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SteelSeries Rival 5 Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price:~£55Connectivity:wiredMaximum polling rate:1000 HzMaximum DPI:18000 DPIWeight:85 g

SteelSeries Rival 5 Review: Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Mice category and whether it is worth buying.

6.6

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 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 59% of models
Score components

80%

6.1

Technical Score

20%

8.8

User score

â–²Better than 59% of mice
6.1

Technical Score

Technical score
6.1/ 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 56% of models
Score components

36%

5.5

Performance & Sensor

22%

8.9

Controls

16%

7.0

Design

14%

6.1

Features

7%

1.1

Connectivity

5%

1.0

Battery & Charging

â–²Better than 56% of mice
8.8

User score

User score
8.8/ 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
â–² Better than 82% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

8.9

Number of reviews

Based on 8,559 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.
â–²Better than 82% 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 5 is a versatile, right-handed ergonomic gaming mouse featuring a TrueMove Air optical sensor with 1-to-1 tracking, a wide sensitivity range of 100 to 18,000 CPI, 400 IPS speed, and 40G acceleration. It weighs a competitive 85g and is equipped with nine programmable buttons, including a unique five-button side cluster with a flick-action toggle, and next-gen Golden Micro IP54 mechanical switches rated for 80 million clicks. Its main pros include high-precision tracking, a flexible 2-meter super mesh cable that reduces drag, and a vibrant 10-zone PrismSync RGB lighting system. However, notable cons include a silver 'sniper' button that can be difficult for small or medium hands to reach, a somewhat stiff cable compared to ultra-light competitors, and limited onboard memory that only stores a single profile.

Technical Specifications of mouse SteelSeries Rival 5

Technical Score
Technical score
6.1/ 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 56% of models
Score components:

36%

5.5

Performance & Sensor

22%

8.9

Controls

16%

7.0

Design

14%

6.1

Features

7%

1.1

Connectivity

5%

1.0

Battery & Charging

6.1
SteelSeries Rival 5 has a technical score of 6.1 points, which is higher than that of 56.2% of products in this category.
User score
User score
8.8/ 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
â–² Better than 82% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

8.9

Number of reviews

Based on 8,559 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.
8.8
SteelSeries Rival 5 has a user score of 8.84 points, which is higher than that of 81.8% of products in this category.
Popularity
Popularity
8.9/ 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
â–² Better than 83% of models
Popularity:
SteelSeries Rival 5 has a popularity score of 8.9 points, which is higher than that of 82.6% of products in this category.
8.9
SteelSeries Rival 5 has a popularity score of 8.9 points, which is higher than that of 82.6% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price
Value for money
7.6/ 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 57% of models
Score components:

60%

6.6

Overall score

40%

10

Price

7.6
SteelSeries Rival 5 has a value-for-money score of 7.6 points, which is higher than that of 57.3% 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
N/A
2.4 GHz polling rate
N/A
Bluetooth polling rate
0 Hz
Bluetooth polling rate
0 Hz
â–¼ Worse than 36% of models
Market range: <0 Hz – >125 Hz
This mouse has a Bluetooth polling rate of 0 Hz, which is lower than 36% of mice and equal to 64% of mice.
wired only.
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
no
Bluetooth support
no
â–¼ Worse than 36% of models
This mouse does not support Bluetooth. 35.6% of mice support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Proprietary 2.4 GHz support
no
Proprietary 2.4 GHz support
no
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
This mouse does not support proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless. 61.3% of mice support proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless.
Receiver included
no
Receiver included
no
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
This mouse does not include a receiver. 62.3% of mice include a receiver.
Show more
Battery life
N/A
Battery capacity
N/A
Battery form factor
N/A
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
no
Removable battery
no
â–¼ Worse than 22% of models
This mouse does not use a removable battery. 22.3% of mice use a removable battery.
Show more
N. of buttons
9
N. of buttons
9
â–² Better than 88% of models
Market range: <4 – >9
This mouse has 9 buttons, which is more than 88.3% of mice and equal to 3.5% of mice.
N. of side buttons
5
N. of side buttons
5
★ Better than 97% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This mouse has 5 side buttons, which is more than 97.2% of mice and equal to 1% of mice.
N. of programmable buttons
9
N. of programmable buttons
9
â–² Better than 89% of models
Market range: <0 – >9
This mouse has 9 programmable buttons, which is more than 88.6% of mice and equal to 3.2% 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
right-handed
Weight
85 g
Weight
85 g
â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
Market range: <52 g – >125 g
This mouse weighs 85 g, which is heavier than 52.7% of mice and equal to 2.2% 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
2 m
Cable length
2 m
â–² Better than 86% of models
Market range: <1.5 m – >2 m
This mouse comes with a 2 m cable, which is longer than 85.6% of mice and equal to 10% of mice.
Cable type
paracord
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 5 vs the average mouse

246810TotalPerformance & SensorConnectivityBattery & ChargingControlsDesignFeatures
  • 50 million clicks longer switch lifespan
    Switch durability
    80 million clicks
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <5 million clicks – >90 million clicks
    This mouse offers switch durability of 80 million clicks, while the average mouse offers switch durability of 30 million clicks.
    80 million clicks vs 30 million clicks
  • 3 more programmable buttons
    N. of programmable buttons
    9
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    Market range: <0 – >9
    This mouse has 9 programmable buttons, while the average mouse has 6 programmable buttons.
    9 vs 6
  • 80% higher maximum DPI
    Maximum DPI
    18,000 DPI
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    Market range: <1.6k DPI – >26k DPI
    This mouse has a maximum DPI of 18000 DPI, while the average mouse has a maximum DPI of 10000 DPI.
    18,000 DPI vs 10,000 DPI
  • 3 more side buttons
    N. of side buttons
    5
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This mouse has 5 side buttons, while the average mouse has 2 side buttons.
    5 vs 2
  • 9 more RGB zones
    RGB zones
    10
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    Market range: <1 – >3
    This mouse has 10 RGB zones, while the average mouse has 1 RGB zones.
    10 vs 1
  • Protective IP rating
    IP Rating
    IP54
    ★ Better than 99% of models
    This mouse has an IP rating of IP54, while the average mouse has an IP rating of not rated.
    IP54 vs not rated
  • 3 more buttons
    N. of buttons
    9
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <4 – >9
    This mouse has 9 buttons, while the average mouse has 6 buttons.
    9 vs 6
  • 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
  • 10.4% higher user score
    User score
    8.8/ 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 5
    the average mouse
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    SteelSeries Rival 5 has a higher user score than the average mouse (8.84 vs 8.000).
    8.84 vs 8
  • 39.5% more popular
    SteelSeries Rival 5 is more popular than the average mouse (8.91 vs 6.4).
    8.91 vs 6.38
  • 80% higher maximum DPI
    Maximum DPI
    18,000 DPI
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    Market range: <1.6k DPI – >26k DPI
    This mouse has a maximum DPI of 18000 DPI, while the average mouse has a maximum DPI of 10000 DPI.
    18,000 DPI vs 10,000 DPI
  • 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
  • 50 million clicks longer switch lifespan
    Switch durability
    80 million clicks
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <5 million clicks – >90 million clicks
    This mouse offers switch durability of 80 million clicks, while the average mouse offers switch durability of 30 million clicks.
    80 million clicks vs 30 million clicks
  • 3 more programmable buttons
    N. of programmable buttons
    9
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    Market range: <0 – >9
    This mouse has 9 programmable buttons, while the average mouse has 6 programmable buttons.
    9 vs 6
  • 3 more side buttons
    N. of side buttons
    5
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This mouse has 5 side buttons, while the average mouse has 2 side buttons.
    5 vs 2
  • 3 more buttons
    N. of buttons
    9
    â–² Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <4 – >9
    This mouse has 9 buttons, while the average mouse has 6 buttons.
    9 vs 6
  • 9 more RGB zones
    RGB zones
    10
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    Market range: <1 – >3
    This mouse has 10 RGB zones, while the average mouse has 1 RGB zones.
    10 vs 1
  • Protective IP rating
    IP Rating
    IP54
    ★ Better than 99% of models
    This mouse has an IP rating of IP54, while the average mouse has an IP rating of not rated.
    IP54 vs not rated
  • 0.2 m longer cable
    Cable length
    2 m
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <1.5 m – >2 m
    This mouse comes with a 2 m cable, while the average mouse comes with a 1.8 m cable.
    2 m vs 1.8 m
  • No proprietary 2.4 GHz support
    Proprietary 2.4 GHz support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This mouse does not support proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless, while the average mouse does. 61.3% of mice support proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless.
  • No automatic sleep mode
    Auto-sleep
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This mouse does not support auto-sleep, while the average mouse does. 60.5% of mice support auto-sleep.
  • No receiver included
    Receiver included
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    This mouse does not include a receiver, while the average mouse does. 62.3% of mice include a receiver.
  • 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
  • 3.7% higher mouse weight
    Weight
    85 g
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    Market range: <52 g – >125 g
    This mouse weighs 85 g, while the average mouse weighs 82 g.
    85 g vs 82 g
  • 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
  • 2.3 mm taller mouse height
    Height
    42 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
    Market range: <36 mm – >43 mm
    This mouse has a height of 42 mm, while the average mouse has a height of 39.7 mm.
    42 mm vs 39.7 mm
  • 57.1% more expensive
    SteelSeries Rival 5 is more expensive than the average mouse (£55 vs £35).
    £55 vs £35
  • 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
  • No proprietary 2.4 GHz support
    Proprietary 2.4 GHz support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This mouse does not support proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless, while the average mouse does. 61.3% of mice support proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless.
  • No receiver included
    Receiver included
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    This mouse does not include a receiver, while the average mouse does. 62.3% of mice include a receiver.
  • 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 automatic sleep mode
    Auto-sleep
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This mouse does not support auto-sleep, while the average mouse does. 60.5% of mice support auto-sleep.
  • 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.
  • 3.7% higher mouse weight
    Weight
    85 g
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    Market range: <52 g – >125 g
    This mouse weighs 85 g, while the average mouse weighs 82 g.
    85 g vs 82 g
  • 2.3 mm taller mouse height
    Height
    42 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
    Market range: <36 mm – >43 mm
    This mouse has a height of 42 mm, while the average mouse has a height of 39.7 mm.
    42 mm vs 39.7 mm

Graphic comparison of SteelSeries Rival 5 and other products in the Mice category

No results found

Third-party reviews

Based on 8,559 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 5?

  • Versatile 'jack-of-all-trades' design suitable for various game genres like FPS, MOBA, and MMO
  • Excellent value for money at its mid-range price point
  • Vibrant and extensive 10-zone RGB lighting customization
  • Lightweight build (85g) for its size, providing a good balance between speed and control
  • High-quality TrueMove Air sensor offering accurate 1-to-1 tracking and low lift-off distance
  • Durable IP54-rated mechanical switches rated for 80 million clicks
  • Flexible 'Super Mesh' braided cable that minimizes drag during movement

What customers dislike about SteelSeries Rival 5?

  • The front 'sniper' thumb button is difficult to reach for many users, especially those with small or medium hands
  • Onboard memory is limited to only one profile and does not save all settings (like certain RGB effects)
  • Wired-only connection with no wireless alternative available for this specific model
  • The SteelSeries GG software can feel cluttered and heavy on system resources
  • CPI is only adjustable in increments of 100, which may lack precision for some competitive players
  • Default mouse feet are not virgin-grade PTFE, which some enthusiasts find results in a less smooth glide

Video reviews

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

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