SteelSeries. Just saying the name out loud gives me the geeky goosebumps that we all seek after in a hardware world of ever increasing competition. I was extremely stoked to get my hands on some of the latest gear from the wizards at SteelSeries and today I'll be looking at the new Syberia 200 headset and Rival 100 mouse. Never-mind that the UPS man was almost physically assaulted as I tore the package from his worn hands. This is SteelSeries. This is serious bidness.
Sibera 200 Specs
SPEAKER DRIVERS
50mm Neodymium Drivers
Headphone Frequency Response: 10-28000 Hz
Headphone Sensitivity: 112 dB
Headphones
MICROPHONE
Microphone Frequency Response: 50-16000 Hz
Microphone Pickup Pattern: Unidirectional
Microphone Sensitivity: -38 dB
Microphone Impedance: 2200 Ohm
Microphone
CONNECTION
Cable Length: 1.8 m, 5 ft
Connector Type: Dual 3.5mm, 3-pole plugs
Adapter: Single 3.5mm, 4-pole plug
SPECIFICATIONS
DESIGN
Material: Soft Touch black, Glossy Colors
Ergonomic, Right-Handed
Grip Style: Claw or Finger-tip
Number of Buttons: 6
SteelSeries Switches: Rated for 30 Million Clicks
Weight: 120 g, 0.264 lbs
Height: 120.6 mm, 4.75 in
Width: 67.13 mm, 2.64 in
Cable Length: 1.8 m, 6 ft
Rival 100 Specs
DESIGN
Material: Soft Touch black, Glossy Colors
Ergonomic, Right-Handed
Grip Style: Claw or Finger-tip
Number of Buttons: 6
SteelSeries Switches: Rated for 30 Million Clicks
Weight: 120 g, 0.264 lbs
Height: 120.6 mm, 4.75 in
Width: 67.13 mm, 2.64 in
Cable Length: 1.8 m, 6 ft
SENSOR
Sensor Name: SDNS-3059-SS
Sensor Type: Optical
CPI: Increments from 1 to 4000
IPS: 140
Acceleration: 20 gs
Polling Rate: 1 ms
Zero Hardware Acceleration
Tracking Accuracy: 1:1
CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS
Gamesense Support
SteelSeries Engine Support: SSE3
Multiple CPI Options
Programmable Buttons
Onboard Profile Storage
Acceleration Customization
Deceleration Customization
Color Options: 16.8 Million
Packaging, Design and Performance
One may consider the packaging of a piece of gaming hardware to be a mere physical container, nothing more than to protect said piece of gear. Nothing could be more the contrary than SteelSeries' striking quality and design in their packaging. Everything screams top notch and workmanship, even with the case of the Rival 100, which retails for $39.99. While some may cut corners, this is the best of the best with both the Rival 100 and the Siberia 200. The same quality of the packaging bleeds over into the product design itself.
First off, let's get this tidbit out of the way: The Siberia 200's are simply the most durable yet comfortable pair of headphones I've ever tested, period. With a retractable mic and minimalistic but striking colors and accents available, this is a fine set of cans. The sounds from lows to mids to highs are quite impressive for a headset under $100. Gaming, from Diablo III to Star Wars Battlefront sounded absolutely stellar on these bad boys. Yes, could pack a bit more oomph in the bass department but most cans could without being overwhelming. Overall, a great evolution in the Siberia series, but not a huge revolution.
Next up, the Rival 100 also was minimal (in a good way) in design with a smooth and silky finish and a pulsating logo that looks quite stunning. I absolutely loved being able to toggle between different sensitivity settings on the top button and the movement was accurate and exact in both desktop and gaming settings. The only minor shortcoming was the fact that the mouse isn't very ergonomic, so depending on preference, it's something to look out for. Overall, a very solid and stunning looking gaming mouse for a bargain price.
Value and Conclusion
Well folks, SteelSeries has stepped up once again and delivered two very appealing gaming choices at a value price. The Siberia 200 and Rival 100 could easily sell for much more kashish, but we all win with hardware competition. Overall, the thing I like about these two pieces of gaming goodness as the fact that they feel comfortable but extremely sturdy and will last you a long, long time. Man, the Rival 100 is rated for 30 million clicks. That alone should last you a weekend or two with Diablo III.
Overall, I found the Sibera 200 to be an extremely comfortable set of cans with a sweet retractable mic and standard set of feature. The sound is above average in all categories for a headset this price but as mentioned, aren't the best we've heard either. The build quality and SteelSeries sturdiness seals the deal though.
On the Rival 100, I love the customization and feature set for a mouse at this price range. It looks absolutely stellar in a simple yet sleek design that blows other mice in this price range away. The texture and smoothness equals awesome comfort but if you are a huge fan of a more ergonomic feel, you'll need to look elsewhere.
