Frederik S
Jan 19, 2008, 12:08 PM
[page=Introduction & Specifications]
Introduction
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/steelseries.jpg
SteelSeries is mostly known for its gaming grade mouse mats and headsets. It came as a big surprise a couple of months ago when SteelSeries launched their first ever gaming mouse. It is dubbed the Ikari and comes in two versions, one with a laser and one with an optical engine, just sharing the outer shell.
The first units to hit the market were the laser version of the Ikari equipped with a 2nd generation laser sensor boosting a maximum resolution of 3200 DPI. Being SteelSeries first attempt at making a gaming grade mouse I was kind of hesitant to expect anything from it. I have been shocked many times before by the quality or to be exact lack of it from new “gaming grade” laser mice by other companies. Fortunately that did not turn out to be the case with the Ikari.
To me the Ikari project seems really ambitious not only is it launched with two different tracking engines, but the shear amount of unique features is just staggering. Right from the body to the features this mouse is completely new. The laser variant has both an LCD display on the bottom of the mouse and "High/Low" sensitivity indication LEDs on the side of the mouse.
Specifications
Samples per second: 40.000
Inches per second: 50
Counts per inch: 1 - 3.200 (1 CPI Steps)
Acceleration: 20 G
Sensor data path: True 16 bit
Lift distance: 1,8 mm (0,07 inch)
Buttons: 5
Cord: 2 m / 6.5 ft (braided to improve durability)
Polling: 1000 Hz
Gold-plated USB connector
Measurements: 130 mm x 83 mm (5,1 x 3,3in) - height 36 mm (1,4in)
CPI high/low indicator
SteelSeries FreeMove Technology
Large pressure points that reduce friction for optimized glide
Driverless, plug-and-play feature for LAN gamers
Operating systems: Win XP/Vista/Win 2000/Win 98/Win ME/Mac OS
The specifications list of the Ikari Laser mouse is quite long and indicates that the mouse is made to suit the needs of gamers. The fact that SteelSeries list the liftoff distance and other special performance measurements of the mouse is neat. One of the things that I did not expect from this mouse is that it can be used without drivers installed. Most laser mice need special drivers in order to reach peak performance, however, that does not seem to be the case with the SteelSeries Ikari Laser mouse.
[page=The Package]
The Package
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/the_box_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/the_box.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/back_of_box_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/back_of_box.jpg)
The SteelSeries Ikari Laser comes in a cardboard box with all of the stuff you need to know printed on. The mouse can be seen through the plastic and lets you inspect it for visible faults.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/key_features_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/key_features.jpg)
The key features of the SteelSeries Ikari are of course the performance aspects of its laser sensor and ergonomics. Besides that it is all just for show.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/bundle_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/bundle.jpg)
The bundle is pretty ordinary and pretty much what one expects when buying a high-end gaming mouse. You get a driver CD and some brochures. There is also a small user’s manual, but nothing fancy. The driver on the CD is the newest one available.
[page=Close Examination]
Closer Examination
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/the_mouse_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/the_mouse.jpg)
SteelSeries has one sweet looking mouse in the Ikari. The sloapy wide body looks fairly elegant. That the ergonomics rules the design becomes apparent the first time you grip this mouse. Your hand simply lies on the mouse with the mouse providing support on all the right places. Besides being formed to compliment your hand the mouse is also quite light weight which means that it is easy to move around.
The overall length of the mouse is about the same as a Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 or a MX/G-series Logitech mouse. In order to support your hand in every possible place the mouse is much wider near the bottom and helps to lift your hand of the mat.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/big_foot_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/big_foot.jpg)
When SteelSeries writes "Large pressure points that reduce friction for optimized glide" in their product summary they really mean it, just look at the backside of the Ikari. The back side of the mouse is dominated by four extremely large mouse feet positioned to provide excellent balance. Because all of the mouse feet are positioned near the edges and cover a large area the mouse feels extremely balanced and stable when moving it across one's mat.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/mouse_feet_1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/mouse_feet_1.jpg)
All of the extra large Teflon mouse feet are of a high quality. Compared to the mouse feet on new generation Razer mice these are a bit thicker meaning that you will not have to worry about getting replacements for a very long time after you get the mouse.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/cable_assembly_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/cable_assembly.jpg)
The cable assembly feels very solid and the cable mount seems very sturdy.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/from_the_font_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/from_the_font.jpg)
The odd shape of the Ikari is also what makes it fit your hand so nicely if you are right handed. All of the lefties out there will not be able to put this mouse to good use.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/front_angle_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/front_angle.jpg)
Good buttons should never be underestimated. The ones featured on the Ikari are alright, however, I would have preferred if they were a bit tighter and with a shorter travel length. The buttons reminds me a bit of those featured on old MX-series mice from Logitech because they are soft and easy to press.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/sloapy_sloaps_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/sloapy_sloaps.jpg)
Comfy shape or not this mouse looks quite extravagant because of all the slopes and different angles in the design. I like the looks and the feel of its skin. It is semi rough and allows some air to slip in under your palm to reduce sweating. The palm plate is of a different material than the rest of the mouse. The sides are actually made of an even softer type of plastic making it easy to grip and get a firm hold of. This is especially important for all low sensitivity gamers that reset the mouse to the center of the pad many times during a gaming session.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/thumb_buttons_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/thumb_buttons.jpg)
Thumb buttons are always a nice thing to have especially when they are in the right place. For the majority of the people I think that the positioning of the thumb buttons on the Ikari is about right perhaps a bit high, but accessibility is good and the buttons feel natural to use.
The space between the two buttons makes it easy to feel where they are which means that they are very intuitive to use.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/high_low_button_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/high_low_button.jpg)
Towards your palm from the scroll wheel is the sensitivity adjustment button. The Ikari firmware/driver allows for the user two store two different sensitivity settings on the mouse. These can be changed through the driver.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/high_low_leds_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/high_low_leds.jpg)
To indicate which profile has been enabled there are two small LEDs on the side of the mouse which make it easy to spot if you are using a high or low DPI setting.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/led_display_1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/led_display_1.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/led_display_2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/led_display_2.jpg)
Since a profile containing two sensitivity options can be stored directly on the mouse there is a small display on the bottom of it which can display a total of ten characters. This little display is backlit blue and easy to read both in daylight and at night.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/logo_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/logo.jpg)
Sitting at the edge of the palm plate is a small SteelSeries logo.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/scroll_wheel_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/scroll_wheel.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/scroll_wheel_2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/scroll_wheel_2.jpg)
It is not often that I can find any problems with a scroll wheel, but the Ikari is an exception in that category. Because it is not centered perfectly when you scroll while putting a little sideways pressure on the wheel it will begin to scrape against the side of the wheel hole. This is not a big problem, but it does not live up to the general high quality of the mouse.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/sensor_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/sensor.jpg)
The sensor used is a 2nd generation laser engine. Since the mouse is capable of tracking up to 20G and has a maximum resolution of 3200 DPI it is one of the very newest second generation sensors.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/cable_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/cable.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/usb_connector_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/usb_connector.jpg)
The cable is braided and looks quite good. The USB connector is pretty sturdy.
[page=Drivers & Performance]
Drivers
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/main_driver_s_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/main_driver_s.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/sensitivity_driver_s_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/sensitivity_driver_s.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/freemove_driver_s_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/freemove_driver_s.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/profiles_driver_s_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/profiles_driver_s.jpg)
There is still only one driver available for the SteelSeries Ikari Laser and it works alright. I have not had any driver related problems with this mouse during my tests. The driver has a very simply layout and is quick to navigate through. The settings are divided into four main groups. One of the special features of the SteelSeries driver apart from the profile control is the "Freemove" settings which allow you to alter the movement correction settings for the mouse. For gaming it is the best to let that feature be set to free so that you have no correction, but in programs like Photoshop it is neat to have controllable interpolation.
The profile control is simple and intuitive you can have a number of profiles that holds two different sensitivities. The switch between high and low sensitivity is done by pressing the button next to the scroll wheel on the mouse. Profile names are written on the LCD screen on the bottom of the mouse so you will not have to guess which profile the mouse is using.
Performance
To test the capabilities of the mouse I test it both at low, medium, and high sensitivity. There are a lot of different factors that have an effect on the performance of a mouse such as the lift-off distance and the capability to maintain coherent tracking at high speeds. Another small thing that adds to the performance of a mouse is how balanced it feels to move. With the SteelSeries Ikari the balance was perfect because of the brilliant ergonomics, and the four over sized mouse feet meant that it did not wobble at all during the course of my tests.
Right from the start of my tests I was pleasantly surprised with the performance of the Ikari. It did not exhibit any of the usual problems that are commonly associated with laser mice. The lift-off distance was consistent and around 1.5 mm on my Razer Destructor mouse mat. The low lift-off distance makes it good for low sensitivity gamers because it allows you to reset the mouse to the center of the pad without lifting it high above the surface. The general shape of the mouse is nice and is easy to lift off the surface without having to clutch your hand around to mouse.
Every aspect of this mouse is really good from a performance point of view even the weight is minimal. The button placement is close to perfect for the majority of users. The two side buttons are easily accessible with the thumb and have a good feedback so that you do not press it accidentally.
The glide and stability on the mat of this mouse is nothing short of amazing, the four over sized mouse feet do an impeccable job at providing a good and balanced glide. Because the mouse has mouse feet on every edge it does not tilt even when you are making fast moves in game.
Especially the ergonomics are perfect for right handed users and remind me a bit of my old Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 which is touted as one of the most ergonomic low sensitivity gaming mouse out there. There is no doubt the ergonomics of the Ikari benefit low and medium sensitivity users the most because it is geared towards a user that uses the palm of the hand and arm to move it around.
I played a lot of FPS games with this mouse and it did an extraordinary job both at low and high sensitivity. The fact that it is so versatile is really amazing and it is definitely the first laser mice that I find comfortable and precise to use with a low sensitivity. At medium sensitivity you just cannot ignore the perfect balanced performance of the Ikari. It is simply the best mouse I have tried in a very long time. I am generally thrilled about almost every performance aspect.
The only problem I encountered during the time I spent with the Ikari was the scroll wheel. When you scroll and press the wheel a bit to the side it jams which is quite annoying. Besides that the scroll wheel button seems to be over reacting a bit. While I played it would suddenly be activated when I raised the mouse and put it down on the center of the mat. Of course this problem is really easy to overcome by disabling the scroll wheel button in game, but that way you lose one operational button.
[page=Durability & Comfort]
Durability
This mouse is quite durable I cannot identify any durability problems on this mouse besides the amount of stuff on it. The fact that it is so feature rich means that there are several more details that can break down over time. Everything seems well bonded together and well constructed. The looks of the mouse will be retained through its entire life because it is made from solid color plastic, however, the little SteelSeries logo might rub off in time.
Comfort
Comfort wise this is definitely one of the better mice. The sleek ergonomics design of the Ikari makes it a thrill to use even over an extended period of time. Because the ergonomics fit so well means that you use less force to maneuver the mouse around and make it easier on the hand. SteelSeries has hit a good compromise between shape and size with the Ikari and I am sure that most people will be able to get an extremely comfortable gaming experience with the Ikari. The only downside to this neat ergonomic design is that the mouse is only for right handed people.
As far as button placement goes this mouse is one of the better with thumb buttons easily accessible. It is clear that SteelSeries has designed this mouse with people in mind who lay their hand on top of the mouse.
It is one of the most comfortable mice out there right now alongside the Logitech MX-series and Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0. The Ikari resembles the design of the Microsoft mouse somewhat, but is generally sleeker and a bit easier to grip.
[page=Value & Conclusion]
Value and Conclusion
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The SteelSeries Ikari Laser is available at SteelSeries (http://www.steelseries.com/) for €79.99.
</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
Excellent tracking
Very good ergonomics
Design
Lift-off distance
Good performance at any sensitivity
Profile display
High / Low sensitivity LEDs
Durable
Perfect button placement for the majority of users
Exceptional glide
Looks good
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>
Expensive
Scroll wheel problems (random press and jam)
Not for left handed people
</td></tr>
<tr><th>9.3</th>
<td>
This mouse is nothing short of amazing and the only thing holding it back from getting the highest score available is the scroll wheel problems that it has. At €79.99 you are expecting a flawlessly performing mouse, but the Ikari cannot claim that because of the scroll wheel. All other aspects of its performance are just staggering right from the perfectly performing laser sensor to the lift-off distance that rivals the Razer Lachesis, but the SteelSeries mouse definitely has the edge because of the incredible ergonomic design and near perfect button placement.
The durability and comfort of this mouse is something you cannot help, but will notice it right from the start. It is well built and feels rock solid apart from the scroll wheel. That coupled with a few new features means that this mouse is ready to take on all of the competition.
The SteelSeries Ikari is definitely one of the best performers out there when it comes to tracking at all sensitivity levels. During the course of my testing the tracking was immaculate and did not fail me at any time.
Everything seems to fit well together with this mouse. This mouse is nothing short of incredible where the only less desirable aspect of it being the scroll wheel.
</td></tr><tr><th></th><td>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/editorschoice.gif</td></tr>
</table>
Introduction
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/steelseries.jpg
SteelSeries is mostly known for its gaming grade mouse mats and headsets. It came as a big surprise a couple of months ago when SteelSeries launched their first ever gaming mouse. It is dubbed the Ikari and comes in two versions, one with a laser and one with an optical engine, just sharing the outer shell.
The first units to hit the market were the laser version of the Ikari equipped with a 2nd generation laser sensor boosting a maximum resolution of 3200 DPI. Being SteelSeries first attempt at making a gaming grade mouse I was kind of hesitant to expect anything from it. I have been shocked many times before by the quality or to be exact lack of it from new “gaming grade” laser mice by other companies. Fortunately that did not turn out to be the case with the Ikari.
To me the Ikari project seems really ambitious not only is it launched with two different tracking engines, but the shear amount of unique features is just staggering. Right from the body to the features this mouse is completely new. The laser variant has both an LCD display on the bottom of the mouse and "High/Low" sensitivity indication LEDs on the side of the mouse.
Specifications
Samples per second: 40.000
Inches per second: 50
Counts per inch: 1 - 3.200 (1 CPI Steps)
Acceleration: 20 G
Sensor data path: True 16 bit
Lift distance: 1,8 mm (0,07 inch)
Buttons: 5
Cord: 2 m / 6.5 ft (braided to improve durability)
Polling: 1000 Hz
Gold-plated USB connector
Measurements: 130 mm x 83 mm (5,1 x 3,3in) - height 36 mm (1,4in)
CPI high/low indicator
SteelSeries FreeMove Technology
Large pressure points that reduce friction for optimized glide
Driverless, plug-and-play feature for LAN gamers
Operating systems: Win XP/Vista/Win 2000/Win 98/Win ME/Mac OS
The specifications list of the Ikari Laser mouse is quite long and indicates that the mouse is made to suit the needs of gamers. The fact that SteelSeries list the liftoff distance and other special performance measurements of the mouse is neat. One of the things that I did not expect from this mouse is that it can be used without drivers installed. Most laser mice need special drivers in order to reach peak performance, however, that does not seem to be the case with the SteelSeries Ikari Laser mouse.
[page=The Package]
The Package
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/the_box_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/the_box.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/back_of_box_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/back_of_box.jpg)
The SteelSeries Ikari Laser comes in a cardboard box with all of the stuff you need to know printed on. The mouse can be seen through the plastic and lets you inspect it for visible faults.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/key_features_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/key_features.jpg)
The key features of the SteelSeries Ikari are of course the performance aspects of its laser sensor and ergonomics. Besides that it is all just for show.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/bundle_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/bundle.jpg)
The bundle is pretty ordinary and pretty much what one expects when buying a high-end gaming mouse. You get a driver CD and some brochures. There is also a small user’s manual, but nothing fancy. The driver on the CD is the newest one available.
[page=Close Examination]
Closer Examination
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/the_mouse_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/the_mouse.jpg)
SteelSeries has one sweet looking mouse in the Ikari. The sloapy wide body looks fairly elegant. That the ergonomics rules the design becomes apparent the first time you grip this mouse. Your hand simply lies on the mouse with the mouse providing support on all the right places. Besides being formed to compliment your hand the mouse is also quite light weight which means that it is easy to move around.
The overall length of the mouse is about the same as a Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 or a MX/G-series Logitech mouse. In order to support your hand in every possible place the mouse is much wider near the bottom and helps to lift your hand of the mat.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/big_foot_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/big_foot.jpg)
When SteelSeries writes "Large pressure points that reduce friction for optimized glide" in their product summary they really mean it, just look at the backside of the Ikari. The back side of the mouse is dominated by four extremely large mouse feet positioned to provide excellent balance. Because all of the mouse feet are positioned near the edges and cover a large area the mouse feels extremely balanced and stable when moving it across one's mat.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/mouse_feet_1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/mouse_feet_1.jpg)
All of the extra large Teflon mouse feet are of a high quality. Compared to the mouse feet on new generation Razer mice these are a bit thicker meaning that you will not have to worry about getting replacements for a very long time after you get the mouse.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/cable_assembly_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/cable_assembly.jpg)
The cable assembly feels very solid and the cable mount seems very sturdy.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/from_the_font_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/from_the_font.jpg)
The odd shape of the Ikari is also what makes it fit your hand so nicely if you are right handed. All of the lefties out there will not be able to put this mouse to good use.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/front_angle_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/front_angle.jpg)
Good buttons should never be underestimated. The ones featured on the Ikari are alright, however, I would have preferred if they were a bit tighter and with a shorter travel length. The buttons reminds me a bit of those featured on old MX-series mice from Logitech because they are soft and easy to press.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/sloapy_sloaps_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/sloapy_sloaps.jpg)
Comfy shape or not this mouse looks quite extravagant because of all the slopes and different angles in the design. I like the looks and the feel of its skin. It is semi rough and allows some air to slip in under your palm to reduce sweating. The palm plate is of a different material than the rest of the mouse. The sides are actually made of an even softer type of plastic making it easy to grip and get a firm hold of. This is especially important for all low sensitivity gamers that reset the mouse to the center of the pad many times during a gaming session.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/thumb_buttons_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/thumb_buttons.jpg)
Thumb buttons are always a nice thing to have especially when they are in the right place. For the majority of the people I think that the positioning of the thumb buttons on the Ikari is about right perhaps a bit high, but accessibility is good and the buttons feel natural to use.
The space between the two buttons makes it easy to feel where they are which means that they are very intuitive to use.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/high_low_button_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/high_low_button.jpg)
Towards your palm from the scroll wheel is the sensitivity adjustment button. The Ikari firmware/driver allows for the user two store two different sensitivity settings on the mouse. These can be changed through the driver.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/high_low_leds_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/high_low_leds.jpg)
To indicate which profile has been enabled there are two small LEDs on the side of the mouse which make it easy to spot if you are using a high or low DPI setting.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/led_display_1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/led_display_1.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/led_display_2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/led_display_2.jpg)
Since a profile containing two sensitivity options can be stored directly on the mouse there is a small display on the bottom of it which can display a total of ten characters. This little display is backlit blue and easy to read both in daylight and at night.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/logo_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/logo.jpg)
Sitting at the edge of the palm plate is a small SteelSeries logo.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/scroll_wheel_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/scroll_wheel.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/scroll_wheel_2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/scroll_wheel_2.jpg)
It is not often that I can find any problems with a scroll wheel, but the Ikari is an exception in that category. Because it is not centered perfectly when you scroll while putting a little sideways pressure on the wheel it will begin to scrape against the side of the wheel hole. This is not a big problem, but it does not live up to the general high quality of the mouse.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/sensor_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/sensor.jpg)
The sensor used is a 2nd generation laser engine. Since the mouse is capable of tracking up to 20G and has a maximum resolution of 3200 DPI it is one of the very newest second generation sensors.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/cable_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/cable.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/usb_connector_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/usb_connector.jpg)
The cable is braided and looks quite good. The USB connector is pretty sturdy.
[page=Drivers & Performance]
Drivers
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/main_driver_s_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/main_driver_s.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/sensitivity_driver_s_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/sensitivity_driver_s.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/freemove_driver_s_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/freemove_driver_s.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/profiles_driver_s_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/Ikari_laser/images/profiles_driver_s.jpg)
There is still only one driver available for the SteelSeries Ikari Laser and it works alright. I have not had any driver related problems with this mouse during my tests. The driver has a very simply layout and is quick to navigate through. The settings are divided into four main groups. One of the special features of the SteelSeries driver apart from the profile control is the "Freemove" settings which allow you to alter the movement correction settings for the mouse. For gaming it is the best to let that feature be set to free so that you have no correction, but in programs like Photoshop it is neat to have controllable interpolation.
The profile control is simple and intuitive you can have a number of profiles that holds two different sensitivities. The switch between high and low sensitivity is done by pressing the button next to the scroll wheel on the mouse. Profile names are written on the LCD screen on the bottom of the mouse so you will not have to guess which profile the mouse is using.
Performance
To test the capabilities of the mouse I test it both at low, medium, and high sensitivity. There are a lot of different factors that have an effect on the performance of a mouse such as the lift-off distance and the capability to maintain coherent tracking at high speeds. Another small thing that adds to the performance of a mouse is how balanced it feels to move. With the SteelSeries Ikari the balance was perfect because of the brilliant ergonomics, and the four over sized mouse feet meant that it did not wobble at all during the course of my tests.
Right from the start of my tests I was pleasantly surprised with the performance of the Ikari. It did not exhibit any of the usual problems that are commonly associated with laser mice. The lift-off distance was consistent and around 1.5 mm on my Razer Destructor mouse mat. The low lift-off distance makes it good for low sensitivity gamers because it allows you to reset the mouse to the center of the pad without lifting it high above the surface. The general shape of the mouse is nice and is easy to lift off the surface without having to clutch your hand around to mouse.
Every aspect of this mouse is really good from a performance point of view even the weight is minimal. The button placement is close to perfect for the majority of users. The two side buttons are easily accessible with the thumb and have a good feedback so that you do not press it accidentally.
The glide and stability on the mat of this mouse is nothing short of amazing, the four over sized mouse feet do an impeccable job at providing a good and balanced glide. Because the mouse has mouse feet on every edge it does not tilt even when you are making fast moves in game.
Especially the ergonomics are perfect for right handed users and remind me a bit of my old Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 which is touted as one of the most ergonomic low sensitivity gaming mouse out there. There is no doubt the ergonomics of the Ikari benefit low and medium sensitivity users the most because it is geared towards a user that uses the palm of the hand and arm to move it around.
I played a lot of FPS games with this mouse and it did an extraordinary job both at low and high sensitivity. The fact that it is so versatile is really amazing and it is definitely the first laser mice that I find comfortable and precise to use with a low sensitivity. At medium sensitivity you just cannot ignore the perfect balanced performance of the Ikari. It is simply the best mouse I have tried in a very long time. I am generally thrilled about almost every performance aspect.
The only problem I encountered during the time I spent with the Ikari was the scroll wheel. When you scroll and press the wheel a bit to the side it jams which is quite annoying. Besides that the scroll wheel button seems to be over reacting a bit. While I played it would suddenly be activated when I raised the mouse and put it down on the center of the mat. Of course this problem is really easy to overcome by disabling the scroll wheel button in game, but that way you lose one operational button.
[page=Durability & Comfort]
Durability
This mouse is quite durable I cannot identify any durability problems on this mouse besides the amount of stuff on it. The fact that it is so feature rich means that there are several more details that can break down over time. Everything seems well bonded together and well constructed. The looks of the mouse will be retained through its entire life because it is made from solid color plastic, however, the little SteelSeries logo might rub off in time.
Comfort
Comfort wise this is definitely one of the better mice. The sleek ergonomics design of the Ikari makes it a thrill to use even over an extended period of time. Because the ergonomics fit so well means that you use less force to maneuver the mouse around and make it easier on the hand. SteelSeries has hit a good compromise between shape and size with the Ikari and I am sure that most people will be able to get an extremely comfortable gaming experience with the Ikari. The only downside to this neat ergonomic design is that the mouse is only for right handed people.
As far as button placement goes this mouse is one of the better with thumb buttons easily accessible. It is clear that SteelSeries has designed this mouse with people in mind who lay their hand on top of the mouse.
It is one of the most comfortable mice out there right now alongside the Logitech MX-series and Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0. The Ikari resembles the design of the Microsoft mouse somewhat, but is generally sleeker and a bit easier to grip.
[page=Value & Conclusion]
Value and Conclusion
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The SteelSeries Ikari Laser is available at SteelSeries (http://www.steelseries.com/) for €79.99.
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Excellent tracking
Very good ergonomics
Design
Lift-off distance
Good performance at any sensitivity
Profile display
High / Low sensitivity LEDs
Durable
Perfect button placement for the majority of users
Exceptional glide
Looks good
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Expensive
Scroll wheel problems (random press and jam)
Not for left handed people
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<tr><th>9.3</th>
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This mouse is nothing short of amazing and the only thing holding it back from getting the highest score available is the scroll wheel problems that it has. At €79.99 you are expecting a flawlessly performing mouse, but the Ikari cannot claim that because of the scroll wheel. All other aspects of its performance are just staggering right from the perfectly performing laser sensor to the lift-off distance that rivals the Razer Lachesis, but the SteelSeries mouse definitely has the edge because of the incredible ergonomic design and near perfect button placement.
The durability and comfort of this mouse is something you cannot help, but will notice it right from the start. It is well built and feels rock solid apart from the scroll wheel. That coupled with a few new features means that this mouse is ready to take on all of the competition.
The SteelSeries Ikari is definitely one of the best performers out there when it comes to tracking at all sensitivity levels. During the course of my testing the tracking was immaculate and did not fail me at any time.
Everything seems to fit well together with this mouse. This mouse is nothing short of incredible where the only less desirable aspect of it being the scroll wheel.
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