SteelSeries Launches Sensei Pro and Rival Pro Mice With UWB Wireless and 8K Polling

SteelSeries is taking aim at one of the biggest challenges facing high-polling-rate wireless gaming mice with its new Sensei Pro and Rival Pro series. Announced as part of the company’s 25th anniversary celebrations, the new mice combine Ultra-Wideband (UWB) wireless, True 8K polling, lightweight designs, and hot-swappable batteries for competitive gaming.

The new lineup includes the Sensei Pro, Sensei Pro Mini, Rival Pro, and Rival Pro Mini. The full-size models weigh 53 grams, while the Mini versions come in at 49 grams. SteelSeries is retaining the familiar shapes of its Sensei and Rival families while adding new wireless and sensor technology underneath.

The biggest change is the move to UWB wireless. Traditional wireless gaming mice typically operate over the crowded 2.4 GHz spectrum, which can also be used by keyboards, headsets, smartphones, routers, and other devices. SteelSeries’ UWB implementation operates across the 6.4 GHz to 9.056 GHz spectrum and offers roughly 20 times the bandwidth, according to the company.

This wider wireless connection is designed to support a consistent 8,000 Hz polling rate. At 8K, the mouse can report its position up to 8,000 times per second, compared with 1,000 times per second on a standard 1K mouse. SteelSeries says this can reduce input delay while improving tracking and cursor smoothness during fast movements.

The new TrueMove 42K optical sensor supports up to 20K frame captures per second, 800 IPS tracking, and 70G acceleration. A Max Performance Mode keeps the sensor operating at 8K for players who want the highest available polling rate during competitive matches.

Running 8K continuously can place more demand on a wireless mouse battery, so SteelSeries has added its Infinite Power System. The system uses two hot-swappable batteries, allowing one battery to charge while the other powers the mouse. SteelSeries claims up to 32 hours of total battery life at 8K, with 16 hours per battery, or up to 120 hours at 1K.

The mice also use optical switches rated for 100 million clicks, with SteelSeries claiming 0.35 ms click latency. Users can further tune the mice through SteelSeries GG, which includes Rotation Control, Adjustable Lift-Off Distance, Scroll Jump Protection, a Sensitivity Finder, and a Sensitivity Converter. A 3D Aim Trainer is also included for FPS players.

The Sensei and Rival names have been part of SteelSeries’ gaming mouse lineup for more than a decade, with the Sensei introduced in 2011 and Rival following in 2013. The new Pro models keep those established designs while targeting players who want high polling rates without relying solely on conventional 2.4 GHz wireless.

The SteelSeries Sensei Pro, Sensei Pro Mini, Rival Pro, and Rival Pro Mini are available in Black and White colorways. Pre-orders started on September 29, while retail availability is scheduled for October 13.

SteelSeries Sensei Pro & Rival Pro Series — Specifications