SteelSeries’ Sensei [RAW] gaming mouse: Sensei goodness without the high price tag

I’m a pretty big fan of SteelSeries gaming peripherals, including the company’s award-winning Sensei mouse. It’s a metal-clad gaming mouse with 5 unique profiles that the user can assign and change at will. But at CEBIT today SteelSeries has taken a different turn by providing 2 new models of the Sensei – a glossy or rubberized version, with a price cut, known as the Sensei [RAW].

Like other mice from SteelSeries, the Sensei [RAW] features the same braided cord, on-the-fly sensitivity adjustments and illumination. But in order to make the price cut from $90 down to $60, you’ll give up a couple of features:

• 3-zone illumination is white only
• No LCD menu system
• No onboard processor
• Higher minimum DPI (90, vs 1)

Put all of these factors together and you should still have a capable, durable gaming mouse, it just won’t have quite as many toys. But you’re saving $30 over the price of the original Sensei.

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You’ll also have plug-and-play compatibility, but there’s access to the SteelSeries Engine software if you so choose. If you do want to use it, you’ll get advanced customization options, though obviously fewer because of the reduced illumination and higher DPI choices.

My opinion? The mouse that I use on a daily basis is the SteelSeries Diablo III, which includes the rubberized finish. I’ve been a fan of the Sensei but I didn’t really like the glossy metal, so I’m guessing that the glossy plastic is going to be a second-hand choice behind the rubberized version.

At any rate, they’re going to be available as of June, though the website hasn’t updated quite yet. Once it does, you can get your hands onto some Sensei [RAW] gaming goodness, and save a few bucks over the original master of pixel slaying.

➤ SteelSeries Sensei [RAW]

More SteelSeries stuff? Sure! Here you go:

• Xbox 360 Wireless Headset Showdown
• SteelSeries Diablo 3 Headset Review
• SteelSeries Siberia Neckband