Introduction

Back when SteelSeries released the Ikari mouse line-up it came as a bit of a surprise that they had two almost identical mice featuring two different types of sensors. The release of the Kinzu optical gaming mouse just proves that SteelSeries is still keen on pleasing the FPS gaming crowd that adores optical sensors. Some might think that optical sensors are obsolete compared to the newer high performance laser sensors, and to some degree they are. Even the most advanced optical sensors can only track up to about 50 inches per second and keep track at about 20 G acceleration, whereas some laser mice should yield coherent tracking at upwards 150 inches per second and 30 G respectively. This relatively large gap is not the end of performance as many gamers still prefer the relatively cheap Logitech MX-518, Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 / 1.1 on a good mat. It seems that SteelSeries are trying to force themselves into this market with the Kinzu mouse, priced at €34.99 this mouse costs about half as much as many of the new laser based gaming mice.

Specifications

• Frames per second: 9.375
• Inches per second: 50
• Megapixels per second: 3.75
• Counts Per Inch (CPI): 400 - 3200
• Acceleration: 20 G
• Buttons: 3
• Cord: 2 m / 7,9 ft (braided to improve durability)
• Polling: up to 1000 Hz
• Lift distance: ~2.0mm
• Large pressure points that reduce friction for optimized glide
• Driverless, plug-and-play feature for LAN gamers
• Built-in memory for 3 profiles
• Measurements: 117 x 64 x 36 mm / 4,6 x 2,5 x 1,43 in
• Operating systems: Win XP / Vista / Win 2000 / Mac OS

Package

Like its bigger brother, the Kinzu comes in a relatively sturdy box. One of the things you notice straight away is that it is a little smaller than the Xai.


The cable is well made, but has a woven cable jacket which makes it a bit stiff. Of course the weave makes it a bit better looking than an ordinary cable.


Plug wise the Kinzu is well equipped, it is the same size at its bigger brother's.