Date: March 18th, 2008
Article by: Karl Van der Walt (Hardware Reviewer)
Edited by: Nathan Glentworth (Owner / Head Editor)
Product was submitted by: SteelSeries
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PRODUCT INSTALLATION AND TESTING (cont'd)
Testing
Testing this type of product is always fun and in this case was made all the more fun because the mouse is designed for use with my favorite genre of games. I played everything from Warcraft 3 to Star Wars – Knights of the Old Republic and I have to say I loved it.
On the fly CPI setting changes
The software allows you to save 2 CPI settings to your mouse, which can be toggled between by pressing the button just below the scroll wheel. Like on the Ikari Optical this enables you to speed up or slow down the cursor. It is very simple to use and a lot more useful than you my think.
You are able to set the CPI settings directly on the mouse as well as via the software. Pressing and holding the CPI button below the wheel will display Low XXXX or High XXXX on the LCD on the underside of the mouse. Then, using the scroll wheel you are able to set the CPI. Once you have your setting where you want it, pressing the CPI button again will save it. Note, when you are adjusting the CPI the mouse will not move. I found this rather annoying when I accidentally pressed and held the button while playing online. However, once I got used to not keeping my finger hovering there it ceased to be a problem.
Daily Use
As well as game testing I have also been using the Ikari Laser in my other day-to-day tasks. Internet browsing and the like are naturally not an issue. One thing did surprise me though; when I was working on my 3d sculpting with this mouse I discovered a whole new world of fun with the Freemove option set to off. I had more control over the cursor than I ever have before. It seems that this mouse is not only good for games but for the processes required to make them too. The LED indicators are identical to the Ikari Optical and like the Optical they are a bit bright for my tastes when I am working in a darker room. Not a major problem though.
Another thing a lot of people don't think about is the “Lift Distance” of the mouse. Basically, how far you have to lift the mouse before it stops tracking. What you want here is a low number and the Ikari Laser gives just that with only a 1.8mm lift distance. Why is it important? Have you ever reached the edge of your mouse surface and had to lift the mouse and put it back in the middle? If you have I am sure you have experienced the annoying occurrence of the cursor moving part way back before the mouse stops tracking. The lower the lift distance the less likely that is to happen. Not a huge deal when browsing or working in word but a major pain in the nethers when playing a game or doing something sensitive. No matter what I did I could not get the Ikari Laser to “back track”.
Comfort
The mouse is identical to the Ikari Optical aesthetically and so I found it really comfortable seeing as I have been using the optical for some time now. Once I got used to the size of the mouse I grew to really like the feel of the mouse in my hand. I also haven't experienced the pain at the base of my palm when I use the PC for long periods since I started using the Ikari series of mice. I am sure most of you who use your PC a lot know the pain I am talking about. This says a lot for design of the casing. SteelSeries pulled out all the stops with the Ikari range and it really shows.
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