The Rival 3 Gen 2 features an ambidextrous, six-button design, presented in a matte ABS plastic shell that measures 1.5 by 2.7 by 4.8 inches (HWD). It has a 1,000Hz polling rate, which is rather low but acceptable for a budget gaming mouse.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
A few differences set the wired and wireless versions apart (aside from the obvious, of course). The wireless model comes in black, white, Aqua, or Lavender (the latter two newly added for Gen 2). With the wired version, you only get the monochromatic options.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The wireless version of the Rival 3 Gen 2 can connect to Windows devices via a 2.4GHz dongle, which is housed inside the mouse’s shell when not in use. You can also use the mouse with Android, iOS, PlayStation, or Xbox devices, pairing via Bluetooth by using a small switch on the underside of the mouse. Bluetooth connectivity, however, limits the polling rate to just 125Hz, compared with the maximum 1,000Hz available when using 2.4GHz wireless mode.
Just like the original Rival 3 wireless, the Gen 2 wireless is equipped with an 18,000dpi optical sensor. While many competing flagship models easily surpass that number, it is more than sufficient for most gaming and productivity applications. The wireless Gen 2 also features a single RGB indicator light built into the scroll wheel, but it only activates when pairing the device via Bluetooth or when changing DPI settings, which helps preserve battery life.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Unlike the vast majority of premium wireless gaming mice on the market, which have built-in batteries, the wireless Gen 2 uses a pair of AAA batteries (included with your purchase), which are rated for up to 400 hours of use. These add some substantial heft to the mouse, which totals 3.7 ounces fully loaded. The mouse can work with just a single AAA battery installed, which provides some weight savings but costs battery life. While the Rival 3 Gen 2 accepts rechargeable batteries, and a single pair of AAAs will likely last you several months, the lack of a wired connectivity option means you’re out of luck if your batteries die at an inopportune time.
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(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The wired Rival 3 Gen 2 is substantially lighter than the wireless version, weighing just 2.7 ounces, but its sensor tops out at just 8,500dpi. At least it features addressable RGB lighting built into the base. SteelSeries has also replaced the original plastic cable on the first-generation model with a slightly longer braided version, a small but welcome improvement.
Feature-wise, the closest equivalent to the Rival 3 Gen 2 lineup is the $40 wired Logitech G203, and its $60 wireless sibling, the G305. The G305 has a sensor that tops out at 12,000dpi and is limited to 2.4GHz wireless connectivity—no Bluetooth.
