SteelSeries Prime Wireless  Mouse Review

Reviewed Aug 04, 2021 at 10:20am
Test bench update Feb 22, 2023 at 09:59am
Tested using Methodology v1.3 
SteelSeries Prime Wireless

Track

0.0
Office/Multimedia 
0.0
Video Games (FPS) 
0.0
Video Games (MMO) 
0.0
Travel 

Track

 2

The SteelSeries Prime Wireless is a great wireless gaming mouse. It's lightweight, and it has an ergonomic right-handed shape well-suited for nearly all hand sizes using a palm or claw grip. It feels very well-built, and you can connect it either wired or wirelessly with its USB receiver. Performance-wise, you can adjust the CPI within a wide range by increments of 100, and it has a low lift-off distance. It also has good click latency that's likely to be sufficient for most users, but it's marginally higher when used wirelessly and higher than other high-end gaming mice overall.

Our Verdict

0.0
Office/Multimedia 

Although not designed for this use, the SteelSeries Prime Wireless is good for office and multimedia work. It feels very well-built, and you can use it either wired or wirelessly with its USB receiver. It has a slightly textured body and an ergonomic right-handed shape that's well-suited for almost all hand sizes using a palm or claw grip. There's a good number of buttons you can program using the companion software that's compatible with Windows and macOS. Unfortunately, it doesn't support Bluetooth, and the mouse wheel lacks L/R tilt buttons and doesn't unlock for free scrolling.

Pros
  • Feels very sturdy.
  • Customization software is compatible with Windows and macOS.
Cons
  • Mouse wheel lacks L/R tilt buttons and doesn't unlock for free scrolling.
0.0
Video Games (FPS) 

The SteelSeries Prime Wireless is a great FPS gaming mouse. It's lightweight, and it has a slightly textured, very sturdy feeling solid plastic body. Its right-handed shape is well-suited for nearly all hand sizes using a palm or claw grip and a fingertip grip for larger hands. Performance-wise, you can adjust the CPI setting by increments of 100 within a wide range. It also has a low lift-off distance, though it isn't as low as some gaming mice. Also, while the click latency is good, it's higher than many other similar gaming mice and FPS gamers may prefer something more responsive.

Pros
  • Feels very sturdy.
  • Fairly lightweight.
  • Mouse feet glide exceptionally smooth.
  • Charging cable has a USB-C connector.
Cons
  • CPI button is on the underside, making on-the-fly changes difficult.
0.0
Video Games (MMO) 

The SteelSeries Prime Wireless is a good mouse for MMO gaming, but it doesn't have nearly as many side buttons as a dedicated MMO mouse. That said, it feels very well-built, and you can program all of the buttons using the customization software compatible with Windows and macOS. Performance-wise, you can adjust the CPI within a wide range and by increments of 100. Unfortunately, while the lift-off distance is low, it isn't as low as on some other mice, and there's no option to adjust it. Also, the click latency is good, but it's somewhat higher when you use the mouse wirelessly, and some gamers may prefer a more responsive-feeling option.

Pros
  • Feels very sturdy.
  • Customization software is compatible with Windows and macOS.
  • Charging cable has a USB-C connector.
Cons
  • CPI button is on the underside, making on-the-fly changes difficult.
  • Not nearly as many side buttons as a dedicated MMO mouse.
0.0
Travel 

The SteelSeries Prime Wireless is adequate for travel use, but it's bulky and may not fit most laptop cases. It also lacks Bluetooth support and doesn't have a compartment for storing its USB receiver. Nevertheless, it feels very well-built, and it has onboard memory, allowing you to use custom settings on computers without the companion software installed.

Pros
  • Feels very sturdy.
Cons
  • Bulky; may not fit in most laptop cases.
  • 0.0
    Office/Multimedia
  • 0.0
    Video Games (FPS)
  • 0.0
    Video Games (MMO)
  • 0.0
    Travel
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Feb 22, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3. This update adds a new Sensor Latency test and makes minor changes to several of our existing tests, resulting in test result changes in several sections. For more information, you can check out our full changelog here.
    2.  Updated Sep 28, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update simplifies our Weight test and expands on our CPI test from Test Bench 1.1, resulting in changes to test results in both sections. For more details, you can see our complete changelog here.
    3.  Updated Sep 21, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.1. This update revamps our Click Latency test and results in changes to test results. For more details, you can see our full changelog here.
    4.  Updated Aug 04, 2021: Review published.

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    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    The SteelSeries Prime Wireless belongs to a lineup of three similar mice that share the same ergonomic shape. This is the wireless version based on the SteelSeries Prime. There's also a SteelSeries Prime+, which is a wired model with an OLED screen and a secondary sensor. The model we tested is black, and there are no other color variants. You can see the label for our unit here.

    Popular Mouse Comparisons

    SteelSeries Prime Wireless is an excellent FPS gaming mouse and one of three mice in the SteelSeries Prime lineup. It shares the same shape as the other two mice and is the only variant that you can connect wirelessly. Unfortunately, this makes it heavier than its counterparts. Also, you can't adjust its CPI as precisely, and the minimum lift-off distance is higher and can't be adjusted as it can on the SteelSeries Prime+.

    For other recommendations, check out our picks for the best wireless gaming mice, the best gaming mice, and the best SteelSeries mice.

    Logitech G Pro Wireless

    Track

    The Logitech G Pro Wireless is a better gaming mouse than the SteelSeries Prime Wireless. Both mice weigh virtually the same and connect wirelessly with their USB receivers. The Logitech has an ambidextrous shape with two side buttons on either side. It also has a more consistent sensor, a lower lift-off distance, a more precisely adjustable CPI, and lower click latency. Comparatively, the SteelSeries has a right-handed shape and mouse feet that glide more smoothly. It also has a more flexible charging cable with a USB-C connector, while the Logitech has a stiff cable with an older micro-USB connector.

    Logitech G PRO X SUPERLIGHT

    Track

    The Logitech G PRO X SUPERLIGHT is a better wireless gaming mouse than the SteelSeries Prime Wireless. The Logitech is significantly lighter and has mouse feet that glide even more smoothly. It also has a wider CPI range, a CPI you can adjust more precisely, a lower lift-off distance, and a much lower click latency. Comparatively, the SteelSeries has an RGB lighting zone in its scroll wheel, while the Logitech lacks lighting altogether. It also has a more flexible charging cable with a USB-C connector, while the Logitech has a stiff rubber charging cable that uses an older micro-USB connector.

    SteelSeries Prime Mini Wireless

    Track

    The SteelSeries Prime Mini Wireless is a scaled-down version of the SteelSeries Prime Wireless. The Mini Wireless is somewhat lighter and has a lower lift-off distance. It also has marginally lower click latency. Both mice are suitable for all grip types and most hand sizes, but the Prime Wireless is better suited for larger hands, while the Mini Wireless is more accommodating to smaller-sized hands.

    SteelSeries Prime

    Track

    The SteelSeries Prime Wireless is a wireless version of the SteelSeries Prime. The Prime is a wired-only model that's lighter. Its sensor has a lower lift-off distance and allows you to set the CPI lower and adjust it more precisely by increments of 50. On the other hand, the Prime Wireless has better quality mouse feet that glide more smoothly. Its cable also has a USB-C connector, making it much easier to replace than the cable on the Prime, which has an older micro-USB connector.

    Show more 

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
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    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Style
    Type
    LockedStandard
    Lighting ColorLockedLocked

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    Shape
    LengthLockedLock" (Lock mm)
    HeightLockedLock" (Lock mm)
    WidthLockedLock" (Lock mm)
    Grip Width
    LockedLock mm
    0.0
    Portability
    Volume
    LockedLock in³ (Lock cm³)
    Cable/Receiver Storing
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Build Quality

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    0.0
    Weight
    Lowest Weight
    LockedLock g
    Default Weight
    LockedLock g
    Weight Distribution
    LockedLocked
    Extra Weights
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Comfort Of Use
    Left-Handed Friendly
    LockedLocked
    Ambidextrous
    LockedLocked
    Coating
    LockedLocked
    Finger Rest
    LockedLocked

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    Palm Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
    Small Hand
    LockedLocked
    Medium Hand
    LockedLocked
    Large Hand
    LockedLocked
    X.Large Hand
    LockedLocked

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    Claw Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
    Small Hand
    LockedLocked
    Medium Hand
    LockedLocked
    Large Hand
    LockedLocked
    X.Large Hand
    LockedLocked

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    Fingertip Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
    Small Hand
    LockedLocked
    Medium Hand
    LockedLocked
    Large Hand
    LockedLocked
    X.Large Hand
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Wireless Versatility
    Bluetooth
    LockedLocked
    Maximum Of Paired Devices
    LockedLocked
    Receiver
    LockedLocked
    Battery Type
    LockedLocked
    Use When Charging
    LockedLocked
    On/Off Activation
    LockedLocked
    Receiver Extender
    LockedLocked
    Battery IndicatorLockedLocked

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    0.0
    Cable
    SAMPLE
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    SteelSeries Prime Wireless Cable Video Sample
    ConnectivityLockedWireless
    Cable Length
    LockedLock ft (Lock m)
    Cable Type
    LockedLocked
    Permanent Kink
    LockedLocked
    Port Type: Mouse End
    LockedLocked
    Port Type: PC End
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Mouse Feet
    Gliding Experience
    LockedLocked
    Material
    LockedLocked
    Extra Included
    LockedLocked

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    In The Box

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    Control
    0.0
    Additional Buttons
    Total Number Of Buttons
    LockedLock
    Number Of Side Buttons
    LockedLock
    Number Of Programmable Inputs
    LockedLock
    Profile Switching Button
    LockedLocked
    Gesture Support
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Click Latency
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    SteelSeries Prime Wireless Latency Testing While Gaming Sample
    Expected Connection
    LockedLock ms
    Wired
    LockedLock ms
    Receiver
    LockedLock ms
    Bluetooth
    LockedN/A

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    0.0
    CPI
    SAMPLE
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    SteelSeries Prime Wireless CPI Video Sample
    SRAV @ 1600 CPI
    LockedLock%
    SRAV @ 800 CPI
    LockedLock%
    SRAV @ 400 CPI
    LockedLock%
    SRAV @ Fixed CPI
    LockedN/A
    Precision Error Between Speeds
    LockedLock%
    Precision Error Between CPI
    LockedLock%
    Worst Tracking Error
    LockedLock%
    Minimum CPI
    LockedLock CPI
    Maximum CPI
    LockedLock CPI
    CPI Adjustment Steps
    LockedLock CPI
    0.0
    Sensor Latency
    SAMPLE
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    SteelSeries Prime Wireless Sensor Latency Demonstration Sample
    Delay To Start Of Movement
    LockedLock ms
    Delay At Half Movement
    LockedLock ms
    Delay To End Of Movement
    LockedLock ms
    Sensor Specifications
    Sensor Technology
    LockedLocked
    Sensor Model
    LockedLocked
    Works On Glass
    LockedLocked
    Minimum Lift Off Distance
    LockedLock mm
    Maximum Polling Rate
    LockedLocked

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    Mouse Wheel
    Scroll Wheel
    LockedLocked
    Scroll Wheel Steps
    LockedLocked
    Scroll Wheel Tilt
    LockedLocked
    Thumb Wheel
    LockedLocked
    Thumb Wheel Steps
    LockedLocked

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    Noise
    SAMPLE
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    SteelSeries Prime Wireless Noise Video Sample
    Click Noise
    LockedLocked
    Operating System And Software
    0.0
    Compatible Software Option
    Software NameLockedLocked
    Software Windows Compatibility
    LockedLocked
    Software macOS Compatibility
    LockedLocked
    Account Needed
    LockedLocked
    On-Board Memory
    LockedLocked
    CPI (DPI) Adjustment
    LockedLocked
    Polling Rate Adjustment
    LockedLocked
    Profile Configuration
    LockedLocked
    RGB On/Off
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Mouse Compatibility
    Windows CompatibilityLockedLocked
    macOS CompatibilityLockedLocked

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