Introduction

SteelSeries recently launched the all new Xai gaming mouse. The Xai is a new mouse from top to bottom, but it features a shape similar to that of the legendary Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 1.1. Interestingly enough SteelSeries have decided to stick with a second generation laser sensor for the Xai gaming mouse, albeit the very latest high performance version (most likely an Avago ADNS-9500 (Agilent technology affiliate) judging from specifications given by SteelSeries), whereas most of the rivaling brands have long made the move to 3.5 generation laser technology. For reasons unknown SteelSeries is putting their money on what seems to be a now obsolete tracking technology. In this review we'll take a real close look at tracking performance to determine if the sensor is still up to the job.

Specifications

• Frames per second: 12.000
• Inches per second: 150+
• Megapixels per second: 10.8
• Counts per inch: 100 - 5.001 (one CPI Steps)
• Max. Acceleration: 30 G
• Sensor data path: True 16 bit
• Lift distance: ~1mm (auto-adjusting)
• Buttons: 8
• Cord: 2 m / 6,5 ft (braided to improve durability)
• Polling: 125 - 1000 Hz (1Hz increments)
• Gold-plated USB connector
• Measurements: 125,5 x 68,3 x 38,7 mm / 4,94 x 2,69 x 1,52 in
• CPI high/low indicator
• SteelSeries FreeMove Technology
• SteelSeries ExactSens Technology
• SteelSeries ExactRate Technology
• SteelSeries ExactAim Technology
• On mouse acceleration Technology
• On mouse LCD display for tweaking above technologies thru menu system
• Large pressure points that reduce friction for optimized glide
• Driverless, plug-and-play feature for LAN gamers
• Built-in memory for 5 profiles
• Operating systems: Win 2000/XP/Vista/7

Package

SteelSeries still ship their mice in a solid cardboard box. Even though the mouse is relatively expensive it comes pretty much bundleless, all you get is a sticker, and a manual. To my surprise I did not get a driver CD, however, with a mouse as new as the Xai you are better off logging on the their website and getting the very latest driver. As it turned out the mouse also needed a firmware update, this was handled automatically by the driver software and was a totally painless affair you did not even have to unplug the mouse anytime during the update.


The silly trend now-a-days is having mice with braided cables. The Xai features a softer and slicker type of braid than the mice I have previously tested, however, I still much prefer a regular type cable even though it does not look as good, it certainly gets the job done.


The USB plug is gold plated and seems to be of a good quality. The strain relief system seems very solid.