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SteelSeries Rival 3 vs HyperX Pulsefire Core
Side-by-Side Comparison
Products
SteelSeries Rival 3
HyperX Pulsefire Core
Tested using Methodology v1.3
Updated Dec 15, 2022 03:41 PM
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Amazon.comTested using Methodology v1.2
Updated Nov 25, 2022 05:36 PM
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ConnectivityWired
TypeStandard
ConnectivityWired
TypeStandard
Variants
- Rival 3 (Black)
- Pulsefire Core (Black)
Our Verdict
SteelSeries Rival 3
HyperX Pulsefire Core
The SteelSeries Rival 3 is a better wired gaming mouse than the HyperX Pulsefire Core. The SteelSeries is significantly lighter and has mouse feet that glide more smoothly. It also has a higher maximum CPI, a more consistent sensor, a much lower click latency, and customization software for Windows and macOS. Comparatively, the HyperX has two buttons behind the scroll wheel, while the SteelSeries only has one. Unfortunately, the HyperX lacks customization software for macOS. Both mice are suitable for all grip types and nearly all hand sizes, but the SteelSeries accommodates more hand sizes using a palm grip.
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Rival 3
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Pulsefire Core
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Rival 3
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Pulsefire Core
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Amazon.comBlack
Pulsefire Core
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Pulsefire Core
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Pulsefire Core
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Amazon.comMain Differences forOffice/Multimedia
Office/Multimedia
Threshold
Office/Multimedia
6.3
7.2
Full Comparison
Design
Style
Style Picture
Type
Standard
Standard
Lighting Color
RGB
RGB
Shape
3D Model
Length
4.8" (121 mm)
4.7" (119 mm)
Height
1.5" (38 mm)
1.6" (41 mm)
Width
2.6" (67 mm)
2.5" (64 mm)
Grip Width
58 mm
60 mm
Portability
5.7
5.7
Portability picture
Volume
18.80 in³ (308 cm³)
19.10 in³ (313 cm³)
Cable/Receiver Storing
No
No
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
Build quality picture
Weight
7.6
6.5
Minimum Weight Picture
Lowest Weight
78.8 g
91.5 g
Default Weight
78.8 g
91.5 g
Weight Distribution
Centered
Centered
Extra Weights
No
No
Comfort Of Use
8.0
8.0
Right-handed
No
Left-Handed Friendly
Yes
No
Ambidextrous
Shape Only
Yes
Coating
Matte
Matte
Finger Rest
No
No
Palm Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
Palm Grip Picture
Small Hand
Yes
Yes
Medium Hand
Yes
Yes
Large Hand
No
Yes
X.Large Hand
No
No
Claw Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
Claw Grip Picture
Small Hand
Yes
Yes
Medium Hand
Yes
Yes
Large Hand
Yes
Yes
X.Large Hand
Yes
Yes
Fingertip Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
Fingertip Grip Picture
Small Hand
No
No
Medium Hand
Yes
Yes
Large Hand
Yes
Yes
X.Large Hand
Yes
Yes
Wireless Versatility
0.0
0.0
Bluetooth
No
No
Maximum Of Paired Devices
Wired
Receiver
No
No
Battery Type
No Batteries
No Batteries
Use When Charging
No
No
On/Off Activation
None
None
Receiver Extender
No
No
Battery Indicator
No
No
Cable
7.0
7.0
Cable Video
Connectivity
Wired
Wired
Cable Length
5.9 ft (1.8 m)
5.9 ft (1.8 m)
Cable Type
Rubber
Braided
Permanent Kink
Yes
Yes
Port Type: Mouse End
No Port
No Port
Port Type: PC End
USB
USB
Mouse Feet
8.0
7.0
Mouse Feet picture
Gliding Experience
Good
Ok
Material
PTFE
PTFE
Extra Included
No
No
In The Box
In the box picture
Control
Additional Buttons
7.1
6.9
Buttons Picture
Buttons Activation
Mechanical
Total Number Of Buttons
6
7
Number Of Side Buttons
2
2
Number Of Programmable Inputs
8
7
Profile Switching Button
Yes
No
CPI (DPI) Switching Button
Yes
Gesture Support
No
No
Click Latency
8.1
6.9
Latency Testing While Gaming
Latency Data
Expected Connection
7.5 ms
13.6 ms
Wired
7.5 ms
13.6 ms
Receiver
N/A
N/A
Bluetooth
N/A
N/A
CPI
8.7
8.3
CPI Video
SRAV Close-Up
SRAV @ 1600 CPI
-0.75%
-1.33%
SRAV @ 800 CPI
-0.63%
-0.83%
SRAV @ 400 CPI
-0.50%
-1.17%
SRAV @ Fixed CPI
N/A
N/A
Precision Error Between Speeds
0.38%
0.55%
Precision Error Between CPI
2.36%
3.50%
Worst Tracking Error
-3.50%
7.50%
Minimum CPI
200 CPI
200 CPI
Maximum CPI
8,500 CPI
6,200 CPI
CPI Adjustment Steps
100 CPI
100 CPI
Sensor Latency
8.9
Sensor Latency Demonstration
Sensor Latency Transition Graph
Sensor Latency CPI Graph
Delay To Start Of Movement
11.7 ms
Delay At Half Movement
3.9 ms
Delay To End Of Movement
5.7 ms
Sensor Specifications
Sensor Technology
Optical (LED)
Optical (LED)
Sensor Model
TrueMove Core
PixArt PMW3327
Works On Glass
No
No
Minimum Lift Off Distance
2.4 mm
2.4 mm
Maximum Polling Rate
1000 Hz
1000 Hz
Mouse Wheel
Mouse wheel picture
Scroll Wheel
Notched Wheel
Notched Wheel
Scroll Wheel Steps
24 Steps
24 Steps
Scroll Wheel Tilt
No
No
Thumb Wheel
No
No
Thumb Wheel Steps
No Thumb Wheel
No Thumb Wheel
Noise
Noise Video
Click Noise
Quiet
Loud
Operating System And Software
Compatible Software Option
10
8.0
Software settings screenshot
Software Name
SteelSeries Engine 3
NGenuity
Software Windows Compatibility
Yes
Yes
Software macOS Compatibility
Yes
No
Account Needed
No
No
On-Board Memory
Yes
Yes
CPI (DPI) Adjustment
Yes
Yes
Polling Rate Adjustment
Yes
Yes
Profile Configuration
Yes
Yes
RGB On/Off
Yes
Yes
Mouse Compatibility
10
10
Windows Compatibility
Fully
Fully
macOS Compatibility
Fully
Fully
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Rival 3
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Pulsefire Core
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Rival 3
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SteelSeries Rival 3
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SteelSeries Rival 3 vs HyperX Pulsefire Core: Main Discussion
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