Wireless SteelSeries Prime Mini review

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The SteelSeries Prime Mini Wireless is the wireless version of the SteelSeries Prime Mini. Like its wired sibling, the cordless model emphasizes simplicity in both design and functionality, which could be shocking for those spending $ 129.99 on a mouse. Unfortunately, the Prime Mini is held back by an uncomfortable grip, a few buttons, and an inaccessible CPI button. It’s hard to recommend the SteelSeries Prime Mini Wireless when its wired counterpart is 0.42 ounces lighter and costs just $ 59.99.

As such, the SteelSeries Prime Mini Wireless is not the best gaming mouse. But if you’re not against its high entry price, it could improve your skills in competitive first-person shooters.

SteelSeries Prime Mini wireless design

The SteelSeries Prime Mini Wireless has a design identical to the SteelSeries Prime Mini, SteelSeries Prime and SteelSeries Prime Wireless. They feature an all-black matte exterior with a dark gray SteelSeries logo stuck to the bottom half of the mouse. Its ratchets and side buttons are dressed in black, giving it a simple look that might appeal to those who prefer the minimalist aesthetic. The mouse wheel can be configured with a lighting effect by using a color picker to find the shade you want.

SteelSeries Prime Mini Wireless

(Image credit: SteelSeries)

Similar to its wired version, the Prime Mini Wireless’s CPI button is inaccessible while gaming. Its placement on the underside of the mouse might be a good trait for those who are concerned about accidentally pressing it in the middle of the game. However, I do. like to program the CPI button with an alternate function so lack of accessibility is a problem.

It would be less of a problem if the mouse had additional buttons, as I am reserving the side and middle mouse button for in-game use. By paying $ 129.99, you would expect additional features beyond that. a mouse designed for first person shooters. It benefits from its lightweight chassis, but I would expect more than just a left click, a right click, a middle mouse click, and two side buttons.

The Prime Mini Wireless weighs 2.58 ounces and measures 4.7 x 2.6 x 1.6 inches. It comes with a 6.7 inch super mesh cable which allows the mouse to be used as its wired alternative, but it is slightly heavier. The SteelSeries Prime Mini weighs 2.15 ounces with the same measurements of 4.7 x 2.6 x 1.6 inches. The Corsair Saber RGB Pro Wireless weighs 2.79 ounces with measurements of 5.1 x 2.8 x 1.7 inches.

SteelSeries Prime Mini wireless features

The Prime Mini Wireless is best used with the SteelSeries GG application, which makes it easy to configure after automatically detecting your hardware. However, I had a lot of trouble updating the Prime Mini Wireless.

SteelSeries Prime Mini Wireless

(Image credit: SteelSeries)

It takes three steps. First, you plug the mouse into the computer via a wired USB connection. Then you disconnect the USB dongle from your computer, plug it into the adapter that came with the mouse, and plug the wired USB into the other side of that adapter. Finally, you unplug the wired USB drive and put it back into your mouse to allow it to finish downloading the update. After this is done, you can freely paste the wireless dongle into your PC and continue to use it.

I tried stopping this process halfway once I realized how complicated it was getting, but it froze my computer and didn’t allow me to access the power options, to other windows or to the task manager. The only way forward was to either force my computer to shut down using CTRL + ALT + DEL, or by completing the update. I decided to complete the update, that’s when I realized how much I missed the simplicity of a wired mouse.

When I finished updating the mouse and plugged the wireless dongle into my PC, it froze. Again, I couldn’t access other windows, task manager, or even click anywhere on the screen. To test if this was just a temporary problem, I restarted my computer. After rebooting I plugged the dongle back in to see if it would cause a short term freeze. It didn’t cause any problem this time, and the same problem hasn’t plagued me since.

SteelSeries Prime Mini Wireless

(Image credit: SteelSeries)

Updating the SteelSeries Prime Mini Wireless has been a tedious journey, but it’s worth it for the cool features that come with SteelSeries GG. If you are not a fan of going through the default CPI settings using the designated button, you can freely select the SteelSeries Prime Mini Wireless CPI between 100 and 18,000, with increments of 100. I’ll stick with it. at 3,200, because it’s the best balance of speed and accuracy for my limited desktop space and my 2K monitor. Acceleration, deceleration, angle capture, and polling rate can also be changed freely, but it’s best to avoid changing them unless you know what you’re doing.

The Prime Mini Wireless does not require a wired connection and therefore has a few settings that differ from other SteelSeries mice. You can change the time it will take before the mouse goes to sleep or the RGB dims to anywhere between off (never) and 20 minutes. There is also a high efficiency mode, which can extend the battery life when it is on. When I tested this feature, it seemed to change the poll rate and make the mouse less fluid. And Smart Lighting Mode is a feature that dims RGB every time the mouse moves.

SteelSeries GG also allows you to create individual profiles with alternate functions for each mouse button. I have named profiles based on the game I am playing at the time, so I have profiles for World of warcraft and Eternal destiny on my SteelSeries Rival 5. It’s harder to program the Prime Mini Wireless due to the limited number of buttons, but there’s still room for the side mouse buttons to do things like melee an enemy or throw a grenade. And the ability to switch profiles by selecting the SteelSeries icon on your taskbar is convenient and accessible.

Wireless performance SteelSeries Prime Mini

The SteelSeries Prime Mini Wireless works the same as its wired counterpart, but it’s nice not to have to worry about a cord getting in the way of the game. But still, the downward curvature on the right side of the mouse is not satisfactory to grasp.

SteelSeries Prime Mini Wireless

(Image credit: SteelSeries)

In my testing on “osu”, an intense pacing game that requires the most precision with a mouse, the SteelSeries Prime Mini Wireless became a pain to use in a minute. Its awkward grip requires an extra level of pressure from my pinky finger to feel a firm grip. In comparison, the SteelSeries Rival 5 is comfortable and does not cause pain or soreness even after playing a few songs. SteelSeries announces that the Prime Mini Wireless has over 100 hours of battery life, although I haven’t been able to test all of its capabilities.

The SteelSeries Prime Mini Wireless weighs 0.42 ounces more than its corded counterpart, which means it’s not as light as it is satisfying. It wasn’t so easy to drag the mouse across the mat while firing shotgun shells at demons in Eternal destiny. It’s still light enough to be smooth while playing, but I prefer the feel of the original Prime Mini. Its wireless functionality is not enough to make up for this difference.

At the end of the line

Similar to the regular Prime Mini, the SteelSeries Prime Mini Wireless is uncomfortable to grip, needs more buttons, and lacks complex RGB. The big difference is you’ll pay $ 129.99 – more than double the price of the original – for its wireless functionality. Not having a cord interrupt set is handy, but it’s hard to justify buying such a simple mouse at this price point, especially when it’s heavier than the original.

The Prime Mini Wireless excels in how its design and curvature successfully improves performance during fast-paced shooters or rhythm games. If you expect to quickly drag your mouse across your mat, the Prime Mini Wireless might be a good choice assuming you’re willing to spend $ 129.99.

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