Home : Hardware : Reviews : SteelSeries Ikari Laser
Everything about the Ikari feels tight. It's put together in such a neat package that it is clear how much time and work has been put into making the Ikari reach perfection, and indeed it gets very close. As usual, we tested based on typical use and gaming.
For use with everyday computing, the Ikari is excellent. It's comfortable, agile, easy to switch dpi settings for photo editing or when changing resolutions, and the software is a sinch. The only concern was that the scroll wheel isn't very tight, and when scrolling the wheel itself tends to bounce slightly.
Gaming was brilliant, and for several reasons. The drivers, which allow easy customization of all five mouse buttons (both for any keys and macro commands), also have a straight-line supplement called "FreeMove" which helps gamers set how the software should interpret their mouse movements. The higher the setting, the better chance the software will make a straight line out of the movement.
Even setting the dpi is exceptionally simple with the software. All that need be done is inputting a number, 1-3200. For those uncomfortable with this, just click "Get More" and you'll be linked to SteelSereis' webpage with downloadable dpi settings and button configurations from professional gamers.
Having tested the Ikari in both Team Fortress 2 and Crysis, it was clear that this mouse was not simply another gaming mouse. It worked more like a part of my hand; comfortable, stable and fast, the Ikari leaves no doubts as to the capabilities of the interface device. Polling at a constant 1000Hz, the Ikari never missed a beat. I found my scores and gaming impacted very positively from using the Ikari. It was satisfying to switch quickly between the preset high/low dpi instead of finding that sweet spot.
Not only that, my scores actually improved in TF2 over any other tested mouse, by a ratio of 1:1.25. This average was made over the course of a few dozen games played over several days. I also had a good improvement in Crysis, though it was based more around the confidence in the mouse and that it would remain in my hand during quick turns on low settings, as well as remain accurate.
As far as anyone should be concerned, the high price of the Ikari Laser mouse (at $90) is not important. This is one of the best mice we've ever tested, and it can go head to head with the best and win. It has sensitivity of the Lachesis, precision of the G9, is remarkably stable and powerful and features some of the best software we've ever seen. It's friendly to travelers with the braided cable, manual CPI adjustments and on-board memory, and is simply an excellent mouse. SteelSeries has successfully made the simplest and the most powerful device one in the same.
Highs
Excellent design and feel, top of the line in sensitivity, portability, software and hardware; on-board memory stores a single, customizable profile with or without software.
Lows
Mildly pricey, scroll wheel feels a bit cheap.
Final verdict
One of the best mice we've ever tested, it well deserves our Editors Choice Award!
97%
May 12, 2008
Review by James Pikover.
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