Did you know that the quality of your mouse can make or break your game?
If you are an avid gamer, you know that there is truth to this. With a high-quality gaming mouse, you can expect to level up your game performance. Each design, feature or specification plays an important role so you can get as comfortable and inspired as possible. Otherwise, you will only feel frustrated experiencing mouse lags and, of course, will end up losing.
Now, if you are on the lookout for a new mouse to use and can’t choose between a SteelSeries Rival 3 and Logitech G203, we’ll help you make a well-informed decision by comparing their best features, design, and specifications here. Read on!
Main Differences
There are not too many differences between the two mice. Both have a similar look, similar functions, and almost identical technical specifications. The SteelSeries Rival 3 has a slightly better sensor. In the end, you have to decide which of these factors is more important to you and which price fits your budget.
Comparison – SteelSeries Rival 3 vs Logitech G203
SteelSeries Rival 3 | Logitech G203 | |
 |  | |
DPI | 200 DPI to 8,500 DPI | 200 DPI to 8,000 DPI |
DPI Adjustment Steps | 100 DPI | 500 DPI |
Sensor | TrueMove Core (Optical - LED) | Mercury (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. | 2.1 m / 6.89 ft. |
Changeable Cable | ||
Windows | ||
macOS | ||
Chrome OS | not stated | |
Optional extra weights | ||
Weight | 79 g | 85 g |
Warranty | not stated | 2 years |
Hand Size Recommendation | ||
Small Hand | ||
Medium Hand | ||
Large Hand | ||
Extra Large Hand | ||
Compatible Software | SteelSeries Engine 3 | Logitech G Hub |
Windows | ||
macOS | ||
DPI Adjustment | ||
RGB Settings | ||
Profile Conifguration | ||
On-Board Memory |
SteelSeries Rival 3 | Logitech G203 |
| | |
DPI 200 DPI to 8,500 DPI | DPI 200 DPI to 8,000 DPI |
DPI Adjustment Steps 100 DPI | DPI Adjustment Steps 500 DPI |
Sensor TrueMove Core (Optical - LED) | Sensor Mercury (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 2.1 m / 6.89 ft. |
Changeable Cable | Changeable Cable |
Windows | Windows |
macOS | macOS |
Chrome OS not stated | Chrome OS |
Optional extra weights | Optional extra weights |
Weight 79 g | Weight 85 g |
Warranty not stated | Warranty 2 years |
Hand Size Recommendation | Hand Size Recommendation |
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 Logitech G Hub |
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
For the connection, both gaming mice are wired. The SteelSeries Rival 3 is shorter, though, at 5.9 ft. and with the Logitech G203’s cable length at 6.8 ft. As for the quality of the rubber cables of both mice, the SteelSeries has the better one despite the few kinks it got from the packaging. The Logitech G203’s rubber cable, on the other hand, can be somewhat bothersome as it gets tangled at times and causes you to lose your focus on the game.
To connect both gaming mice to your PC, you only need to connect the USB cable to an available USB port in your computer. As soon as it got connected, automatic installation of drivers will start and therefore give basic functionality.
The SteelSeries Rival 3 uses the SteelSeries Engine 3 software. It is compatible with either operating system: Windows or macOS. Even if you choose to customize the mouse settings and use different computers, you can still find all your customized options as they are saved because of the onboard memory. The same is true with Logitech G203’s software, G Hub. You never have to download the software again when using a different computer because it has an onboard memory as well. You’ll have no issue with any operating system as the Logitech mouse works with either Windows or macOS. The G Hub software is exceptional as navigation is so easy and customization options are too many.
DPI
When speaking of DPI, the SteelSeries Rival 3 has a wider DPI range, minimum at 200 and maximum at 8,500. Adjustments can be done in increments of 100. Okay, the maximum DPI is not as high compared to others, but for the majority of avid gamers, this is already high enough. The Logitech G203, on the other hand, has a minimum DPI of 200 and a maximum DPI of 8000.
Comparing their polling rates, both offer superb polling rates at 1000Hz. As a gamer, you will be able to enjoy your gameplay because of the smoother cursor movement of both gaming mice.
Optical Sensor
Both gaming mice use the Optical (LED) sensor technology, which offers reliability when it comes to mouse movement. However, they differ in sensor model as SteelSeries Rival 3 has Mercury and Logitech G203 has TrueMove Core.
The Optical (LED) sensor technology, however, is not like the laser that comes as a better choice if you are working on a variety of surfaces.
Ergonomics
Logitech G203 fits the small, medium, large, and extra-large hands; thus, the size of your hand will not be an issue if you choose to buy this gaming mouse. The same works for SteelSeries Rival 3, except that it does not fit gamers with small hands.
You will love the well-rounded design of the Logitech mouse as it is suitable for your fingertip grip. Reaching and controlling all buttons are easier than other gaming mice. The same is true with SteelSeries Rival 3, except that it does not fit gamers with smaller hands. They will have difficulty touching the scroll wheel.
SteelSeries Rival 3 is not made for palm grip. It can be perfect for smaller and medium-sized hands and not for large and extra-large hands. This, however, is designed perfectly for claw grip as it can work for any size of hand: small, medium, large or extra-large. Holding the mouse and reaching the buttons will never be a problem.
Similar to SteelSeries Rival 3, Logitech G203 is not perfectly suited for all sizes of hands when used with a palm grip. It will only be comfortable for those with small and medium-sized hands. When in claw grip, with two fingers all curled up, gamers with small, medium, and large-sized hands can control the mouse comfortably—except for those with extra-large hands because they can find the mouse too small and short for them.
Special Functions
The SteelSeries Rival 3 has eight programmable buttons, including the two side buttons and the up and down scroll. You will find the side buttons, which are a bit elevated in the center, difficult to press—unless your thumb is always positioned on them. But just the same, with the buttons somewhat stiff, it will still be bothersome. There’s also the CPI switching button that makes it easier for you to switch the sensitivity of the mouse and the profile switching button that lets you change the function of the programmable buttons depending on the software you are using. This feature is very important if you are using different software.
The CPI switch button of the Logitech G203 limits your switches to just a couple of set CPI sensitivities. This is fewer compared to other gaming mice that allow you to change to a few more settings. Hold the G-Shift button and you can switch the control settings to a new set thereby improving the number of commands you can do.
Price
As of this writing, the Logitech G203 is priced at $53.77 on Amazon.com. At Best Buy, SteelSeries Rival 3 comes at a much lower price–$29.99. That’s a huge price difference!
Conclusion – SteelSeries Rival 3 vs Logitech G203
Which one should you trust to help you level up your gaming? The price can help you decide which one to buy if you will depend highly on your budget. But, if the price is not an issue as long as you get the best gaming mouse, the specifications and features must be the factors to consider when making a purchase.
There’s no doubt that the Logitech G203 Prodigy and the SteelSeries Rival 3 are superior wired gaming mice. Are both easy and comfortable to use even with claw grip and palm grip? With claw grip, both mice are ideal for all hand sizes, except for Logitech G203 that may not be comfortable for gamers with extra-large hands as they may find it too small for this type of grip. For the palm grip, they are the same in that they are recommended for small and medium-sized hands. Gamers with large and extra-large hands can still use them with palm grip but they may find both mice too small.
The SteelSeries, at low CPI variation, offers amazing sensor performance. The side buttons may be a bit difficult to press, however, and the low profile scroll wheel may not work for every gamer. When it comes to the design, the Logitech G203 is well-built, considering its price. The performance is first-rate as well. But when speaking of ergonomic design, it’s the SteelSeries Rival 3 that’s best.
