A good computer mouse makes things more accessible and more tactile for all PC users. There are many brands and variations of mouse models around the world. There isn’t a shortage of mouse innovations and technology that adapts to different PC user needs.
Whether you will work in front of a PC all day or a competitive gamer who will play for long hours, there’s a mouse for you. SteelSeries has various mouse product lines as well. It’s best to assess between two models that are prominent around SteelSeries product users.
The SteelSeries Rival 3 and the SteelSeries Rival 310 are present. If you want to start building your PC for heavier use, why not consider one model from the two contenders?
Let this guide help you in deciding which model is most compatible with you.
Main Differences
- On the SteelSeries Rival 310, a higher DPi can be set (12,000 vs. 8,500 on the Rival 3).
- SteelSeries Rival 310 uses a more advanced sensor than the Rival 3 and has more customization options in this regard.
- The Rival 3 is suitable for left-handed and right-handed users. The Rival 310, on the other hand, is designed for right-handers only.
- The SteelSeries Rival 3 weighs 79 grams, which is less than the SteelSeries Rival 310, which weighs 95 grams.
- The SteelSeries Rival 3 is considerably cheaper than the Rival 310.
Comparison – SteelSeries Rival 3 vs 310
SteelSeries Rival 3 | SteelSeries Rival 310 | |
 |  | |
DPI | 200 DPI to 8,500 DPI | 100 DPI to 12,000 DPI |
DPI Adjustment Steps | 100 DPI | 100 DPI |
Sensor | TrueMove Core (Optical - LED) | TrueMove 3 (Optical - LED) |
Number of Buttons | 6 | 6 |
Number of Side Buttons | 2 | 2 |
Programmable Buttons | ||
Scroll Wheel | notched wheel | notched wheel |
Scroll Wheel Steps | 24 | 24 |
Scroll Wheel Tilt | ||
Thumb Wheel | ||
RGB | ||
Connection | USB port (1,000 Hz) | USB port (1,000 Hz) |
Cable Length | 1.8 m / 5.9 ft. | 2.0 m / 6.6 ft. |
Changeable Cable | ||
Windows | ||
macOS | ||
Chrome OS | not stated | not stated |
Optional extra weights | ||
Weight | 79 g | 95 g |
Warranty | not stated | not stated |
Hand Size Recommendation | ||
Small Hand | ||
Medium Hand | ||
Large Hand | ||
Extra Large Hand | ||
Compatible Software | SteelSeries Engine 3 | SteelSeries Engine 3 |
Windows | ||
macOS | ||
DPI Adjustment | ||
RGB Settings | ||
Profile Conifguration | ||
On-Board Memory |
SteelSeries Rival 3 | SteelSeries Rival 310 |
| | |
DPI 200 DPI to 8,500 DPI | DPI 100 DPI to 12,000 DPI |
DPI Adjustment Steps 100 DPI | DPI Adjustment Steps 100 DPI |
Sensor TrueMove Core (Optical - LED) | Sensor TrueMove 3 (Optical - LED) |
Number of Buttons 6 | Number of Buttons 6 |
Number of Side Buttons 2 | Number of Side Buttons 2 |
Programmable Buttons | Programmable Buttons |
Scroll Wheel notched wheel | Scroll Wheel notched wheel |
Scroll Wheel Steps 24 | Scroll Wheel Steps 24 |
Scroll Wheel Tilt | Scroll Wheel Tilt |
Thumb Wheel | Thumb Wheel |
RGB | RGB |
Connection USB port (1,000 Hz) | Connection USB port (1,000 Hz) |
Cable Length 1.8 m / 5.9 ft. | Cable Length 2.0 m / 6.6 ft. |
Changeable Cable | Changeable Cable |
Windows | Windows |
macOS | macOS |
Chrome OS not stated | Chrome OS not stated |
Optional extra weights | Optional extra weights |
Weight 79 g | Weight 95 g |
Warranty not stated | Warranty not stated |
Recommended Hand Size | Recommended Hand Size |
Small Hand | Small Hand |
Medium Hand | Medium Hand |
Large Hand | Large Hand |
Extra Large Hand | Extra Large Hand |
Compatible Software SteelSeries Engine 3 | Compatible Software SteelSeries Engine 3 |
Windows | Windows |
macOS | macOS |
DPI Adjustment | DPI Adjustment |
RGB Settings | RGB Settings |
Profile Conifguration | Profile Conifguration |
On-Board Memory | On-Board Memory |
Connection and Installation
The first assessment aspect is connection and installation. The most beneficial electronic gadgets are the ones that cater even to non-technical users. Sometimes, the bulk of your setup time may fall on installation and figuring out how to make the mouse work.
Cable connection
There’s no need to worry as these models, Rival 3 and Rival 310, have a simple connection and installation. The Rival 3 uses a cable wire connection with a 1.8 rubberized cable, while the Rival 310 uses a slightly longer cable. The cable of the Rival 310 measures up to 2.0 meters with a rubber cover.
The Rival 3 and Rival 310 have a USB ending for connection. It’s best to get a PC or laptop that has a compatible port. Moreover, both models don’t have options for Bluetooth; there are other models that support receivers.
Software
The SteelSeries Engine software supports almost all the functions of the mouse models. The software is compatible with Mac OS and Windows. There’s no need to create accounts to access the software; upon plug-and-play, make a mouse profile that is unique to you and your preferred mouse settings.
Some of the settings you can modify in the SteelSeries Engine are the following: on-board memory storage, CPI adjustment, polling rate, profile configuration, and RGB configuration.
DPI
The DPI or “dots per inch” is described as the “representation of the movement of the mouse sensor per square inch.”
The DPI range for the Rival 3 is 200 DPI to 8,500 DPI. On the other hand, the DPI of the Rival 310 is 100, DPI to 12,000 DPI. The ideal DPI range for any mouse is 400 DPI to 2000 DPI.
The DPI count affects the cursor movement on-screen. Great mouse models move more accurately in terms of DPI. Depending on whether you want a fast- or slow-moving cursor on-screen upon mouse movement, you can adjust these settings on the SteelSeries Engine software.
Optical Sensor
Sensor technology is the core of any mouse model. Users would want a mouse that works on various surfaces. Take note; you may not be in a setting or location with a surface allowable for mouse use. A reliable optical sensor works on multiple surfaces.
For sensors, the Rival 3 and Rival 310 have different technologies. These mouse models may work differently on other surfaces.
The Rival 3 and Rival 310 use an Optical LED sensor. They differ in the model of Optical LED sensor per model. The Rival 3 uses a TrueMove Core, while the Rival 310 uses a TrueMove Core 3. The LED sensors may not work on surfaces such as glass, so it’s better to check your setup first to avoid the minor inconvenience of a relatively unresponsive mouse.
The TrueMove Core 3 has better and more advanced options for modifications. You can find the various things you can customize in the SteelSeries Engine software easily accessible on the SteelSeries website for the models.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics plays a significant role in giving you high levels of comfort and easy mouse use. Nobody wants to use a mouse that doesn’t fit well with their hand size or dominant hand.
Form and design
Both the Rival 3 and Rival 310 have simple designs that don’t sacrifice features and necessary functions.
The Rival 3 has two buttons on the left side with an RGB lighting strip at the bottom. This mouse model is ambidextrous and supports both left-hand and right-hand use. The mouse material is matte, and the mouse model sports a low-profile and straightforward look that makes it seem like a typical office mouse.
The Rival 310 has slightly different looks with a texture rubber side on the left. The Rival 310 is bigger than the Rival 3. The material of the Rival 310 is also matte with high-end plastic support for a durable casing. The Rival 310 is geared more towards a right-hand user experience than an ambidextrous design.
Hand size
The Rival 3 measures like this: 121mm (l) by 38mm (h) by 67mm (w) with a 58mm grip width. The Rival 310 measures up to 128mm (l) by 42mm (h) by 69mm (w) with a 61mm grip width. The Rival 310 is slightly bulkier than the Rival 3.
The Rival 3 works best for small to medium hand sizes. On the other hand, the Rival 310 can support bigger sizes that span to large hand sizes, depending on the grip style.
Grip style
The Rival 3 works best with the palm grip for small to medium hand sizes (14 to 19.5 cm wrist line to fingertip). For claw grip and fingertip grip, users with medium to extra-large hand sizes (17 to 24 cm wrist line to fingertip) may find an easier time using the model.
The Rival 310 works best for palm grip, supporting all hand sizes (14 to 24 cm wrist line to fingertip). The Rival 310 works best with a claw grip for users from medium to extra-large hand sizes (17 to 24 cm wrist line to fingertip). The fingertip grip only works with high ease of use for extra-large hand sizes (20 to 24 cm wrist line to fingertip).
Special Functions
Both Rival 3 and Rival 310 have different features. These features may make or break your perception of choosing the model.
Rival 3 features
- Durable and lightweight design
- Guaranteed 60 million click switches by SteelSeries
- Ambidextrous support
- Better click latency at 14 ms versus Rival 310 model’s click latency at 15 ms
- On-board memory with 3-zone RGB
Rival 310 features
- SteelSeries innovation as the world’s first true 1 to 1 esports sensor with TrueMove 3
- Wide range of adjustable CPI for more accurate and faster cursor movement
- Silicone side grip and ergonomic design
- Split trigger side buttons
- SteelSeries PrismsSync gear for PC setup level up of RGB lights
Price
The Rival 3 costs 39.99 USD, while the Rival 310 costs 69.99 USD. The Rival 310 outprices the Rival 3 and costs around two-thirds more than the Rival 3.
Conclusion – SteelSeries Rival 3 vs 310
The best mouse is the one that fits your needs and lasts a long time. Depending on the usage style of any user, compatibility should be the deciding factor for any person who purchases the mouse model.
The Rival 3 works best as an office cursor with longer use time. With its ambidextrous nature, the Rival 3 fits all people and doesn’t sacrifice ease of use depending on hand dominance. The better click latency of the mouse makes it a more responsive model than the Rival 310, which makes it perfect if you’re in a rush to finish something at work.
The Rival 310 works best as a gaming mouse for right-hand users. If you are left-handed, you might think twice before purchasing this model. The build of the Rival 310 is geared towards better gaming performance, given that the optical sensor model is an upgrade.
