I've always been a fan of Laser mice, I find them much more accurate and just easier to use, and of course I do like some of the higher end optical mice as well but not as much as the laser type mice. I used my Logitech G5 from when it came out originally till the second version came out this past year and used that version of the G5 everyday on my main system, that is until I got the Ikari Laser for review...

Don't get me wrong though, I like the G5 and always will, but I found that I only use two of the DPI settings and none of the others that are available, the Ikari offers two settings, High and Low that can be set in increments of one to truly customize your mousing preferences. The G5 also has a weight kit, but I put them in and left them there, I never changed them out, I like a fairly heavy mouse and don't feel a need to change the weight so it was kind of a cool but rather useless feature for me.

I received the Ikari Laser about three weeks ago and at first it was a bit disconcerting to use, but now I am truly in love with this mouse and it will remain hooked to my main system probably until it dies...

Gaming mice manufacturers seem to think that more is better, but that's not always the case, sometimes less is better especially when they focus more on the actual performance and the usability of the mouse, rather than added frivolities. SteelSeries has done just that and created a gaming mouse that has a nice balance of performance and features that you'll actually use... so continue on to learn more about my new mouse!

SteelSeries Ikari Laser Gaming Mouse Review

Author: Kristofer Brozio

Sponsor: SteelSeries

Tech Specs,Features or the Basic Info:

SteelSeries Ikari Laser Gaming Mouse

SteelSeries Ikari Laser highlights:

- Programmable macro buttons with driverless plug-and-play feature

- 40.000 samples per second (SPS) for unbeatable tracking

- 1 - 3.200 CPI (changeable in increments of 1)

- Built in LCD display to help set CPI values on-the-fly

- Chassis material and shape based on input from professional gamers

The SteelSeries Ikari mice are the result of 15 months extensive research of ergonomics, technology, shape, motion, hand grip and play styles by gamers. The shape, materials and specifications of the SteelSeries Ikari mice are based on input from professional players from Team 3D, compLexity, mousesports, SK Gaming, Team NoA and other world-class gaming organizations, who collectively represent the world's most accomplished gamers in Counter-Strike and other gaming disciplines.

The SteelSeries Ikari Laser mouse features programmable macros for RTS and MMO gamers and a high precision sensor suitable for FPS gamers. Furthermore the Ikari Laser is completely driverless which enables the mouse to remember settings and macros when plugged into tournament computers - without installing any drivers or software.

The advanced SteelSeries XY2 laser engine supports resolution settings with increments of only 1 CPI, which for the first time ever gives the user the ability to fine tune the mouse exactly to his personal reaction pattern. Set your windows and in-game sensitivity to default and set the CPI on your hardware instead of forcing software calculations.

With the built in LED display in the bottom of the Ikari Laser you are able to adjust your CPI anytime, anywhere - you are completely independent of software or drivers.

The gaming grade engine used in the SteelSeries Ikari Laser utilizes a new way of analyzing tracking, reaching 40.000 SPS (or around 5 times the speed of conventional laser technology).

Specifications for SteelSeries Ikari Laser:

- 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: 0,07 inch

- Buttons: 5

- Cord: 6.5 ft (braided to improve durability)

- Polling: 1000 Hz

- Gold-plated USB connector

- Measurements: 5,1 x 3,3in - height 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

I grabbed a few questions and answers from the FAQ page, you can read all of them HERE if you wish, but I felt these helped explain the idea and specs behind the Ikari Laser.

Q: What makes the Ikari so special?

A: The Ikari Series has been developed in cooperation with professional gamers from all around the world. Teams like SK-Gaming, mousesports, Team3D, compLexity and others were involved in many of the stages of development of the Ikari. It took us a total of 15 months to gather and process the feedback we have received. The result was the Ikari series. We believe both of the Ikari mice are a perfect addition to your arsenal of professional gaming gear and will help you to improve your game.

Q: I'm considering buying an Ikari mouse - which mouse pad is recommended for it?

A: The Ikari Optical is perfectly compatible with all our mousepads. The Ikari Laser is not compatible with glass mousepads so you shouldn't use it with the SteelSeries Experience series. We recommend a mousepad of the SteelSeries QcK series or the SteelSeries 5L for use with the SteelSeries Ikari Laser.

Q: I'm confused. You use the term CPI (counter per inch) but every other mouse manufacturer uses DPI (dots per inch). Why can't you just use the recognized term?

A: DPI is an expression from the printing world and has nothing to do with mouse movement. DPI is meant to describe that for one inch of distance you move your mouse on any surface, the equivalent number of counts are sent to the PC - resulting in movement on your screen. CPI is the correct term for this as it actually is consistent with what you seek to describe with the abbreviation.

Q: I'm still confused. You use the term SPS (samples per second) but every other mouse manufacturer uses FPS (frames per second). Why can't you just use the recognized term?

A: Other mouse manufacturers use sensors that take “pictures" of the surface and compare them to each other. This is why referring to frames per second is correct here. Our technology only takes samples and is in this way a lot more efficient than always processing a bigger image. We're just using the correct term for our technology for the Ikari Laser.

Q: What is SteelSeries FreeMove?

A: SteelSeries FreeMove offers users the option to choose the degree of when this feature should kick in and correct your movement. Through seven steps in the Ikari Laser software you are able to adjust how much control should be left up to the mouse and how much control should be left up to yourself - in other words how precise should the mouse be reproducing your movement.

Price: USD: 89.99 + shipping