Steelseries Xai Laser Mouse Review

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[p]The Xai is SteelSeries' latest flagship in mice, built from the ground up with input from professional players. SteelSeries have focused on meeting the two main needs of these professional players - which are precision, and comfort. SteelSeries have also mentioned that unlike some other mice on the market, the Xai features no gimmicky lights or functions which may distract during gaming. The SteelSeries Xai is a tool – not a gadget.

[/p][div class="article_iw tm"][div class="imgwrapper"][div class="border"][img src=";http://www.cgdata.com/users/6988/f/130/1.PNG"][/div][/div][/div][div class="article_iw tm"][div class="imgwrapper"][div class="border"][img src=";http://www.cgdata.com/users/6988/f/131/ssxai.PNG"][/div][/div][/div][p]In Depth Look[/p][div class="article_iw tm"][div class="imgwrapper"][div class="border"][img src=";http://www.cgdata.com/users/6988/f/131/2.PNG"][/div][/div][/div][p]Starting at the top, we can see the Xai is ambidextrous( This means both right and left handed people can use the Xai) and shaped a lot like the MS 1.1 mouse and is divided into two parts, those being top shell which includes the mouse 1 and 2 buttons, and the palm rest which has the SteelSeries logo. Unlike It's sister the 'Ikari', the Xai's back is a lot[/p][p]more elevated making it easier to palm and not so fingertip grip. The top and side areas of the Xai have a matte finish on them giving it a dry feeling helping those who get sweaty hands during gaming to grip the mouse with a lot more ease.[/p][p]Bare in mind if you have been using a mouse which accommodates a specific hand, using a ambidextrous mouse such as the Xai may fatigue you at first.

[/p][div class="article_iw tm"][div class="imgwrapper"][div class="border"][img src=";http://www.cgdata.com/users/6988/f/132/3.PNG"][/div][/div][/div][p]Moving around to the front, we can see the mouse 1 and 2 buttons with the scroll wheel in between, and you'll also notice SteelSeries have included a DPI switch under the scroll wheel for when you want to change your DPI setting on-the-fly.

[/p][div class="article_iw tm"][div class="imgwrapper"][div class="border"][img src=";http://www.cgdata.com/users/6988/f/133/4.PNG"][/div][/div][/div][p]On the left side of the mouse, SteelSeries have provided two side buttons which are nicely positioned so they are not accidentally pressed by your thumb.

[/p][div class="article_iw tm"][div class="imgwrapper"][div class="border"][img src=";http://www.cgdata.com/users/6988/f/134/5.PNG"][/div][/div][/div][p]Turning over the Ikari to reveal the bottom, you'll find SteelSeries' Gaming Grade Engine in the middle and 4 Ultra Teflon feet situated at the 3 corners of the mouse for optimum glide. SteelSeries have also went to the trouble of providing a LED screen at the bottom for checking and setting CPI.[/p][p] [/p][p]SteelSeries have also gone to the lengths of providing us with 6ft long braided cable, topped off with a gold plated USB connector, which ensures maximum connectivity and longevity. [/p][p]Drivers[/p][div class="article_iw tm"][div class="imgwrapper"][div class="border"][img src=";http://www.cgdata.com/users/6988/f/135/6.PNG"][/div][/div][/div][p]First tab lets you configure the button assignments of each key on the mouse. Also has the option to let you switch to right or left handed mode.

[/p][div class="article_iw tm"][div class="imgwrapper"][div class="border"][img src=";http://www.cgdata.com/users/6988/f/136/7.PNG"][/div][/div][/div][p]Second tab enables you to configure the on the fly DPI, prediction and Acceleration. SteelSeries have also included the feature to alter the Brightness and Contrast of the LCD screen located at the bottom of the mouse.

[/p][div class="article_iw tm"][div class="imgwrapper"][div class="border"][img src=";http://www.cgdata.com/users/6988/f/137/8.PNG"][/div][/div][/div][p]Third tab gives you the option to change the Scroll wheel, Pointer and double click speed.
[/p][div class="article_iw tm"][div class="imgwrapper"][div class="border"][img src=";http://www.cgdata.com/users/6988/f/138/9.PNG"][/div][/div][/div][p]Last tab shows you the current Firmware and Software version and language, Also has links to the SteelSeries website where you can update.[/p][p]Performance and Comfort[/p][p]After testing the mouse out for a while I was very impressed on how much time SteelSeries had put into it. The tracking of the Xai is excellent and it does both high and low sensitivities equally well which is not common in mice available these days. The mouse is of course a tad overkill if you are a low sensitivity gamer. [/p][p]The Stock Teflon feet included with Xai Glide well, but may not be as good as other stock Mousefeet included with Gaing Mice, It may even be worthwhile to purchase some third party ones.[/p][p]As for comfort and build quality the Xai has an extremely sturdy build with no flimsy fittings or edges. The SteelSeries Xai being a ambidextrous made me think how it may not be able match up to the comfort of the typical right handed mice such as the MS 3.0 and the Deathadder, but how wrong I was. The Xai is very comfortable even after hours of prolonged use, the only complaint one may have is the hand fatigue of transitioning to an ambidextrous mouse from a right handed mouse, the smooth matte finish on the Xai is a pleasant extra adding to the comfort factor.[/p][p]Conclusion[/p][p]Once again SteelSeries have succeeded. The Xai Laser mouse is well on par with all of the top tier gaming mice on the market today which is not an easy task to do. The ambidextrous design of the xai also opens it up to the left handed gamers and should be [/p][p]top pick for them. Overall the Xai incorporates Great tracking, shape and build quality into one mouse with the only negative side being the rather high price tag. If you are looking for a new mouse with great comfort and tracking and not afraid to spend a little more dosh, I would seriously look into purchasing one.

Review by fray` Kenji[/p]