Posted by Kush Patel on Dec 2, 2011

Technical Specs MSRP: $89.99 Max Speed: 150 inches per second Max Resolution: 11,400 CPI Buttons: 8 buttons Weight: 102 grams

First Impression

Upon first glance the Steelseries Sensei looks like a sleek piece of equipment. The timeless design of incorporating metallic colors and nearly infinitely customizable LED accents would please even the pickiest of gamer. The Sensei may not be as flamboyant as some of the mice that other competitors have to offer, but what it lacks in ostentation it makes up for in functionality.

The Sensei has a feature that all manufacturers should take note of; the monochromatic LCD display on the underside of the mouse. Immediately, upon inspecting the LCD, I thought it was used for nothing more than a useless feature that allowed further customization by placement of custom graphic. I couldn’t have been more wrong. After reading the manual, I realized that this was one of the Sensei’s most valuable features. The LCD allows users to change mouse settings without having any special software installed. This feature is a game-changer for gamers that move their mice from computer to computer.

Using the Sensei was a blast. Just by holding the mouse in your hand, you can tell that it is built incredibly well. It did not feel flimsy and had a great weight distribution. This mouse is on the heavier side and does not have any options for changing the weight like many competitors have flaunted. The braided cord was plenty long to reach behind my desk and to the floor to where my PC sits. The Sensei also has some extra-large mouse feet that makes it effortless to move around on my mouse pad.

Overall, I was extremely pleased by how the mouse performed for my everyday productivity and

gaming needs.

Functionality

In order to customize your mouse fully, you need to install software that is available on the Steelseries website. After installing the software you are able to change the colors for the mouse wheel and Steelseries logo independently. The software is not only useful for aesthetics but for customizing sensitivity, acceleration, deceleration as well. It comes preloaded with the profiles of many of the world’s most renowned pro players so you can replicate their setup.

Another awesome feature is the ability to save the profiles directly to the Sensei. With 5 preloaded slots, you can rest assured that you will have plenty of profiles to choose from as each profile also allows you to change between two speeds at 0-11,400 CPI—that’s right, 11,400. The software also allows you to remap the 8 buttons on the mouse to macros, special functions, or even to launch applications. Overall, I found the software much more enjoyable than options offered by competitors as it was very responsive and intuitive.

Conclusion

After using the Sensei, I am convinced that this is the most advanced mouse on the market. The features that is showcases are far beyond anything competitors offer. Don’t think the Sensei will immediately make you a better gamer, but remember, a carpenter is only as good as his tools. If you are looking to purchase a great all around gaming mouse, look no further, the Sensei is the best choice.

The Good Great Design

Easy to use software

Great customizability

The Bad Cost

No customizable weight system

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