Test Bed Specs

• Main board - Asus P5Q Pro
• Processor - Intel C2D E8400 @ 4.00 Ghz 445Mhz FSB
• GFX Card - Inno3D GTX275 iChill Edition
• Sound map - X-Fi XtremeGamer
• CPU Cooling - ProLimaTech Megahalems
• Memory - G.Skill PI Black DDR2 800Mhz CL4 4GB
• Disks - Samsung F1 TB
• DVD burner - Samsung DVDRW
• Case - InWin Maelstrom
• PSU - OCZ Fatal1ty 550W
• On Review - SteelSeries IKARI Laser Mouse

(Mousepad used during testing - the Razer Goliathus)

Installation is quite simple - in fact it is plug and play (although I recommend installing the software for access to the more advanced features of this gaming mouse - installation of the software is straight forward).

As I have said previously, I was very unsure about using the IKARI Laser Mouse rather than my Logitech G9. As such, I had both plugged in & ready for usage so that should I get annoyed with the SteelSeries, I could easily pick up the G9 and get on with my business.

However, after swapping to the G9 once during a game of L4D, I had a play with the DPI settings (which can be set on the fly, using the method described below), and then proceeded with the IKARI again.

Method used for on the fly DPI setting: You select the profile you want to change by pressing the DPI profile button (ontop of the mouse), then you hold down the DPI button for a few seconds, once the LCD screen on the bottom of the mouse changes from saying "default" to "High: ****" or "Low: ****"  you then use the scroll wheel to set the DPI. You can set it exactly to the number you want (between 1 and 3200). That's right, you CAN set it to 1337 (as photographed below!).

Once you've selected your specific DPI, you just press the DPI button once more, and the LCD screen displays "Saved" and bobs your uncle. It sounds complicated, but is actually very simple, and takes only a matter of seconds. After I had set the DPI to suit my style, it was gaming peripheral harmony! All I need now is the perfect keyboard... (however that is a different story - or hopefully a different review )

Since setting the DPI (personally I found 2000 DPI to be perfect for my usage), I can honestly say I haven't used my G9. In fact I have become so fond of the IKARI, I have packed away my G9 into its box under my bed! The IKARI has now become my primary and sole mouse. During L4D gameplay, I found the mouse to be dead on accurate, giving me the ability to get headshots without any fidgeting. I didn't find the need to switch between DPI profiles during gameplay, as much like most games, L4D automatically reduces mouse sensitivity when zoomed in with a sniper or similar weapon. However I did find good usage for the DPI switch whilst photo-shopping the photos used in this review!

As you can see in this picture (at the far left of the mouse), your current DPI profile is displayed by two LEDs - one labelled "High" and one labelled "Low". You can select between the profiles using the button just below to the scroll wheel.

This photo is to demonstrate the size difference compared to the Logitech G9. Whilst I have found my G9 comfortable and perfectly sized up until now, the SteelSeries doesn't feel large in comparison - it too is perfectly comfortable and perfectly sized.  On a similar note, the SteelSeries feels quite nice, it has a rubberised feel on the top & sides, and slides freely, without being out of control or unpredictable.

The included software is really comprehensive. It allows you to programme ANY of the five buttons, with either normal functions such as left click/right click, or more interestingly and uniquely, macros!

That's right, you can setup macros & set them to fire off from mouse buttons. This could be particularly useful (if not a little cheeky) in online gameplay. However something such as a macro'd "double tap" would be perfectly acceptable, and probably quite useful, especially when you're trying to hold off Zombies from eating you or your team-mates brains (I have been playing a lot - technically  a bit too much - of L4D & the L4D2 Demo...).

Whilst you can use the "on-the-fly" method for setting the DPI, it is much easier to just set it within the software:

As you can see, the included software is very simplistic, but contains really really useful and advanced features. It is so easy to use, I think my parents could use it (although I don't think they'd have an opinion on their favourite DPI, as they don't know what DPI is...).

This part of the software is very advanced. I don't even have access to this type of feature with the G9! I think the fact that this mouse is so aimed at enthusiasts makes it so special. Coupled with the fact that the software oozes with enthusiasm for gaming mice, which is quite an achievement I think the price tag may well be justified.

The software includes a "profiles" option - here is a sample of the "profiles" webpage where you can download game specific profiles. These are designed so that you can download a profile for your favourite online multiplayer game, and get the most functionality of the mouse without too much effort.

Again this just goes beyond what is expected from a gaming mouse, and again adds to the functionality you can get from this mouse.

Next Page - Conclusion