff cable, the Rival 3 has fewer issues.
Its shape is quite narrow where you grip the sides, so it isn’t ideal for larger hands, but then it also splays out towards the back, resulting in your fingers sliding forward. It works if you grip the mouse with only your little finger but feels awkward if you use your ring finger too.
With a weight of 77g, the Rival 3 is far from the lightest mouse but it’s trimmer than the Logitech. Plus, although the rubber-coated cable arrives kinked, it’s more flexible than that of the Logitech, making for less pushback. With its RGB-lit skirt and SteelSeries logo, the Rival 3 also looks smart, especially with its high-quality black finish.
The Rival 3 includes five standard buttons plus a top-mounted DPI button. The latter is small but tall enough that you could hit it accidentally in gaming, though this didn’t happen to us in testing. Meanwhile, the notches on the scroll wheel aren’t the most distinct but we had no issues pressing the middle button without nudging the wheel.
Although it’s only rated to 8,500 DPI, the SteelSeries TrueMove Core sensor has reasonable ratings of 300 IPS movement speed and 35G acceleration, putting it well ahead of the Logitech. Moreover, it performed flawlessly in our tests. Impressively, the main two switches are also rated to a massive 60 million clicks.
SteelSeries Rival 3 pros and cons
Pros:
- Good sensor and switches
- Smart design with RGB lighting
- Good value
Cons:
- Divisive shape
- A little heavy for its size
SteelSeries Rival 3 specs
The SteelSeries Rival 3 specs list is:
| Weight | 77g |
| Dimensions (mm) | 67 x 121 x 38 (W x D x H) |
| Sensor | SteelSeries TrueMove Core – 8,500 DPI, 35g acceleration, 300 IPS |
| Buttons | 5 (left, right, scroll wheel, back, forward) |
| Cable | 1.8m, rubber coated |
| Battery life | N/A |
| Extras | RGB lighting |
SteelSeries Rival 3 price
The SteelSeries Rival 3 price is $20 / £20, making it one of the cheapest known-brand gaming mice you can buy.
Price: Expect to pay $20 / £20
SteelSeries Rival 3 review conclusion
The Rival 3’s shape isn’t ideal for larger hands, but if you can get on with its design then it otherwise delivers the goods. It looks smart, has a good sensor and switches, and it’s not too heavy either. For our pick of the finest mice, check out our best gaming mouse guide.