[Gear] SteelSeries Diablo III Mouse and Headset Review

[Ghostbear]

[Gear] SteelSeries Diablo III Mouse and Headset Review

Product: [Gear] SteelSeries Diablo III Mouse and Headset
Platform: PC/MAC
Developer: SteelSeries (http://steelseries.com/)
MSRP: $69.99 (Mouse) (http://www.amazon.com/SteelSeries-Diablo-III-Gaming-Mouse/dp/B005L38QK2/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1325628374&sr=1-1-catcorr) and $119.99 (Headset) (http://www.amazon.com/SteelSeries-Diablo-III-Gaming-Headset/dp/B005L38SGY/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1325628374&sr=1-2-catcorr).
Available: Now
Editor: Jeremy 'Ghostbear' Spurlock

What's Hot: (Headset) Great Sound, very comfortable. (Mouse) Responsive, comfortable shape.
What's Not: (Headset) Little pricey. (Mouse) It's not my Sensei.

So SteelSeries recently sent me a set of their new Diablo 3 products. I decided that they needed to be reviewed together in all their diabolical glory. So let's dive right in and start with the mouse.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6631826265_424c339745_z.jpg

I've come to expect solid gear from SteelSeries and they do not disappoint. It fits into your hand comfortably and without too much adjustment. It has slightly textured surface that will ensure that in your frenzy of clicking you will never lose hold of the mouse. All the buttons have a satisfying action to them that I think even the most persnickety of gamers will appreciate. Speaking of mouse buttons, I'd like to talk about the mouse wheel. Typically this is a button that can be problematic to use in the heat of a game session. Not so here, the wheel is wide and with the "evil" textures on it keeping your finger from sliding off and hitting nothing. It also has a very good "bump" in the wheel, so you are always precise when scrolling.

Using the mouse was a great experience, movement was precise and smooth. I never felt like I had to pick up the mouse to keep going, which is always a major negative for me. You can adjust the dpi using the Steel Engine, but if you don't want to mess with that you can just hit the "limiter" button and halve your dpi for more precise maneuvers.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6631826357_382e67ea72_z.jpg

So what makes this mouse a "Diablo" mouse? The visuals mostly, starting with the scroll work all over the mouse, giving it that sort of gothic look that many associate with the game series. The illumination is a low ember of red, really giving the mouse an "evil" look. The logo on the back of the mouse also lights up rounding out its look. The illumination can be tweaked with the accompanying software to be brighter, to pulse or even to light up when you click. Plenty of options and I dare say more than is usual.

Score: 4 out of 5 CoGs
http://www.colonyofgamers.com/images/CoG4.png

Jeremy says, "My only real complaint is that this mouse isn't the Sensei, which is unfair. It is a solid, great looking, dependable piece of hardware that will carry you through Diablo III and beyond. If you're in the market for a new mouse and are a Diablo fan, you cannot go wrong here. Buy it."


The Diablo III headset is based on the Siberia V2, a headset I am already a fan of. So I was a bit skeptical when I got this headset. What would this one offer over the cheaper and excellent Siberia? I was pleasantly surprised that this headset is more than just a reskinned version of another product.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6631826115_119b74027b_z.jpg

Let's start with the most important bit, the sound. The headset has 50mm drivers that sound great. I've mentioned before that I am no audiophile, but I can tell you that this headset performed exceptionally well during Battlefield 3 sessions, voice comms, and music. While not a surround sound headset, it did make me feel like I was listening to an intense firefight, every bullet flying past me was clear and distinct. This headset also addressed one of my minor complaints about the Siberia V2, the inability to increase the volume as high as I would like. You can rock or game as loud as you would like. The headset is usb, allowing it to have its own built in sound card. Finally; got it setup the way you like? Take it to a friends house or lan party and you're still good to go. While on the topic of setup, this headset utilizes the SteelEngine that all the other higher end SteelSeries products use. It has a five point equalizer that lets you set your sound any way you like. Like it's predecessor, the Diablo III headset has a retractable mic that inputs great sound.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6631826213_95a87508b7_z.jpg

The leather covered foam ear cups do an excellent job of blocking outside noise, while remaining very comfortable for hours on end. In fact, I would venture to say you could easily (and I did) wear this headset all day and not be bothered. It's light and even when I first put it on I didn't feel like it was trying to crush my head. The build quality is top notch, showing a wonderful attention to detail. Both the mouse and headset have the same braided cable so if having them match is important to you, you're set.

Aesthetically, this headset is a treat, from the metal grating over the ear cups to the glowing "III" logo on the headband it's fun to look at. Like the mouse, this headset has low red lighting around the ear cups that really push the Diablo look. You can also tweak it to pulse slowly, be brighter or ever flash when sound is playing.

Score: 4.5 out of 5 CoGs
http://www.colonyofgamers.com/images/CoG4_5.png

Jeremy says, "This is a great sounding headset that is sure to please even the non-Diablo fan. It sounds amazing, looks great and is very comfortable. While I fear it may be out of the price range of some, it is certainly worth the price they are charging. Especially if you want to look the part while defending Sanctuary from the forces of evil."

[Ghostbear]

I will also be giving away the Diablo 3 mouse to a random member who comments on the review. Keep it relevant to the conversation to qualify. You also need to have signed up for a CoG account prior to today.

[resikel]

Nice write up. I really like the look of the mouse.

[violent]

Your review is words. I like Diablo.

[cp#]

That's a pretty pricey mouse! Especially when the Sensei is only $10-20 more. I wouldn't mind winning it, though :)

[Shjinta]

I was looking at getting that mouse since my Mamba died and Razer won't replace the fucking thing. Would I notice any comfort difference going from a Mamba to this?

[Pale Ale]

Well?

Can you change the LED color like the Warcraft mouse?

[violent]

My biggest concern with the headphones was at first glance, there is no visible mic. Now, I know. And now that I know, I want.

[Ghostbear]

I was looking at getting that mouse since my Mamba died and Razer won't replace the fucking thing. Would I notice any comfort difference going from a Mamba to this?
No, it should be a smooth transition for you.
Well?

Can you change the LED color like the Warcraft mouse?

No, it's red only. So that they can maintain the design they were going for.

[Zero]

Sweet Jeebus that is one sexy ass mouse.

[Narradisall]

The headset sounds pretty good, I can't seem to find one that doesn't feel like it is vice gripping my head to death. I may have to look it up when it comes out.

I'm surprised you say the mouse holds well though, it looks rather untextured and slippery there. The lighting additions seem a bit 'odd' though. What's the weight of it feel like? I have a G5 and although I was skeptical about weight cartridges I must say being able to customise the heft of my mouse was actually nice. I'm assuming this isn't too light, but it's handy to find a nice feel between too light and dragging a rock across the mouse mat.

[Wackman3000]

I think I am with cp on this one. While it looks like a great mouse, when you compare this to the excellent write up (http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showthread.php?t=24369&highlight=%5Bgear%5D) you also did for the Sensei, it seems like a worthy investment to put the extra $20 or so towards the more feature packed Sensei.

That said, if they packaged the mouse and headphones together at a nice price I could definitely see it attracting the Diablo fans mostly due to the branding and aesthetics of the designs.

THAT SAID, I would still love to own this mouse myself. :)

[Ghostbear]

It has a slight texture to it, I never felt like it was slipping. Weight is good too, middle of the road.

[TheSilentDeath]

I've been in the market for a new mouse, mainly since the one that I am using now is showing its age, and since this one is a tad bit cheaper than the sensei I might actually look into this one when I get some money. Great write-up by the way.

[Acidpoptart]

The headset looks gorgeous. Me wants.

Do you know if the mouse is based on an existing model?

[MalReynolds]

Mouse is very nice also when if this game coming out?


Also if your giving away the headset i would like to apply for that

[Karmakin]

I'm actually considering getting the Cataclysm mouse which is on sale locally.

How many buttons are on each side?

[TheKeck]

I'm wondering if I need a new headset. I get a lot of that snowy/white noise that I didn't use to notice before. :(

[flinxz]

I am looking for a new mouse and possibly a headset and have never done the matching set before. I have had issues with headphones/sets just having too short of a cord. Does the headset have a good bit of cord length to it?

[Ghostbear]

The headset looks gorgeous. Me wants.

Do you know if the mouse is based on an existing model?

The Xai





I'm actually considering getting the Cataclysm mouse which is on sale locally.

How many buttons are on each side?
Two






I am looking for a new mouse and possibly a headset and have never done the matching set before. I have had issues with headphones/sets just having too short of a cord. Does the headset have a good bit of cord length to it?

It has a USB extender.

[BLeeP]

What is the count for side buttons on the mouse? I didn't see it mentioned in the write-up. I'm guessing 4 from the pictures? Were they comfortable to use?

[Ghostbear]

What is the count for side buttons on the mouse? I didn't see it mentioned in the write-up. I'm guessing 4 from the pictures? Were they comfortable to use?

Two on each side. Though I imagine only one side would be comfortable.

[AFeastForCrows]

The mouse review seemed 100% positive, why did it lose a cog out of 5?

[Ghostbear]

The mouse review seemed 100% positive, why did it lose a cog out of 5?

It's a great mouse, but I feel it pales just a tad behind the sensei. Fewer customization options and the like. Besides the scores are (mostly) gut instinct.

[BLeeP]

It's a great mouse, but I feel it pales just a tad behind the sensei. Fewer customization options and the like. Besides the scores are (mostly) gut instinct.

Welcome to Colony of Gamers, the site where everything is made up and the points don't matter!

[CES]

Relevant question: How does the headset stack up against other headphones in the price bracket (Turtle Beach PX3, Razer Carcharias)? I just bought a set of PX3's last month and I've not been let down yet.

[Ghostbear]

I think instead of cogs I am just gonna post pictures of kittens as my scores.

[cawblen]

Already preordered the Diablo 3 Collector's Edition. This will go nicely with it.
Come to think of it, i can't find a wired mouse in my house. I only have wireless ones and that's a no-no for Diablo.

I think that's a good reason to pick me!

[Narradisall]

Ghost - What's the weight of it like?

[Ghostbear]

Ghost - What's the weight of it like?

Not too light or heavy.

[Wombat]

Nice looking set. Is there any way that headset could be used on a PC, X360, and PS3?

[Pale Ale]

Not too light or heavy.

How does it taste?

[Abyssion]

Oh man, that mouse looks so nice!

[Ghostbear]

Nice looking set. Is there any way that headset could be used on a PC, X360, and PS3?

PC only. Mostly because it has its own built in sound card.

[AFeastForCrows]

It's a great mouse, but I feel it pales just a tad behind the sensei. Fewer customization options and the like. Besides the scores are (mostly) gut instinct.

Hmn. That should probably be in the body of the review. :) I'm in the market for a new mouse, is why its relevant, could you post a link to the Sensei mouse you feel is a "FIVE", please?

[violent]

How will the headphones look with my hairstyle?

[Ghostbear]

Hmn. That should probably be in the body of the review. :) I'm in the market for a new mouse, is why its relevant, could you post a link to the Sensei mouse you feel is a "FIVE", please?

Just hit the review section on the front page, it's in the list.

[AFeastForCrows]

Just hit the review section on the front page, it's in the list.

Found it, thanks! Looks excellent.

[OldeWolf]

Quite a nice review. I was wondering about that mouse as a potential upgrade to my Razer Diamondback gaming mouse. But then again, I'm having a hard time finding anything better than a Razer Diamondback gaming mouse. :p

[Airosh]

The mouse looks nice. The most appealing thing to me is that it is quite simple. Some mouses have so many buttons and they seem obtrusive. Currently I am using some really old, as basic as can be mouse, perhaps it is time for a new one, this shall be my first step (or attempt) at a new mouse, if (when) I don't win perhaps I shall start shopping.

Side note, are all good mouses around $60 or $70? I have never really looked at any before.

[Ghostbear]

I prefer simple mice, at least, outwardly simple. A thousand buttons is mostly annoying to me. Yes, the going rate of most "good" gaming mice is around that price range.

[Ghostbear]

Also this is the new score:
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g302/ghostbear1/random%20crap/cute-kitten-502.jpg

[cassiusregicide]

I appreciate that the mouse wheel button is easy to press. My one complaint about my G5 is when things get dicey I screw up that mouse wheel click more often then I would like.

[Troggles]

That headset looks badass. I've been meaning to get a new one for a while now.

[Iron Past]

Good looking mouse and headset. I'm always interested in SteeSeries stuff, but never picked anything up. Nice to know it works well; I always balk a little at how much some of this stuff costs.

[BLeeP]

Also this is the new score:
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g302/ghostbear1/random%20crap/cute-kitten-502.jpg

So ...something got a fifteen?

[Ravenlock]

Nice writeup. My Logitech MX 518 has served me well for a long time, but it's getting dirty and its age is showing. Time for an upgrade, perhaps.

[Reverant]

I like the red colors. I should get one to match our car, tablecloth, wardrobe, dishes, and personal accessories.

Come to think of it, our house has an eerie resemblance to the hotel lobby in The Shining after the blood tsunami pops out of the elevator.

[Libuke]

I like the aesthetics on the both the mouse and the Headset. I've always liked that old world Gothic style the Diablo series uses.

I really do need to get a set of head phones (mine died a long time ago and I never replaced them), however I am not sure I want to spend that much (maybe even if I should), anyone have any suggestions for headsets in a lower price range. Or should I just bite the bullet and buy a headset at about 120?

[soqua]

Old guy questions.

Does the mouse work better with a mousepad, or is the desktop adequate?

What makes the buttons on the side of the mouse preferable to buttons on top of the mouse?

You mentioned that the mouse wasn't your Sensei. Is the Steelseries considered a beginners gamer mouse?

[Ghostbear]

I like the aesthetics on the both the mouse and the Headset. I've always liked that old world Gothic style the Diablo series uses.

I really do need to get a set of head phones (mine died a long time ago and I never replaced them), however I am not sure I want to spend that much (maybe even if I should), anyone have any suggestions for headsets in a lower price range. Or should I just bite the bullet and buy a headset at about 120?
I would suggest getting the SteelSeries Siberia V2 for a cheaper alternative.
Old guy questions.

Does the mouse work better with a mousepad, or is the desktop adequate?

What makes the buttons on the side of the mouse preferable to buttons on top of the mouse?

You mentioned that the mouse wasn't your Sensei. Is the Steelseries considered a beginners gamer mouse?

desktop or mouse pad is fine. I wouldn't say it was preferable to use the side buttons. SteelSeries is the company that made both the Sensei and the Diablo 3 mouse.

[Mike Kelehan]

That's definitely a good looking mouse.

[Deadend]

GB, I don't know if you mentioned it.. but what is the button right below the scroll wheel for? Middle click?

[Ghostbear]

Oh, my apologies, It's a limiter. It will halve your dpi.

[axion]

Then go back to normal if pressed again?

[Ghostbear]

Then go back to normal if pressed again?

Yep. That is true.

[Libuke]

I would suggest getting the SteelSeries Siberia V2 for a cheaper alternative.


Thanks I'll look into it.

[Hawkzombie]

I know I always ask this, but it;s because I prefer heavy mice: Can you adjust the weight?

I was about to buy the Cata mouse, but then realized I had no idea how it ACTUALLY weighed, and there was/is nothing wrong with my current mouse. But my current one has adjustable weight. I put in the max (like 45g) and love it. Now all other mice feel far too flimsy though =\

[Matthias]

When you say PC only for the headset, do you happen to know if this is Windows only, or includes OS X?

Either way, I'm in the market for a nice mouse. I'd probably go with the Sensei on my own dime, but I wouldn't mind winning the giveaway and saving myself a good chunk of change :)

[Crowe]

The only licensed gear I have ever purchased is a Steelseries starcraft 2 mousepad.

I could see myself picking up the D3 mouse on the cheap just to use when playing D3, but my Steel series sensei covers me for all my gaming needs.

[Ghostbear]

I know I always ask this, but it;s because I prefer heavy mice: Can you adjust the weight?

I was about to buy the Cata mouse, but then realized I had no idea how it ACTUALLY weighed, and there was/is nothing wrong with my current mouse. But my current one has adjustable weight. I put in the max (like 45g) and love it. Now all other mice feel far too flimsy though =\

I promise I will let you know if you can adjust the weight. You should just assume you cannot.

[Hawkzombie]

Fuck you, Logitech, for giving me freakish strength in my mouse hand.

[OldeWolf]

Fuck you, Logitech, for giving me freakish strength in my mouse hand.

You're not going to blame the socks for this one? :eek:

[Grifter]

I've pretty much been a Logitec guy for as long as I can remember and have yet to use a Steelseries mouse. The mouse I have now is pretty nice, though I do wish it had more than 3 sensitivity settings.

[Narradisall]

Fuck you, Logitech, for giving me freakish strength in my mouse hand.

That's one nice thing I found about my G5, I go for a slightly heafty weight to it.

Ghost - Are the buttons down the right side any use? I can't imagine using them easily.

[Darkmatter]

Does the middle scroll wheel make any kind of "click" sound when you spin it? I've sort of gotten used to a soft low "bump" sound with my current mouse.


Thanks!

[rahsoul]

The styling is really quite awesome on the mouse. It's a shame the headset isn't more cross platform friendly.

[SilentScreams]

I recently bought a Sensei, so I've gotten my expensive mouse fix for now. The headset is damn nice though. Way nicer than the cheap Sennheiser one I'm using now. I'll be picking one up for sure.

[Ghostbear]

That's one nice thing I found about my G5, I go for a slightly heafty weight to it.

Ghost - Are the buttons down the right side any use? I can't imagine using them easily.
sure, my thumb sits right on it.
Does the middle scroll wheel make any kind of "click" sound when you spin it? I've sort of gotten used to a soft low "bump" sound with my current mouse.

not much of a sound, but you can really feel it.

Thanks!

[TheKeck]

sure, my thumb sits right on it.

Your thumb sits right on the buttons on the right side of the mouse?

[Ghostbear]

Sure, if I hold it in my left hand. I don't normally do that though. Buttons on the on the opposite side of your thumb are not super easy to use. I can sorta use em with my pinkie.

[Mattism]

The mouse looks nice and I think your review was helpful. I might just consider this mouse when I get Diablo 3.

[TheKeck]

Sure, if I hold it in my left hand. I don't normally do that though. Buttons on the on the opposite side of your thumb are not super easy to use. I can sorta use em with my pinkie.

I'm pretty sure the point of the question was, using the mouse in your right hand are the buttons on the right side of any use?

Seems like you've answered here, though. You can sorta use them with your pinky, not very easily.

[Ghostbear]

I'm pretty sure the point of the question was, using the mouse in your right hand are the buttons on the right side of any use?

Seems like you've answered here, though. You can sorta use them with your pinky, not very easily.

No one asked what hand I used :) The mouse is ambidextrous.

[TheKeck]

No one asked what hand I used :) The mouse is ambidextrous.

Hence the confusion. But I'm pretty sure that was his point. :)

[BigJonno]

Has anyone here bought a game-branded mouse/headset/keyboard/whatever just because of the branding? I just wonder how many sales they actually create over and above mice that people were going to by anyway.

The headset does look pretty tasty. I desperately need a decent headset as I'm incredibly paranoid about disturbing my flatmates with my late-night gaming/movie watching habits.

[Ghostbear]

The thing I like about this version of the headset over the base Siberia is the built in sound card, that and it is noticeably lighter.

[violent]

My girlfriend is having her prom next month. I will be wearing the headphones.

[Narradisall]

No one asked what hand I used :) The mouse is ambidextrous.

Heathen devices! Only the pure go one way! Anything else in....unnatural :p

[Ghostbear]

I'm right handed, not some weirdo lefty. :D

[mightbe]

The pretty scroll wheel sold me.

[Narradisall]

I'm right handed, not some weirdo lefty. :D

I'm right handed too, but that device goes both ways!

[Talanvor]

That sure is a purdy looking mouse. Do you think that pattern would wear off with use?

[Grifter]

Has anyone here bought a game-branded mouse/headset/keyboard/whatever just because of the branding? I just wonder how many sales they actually create over and above mice that people were going to by anyway.

It's actually the exact opposite for me. Generally game branded devices will keep me from buying them. Unless the device is exceptional and can't be purchased without the branding I'll always buy the non-branded version.

This may be the one time where that isn't the case though, I like Diablo enough where I don't think it would bother me and I really like the design.

I just wish SteelSeries made a good wireless mouse of this type (without the branding) I need a new wireless for my living room HTPC.

The headset does look pretty tasty. I desperately need a decent headset as I'm incredibly paranoid about disturbing my flatmates with my late-night gaming/movie watching habits.

I've been spending many more late nights in the office playing games or watching TV and I've been having the same problem so I may be looking at this headset with more than passing interest. It would be kind of cool to have matching Peripherals and my keyboard already glows orange so... Besides, I don't think I own any geeky stuff at all at the moment which should probably be remedied ASAP.

[Ghostbear]

The winner of the mouse is violent. post #4. True story, on the random number generator I won 5 times before it picked someone else.

[violent]

Awesome! Think this is the first time I've won anything in this kind of thread and it was the right one. Much thanks.

[Narradisall]

So Ghost, you're getting 5 of the mouses (mice?) as well? :p

[SilentScreams]

It's meeces. Or it should be.

[MjWoZ]

Thanks for the review, I've been looking for a new mouse and this sound like it might fit the bill.

[LarsenNET]

Looks nice, I could useable new mouse.

[TheKeck]

True story, on the random number generator I won 5 times before it picked someone else.

Did you just pick a random post from the thread????? I guess I should have spammed the discussion and/or posted as much as possible.

[Abyssion]

Did you just pick a random post from the thread????? I guess I should have spammed the discussion and/or posted as much as possible.

I was kinda thinking that too... I always assumed the person holding the contest gathered the names of everyone who posted once in the thread, assigned them all a number, then used the RNG to pick the winner...

[TheKeck]

I always assumed the person holding the contest gathered the names of everyone who posted once in the thread, assigned them all a number, then used the RNG to pick the winner...

Same here.

[Narradisall]

I didn't know that, and I was spamming the thread. :D

[Ghostbear]

Did you just pick a random post from the thread????? I guess I should have spammed the discussion and/or posted as much as possible.

Not exactly. I did that at first, realized that was a dumb way to do it. Then collected the names and THEN random generated.

[TheKeck]

Not exactly. I did that at first, realized that was a dumb way to do it. Then collected the names and THEN random generated.

Ah cool. I guess if you had done it the dumb way I would have had a better chance than most anyway. :p