Sensei steelseries mouse customization software. What does the best eSports store in Ukraine offer? How about speed up
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It's no secret that the "mouse" manipulator is an indispensable tool in the arsenal of a real gamer. Functionality, ergonomics and stable performance are the main indicators by which the device is evaluated. In addition, the above characteristics play an important role in the gameplay. They give an additional advantage over an opponent or, on the contrary, lead to a crushing defeat.
The gaming peripherals market has a huge number of gaming mice produced under different brands. Most of the devices differ in build quality, additional controls and technical characteristics.
Today we will test a mouse called Sensei, which belongs to the line of gaming controllers of the world famous company SteelSeries.
First of all, this device stands out from the rest with its technical characteristics. A solid 32-bit ARM processor that surpasses Pentium-based computers with a frequency of 75 MHz in processing power makes SteelSeries Sensei one of the company's top-end products.
An equally interesting fact in the development of the device was the collaboration of SteelSeries with professional gamers from such well-known esports teams as Fnatic, SK, EG, Na "Vi, EHOME, etc. The players brought their vision of the" ideal gaming mouse ". Actually, based on wishes and recommendations pro gamer was created by SteelSeries Sensei.
In addition to the original model, the manufacturer presented several licensed versions of the product:
- SteelSeries Sensei: MLG EDITION - Designed in collaboration with the MLG community of league players surveyed at the MLG Columbus Winter Championship.
- SteelSeries Sensei: FNATIC EDITION - made in the style of the Fnatic esports team.
The above versions have absolutely identical technical characteristics, differ only in their external design.
At the international exhibition CeBIT 2012, SteelSeries announced an updated version of the manipulator called Sensei RAW. The product was presented in two modifications:
- SteelSeries Sensei RAW Glossy Black - features a glossy case surface;
- SteelSeries Sensei RAW Rubberized Black - the body is made of rough matte plastic.
The updated version has lost the built-in LCD display, as well as a number of functional and technical components. For testing we got the original version of SteelSeries Sensei, and we will consider it.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | SteelSeries |
| Products webpage | http://steelseries.com |
| Model | Sensei |
| Interface | wired |
| Connection type | USB 2.0 |
| Integrated processor | 32-bit ARM |
| Sensor type | laser |
| Resolution, CPI | 5 700 / 11 400 |
| Polling rate | 6400 fps (5.8 Mps / sec) |
| Number of buttons | 8 |
| Maximum speed, m / s | 3,81 |
| Built-in memory, KB | 128 |
| Response time, ms | 1 |
| Always-On Mode | + |
| Cord length, m | 2, double nylon braid |
| Colour | black / silver |
| Backlight | multi (16.8 million colors) |
| Software | |
| Dimensions, mm | 125 x 68 x 38 |
| Weight, g | 102 |
| OS Compatibility | Windows 7 / Vista / XP / Mac OS X |
| Additionally | built-in LCD display |
Delivery and equipment
The device is delivered to the market in a compact cardboard box, decorated in dark colors.
You can look at the mouse by opening the "door" of the box on the front side. The manipulator is protected along the body contour with a transparent insert.
Thanks to the non-standard packaging, the user can immediately appreciate how comfortable the manipulator is in the hand, without having to completely open the box.
The spread contains a brief description of the product in several languages. At the bottom, there are comments from two eminent pro gamers: Patrick "cArn" Suttermon from the Fnatic team and the Dutch player Manuel "Grubby" Schenkhuizen, who competes in the Warcraft III and StarCraft 2 disciplines.
On the reverse side of the box, the technical specification is detailed, as well as the main controls.
The delivery set was able to please us only with information booklets:
- user's manual;
- product Catalog;
- branded sticker with the company logo.
There was no disc with proprietary software and drivers in the box. In principle, this has already become a normal practice among many manufacturers. Special software and required drivers are available for download on the SteelSeries official website.
Appearance and design
The design and dimensions of the SteelSeries Sensei are very reminiscent of the legendary SteelSeries Xai Laser mouse, which boasts excellent ergonomics. The body has a symmetrical shape, and therefore the manipulator is suitable for both right-handers and left-handers. Streamlined lines combined with a mirrored surface give the device an aesthetic appearance.
The body is made of durable plastic with a metal coating. The front surface gives the impression of a perfectly polished plate, visually the manipulator looks unusual. In addition, fingerprints are absolutely not visible on the iridescent surface.
The sides of the mouse are made of black rubberized material.
The SteelSeries Sensei backlight includes three zones: scroll, CPI indicator and logo. Each of these zones is individually illuminated with one of 16.5 million colors.
An equally useful feature is the selection of the backlight for a specific profile. By setting each profile a specific color, the user can easily switch between them, while intuitively understanding which profile is currently activated. The function is convenient, but, unfortunately, it is not so common in this kind of products. In the stock state, all three zones are highlighted in bright orange.
The scroll wheel is made of transparent plastic. On the rubberized rim, segmented marks are visible, applied for more precise scrolling, which occurs smoothly with distinct transitions. The CPI switch button is located above the scroll. This controller allows you to increase and decrease the sensitivity of the laser sensor up to a record 11,400 CPI. A small CPI switch indicator is placed between the CPI controller and the scroll.
In the under-palm area there is an illuminated logo of the company, made using the method of point engraving. The logo is also individually backlit with a wide range of colors.
SteelSeries Sensei has eight buttons in total. In addition to the two standard buttons and a clickable scroll, the mouse has got four additional side buttons - two on each side.
The manipulator is equipped with world famous pushbutton switches from Omron. The switches used are as fast as possible when pressed and have a sonorous click.
The side keys can be programmed or completely disabled in the proprietary software - SteelSeries Engine. By default, the side buttons perform forward / backward actions.
Three Teflon legs are distributed along the edges of the bottom. They cover 16% of the bottom of the device and have a low coefficient of friction.
Wide feet provide maximum glide on various types of playing surfaces.
In the center is the eye of the high-frequency laser sensor. The sensor resolution is at the level of 10.8 megapixels, and the reading speed reaches a record high - 12,000 frames per second. Those. in fact, the SteelSeries Sensei sensor is able to correctly read movements at a speed of 2-3 meters per second. The indicators are impressive!
Another interesting feature of the Sensei is the LCD-display mounted in the bottom of the manipulator.
The built-in LCD display allows you to customize the so-called ExactTech functions:
- ExactSens - control of CPI sensitivity level. Sensitivity ranges from 1 to 11,400 CPI at a unit interval;
- FreeMove - adjustment of the trajectory correction algorithm;
- ExactAim - Aim slowdown function. Allows you to slow down cursor movement for perfectly accurate aiming in games;
- ExactAccel - adjusting the cursor acceleration parameter;
- ExactLift - change the lift-off distance from the surface.
You can create your own art on the manufacturer's official website. There are also available ready-made logos of popular e-sports teams: EvilGeniuses, Fnatic, NaVi, etc. The display is activated by holding down the CPI controller button, moving through the menu items is done by scrolling.
In addition to all of the above possibilities, the built-in LCD-display allows you to adjust the sensitivity, write macros, calibrate the polling rate and switch between five profiles. All data processing, including ExactTech indicators, falls on the shoulders of a 32-bit ARM processor.
The manipulator is connected to a personal computer using a two-meter USB cable with a wear-resistant nylon braid. The USB 2.0 connector is gold plated for better contact. The cable is sturdy but unfortunately very tough. Excessive rigidity usually affects mouse control.
SteelSeries Engine proprietary software
When you connect SteelSeries Sensei for the first time, your computer detects it as a standard HID-compliant device. In this case, in terms of its functionality, the manipulator is no different from a simple mouse. Wide functionality is revealed after installing the proprietary software SteelSeries Engine. The app can be downloaded from the SteelSeries official website in the Downloads section.
Before configuring parameters in the SteelSeries Engine, it is worth updating the firmware via the Firmware Repair Tool. After that, SteelSeries appears on the built-in LCD. When updating firmware version 1.3 on Windows 7 x64, a connection error was generated. The problem was solved by downloading updates in safe mode with serial reconnection.
We also installed SteelSeries Engine version 2.6.2760. The SteelSeries Engine interface window includes five tabs: Buttons, On board profiles, Settings, Properties, and Statistics. Game profiles are created in the lower left corner. Saved and preloaded profiles are displayed in the left column.
In the first Buttons tab, actions are individually selected and macros are created for each of the 8 mouse buttons, including adjusting delays.
The second tab allows the user to work with profiles.
The Settings tab allows you to configure ExactTech parameters, adjust the backlight, brightness and contrast of the LCD-display.
The Properties tab is responsible for working with applications associated with a specific profile.
The Statistics information tab provides general statistics on the number of button clicks.
The proprietary software SteelSeries Engine frankly delighted us with an intuitive interface and a lot of useful settings.
Ergonomics and testing
The mouse fits comfortably in the hand. When working, you can use almost any grip. The device weighs just 102 grams, which is enough for complete control on the playing surface. However, for those users who are used to holding heavier manipulators, the weight of the SteelSeries Sensei may seem insufficient.
With the help of SteelSeries Engine, we disabled the additional buttons located on the right, as there were frequent accidental clicks. Using the mouse with the right hand makes it very inconvenient to use these buttons. The manipulator was tested on several playing surfaces with different structures. The Sensei Teflon feet glided slightly better on the SteelSeries QcK Series playing surface than on the stiffer Razer Goliathus Alpha Control Fragged Edition carpet.
The build quality is quite satisfying. There were no typical backlash and creaks of the case. Tactilely, the metal surface is very different from soft-touch plastic. And the device looks more solid.
SteelSeries Sensei has passed a number of tests in games of various genres such as shooters, MMORPGs, simulations, etc. The main focus of testing was given to the popular military shooters Battlefield 3 and Call of Duty: Black Ops. It was possible to fully reveal the potential of the manipulator in games of this genre. The device almost perfectly transmits the trajectory of movement, the buttons quickly respond to pressing. The shooting results were slightly improved when the ExactAim function was activated.
In games of the MMORPG genre, the device also showed itself from the best side. The created macros significantly speed up the gameplay. At the same time, one cannot fail to note the convenience of using ready-made game profiles for specific games.
When the sensitivity is increased to the level of 5700 CPI, the mouse absolutely does not lose its trajectory. If you use Double CPI mode, there are slight delays. From time to time, the cursor just froze or, conversely, chaotically moved across the monitor screen. This mode is more relevant for using SteelSeries Sensei with multiple monitors. The ability to fine-tune the sensitivity of the laser sensor allows you to use the manipulator not only in games, but also as an excellent tool for image correction in popular graphics editors. For example, by reducing the sensitivity of the laser sensor to the limits of 800-1000 CPI, you can carefully edit the image, drawing the desired lines as accurately as possible. The cursor moves more slowly, thus giving the user more control.
Outcome
Acquaintance with the SteelSeries Sensei gaming mouse left only pleasant impressions. The device has a stylish design, high-quality assembly and, most importantly, excellent ergonomics. In terms of its functionality, the manipulator can give odds to most competitors. The product supports proprietary software SteelSeries Engine with a lot of settings, ranging from adjusting the sensitivity of the sensor and ending with the creation of game profiles.
The broad capabilities of the device can be truly appreciated in the games for which this product was created. The reasonably fast 32-bit ARM processor and built-in LCD have proven to be very useful innovations in practice, which SteelSeries has successfully implemented in the SteelSeries Sensei. In addition, the manipulator boasts 4 additional keys, a CPI controller and three backlight zones.
At the time of writing, the average product price was $ 94. For this price, the user will receive a high-quality and multifunctional mouse with great potential.
The SteelSeries Sensei manipulator was provided for testing by the Zona51 store.
Not so long ago, the giant of the gaming industry SteelSeries released a new product - a gaming mouse with "lightweight" functions SteelSeries Sensei RAW 5700 dpi. This model was developed on the basis of the SteelSeries Sensei professional gaming mouse, which is positioned as completely customizable for the needs of the pros. It has a 32-bit processor, a CPI 11400 sensor and an LCD display at the bottom. Naturally, such indicators are necessary only for those users who participate in championships and for whom the performance and functional indicators of their desktop "rodent" are important. Ordinary users do not need "stuffed" gaming devices. When it was announced that a "light" version of the SteelSeries Sensei would appear, every player wanted to have it in their arsenal, well "fueled" by the interest of the gaming community in the original model.
How is Sensei RAW different from its "ancestor"?
First, the SteelSeries Sensei RAW has only 5,700 dpi - half the size of the Sensei. The sensor of the device remains from the same manufacturer - PixArt. Secondly, the manufacturers removed everything that made Sensei a real palm-sized computer - the internal ARM processor and the built-in display. This mouse must be configured exclusively through the interface on a personal computer. Thirdly, this glorious descendant of Sensei's polling frequency has been reduced. Fourth, the RAW body is made of a different material. If Sensei has it metallized and non-slip, then SteelSeries Sensei RAW has plastic, two types - glossy black Glossy Black plastic, which looks very stylish, but collects fingerprints, and rubberized SteelSeries Sensei RAW Rubberized Black, which is not endowed with such a drawback thanks to soft-touch surfaces (the sides are also plastic, but do not have a rubberized surface). In conclusion, we can say that three points of the case are illuminated on RAW: the wheel, the LED next to it and the company logo under the palm. The lower plastic part is transparent, only three Teflon legs, perfectly sliding on almost any surface, do not allow to fully see the "filling" of the device. It is also backlit, which makes the device look futuristic when the backlight is on, especially when one of the ripple modes is turned on. There is only one color - milky white, in contrast to the 16 million colors that could be used to paint the original Sensei.
It can be noted that a little later, another modification of the flagship from SteelSeries appeared - SteelSeries Sensei RAW Frost Blue - a mouse in a light snow tone, pleasant to look at, stylish and no different in configuration of buttons and functionality from our black and gray RAWs. She, like our "experimental" mice, is of very high quality.
It is worth noting that the model has revised indicators, which were taken into account by the manufacturing company after receiving "feedback" from gamers around the world, ranging from a hard and uncomfortable cable to problems with updates. Users pointed out flaws, which were corrected in the next version. For example, manufacturers made the wheel clickable by adding another button for ease of use. On the sides, it is still not pressed, as SteelSeries polls showed that professional players do not use such wheel functions due to the fear of getting a misklik (no click when pressing a button, in this case the wheel). As for the rigid cord, it is better to place it in a special holder, which will solve the problem.
What Sensei RAW took from the "teacher"
An excellent stylish design remained from its predecessor, as well as an ergonomic shape that fits very comfortably in the hand. It is also suitable for both left-handers and right-handers, following SteelSeries' core philosophy of comfort and versatility. The shape is very convenient for any type of position of the player's hands - "claw" and "palm". And also a high-precision laser sensor remained, albeit with a lower performance. For a wide range of users, the mouse has become more affordable at a price that has dropped by about half. And, of course, there was still a need to adjust the work of the mouse to suit your own needs.
Basic indicators
The polling rate is 12000 frames per second (or 10.8 Mps / sec), the response time is 1 ms, 8 buttons, 30 G of maximum acceleration, a 16-bit sensor and, of course, USB connection. All SteelSeries Engine software must be downloaded from the manufacturer's official website, there will be no disc in the box.
Mouse functionality
Its predecessor had several complex customizable features - as many as five that required customization. There were functions of deceleration and acceleration, which allowed, according to the developers, to aim more accurately and faster, a function that allowed us to take into account the properties of the material under the mouse (from fabric to glass), adjusting the speed of response, and much more. It was this filling that made it necessary to build a real PC processor into the mouse.
How to setup
Our version has only one configurable feature - the number of dpi. So, as already mentioned, the maximum is the 5700 sensor.
Therefore, the first step is to download the software from the developers site. Then you can test the device in any game convenient for this. When shipped to users, the dpi (laser sensitivity) is 3600, an average value that satisfies people using a mouse for inactive gaming. Those who are keen on playing shooters should experiment and adjust the dpi that is convenient in a special software tab. Setting up your Sensei RAW mouse is exactly that. The maximum should be enough even for the fastest movement of the mouse in a non-professional game. Of course, this is a level for, so to speak, domestic use. When buying, everyone must decide whether he personally wants to overpay for the gaming "stuffing" or stay on a more affordable option.
In addition, the mouse interface allows you to customize the values \u200b\u200bof the buttons, of which there are as many as eight. Through the interface, different options for using the mouse are set - both for the left hand and for the right. There you can also turn off the possibility of accidentally pressing unnecessary buttons (for example, right-handers very often do not use the right side keys, which are difficult to reach, but this fact does not protect from accidental presses).
It is worth saying that many versions of the device's firmware have already been released, so it would be useful to download the firmware program from the SteelSeries developers website with the active flashing of the indicator above the mouse scroll. Here's our mouse set up!
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Armchairs
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Mouse
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Rugs
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The steelSeries Sensei review talks about all the advantages and disadvantages of this mouse. I will first list the advantages of the manipulator, then its disadvantages. At the end of the article, you can read the technical specifications.
A little about SteelSeries Sensei
The mouse was first introduced at GamesCom in September 2011. SteelSeries Sensei is positioned as "The most customizable mouse ever" thanks to built-in LCD display, 32-bit ARM processor and three-zone multicolor backlight.
SteelSeries Sensei
After some time, "lightweight" versions were released, called SteelSeries Sensei Rubberized and SteelSeries Sensei Glossy. They lack a processor, display and multicolor backlighting, and in the SteelSeries Sensei Rubberized version, the case material has been changed to a more practical soft-touch. Thanks to these changes, the RAW version is significantly cheaper than the original Sensei.
Another common modification is the SteelSeries Sensei Fnatic Edition, made in the style of the famous gaming team Fnatic. The mouse differs from the original in design, more practical body materials and a higher price.
Advantages:
1. Good ergonomics. The mouse is of classic shape, designed for palm grip.
2. The mouse is suitable for both right-handed and left-handed people.
3. High build quality.
4. Huge customization options. There are 3 different lighting zones: a wheel, a button to switch profiles and the SteelSeries logo on the back. Each of them can be assigned any of 16.8 million colors. In addition, the bottom has a built-in LCD display with a resolution of 128x32, which can display any image of the same size.
5. Multifunctional software that allows you to fine-tune your mouse. There is support for the Russian language. In addition to standard options like macros, sensitivity settings, etc., there are proprietary gadgets:
ExactAim - when you slow down the movement of the mouse, adjusts the level of acceleration so as to aim more accurately.
ExactAccel - the opposite function, with strong acceleration the mouse accelerates even more.
ExactLift - adjusts the distance the mouse is lifted from the surface at which it will stop controlling the cursor. Useful for small rugs and in the event that in the game you often need to move the cursor a large number of degrees, violently twitching the mouse.
FreeMove - controls the movement of the mouse, making the cursor a toy drifter. With the minimum settings, it makes movements more accurate, with the maximum settings, the mouse is somewhat uncomfortable for its owner doing all the work for him.
6. The software is constantly being updated. Found bugs and conflicts between mouse and USB keyboards are fixed within 1-2 weeks.
7. All settings are stored in the internal memory of the mouse. This means that they will work even on a computer without installed software.
8. Built-in mouse 32-bit ARM architecture processor, which, according to the manufacturer, is equal in power to Intel Pentium I with a frequency of 75 MHz. Together with the built-in display, it allows you to customize your mouse without using a computer. Also, the processor allows you to increase the maximum dpi from 5700 to 11400.
Disadvantages:
1. Badly placed keys on the right side. Due to involuntary clicks, right-handers will have to turn them off.
2. Body materials are easily soiled, quickly become greasy and collect dust well.
3. Very dense and rigid cable - somewhat restricts movement.
4. Difficult to configure software. It will take more than one hour to study all the options.
5. When running, the software uses up to 50-150 MB of RAM. Relevant for budget cars.
6. Due to the peculiarities of the materials of the case, many users are actively sweating their palms, which negatively affects the ergonomics.
7. High price. When was the givensteelSeries Sensei review cost about 3000-3500 rubles.
Specifications SteelSeries Sensei
| Length (mm) | 125 |
| Width (mm) | 68 |
| Height (mm) | 38 |
| Sensor type | Laser |
| Resolution | 5700 dpi |
| Frequency | 6400 fps (5.8 Mps / sec) |
| Response time | 1 ms |
| Number of buttons | 8 |
| Scrolling | 1 |
| Backlight | Multicolor |
| Interface | USB |
| Built-in memory | 128 Kb |
| Colour | Black / Silver |
| Cord length (mm) | 2000 |