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SteelSeries Rival 3 Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price:~£35Connectivity:wiredMaximum polling rate:1000 HzMaximum DPI:8500 DPIWeight:77 g

SteelSeries Rival 3 Review: Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Mice category and whether it is worth buying.

7.1

Overall score

Score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the mouse's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best mice on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 70% of models
Score components

80%

6.5

Technical Score

20%

9.4

User score

â–²Better than 70% of mice
6.5

Technical Score

Technical score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Mice category across these key areas: Performance & Sensor, Connectivity, Battery & Charging, Controls, Design, Features.
When it matters
When you want to compare mice based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 63% of models
Score components

36%

5.3

Performance & Sensor

22%

7.0

Controls

16%

7.6

Design

14%

6.1

Features

7%

9.6

Connectivity

5%

6.0

Battery & Charging

â–²Better than 63% of mice
9.4

User score

User score
9.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the mouse.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a mouse performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of comfort, button feel, tracking accuracy, and long-term durability.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 98% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on 34,171 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
★Better than 98% of mice
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Verdict

The SteelSeries Rival 3 is a lightweight, 77g budget gaming mouse featuring an ergonomic, right-handed design best suited for claw or fingertip grips. It is equipped with the TrueMove Core optical sensor, providing 1-to-1 tracking with a sensitivity range of 100 to 8,500 CPI, 300 IPS tracking speed, and 35G acceleration. Key characteristics include six programmable buttons, high-grade polymer construction, and mechanical switches rated for 60 million clicks, complemented by three-zone Prism RGB lighting. Main pros include its exceptional build quality for the price, low click latency, and a flexible rubber cable that minimizes drag during intense play. However, notable cons include its relatively high lift-off distance, which can cause cursor jitter, and side buttons that are thin and somewhat difficult to actuate.

Technical Specifications of mouse SteelSeries Rival 3

Technical Score
Technical score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Mice category across these key areas: Performance & Sensor, Connectivity, Battery & Charging, Controls, Design, Features.
When it matters
When you want to compare mice based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 63% of models
Score components:

36%

5.3

Performance & Sensor

22%

7.0

Controls

16%

7.6

Design

14%

6.1

Features

7%

9.6

Connectivity

5%

6.0

Battery & Charging

6.5
SteelSeries Rival 3 has a technical score of 6.5 points, which is higher than that of 63.2% of products in this category.
User score
User score
9.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the mouse.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a mouse performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of comfort, button feel, tracking accuracy, and long-term durability.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 98% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on 34,171 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
9.4
SteelSeries Rival 3 has a user score of 9.43 points, which is higher than that of 97.5% of products in this category.
Popularity
Popularity
10.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the mouse.
When it matters
When you prefer a mouse that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Popularity:
SteelSeries Rival 3 has a popularity score of 10 points, which is higher than that of 91.5% of products in this category.
10
SteelSeries Rival 3 has a popularity score of 10 points, which is higher than that of 91.5% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price
Value for money
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the mouse's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a mouse that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 71% of models
Score components:

60%

7.1

Overall score

40%

10

Price

8.0
SteelSeries Rival 3 has a value-for-money score of 8 points, which is higher than that of 70.5% of products in this category.
Brand name
Steelseries
Maximum polling rate
1,000 Hz
Maximum polling rate
1,000 Hz
â–² Better than 28% of models
Market range: <125 Hz – >8k Hz
This mouse has a maximum polling rate of 1,000 Hz, which is higher than 27.8% of mice and equal to 55% of mice.
Wired polling rate
1,000 Hz
Wired polling rate
1,000 Hz
â–² Better than 13% of models
Market range: <125 Hz – >1k Hz
This mouse has a wired polling rate of 1,000 Hz, which is higher than 13.2% of mice and equal to 77.4% of mice.
2.4 GHz polling rate
N/A
Bluetooth polling rate
125 Hz
Bluetooth polling rate
125 Hz
â–² Better than 68% of models
Market range: <0 Hz – >125 Hz
This mouse has a Bluetooth polling rate of 125 Hz, which is higher than 67.8% of mice and equal to 30.7% of mice.
Show more
Connectivity
wired
Connectivity
wired
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
This mouse supports wired connectivity, which is less versatile than 65.1% of mice and equal to 34.9% of mice.
connection modes: wired.
Bluetooth support
yes
Bluetooth support
yes
â–² Better than 65% of models
This mouse supports Bluetooth. 64.5% of mice support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
5
Bluetooth version
5
â–² Better than 74% of models
This mouse uses Bluetooth 5, which is newer than 73.9% of mice and equal to 12.3% of mice.
Proprietary 2.4 GHz support
yes
Proprietary 2.4 GHz support
yes
â–² Better than 39% of models
This mouse supports proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless. 38.8% of mice support proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless.
Receiver included
yes
Receiver included
yes
â–² Better than 38% of models
This mouse includes a receiver. 37.8% of mice include a receiver.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery capacity
N/A
Battery form factor
AAA
Rechargeable battery
no
Rechargeable battery
no
â–¼ Worse than 46% of models
This mouse does not use a rechargeable battery. 46% of mice use a rechargeable battery.
Removable battery
yes
Removable battery
yes
â–² Better than 78% of models
This mouse uses a removable battery. 77.8% of mice use a removable battery.
Show more
N. of buttons
6
N. of buttons
6
â–¼ Worse than 37% of models
Market range: <4 – >9
This mouse has 6 buttons, which is more than 23.2% of mice and equal to 40% of mice.
N. of side buttons
2
N. of side buttons
2
â–¼ Worse than 16% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This mouse has 2 side buttons, which is more than 15% of mice and equal to 68.6% of mice.
N. of programmable buttons
6
N. of programmable buttons
6
â–² Better than 36% of models
Market range: <0 – >9
This mouse has 6 programmable buttons, which is more than 35.6% of mice and equal to 31.2% of mice.
DPI switching button
yes
DPI switching button
yes
â–² Better than 15% of models
This mouse includes a DPI switching button. 14.7% of mice include a DPI switching button.
Profile switching button
no
Profile switching button
no
â–¼ Worse than 16% of models
This mouse does not include a profile switching button. 16% of mice include a profile switching button.
Show more
Orientation
ambidextrous
Weight
77 g
Weight
77 g
â–² Better than 55% of models
Market range: <52 g – >125 g
This mouse weighs 77 g, which makes it lighter than 54.9% of mice and equal to 0.7% of mice.
Extra weights
0 g
Extra weights
0 g
â–¼ Worse than 5% of models
Market range: <0 g – >25 g
This mouse comes with 0 g extra weights, which is less than 4.6% of mice and equal to 95.4% of mice.
Cable length
1.8 m
Cable length
1.8 m
â–² Better than 18% of models
Market range: <1.5 m – >2 m
This mouse comes with a 1.8 m cable, which is longer than 18.4% of mice and equal to 65.2% of mice.
Cable type
rubber
Show more
Onboard memory profiles
1
Onboard memory profiles
1
â–² Better than 48% of models
Market range: <0 – >5
This mouse stores 1 onboard profiles, which is more than 48% of mice and equal to 20% of mice.
Onboard memory size
?
Software name
SteelSeries GG
Firmware upgradable
yes
Firmware upgradable
yes
â–² Better than 22% of models
This mouse supports firmware updates. 22.5% of mice support firmware updates.
Suitable for gaming
yes
Suitable for gaming
yes
â–² Better than 24% of models
This mouse is suitable for gaming. 23.9% of mice are suitable for gaming.

SteelSeries Rival 3 vs the average mouse

246810TotalPerformance & SensorConnectivityBattery & ChargingControlsDesignFeatures
  • 30 million clicks longer switch lifespan
    Switch durability
    60 million clicks
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    Market range: <5 million clicks – >90 million clicks
    This mouse offers switch durability of 60 million clicks, while the average mouse offers switch durability of 30 million clicks.
    60 million clicks vs 30 million clicks
  • Removable battery
    Removable battery
    yes
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    This mouse uses a removable battery, while the average mouse does not. 22.3% of mice use a removable battery.
  • 17.9% higher user score
    User score
    9.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the mouse.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how a mouse performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of comfort, button feel, tracking accuracy, and long-term durability.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    SteelSeries Rival 3
    the average mouse
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    SteelSeries Rival 3 has a higher user score than the average mouse (9.43 vs 8.000).
    9.43 vs 8
  • 2 more RGB zones
    RGB zones
    3
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <1 – >3
    This mouse has 3 RGB zones, while the average mouse has 1 RGB zones.
    3 vs 1
  • 56.6% more popular
    SteelSeries Rival 3 is more popular than the average mouse (10 vs 6.4).
    10 vs 6.38
  • 100 DPI lower minimum setting
    Minimum DPI
    100 DPI
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    Market range: <50 DPI – >1k DPI
    This mouse goes as low as 100 DPI, while the average mouse goes as low as 200 DPI.
    100 DPI vs 200 DPI
  • Bluetooth support
    Bluetooth support
    yes
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    This mouse supports Bluetooth, while the average mouse does not. 35.5% of mice support Bluetooth.
  • Receiver storage inside mouse
    Receiver storage in mouse
    yes
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This mouse has receiver storage inside the mouse, while the average mouse does not. 45.9% of mice have receiver storage inside the mouse.
  • 17.9% higher user score
    User score
    9.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the mouse.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how a mouse performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of comfort, button feel, tracking accuracy, and long-term durability.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    SteelSeries Rival 3
    the average mouse
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    SteelSeries Rival 3 has a higher user score than the average mouse (9.43 vs 8.000).
    9.43 vs 8
  • 56.6% more popular
    SteelSeries Rival 3 is more popular than the average mouse (10 vs 6.4).
    10 vs 6.38
  • 100 DPI lower minimum setting
    Minimum DPI
    100 DPI
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    Market range: <50 DPI – >1k DPI
    This mouse goes as low as 100 DPI, while the average mouse goes as low as 200 DPI.
    100 DPI vs 200 DPI
  • Bluetooth support
    Bluetooth support
    yes
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    This mouse supports Bluetooth, while the average mouse does not. 35.5% of mice support Bluetooth.
  • Receiver storage inside mouse
    Receiver storage in mouse
    yes
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This mouse has receiver storage inside the mouse, while the average mouse does not. 45.9% of mice have receiver storage inside the mouse.
  • Removable battery
    Removable battery
    yes
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    This mouse uses a removable battery, while the average mouse does not. 22.3% of mice use a removable battery.
  • 30 million clicks longer switch lifespan
    Switch durability
    60 million clicks
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    Market range: <5 million clicks – >90 million clicks
    This mouse offers switch durability of 60 million clicks, while the average mouse offers switch durability of 30 million clicks.
    60 million clicks vs 30 million clicks
  • 2 more RGB zones
    RGB zones
    3
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <1 – >3
    This mouse has 3 RGB zones, while the average mouse has 1 RGB zones.
    3 vs 1
  • 6.1% lower mouse weight
    Weight
    77 g
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <52 g – >125 g
    This mouse weighs 77 g, while the average mouse weighs 82 g.
    77 g vs 82 g
  • 25% lower tracking speed
    Maximum tracking speed
    300 IPS
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    Market range: <30 IPS – >650 IPS
    This mouse has a maximum tracking speed of 300 IPS, while the average mouse has a maximum tracking speed of 400 IPS.
    300 IPS vs 400 IPS
  • No battery level indicator
    Battery level indicator
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    This mouse does not include a battery level indicator, while the average mouse does. 59.4% of mice include a battery level indicator.
  • Limited connectivity
    Connectivity
    wired
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    This mouse supports wired connectivity, while the average mouse supports wireless connectivity.
    connection modes: wired.
    wired vs wireless
  • Poor default DPI tuning
    Default DPI
    800 DPI
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    This mouse uses a default DPI of 800 DPI, while the average mouse uses a default DPI of 1000 DPI.
    800 DPI vs 1,000 DPI
  • Thin glide feet
    Feet thickness
    0.75 mm
    â–² Better than 45% of models
    This mouse uses 0.8 mm thick mouse feet, while the average mouse uses 0.8 mm thick mouse feet.
    0.75 mm vs 0.8 mm
  • 25% lower tracking speed
    Maximum tracking speed
    300 IPS
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    Market range: <30 IPS – >650 IPS
    This mouse has a maximum tracking speed of 300 IPS, while the average mouse has a maximum tracking speed of 400 IPS.
    300 IPS vs 400 IPS
  • Poor default DPI tuning
    Default DPI
    800 DPI
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    This mouse uses a default DPI of 800 DPI, while the average mouse uses a default DPI of 1000 DPI.
    800 DPI vs 1,000 DPI
  • Limited connectivity
    Connectivity
    wired
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    This mouse supports wired connectivity, while the average mouse supports wireless connectivity.
    connection modes: wired.
    wired vs wireless
  • No battery level indicator
    Battery level indicator
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    This mouse does not include a battery level indicator, while the average mouse does. 59.4% of mice include a battery level indicator.
  • Thin glide feet
    Feet thickness
    0.75 mm
    â–² Better than 45% of models
    This mouse uses 0.8 mm thick mouse feet, while the average mouse uses 0.8 mm thick mouse feet.
    0.75 mm vs 0.8 mm

Graphic comparison of SteelSeries Rival 3 and other products in the Mice category

No results found

Third-party reviews

Based on 34,171 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: May 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What customers like about SteelSeries Rival 3?

  • High value for money at a budget-friendly price point
  • Excellent build quality with a sturdy, high-end feel for the price
  • Lightweight design (77g for the wired version) suitable for FPS gaming
  • Comfortable symmetrical shape, especially for claw and fingertip grips
  • Responsive and satisfying clicks using 60 million click mechanical switches
  • Bright and customizable 3-zone RGB lighting
  • Smooth gliding experience provided by high-quality PTFE feet

What customers dislike about SteelSeries Rival 3?

  • High lift-off distance (LOD) can cause tracking issues when lifting the mouse
  • The 6-foot rubber cable is stiff, prone to kinking, and can create drag
  • Side buttons are thin and sharp, which some users find difficult to press
  • Not ideal for users with large hands, particularly for palm grips
  • The matte coating is a magnet for fingerprints and oils
  • Limited advanced features in the software compared to high-end models
  • Wireless version is significantly heavier (approx. 106g) and can be a battery hog

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

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