In a gaming mouse market dominated by featherweight frames and RGB-heavy show-offs, the SteelSeries Rival 3 Gen 2 Wireless stands out by being practical. This mouse puts reliability, versatility, and longevity at the front. While it may not win design awards or chase esports-level weight classes, this mouse will deliver impressive performance for those of you who are casual gamers or hybrid users who want wireless freedom without the premium cost.
We’ve been provided a unit to review and share our thoughts, thanks to the SteelSeries team.
Sturdy and simple design and build
The Rival 3 Gen 2 Wireless looks modest at first glance. Compared to its slightly more expensive cousin, the Aerox series, its black matte finish and subtle curves give it a low-key aesthetic. This won’t appeal to RGB maximalists, but it fits seamlessly into both gaming and professional setups. I’ve personally been using this at home and in the office and it has been an absolute breeze and doesn’t stand out as too flashy.
The first thing I noticed was how it differed from modern ultra-light mice. With two AAA batteries inside, it clocks in at 106g, making it one of the heaviest wireless mice in its class. It retains a dense and solid feel in the hand, almost like my everyday optical wired mouse. However, the Gen 2 upgrade allows you to only use one battery if you want to minimise how hefty it feels. I’m definitely on the side of appreciating the weight. It makes it feel more durable and gives a stronger sense of control in moving around cursor on the screen. Although that comes with trade-offs and if you prefer 60g ultralight, you may find it sluggish.
The mouse feels well-constructed, with high-grade polymer materials, quiet mechanical switches rated for 60 million clicks, and PTFE/teflon feet that provide smooth glide on most surfaces. The ergonomic shape works best with claw or fingertip grips, and while it’s technically symmetrical, the thumb buttons on the left side mean it’s best suited for right-handed users.
Despite the price and weight, the Rival 3 Wireless is still a strong contender in the market. It’s Gen 2 upgrade equips it with the TrueMove Air optical sensor, co-developed with PixArt, delivering accurate 1-to-1 tracking, 18,000 CPI, 400 IPS, and 40G acceleration.
In gameplay tests (CS:GO, Doom: The Dark Ages, Elder Scrolls Online), the Rival 3 Wireless held its own. No spinouts, stutter, or tracking issues. The 1ms polling rate over 2.4GHz provides low latency performance that feels wired, especially in fast-paced titles. That said, it’s not trying to dethrone the likes of Logitech’s pro-tier or ultralight competition. I still noticed a difference and I prefer the sensors of something like the Logitech G402. The Rival 3 Gen 2 is more of a reliable all-rounder than a competitive specialist.
Dual-wireless workhorse
The standout feature here is Quantum 2.0 Dual Wireless, giving you the option of gaming-grade 2.4GHz wireless or Bluetooth 5.0. The transition between modes is handled by a switch on the underside, which is quite small for bigger hands, but still functional.
Battery life is impressive on paper and promises to reach up to 400+ hours with Bluetooth and 200+ on 2.4GHz. Real-world results will vary, of course, but the option to disable lighting and reduce polling rate through SteelSeries’ software helps stretch those numbers and because it runs on AAA batteries, you’ll never be tethered to a cable for charging. I still haven’t had the battery run out on
Customisation is managed through SteelSeries GG software. The interface is feature-rich, allowing you to remap buttons (six total), adjust CPI in 100 increments, control polling rate, configure lights for notifications (for battery life and alerts), and toggle power-saving features. It’s not the most intuitive suite but it gets the job done. Some limitations exist but again, this is a mid-range mouse with budget DNA.
Some final special mentions include the “click-to-wake” feature is a small but appreciated touch, especially for those who hate waking their device with an accidental bump. The scroll wheel is another highlight. It’s exceptionally smooth and quiet with a comfortable amount of resistance. It doesn’t have the loud, notchy feel of some mechanical wheels.
A dependable midweight for work and play
At an RRP of around $100 AUD, the SteelSeries Rival 3 Gen 2 Wireless delivers exceptional value for hybrid users and casual gamers. Pretty much anyone chasing wireless reliability without the frills.
While it lacks the ultra-lightweight feel and deep customisation of some esports-focused competitors, it more than makes up for it with rock-solid build quality and strong dual wireless performance with an extensive battery life.
It’s not the flashiest mouse on the shelf but it’s one of the most trustworthy in class. I will continue using the Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 as my portable work mouse because of how practical it is.
