Lift distance on Ikari Laser and Ikari Optical
We have received comments and questions regarding our lift distance on the Ikari mice - this blog post outlines the hard numbers and the reasoning for how they function. Very basically put, the lift distance and tracking in the Ikari Optical go hand in hand. One design decision we had to make during development was this:
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1) Use a strong light source: results in better tracking, but lift distance increases.
2) Use a reduced light source: results in lower lift distance, but tracking goes down, possibility of skipping goes up.
The lift distance on both Ikari Laser and Ikari Optical were fine-tuned to provide the best possible tracking – and we spent a lot of time tuning this aspect of both products. Lift distance will vary from surface to surface as various factors influence the distance, such as reflection, texturing, material and optimizations of the surface (some of our mouse pads are optimized for optical, some for laser).
We have made a breakdown of lift distances on various surfaces - as the Ikari Optical is using the same technology as a number of other gaming mice in the market, some of these numbers might look familiar.
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SteelSeries Ikari Optical (official lift distance: 3.5 mm)
SteelSeries Experience I-2, black: 1.2 mm
SteelSeries Experience I-2, white: 0.8 mm
SteelSeries 4D (rough side): 3.5 mm
SteelSeries 4D (shiny side): 3.5 mm
SteelSeries S&S: 5 mm
SteelSeries SP: 5.5 mm
SteelSeries SX: 3 mm
SteelSeries 5L: 3.5 mm
SteelSeries QcK-series: 3.5 mm
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SteelSeries Ikari Laser (official lift distance: 1.8 mm)
SteelSeries Experience I-2, black: 1.1 mm
SteelSeries Experience I-2, white: 1.2 mm
SteelSeries 4D (rough side): 1 mm
SteelSeries 4D (shiny side) (not recommended for tracking with laser)
SteelSeries S&S: 1 mm
SteelSeries SP: 1.1 mm
SteelSeries SX: 1.3 mm
SteelSeries 5L: 1.8 mm
SteelSeries QcK-series: 1.8 mm
As you can see above, the differences between the optical and laser technologies we utilize are huge.
At the moment we are not planning a firmware update to Ikari Optical but if you would like to lower the lift distance by physically adding more distance from the sensor to the surface, we recommend to use no more than 0,5mm extra spacing to maintain consistent tracking at high speeds. This could simply be done by adding an extra pair of glides. For the rest of the year these are available at an introduction price from our webshop: SteelSeries Glide Ikari.
If you are looking for the lowest lift distance, we recommend the Ikari Laser. While previous laser mice (in our opinion) have had some performance issues for FPS-gamers, the Ikari Laser is a different animal as it sports 40.000 samples per second and CPI increments of 1. This is not really meant to be a sales pitch – talk to gamers who have bought the mouse, read the reviews, then make your own decision.
/Tino
November 30th, 2007 00:59
thank you, ss…for the reply of liftoff issue…now I may just make my mind up about buying Ikari laser
November 30th, 2007 01:57
What a shame :( Was looking forward to Ikari but they state the laser is better for MMO/RTS so ill just stick to my iME
November 30th, 2007 02:31
Why in the world would you make a mouse and not test it? I simply cant believe ANYONE has ever tested the ikari optical IN A GAME, without noticing that its absolutely useless with this high tracking distance. If your not planning on making any chances to the firmware to fix this problem, i guess i have to return it and get my money back. Thanks for once again lying in the blog :(
November 30th, 2007 02:44
i just filed the RMA, about exchanging to a laser, but now i just want to return it for good and get my money back. I will be good with my IE3 ss
November 30th, 2007 08:10
How did you reach the conclusion that SteelSeries did not test the mouse? The blog clearly stated that they had to compromise between tracking performance and lift-off; they settled for 3.5mm.
Tje lift-off distance is also in the official specifications, which was released weeks ago.
Ikari Optical specification page http://www.steelseries.com/int/products/mice/ikari_optical/specifications
November 30th, 2007 09:14
Nathan, if you are saying everywhere “this mouse is perfect for fps fast paced games, this mouse is tested by pro. players” and so on, its just ridiculous, because no average good player would tell you that this mouse is a good mouse, when you cant make a fast move where you lift and move the mouse. Its simply just not possible when you have to lift the mouse that high for it not to turn the wrong way.
And about the specifications, how the hell am i supposed to know the average lift in mm on the other mice? No consumer knows that stuff as its never been a problem with any other companys.
November 30th, 2007 09:42
boNe, as stated earlier, the technology in Ikari Optical is actually used in a number of other mice on the market. The numbers you are seeing in our mice are numbers you will see in other (high praised) products on the market. You might not like the product, and then you are entitled to return and get a refund. Accusing us of lying or not testing the product.. is just lame. Really.
November 30th, 2007 12:49
Looks like it was a good idear going from my old 5L to SX now that I am getting my ikari laser tomorrow (Was dead on arrival at first)
November 30th, 2007 13:18
SS Ikari Optical:
Stop saying “without noticing that its absolutely useless with this high tracking distance”. I have played with it for 2 days now, and it is abosolutly the best mouse i ever tried( of G5, IME 3.0, Copperhead, Deathadder, mx518)
And my conclusion is , that the lift-off distance is the same as the IME 3.0, which i switced from.
You just ahve to get used to lift your mouse i lil bit higher, it aint that high as many says.
I use a Qck+, with 3/11 in windows, 600 CPI in the SS driver, and 1.5 sensitivity ingame. And i is great mouse, no skipping at all, and when you get used to lift the mouse, then you can make fast 180*.
To Steelseries :
Thanks for making this mouse, finally i found the mouse i was looking for, and now i can focus 100% on the game (cs 1.6) and not blame the mouse on skipping.
November 30th, 2007 13:33
I agree with Cipher , this Ikari Optical is absolutely brilliant . It’s better than any mouse i’ve ever used ( IME 3.0 , G5 , DeathAdder , mx512 )
Yes and that lift-distance just a lillte bit higher than IME 3.0 ( I use Everglide Titan pad ) , but that lift distance doens’t cause any problem to me .
I think i’ll never change my mouse again . Ikari optical is just so perfect
November 30th, 2007 14:02
cipher,f0cus…I would say you two have absolutely no sense what you are talking about…MIE3.0 has a liftoff of 1.5mm max,if not,lower…3.5mm is a little bit higher?use your math sense…and rom,why does Ikari Optical have prediction and can’t be tuned when you says that you could tune the prediction at both versions…and who tested Ikari Optical,I see no point of having Glossy over matte finish for PRO’s…also,as the liftoff issue stated,if that sensor has to have 3.5mm to track well as just 6500sps,then what about MIE3.0…the new one just tracks at 9000fps with the same liftoff as the old ones(around 1.5mm)…1 user of Laser did testing on Laser Ikari,and he said that it seemed to skip when using Laser Ikari with 42+cm/360 ingame sens(fast swiping)…
November 30th, 2007 14:18
Lifting your mouse 3.5 mm each time you swipe your mouse,because the sensor is developed like it?no point to change your preference,the thing is SteelSeries should have concerned about this issue with low sens gamers…lifting higher will mean longer time to swipe which affects gameplay and also higher liftoff is no pt since the higher it is,the more chance it tracks wrong(the gamer may not want to go cerain pt,but cuz it tracks at that height,the mouse goes to certain point)…strong light source is kind of an excuse…study how microsoft does it with “weak” light source and tracks better at 9000fps…
November 30th, 2007 14:43
I have to admit Ikari has an unbeatable shape,which steelseries did a really good job on it…but the sensor of Optical has prediction and liftoff issue,the sensor of Laser has a malfunction speed when using 42+cm/360 ingame
November 30th, 2007 14:46
xet i agree with you about that , but the lift distance is Different for some pads , with my Everglide Titan , the Ikari Optical lift distance is just a bit higher . Anyway , that lift distance doesn’t cause me any problems . Low sens players might have . Remember what SS said before , Ikari Laser is not good for FAST movement , so it might skip . I ‘ve never had any skip on the Optical . I think the fps over 6000 is good for gaming . Like i used DeathAdder ( fps about 7000 , im not sure ) which has fps lower than IME 3.0 ( fps 9000 ) , it’s still give me a good performance .
May be with you , it’s not perfect , or you don’t like the way its movement . But with me , Ikari Optical gives me the best performance ever
November 30th, 2007 16:12
I too am interested in why the ikari optical has mouse correction on it when it was stated quite clearly in the steelseries interview on GotFrag that the main factor differing this mouse from its competitors, was the fact they had removed the mouse correction
November 30th, 2007 16:15
“This is not really meant to be a sales pitch – talk to gamers who have bought the mouse, read the reviews, then make your own decision.”
That doesn’t seem to be the best advice, if you want to sell some mice. I’ve read nothing but complaints from people about the Ikari the last couple of days.
Bit of a disappointment I’d say, judging by the blog you initially posted back in the start of September.
http://www.fragyou.net/?page_id=24
Guessing I shouldn’t have “believed the hype” .. :)
I fail to see why any actual pro players would use this, I mean - if so many casual players have a problem with it, it must be horrible for an ACTUAL good player to use it.
November 30th, 2007 16:44
OMG STFU!
Just get used to lift you fucking hand 3.5mm off the pass jesus christ….
This mouse is the best mouse i have ever tryed, and i play with and extremly low sens, around 3 swips to do 180* on my Qck+.
November 30th, 2007 16:44
*mousepad
November 30th, 2007 17:23
wow, Cipher you’ve just shown your age lol.
next time you’re trying to get your point across try doing it without insults or swearing, that way maybe people will pay attention
November 30th, 2007 17:24
I’d take the malfunction speed of the laser with a pinch of salt until its been tested properly.
3.5mm is way to high and most good players wont touch it.
November 30th, 2007 17:26
i just can’t take people who cant lift their hand 3.5mm..
November 30th, 2007 17:29
well, i agree with cipher.
The first time i used it, i thought it was too high, but now after 4 days i have used me to lift my hand 2mm more, i think most of you just should train with the mouse, and get used to the lift-off distance.
the rest of the mouse is just so goooooooood!
November 30th, 2007 17:39
its got nothing to do with how far you have to lift the mouse, its the fact it still tracks as you lift.
so if your playing low sens and you get to edge of the pad as you lift and move the mouse still tracks, just in that small amount of time as its coming up and still being moved in one direction.
this is the reason people have always liked low lift off.
November 30th, 2007 17:55
yes but when you play with low sens, that little 1mm its tracks in the air when you lidt it, doesn’t do much diffrence, its so little it moves.
by the way, i think this mouse is much better than the average mice’s like. IME 3.0, G5 and the mx series. Yet if some mouse should be better than this one it should be deathadder.
But this is steelseries first attempt, on making their own mouse from the scrath.
And they made a very good mouse, just some people flame it, it doesn’t deserve that.
Its only the little lift off problem, and for me, what counts is that it doesn’t skip..
November 30th, 2007 18:01
its not from scratch lol.
and its not 1mm its 3.5mm big difference.
November 30th, 2007 18:13
no you mis understand me, it will only move 1mm on the screen, which doesn’t make a diffrence on the screen.
November 30th, 2007 18:15
*for low sens gamers, but for high sens gamers, it will move alot on the screen when you lift the mouse, but low sens wont make a much diffrence. High sens players should buy the laser.
November 30th, 2007 18:17
how can you say 1mm when you don’t know the speed of the mouse lift or the lateral movement speed during the lift off?
November 30th, 2007 18:18
because speed have no influece, only if you have mouse acceleration off. Read your homework..
November 30th, 2007 18:18
hehe accel on*
November 30th, 2007 18:19
“speed have no influence”
i do hope your joking.
November 30th, 2007 18:21
f0cus…i agree with you, the fact is as long as the mouse tracks at 6000+fps,it won’t skip(for optical mice,Original MIE3.0 and IO1.1 both have 6000fps,they track perfect),i was just saying the whole strong light source thingy was an excuse…when Microsoft can even improve to 9000fps with the same liftoff(same “weak” light source) and also DK has the point…Crash_ clearly stated that Ikari Laser was actually developed MORE THAN PERFECT for FPS…which means should be capable with low sens fast movement and high sens fast movement…but in fact it doesn’t…
November 30th, 2007 19:04
To xet:
I don’t know how you can base your knowledge on some random comment you’ve read on a forum. I’ve personally done a lot of testing and gaming with the Ikari Laser and I couldn’t make it skip at all. Wait until you’ve read some proper reviews before you judge the mouse :-)
November 30th, 2007 19:13
crash what sort of cm/360 have you tested it at? i’m thinking of trying the laser as the optical is too high for me.
i use 3.4 6/11 400dpi which is 30cm/360
not that low really
thanks
November 30th, 2007 20:22
Rom, then tell me, which players have not raised concern towards the lift distance issue? I would be very surprised if anyone would put their name on this product when it has such an obvious and serious flaw (looking at it from a CS player’s pov). I just don’t believe that any cs player (any good ones) would not notice that you can’t do a liftmove without screwing up and turning the wrong way.
November 30th, 2007 20:57
Crash_, I think that xet saw it on gotfrag forum,there was a guy with Laser did several testings with the Laser Ikari,and he found that Laser Ikari has a negative accel while having a sens of 42cm/360,which he stated that lower sens(or 42+cm/360)Ikari Laser will skip… and did you test with the Ikari Optical, tbh you didn’t think its liftoff was high? I’ve submitted the form to return for exchange and bought a Laser,hopefully Laser will bring me hopes :D
December 1st, 2007 01:20
I was the one on fpslabs who did that testing. It was somewhat scientific, but I don’t have everything I need to properly test the laser.
I say everybody hold your horses on the laser until formal testing comes out. Then you can make an informed decision.
As for myself, I’m very happy with the laser.
December 1st, 2007 01:41
#8 haha, whoever did that actually made me laugh.
Just as Gill makes me laugh.. only clickable names are for real :DD
#43 Hoping that esreality guy will update his test soon. Best mouse testing so far tbh.
December 1st, 2007 04:43
someone from steelseries reply to my post about why the optical mouse has mouse correction when it was quite clearly stated in the GotFrag interview that the big selling point of the mouse was that correction had been removed???
December 1st, 2007 05:09
#46 it is a bit odd. They could have gone no correction with the optical and used a sensor like the 3.0’s. Although, come to think of it, is there a single optical sensor that does above 400 dpi that doesn’t have correction? Not many would have bought the mouse if it were only 400 dpi, it wouldn’t seem like a step forward for a lot of people.
To me, it seems clear that they focused more on the laser, judging by all the wow features that are on it. I haven’t even played with the dpi that much yet.
You would expect a lot of hiccups when a company comes out with it’s first gaming mouse. My single worry is durability. My Ikari seems to be built very well. Other than that unanswered question, durability, I couldn’t think of anything else I could possibly want out of a mouse, and I’m picky.
December 1st, 2007 05:19
And #16, that’s incorrect. People are complaining about the liftoff. One guy’s laser was DOA, which I’m sorry to say, is going to happen with the new product. A lot of other comments that you read are that the mouse has the best shape they’ve ever tried,is light, and tracks wonderfully.
And the Ikari optical is not the first mouse to have problems with liftoff. The DA had it too.
December 1st, 2007 11:03
shame it sounds like SS have no interest in changing it.
December 1st, 2007 13:01
I think I might purchase the laser, I am a FPS gamer, counter-strike mostly, but I used to use the logitech G5 and had no problems with it, and the ikari laser is supposedly better than that, so I don’t really see myself having a problem with it. And it seems the laser is better than the optical
December 1st, 2007 13:45
read post nr.40 - everything said!
December 1st, 2007 17:12
Okay so here’s what I wanna’ know.
They say that for FPS: Ikari Optical > Ikari Laser. But why? What makes the Laser worse than the optical one? If it’s only the usual stalling problem that all the Razer mice seem to have, I can definetely live with that - Given that it isn’t any worse.
December 1st, 2007 18:01
#52 This is my theory. IMHO, Steel is trying to cater to the fps crowd by saying that the optical is the better choice for fps players, even though they realize that they have a laser that tracks really, really well. Especially judging by comments I see around forums, fps gamers remain convinced that optical is much better tracking-wise then laser, and won’t change their tune until they hear something otherwise from sources they trust.
So if Steel simply tried to cram a laser down their throats, no matter how good the mouse is (and the laser is GOOD), they would have been viewed as less legitimate. This mouse is a very serious, and competent attempt to make steel a major player in the mouse industry. As a matter of fact, I’d say they’ve made a mouse that kicks Logi’s, MS’s, and Razer’s asses all at the same time.
It’s that good.
Like I’ve said before, if you’re under 40cm per 360, you are fine with the laser for sure, it performs up to at least that without any skipping whatsoever. And the mouse might be capable of more.
December 1st, 2007 19:36
Hmm.. I’m about 45pr360, but then again I’ve been using a Copperhead for a year now, and as soon as I realized the stalling issue was present, I quickly got used to playing in a way that it didn’t bother me.
I’m still missing a head to head benchmark with the Ikari Laser and the Deathadder, but Sujoy who did the one over at ES-Reality says there isn’t one coming anytime soon. Guess I’m gonna have to take a chance on SS - I would kill myself if I walked away from the Ikari without knowing for sure it was no good. The ergonomics are simply too God damn awesome.
December 3rd, 2007 14:18
Crash_ I have not yet seen any review put up on any site…in fact, I would trust Gotfrag’s the best, and some facts based on ESReality…I hope you sent some samples to Gotfrag the same date you did to the preorders…the later the reviews come out, the more time you have to wait until big population of ppl to buy Ikari’s…
December 4th, 2007 12:20
#48 He wrote in another topic that all the mices that was shipped out in the first pack was all preordered which caused no mices to be send to reviewers but to customerse who preordered.
December 4th, 2007 21:26
#48– I firmly believe this product is a winner. No matter how long it takes, as long as the mice hold up, when people try them, laser or optical alike, I think they will like them and be happy with them.
They don’t have the bling of Razers, but the shape, weight, button feel, and glide make the Ikari the best feeling mouse on the market. And I’ve pretty much bought/tried them all.
Sure, it’s a preference thing, but to give you an idea, now that I’ve used the Ikari Laser, when I did some testing in comparison with my MX510 (which I used for 3 years), I find myself hating the shape of the MX510, the glide on the pad, etc.
Not a fanboy, the Ikari is the only S/S product I’ve ever bought. But_it’s_that_good.
December 5th, 2007 00:02
Okay so I just tried out the Ikari Optical at Boomtown in Copenhagen today, and I didn’t notice any problems with the lift distance or anything else.
Granted, I only tried it for a short while, and only with the sens that was already set at the computer, but with that being said, it seems to perform exactly as promised. Maybe boNe got a defective one?
The only thing I now have an issue with is that the shape, when you get into a game, is soooo hard to get used to when you’ve played with a mouse like the copperhead for a long while
December 5th, 2007 01:48
Well, i’ve already ordered a Ikari Optical for my new SteelSeries SX. I hope they like eachother. My imo 3.0 loved the SS SX.
Have someone in here tryed the Ikari Optical with SS SX? Is it a good match?
December 5th, 2007 03:47
ive was one of the first people to get an SS optical via commerce delivery to supplier in Australia. When i got it home i tried it on with my neckbands (which i got the day b4) and plugged it into my computer (loved the cord) and gave my SX a quick polish (which i do every day as i start gaming)
So on the desktop the mouse feels great, i would even put it higher then my V3 (which i currently rated as my favourite mouse) the glide is awesome so smooth and accurate.
So i loaded up ol mate CS 1.6, decided to have a go of it, Straight away i noticed a problem, i noticed that sometimes the mouse would move against me, like if i try to do a quick flick 45degrees to the right, it would try and counter me by going to the left, this made the mouse totally unusable. Working with the only gamer gear importer to australia, i pulled an everglide titan fnatic edition, same problem only not as frequent. i then pulled out a razer mantis speed, same as the titan, tried a icemat v2 same problems.
i was convinced the mouse was crap. but the shape was so so smooth. my mate came over, another progamer in australia to try the mouse and my headphones.
He had no problems with the mouse at all on his PC.
Is there anyway different PC’s can change the performance. like the windows sens, or ingame forcecommands, or stuff like mouse filter on / off joystick look..
i also have heaps and heaps of skates, will adding skates to my mouse improve it ?
i use 2.4 sens on 5th notch with force commands / cpl fix on
December 5th, 2007 08:26
#53
Did you check the polling rate?
That could imho cause the different behavior of the mouse.
December 5th, 2007 11:54
just got the laser and the negative acceleration is a joke.
December 5th, 2007 13:56
there was a small amount of fluff on the laser, took it off and its fine.
please feel free to laugh it up
December 5th, 2007 14:04
Tetsu…what do you mean exactly?
December 5th, 2007 14:30
I think what Tetsu is trying to say is that he will make sure his gaming gear (and desk) is clean and sparkly in the future, before he starts to think everything is fubar :P
GoMeZ: Write support and include system specifications, windows mouse sensitivity - wether or not you use some sort of acceleration fix (and which).
December 5th, 2007 14:36
Crash_!!! finally here…can you explain why the optical one has prediction?
December 5th, 2007 15:04
Gill- I think it’s a limitation of the technology. I’m not aware of one high dpi optical that doesn’t have prediction, maybe someone can enlighten me to otherwise. I think they just put a tried and true engine into the chassis for laser-haters. Sounds like a nice mouse besides the lift-off, which I personally would try to find a way to deal with if I had it (I haven’t tried the optical though, so I can’t say for sure).
December 5th, 2007 18:01
lol @ crash
yes there was a small amount of fluff between me and perfection, i’m sure it came from one of your staff.
its being sent to the lab for analyses.
December 5th, 2007 19:25
Lol, I use the optical with the sp and cant play with it. So i thing, i have to give the mouse back again. But on the other hand it feels so nice to play with, so please releas a firmware!
December 5th, 2007 19:28
Please bring the SP down to 3.5 mm like on the other surefaces!
December 5th, 2007 20:13
“At the moment we are not planning a firmware update to Ikari Optical” means, that there could be a firmware in the future (maybe in 2008/2009)?. Would be nice, if someone could tell me, because i have two weeks now for send it back to my retailer.
December 5th, 2007 20:53
what’s the sp like kumeni? in comparison to the s&s
December 5th, 2007 21:20
It a much improved S&S. Better sureface, better rubber undergound and so on.
Ok, if the will be no firmware update, i have to use my deathadder again, cu.
December 5th, 2007 21:23
How much would it cost to code a new firmware!? Maybe there are enough user, who would pay for it!
December 5th, 2007 22:15
Kumeni :
Take it easy, i think they are doing something. But i dont know what..
Let the time show, but i am happy with the optical on Qck+, i haven’t tried the sp.
December 5th, 2007 22:23
if you really dont like it just get the laser Kumeni, thats what i did and now i’m really happy.
December 5th, 2007 23:07
Yeah, but i had skippig with all laser mouses so far. That is why I am using the Razer Deathadder now, which has no problem with skipping.
And if the steel guys say, that they know, that their laser version has skipping problems, i won’t buy it.
So let’s hope, that they will do something. The Deathadder had problems with the lift of distance at the beginnig, too.
December 5th, 2007 23:12
@Dk: Nobody will like to play with the Optical on the SP, because you just can’t play FPS games with it atm. I have 6 steelpads here and on qck heavy, 5L etc. it work so nice. So why there could be a special firmware for S&S, SP etc. users, which you can downgrade again, if you want to change your pad.
December 6th, 2007 03:07
even 3.5mm u should find it somewhat high…I suggest you to buy the Laser…and RMA your optical back which I’ve done…I haven’t gotten mine yet but Tetsu went from Optical to Laser, he’s so happy abt right now…as SteelSeries stated,they have no plan on releasing a firmware and I would think it will take half of the year, to release a firmware(in Razer’s case, not saying Steel is worse or w/e but that’s usually how long a firmware takes place I think)
December 6th, 2007 03:08
RMA your optical for refund, you should email weborder@steelseries.com 1st, not filling the RMA form,they will tell you the address and what to mark on the box,also there’re only 14 days money back gurantee after you get your mouse…take your time
December 6th, 2007 03:09
Also…even if the Optical and the Laser have the same liftoff, I would prefer Laser’s coating over Optical more…since it’s matte finish, Optical’s coating is somewhat slippery…
December 6th, 2007 06:05
Have you ever had problems with skipping? I can’t play with MS Habu, Logitech G3 a. G5, Razer Copperhead etc., because of their Laser-Sensor. I can only play with Opticals and with the new Razer 3G Laser- and 3G Infrared-Sensor products, nothing else works for me.
December 6th, 2007 19:22
#75– I don’t think that S/S would have posted “Don’t believe the hype” if they didn’t already know that they had a sensor that is going to track well.
In addition, I’m not sure what mouse/mice you’ve actually used, but the “3G” Laser Razer Lachesis is in fact a randomly skipping, sens changing, uncomfortable piece of crap. I know, I have one. See www.razerblueprints.net for a glimpse of what people are going through with this mouse. Thankfully, I have the luxury of going back to other mice that I can game with, and if something doesn’t work, that goes back in the box and I get rid of it.
I have a Lachesis if you’re too unsure about the Ikari Laser and are wowed by the supposed 60-100″ per second, I’ll actually sell it for $40.
Or how about a DA, I have a practically brand new one of those too, $35 shipped?
Really though, I’m not trying to sell you a mouse at all. But I do believe in supporting companies that I think show real commitment to building a great product, one that will serve the user well. Steelseries may have had some misses with some products, but this is my first purchase from them, and I have to say that I am very impressed, and not easily pleased.
The Ikari has the best shape ever IMHO, works very well, is lightweight, has lots of features that are useful and aren’t hard to use, and no gimmicks.
I think a lot of people will really like this mouse, and that it, and the G9, will be the mice to redefine the laser mouse as one that can be used by gamers in the future. But I don’t see S/S making it to the Best Buy or whatnot anytime soon, so it will have to be an online forum/etc type of thing to get the word out.
December 6th, 2007 20:00
Ok, I thought the Razer 3G Laser would be better than the 3G Infrared, like they promise. Sorry, my fault. The Razer DA never is never skipping, I have tried it with very low sens 180 degress per 45cm pad.
I have around 10 steel products at home and i like them all, so i hope they will change something within the next weeks!
December 6th, 2007 20:06
Gill: I haven’t written a single line about the Ikari Optical not having prediction, and I’ve done all the product sheets for resellers and the product pages for the homepage. Point out were we’ve gone wrong and I’ll try to either explain or fix it. I’m sorry that you feel misled.
Kumeni: As mentioned in this very post we are not planning on doing a firmware update for the Ikari Optical. So if you want results fast, I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed.
December 6th, 2007 20:16
Ok Crash :/ But it would be nice, if you guys could tell those important things on the day of the presentation next time. I have order the SP pad on 2007-10-3 and the Mouse on 2007-10-15, so i couldn’t know about this issue on time.
December 6th, 2007 20:26
Kumeni: I know, and I’m very sorry about that. If you just received the pad and mouse I’m sure that you can return either product if you want. Just contact weborder[@]steelseries.com and explain your situation.
December 6th, 2007 20:37
kk, thx :) Will there maybe any other mices within the next year?
December 6th, 2007 20:50
And could you put the lift of distancefor s&s and sp on the mouse page, so there wouldn’t be any disappointments anymore.
December 6th, 2007 22:09
Did i get this right, that the Ikari Laser dont skip @ low sens @ fast movement? I have a sens like 47cm/360cm. And the Laser Version has the same weight as the opical? Ill be sure to take the Laser one.
December 7th, 2007 00:15
#83, that’s a pretty low sens. You better wait for some more testing by Sujoy. I know for a fact that in my testing, it was working without noticable negative acceleration up to 42cm per 360 in Quake 3, but my stupid AMD computer got glitchy in the middle of my testing. It starts freezing momentarily in-game with sounds at points, totally random and only in quake3. Somehow, the 8 year old graphics engine just kills my computer. Anyhow, I just did a windows reinstall, maybe I’ll do some more testing when I break free from my COD4 time.
December 7th, 2007 04:16
as a mmo player i can only say: i need more buttons! other than that, the laser is just great, but giev more buttns plz!! like some buttons for the ring finger and some more for the index finger, like the logitech g9 has …just my two cents for the future :P
December 7th, 2007 10:34
@Crash_
What about the Ikari Laser only running with 500Hz?
I’m not the only one with this issue.
PS: Great Mouse :)
December 7th, 2007 11:09
Kumeni:
I’ll make sure to make the lift distance a bit more specific on the product page. And I can’t tell if we’re planning on releasing more mice in 08. :-)
#86
Regarding the 500Hz it’s actually not an issue. What people are experiencing is that when they try the Laser in Mouse Rater Checker they get an average of say 500-600Hz. This is because the Ikari Laser will only go up to 1000Hz when needed.
So no worries, you’re not limited by 500 Hz :-)
December 8th, 2007 18:52
How do you configurate the ikari optical? is their a program or driver?
December 8th, 2007 19:25
Crash
Whats about the skipping with the laser fast movement? Any issue?
December 9th, 2007 01:08
Children Stop whining:
1. It is much worse for your in-game performance to have your mouse skip out on you than to have 3.5mm of liftoff height. Be glad the optical leans towards tracking performance.
2. Extreme low sensitivity and the Ikari Laser. It skips, big surprise. What were you expecting from a laser mouse. 42cm/360 is actually pretty good for a laser to not skip at, much more cm/360 than most 1st and 2nd gen laser could handle. BE GLAD THEY MAKE AN OPTICAL VERSION AT ALL!! (unlike alot of companies these days *cough* logitech)
3. Prediction on the 1600cpi optical sensor. This is not a surprise either, it’s the same engine from the Diamondback and MX518 and a plethora of other mice. When they said tried and true technology were you expecting something designed from scratch??
Prediction’s not good but it’s not as bad as the skipping or negative accel from an IME3.0 or laser mouse.
4. The IME3.0 has more fps, no prediction and blank blank blank… This is great, don’t get the Ikari Optical then if you’re already satisfied with the IME. In case you don’t already have one, SteelSeries even makes their own version of it with non-slip coating and teflon feet. For those of us that either have higher CPI needs or higher tracking requirements like I do then mice with modern sensors are more practical.
5. It’s their first mouse ever, give them some slack. They’ve produced some fine products for their first time doing so.. If you honestly think there is something better out there then use it. Even the DeathAdder isn’t without it’s problems 1800cpi is too fast on the desktop, the performance degrades at lower cpi settings, 1000hz isn’t stable, it skips on many pads, and they randomly brake for no good reasons because of shitty drivers and firmware. (I’m on my third DeathAdder)
December 10th, 2007 16:49
So the optical at 1600 CPI has prediction but at 400 doesn’t?I just bought/ordered an optical Ikari and sold off my Deathadder.I was sold at the first touch(no pun what-so-ever)
I mainly buy mice for the feel and my god! the Ikari is the epitome of ergonomics.Sure the Deathadder felt like a boob, but the Ikari is a contoured boob that doesn’t strain your thumb,ring finger or pinky.This really comes into play when you play 3 sets of 4 map rotations in one night(refering to CS of course).
I let out a long and satisfied, swooning sigh when i first tested it (a friends).I can’t wait for it to arrive in Malaysia as i would be one of the first few, (if i’ve counted this right using both hands), if not the 2nd in Malaysia to own one.
And I have to say I’m damn proud to own one becuase this right here is an instrument from a company that doesn’t “pimp” your mouse up to make it a chic magnet(women like shiny, glittering,light strobing objects-just as fish do-LOL….*jokes*).It just is what it’s supposed to be, a mouse with great tracking, superior response, driverless and i really can’t get over the superior ergonomics that puts all other mice to shame!
Steelseries for life!Kudo’s
Cheers.
December 10th, 2007 16:57
and about the lift distance?I never noticed it at all!Mainly because it doesn’t tinkle your aim on screen when you lift!Just be thankful for that! Unlike some Logitech’s that go like a crazy compass when you lift them up!
I think lifting 3.5mm for the optical shouldn’t be much of a problem.It’s just a lil bit more effort in exchange for more performance.Just like F1 driver shutting up about neck cramps in order to get a fast lap.
December 10th, 2007 20:13
A lift of distance of 3,5mm is no problem, but with 5 and 5,5mm you just can’t play!
December 10th, 2007 20:23
I agree, hence using a qck or razer’s mantis speed works just fine.
December 11th, 2007 05:32
So I got my ikari laser yesterday, and I’d have to say it seems to be the most accurate and precise mouse I’ve ever used.
However the problem for me is I have quite large hands, and the ikari is definitely for small-medium hands, My hand is too big for the mould and so it’s a bit uncomfortable and I can’t get a great grip on it, however even with that problem I find myself still aiming well after only a short time using it, and I think I’ll continue to use it.
Conclusion: Would definitely recommend this mouse to anyone with small-medium sized hands. However those with large hands should be wary and best bet would be if you can try one out to see if the mould fits your hand before buying.
December 11th, 2007 14:24
got my Ikari Laser yesterday, great tracking with 3.6 ingame sens,default windows sens(6/11) and with cpl mousefix,450 cpi setting(black MIE3.0)…haven’t gotten time to test with other cpi settings and sens…the coating is awesome…it’s a DA-like coating(it’s sweat absorable,feels like DA coating,but not exactly,DA uses kinda soft rubber coating,but Ikari Laser uses hard plastic(I assume) but just gives u the feeling of DA)
December 11th, 2007 14:24
liftoff is the same if not less than MIE3.0…Ikari Laser is awesome!!
cheers. Crash_ :D
December 11th, 2007 15:37
I didn’t make the product, but I’m glad to hear that you feel comfortable with the Ikari Laser.
You should fiddle around with the CPI settings when you’ve adjusted to the mouse. And remember that your ingame sensitivity has to be at 1 if you want “true CPI” and if you want to avoid pixel skipping. Use the CPI calculator on SteelSeries.com to figure out your CPI.
We will be launching the player profiles soon, so you can try out the settings of some of the pro’s. =)
December 11th, 2007 20:57
:D Crash_ I just use the same setting as my MIE3.0…however…I exprinced a negative accel while using 1 ingame and 1600 cpi setting…I could do 360 going from the edge of the Qck Heavy to about 1/4 to another edge slowly…but I couldn’t do a 360 without going out the qck heavy with quick movement…it was very noticable…but offcial review will come out at FPSlabs.com some time soon this week…if it’s true…I don’t think walle is going to use it…cuz he uses low sens…ppl like zet,f0rest,neo are capable with it though…
December 11th, 2007 21:19
Bought the Laser one. I didnt notice skipping at low sens, that is very good.
But the coating feels very wired. Cuz the rubber like finish, like the Razer DA. You didnt not have 100% grip if you lift up the mouse, imo.
Second bad thing is, when you rest your hand on the mouse you easily press mousebutton2. You need less pressure to press mousebutton2 then mousebutton 1. Maybe i got a bad one.
So when i lift up the mouse, i press sometimes mouse2 :/
December 11th, 2007 23:08
Negative Accelaration is a different concept than skipping…
December 12th, 2007 22:48
Does anyone else have extreme problems trying to get a grip on the mouse….I can barely hold it, my hand almost slips off. Is this just cause I have a large hand or….
Also what grip do people use with this mouse, I usually always have my thumb on the left side, index finger on mouse1, middle finger on scroll wheel, 4th finger on mouse2, little finger on the right side of the mouse.
However that feels uncomfortable on this mouse and I’m starting to think maybe this mouse is made for middle finger on mouse2 and 4th finger and little finger on the right hand side
December 13th, 2007 03:12
Milky…it’s made with thumb on the left side, index and middle fingers on mouse 1 and 2…and 4th,pinky fingers rest on the right side…but you can do yours also,just don’t do it while lifting or grabbing
December 13th, 2007 06:53
Gill:
The negative accel in CounterStrike using 1600dpi (6/11 windows) is due to the way CounterStrike reads mouse input. To avoid negative accel, your DPI must set not much higher than your in game resolution.
To test this hypothesis, try changing your ingame resolution to 1600×1200 (or at least 1280×1024), while keeping mouse settings unchanged. You should notice less or no negative accel.
If you play at 640×480 or 800×600, then avoid going higher than 800dpi (6/11 windows).
December 13th, 2007 09:39
I just got mine today(optical).I had previously owned a Deathadder and i have to say I’m very happy with the optical engine.My shots are more precise and i feel that it has better response(DA was operating at 500hz without drivers).
I still have to get used to the wheel cuz i bunny hop alot.It’s an irritating habit.LOL
Kudo’s SteelSeries.You made a bread winner.
December 13th, 2007 09:40
Oh yes, I forgot, the lift distance on a mantis speed is not much different from the driverless Deathadder.
Cheers
December 13th, 2007 15:11
Nathan, if that’s the fact…can I do 3/11 and 1600 cpi with 640 x 480…some guy posted that 1600 cpi on Laser was just doubling the senstivity of 800…I don’t know what that exactly means,but as for my feeling, Laser’s 1600 cpi is right…but not sure though,cuz I haven’t used 1600 cpi actually…waiting for fpslabs’ review
December 13th, 2007 15:35
also…6/11,1600 cpi and 1 sensitivity produces 4 with 6/11,400 cpi,if I didn’t feel incorrectly and calculated right… 4 with 6/11, 400 cpi mouse input shouldn’t be producing negative accel…at least my MIE3.0 didn’t…idk it’s just that counterstrike can’t take 6/11 ,1600 cpi the same time at low resolution…(i’ve been using 640×480)
December 13th, 2007 16:05
Hi Gill,
6/11, 400cpi should not have negative accel. If it does, then the problem is with the mouse.
3/11, 1600cpi is very similiar to 6/11, 400cpi. If the mouse does not have issues at different cpi, then 6/11 400cpi is better because it is 1:1 between mouse signal and windows cursor movement.
December 13th, 2007 18:10
Nathan…yes, I found that 3/11 1600 cpi and 6/11 400 cpi are very similar…since you have pretty good knowledge about windows sens, how does it affect your ingame sens?I mean 3/11 is like 50% of 6/11(mathematically) but it decreases the sens to about 1/4 regarded to hardware’s cpi…sry to post something not related to SteelSeries too much though :(
December 13th, 2007 22:43
Hi Gill,
I cannot find the relevant reference material as I read them some time ago. To make a long story short, your overall sensitivity is proportional to:
(ingame sens) * (windows ratio) * (dpi)
The windows ratio is related to the windows sensitivity as follows: (I only remember the ratios for 6/11, 4/11 and 3/11 because they are the “best”)
windows sens: 6/11 actual ratio: 1/1
windows sens: 4/11 actual ratio: 1/2
windows sens: 3/11 actual ratio: 1/4
Thus, if you don’t change ingame sensitivity, then 6/11 400cpi = 4/11 800cpi = 3/11 1600cpi.
However, 6/11 400cpi is preferable because 1:1 ratio is more precise. Of course, this assumes that the particular mouse you are using has variable cpi implemented correctly. For example, DeathAdder performs significantly better at 1800cpi than at 450cpi; so for the DA, 3/11 1800cpi is better.
As a side note, its best to avoid higher than 6/11 windows sensitivity because those correspond to higher than 1:1 ratio, and you lose single pixel precision control. This is why higher than 400cpi is desirable for high resolution desktops.
December 13th, 2007 22:52
Another example:
1800cpi, 4/11 windows, 1.2 in CS is almost same as
400cpi, 6/11 windows, 2.7 in CS
Reason is 1800 * 1/2 * 1.2 = 1080 = 400 * 1/1 * 2.7
December 14th, 2007 01:23
thanks a lot,Nathan…I just read an article in cpl forum that was written long time ago,but although you move around the same distance with 6/11 400cpi and 3/11 1600cpi,the actual performance would be completely different…like 6/11 400 cpi is more precise as aim wise,but can’t do quick turn,3/11 1600 cpi does completely opposite,quick turn but less precise…idk if this is an valid statement but i will try it out soon
December 14th, 2007 21:36
noxxing: I use a Razer DA right now. Do you suggest the Ikari Optical? I want it, but want to know if it’s worth it.
I also got a bunch of mousepads, so i’ll definately find one that fits the mouse perfectly. Also got the one your using (razer mantis speed).
December 14th, 2007 21:41
btw, here is some information about my current DA settings for counter-strike:
I use fnatic.f0rest.cfg
mouse settings:
No-drivers installed.
Mouserate: 500Hz
Windows Sensitivity: 3/11
Ingame sensitivity: 3.5
Launch option: -noforcemparms -noforcemaccel
Just thinking of that maybe the Ikari laser would fit me best. I’m not sure if im a low or high sensitivity gamer. I think I use high.
December 15th, 2007 04:58
hmmm…you should expect that Ikari Optical should have a bit higher or equal liftoff distance than DA without the firmware liftoff fix…which means that you may not adjust to it quickly…also…f0rest,zet(back in 1.6(,neo are considered high sens users…3+ sens with settings like 400cpi and default windows sens can be considered as high sens….more refers to Nathan’s windows sens info
December 15th, 2007 12:49
Look at this:
Razer Deathadder lift-off distance:
QcK+, black: 3.6 mm
Razer Mantis Control: 4mm
Steelpad 5l: 3.6 mm
http://www.esreality.com/?a=post&id=1334185#
And actually I’m using the Mantis Control. 4mm of lift-off distance! It shouldn’t be a problem if I for example use QcK Heavy with my Ikari Optical then, since it’s 3.5mm. I can’t realy see a big problem for me, compared to the deathadder.
December 15th, 2007 19:21
SteelSeries SP: 5.5 mm :-(
December 16th, 2007 06:19
to mazed:
Yeap, the lift off distance wouldn’t be of any relevance to you.You wont feel it.I was using the same set up as you only that my in game sens was 1.5.
I definately suggest the ikari optical for it’s comfort and the click butons ren’t as soft as the DA(although some intellimouse users find it soft).
December 17th, 2007 15:41
#117 i suppose thats the deathadder without the latest firmware. i currently have a deathadder with the latest firmware and lift-off is no more than 2mm.
i am currently fimiliar with the following optical mice as i have used them in the past:
wmo / imo / ime / mx300 / mx510 / g1 / deathadder
ive never really had an issue with the liftoff distance with the following mice (aside from the deathadder without the latest firmware installed) however since i keep hearing steelseries claim that these numbers are based off of other “top” products in the market, i would definitely like a comparison between the top3 mice (mx518, ime & imo) and see how they stack up against the ikari optical in terms of lift off distance. 3.5mm does seem pretty high to be honest and it might be distracting, however the mouse looks awesome (great design, no gimmicks, lightweight, braided cord, just plain awesome :D) someone from steelseries please make a comparison!
December 17th, 2007 16:28
#120 I think your’e right. Damn it. The lift-off distance is actually high then. This made my desition; I don’t want to buy this mouse yet. Sorry, but steelseries need to fix the lift-off distance problem!
December 17th, 2007 16:28
Yeah, it’s sad, because it looks like a very nice mouse.
December 19th, 2007 02:34
Hello– folks– Laser?! I wish I could loan you mine, I just love it too much.
December 21st, 2007 18:09
? Laser? Skiping?!!!! :/
December 26th, 2007 00:27
@124
have you even read the “dont believe the hype” article? the part where they discuss old lazer mice technology compared to the ikari’s… go read it. gg, happy fragging
December 26th, 2007 01:22
i recomand steelseries to reduce the lift distance by 0.5mm, so the users can decide if they replace orginal mouse glides or plug other glides on the orginal mouse feets. with this you can easy fine tune the distance for your own prefered mousepad. and if steelseries want to sell some SP pads for the ikari optical(http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/4.html) they also programm a firmware wich makes liftdistance changeable(like hold dpi buton and at the same time spin mousewheel).
December 27th, 2007 23:16
@ 125:
I have tried both (ikari optical and laser) and the laser mouse skips for sure.
@ 126: Yes u are right.
December 29th, 2007 21:27
Hello,
does the Ikari Optical have a red LED or something else, like infrared?
Does the Ikari Optical have 16-bit buffers like the Ikari Laser?
Thank you.
December 31st, 2007 19:26
I tried Laser first, good but have some kind of acceleration - not suitable for cs. Took Optical than - no complains, just perfect. Actually the best mouse ive ever used and i used a lot of them.
January 2nd, 2008 18:23
There is software available at steelseries.com for ikari optical. Is this the “firmware fix”?
http://www.steelseries.com/downloads/SteelSeries_Ikari_Optical_Software_v1.0.zip
January 3rd, 2008 09:46
mazed, if we were to send out a new firmware for either mouse we would make sure it was quite clear to all of you Ikari users :-)!
The software is exactly what it says - software. It’s the application found on the CD which came with your mouse.
January 6th, 2008 18:33
I have the Ikari Optical and SP and the lift off is horrible when used with this pad, it fly’s all over the place.
I really hope SteelSeries can fix this lift off problem soon as the pad and mouse are great. I would like to keep this combo if possible, but right now it’s a nightmare to use.
January 6th, 2008 22:46
a great amount of fps gamers that use optical mice also use hardpads (func, s&s, 4d and now sp) therefore it is very unfortunate that steelseries neglected to actually make its optical mouse usable for the sp (which i love btw). it doesnt seem very logical how a company that puts in so much effort on dishing out great mousepads specifically desgined to enhance the performance of optical mice can make such a foolish decision of making its own optical mouse virtually unplayable on arguably what are their best pads (s&s / sp)…
overall i love the look of the mouse (no gimmicks etc.), great shape and a great philosophy behind it however i guess ill just have to stick with my 1.1ss in order to play on the sp :(
January 11th, 2008 08:57
the combination of Ikari Laser and 5L pad is flawless. theres really no reason to choose the optical over the laser anyway, unless youre worried about an extra USD$30.
January 11th, 2008 09:00
also @124 @127, ive tried my best to experience problems with the laser mouse and i couldnt do it. maybe youre using a pad with lower compatibility for it than you should be?
January 16th, 2008 19:36
I use Steelseries Pads only!
January 18th, 2008 12:19
I use the ikari optical with the qck heavy and the lift distance isn’t a problem at all.
January 20th, 2008 10:24
No, there are only problems with plastic pads!
January 27th, 2008 20:12
Well it’s sad to say that i have an official complaint in regards to my Ikari Optical.Since the issue relates to tracking i decided to post it here.
My mouse seems to hang while playing.Meaning that as i move my mouse it doesnt register the movement on the screen.This happens at random and frequent intervals.In this suspended state, the cpi toggle doesnt seem to function as well.However I do not think that it is a USB problem because the red glow from the led is consistent.Has anyone come across this sort of issue before?
p.s-I have already sent in my enquiry to the RMA department.
January 29th, 2008 18:43
#139
I have the exact same problem as you noxxing with the ikari laser mouse and I’m wondering if anyone else has had the same problem, if you do please let us know.
I have had it for a month and it worked perfectly fine up until now. I’m getting random hangs whilst playing, it got worse over time, now it does it so frequently that I can’t use the mouse at all.
I tested the mouse on my brothers computer and the same problem arises, I don’t think it’s a usb issue as I have all my usb drivers up to date, I even installed a program that sets your windows xp polling rate to 1000Hz which doesn’t fix it either. And like I said the mouse was working perfectly fine for a month and I have not installed anything that could have caused it to stop working properly.
So I think I have a faulty mouse, well I hope so, because besides the hanging problems, this is a brilliant mouse. In fact the best I have used to date.
The ikari laser in my opinion is the most comfortble and precise mouse I have ever used.
I am comparing it to very good mice that I have owned (Razer DeathAdder, Logitech G5 & G7, Razer Copperhead).
I have had no problems with skipping or negative acceleration, but that’s probably because I am a high/mid sensitivity player. I like to grip the mouse, with my index and middle finger bent up on the mouse1 and mouse2 buttons, think I’m considered as a claw grip user of mice. I am using the mouse on an Everglide Titan DKT mousepad.
The sensivity settings I use are:
- 6/11 windows sen
- windows enhanced precision off
- 3.0 ingame sen (CSS)
- 900 cpi mouse sen
- freemove set to zero (no prediction completely free movement)
The accuracy on this mouse is more precise than any other mouse I have used, in my opinion it beats the Razer DA through precision, the DA is no slouch btw, infact a good mouse.
It’s the mainly the FreeMove and the fact that you can customise your cpi in increments of 1, that does it for me.
With freemove you can feel the difference when aiming, that’s the main thing that annoyed me about the deathadder, it seems to have prediction turned on. So when I needed that little bit extra precision through very small movement of the mouse, the DA wouldn’t allow me to do those pixel perfect slight movements whilst aiming. This is why freemove on the ikari laser rocks, as it gives you more control of your aim compared with the DA. Also you can adjust the freemove so if you decide you want to choose the level of prediction you want you can do so, personally I prefer no prediction at all as I like to have full control of my aim.
The on the fly cpi changing is very useful as you can change your cpi settings in game without having to exit and load up the software/driver for the mouse. But the best feature is the fact the you can adjust your cpi in increments of ‘1′ so you can customise your cpi sensitivity to your exact preferrence.
The only real negative for me, besides the fact that my mouse died on me, is the side buttons. They are somewhat a little too small for my liking, I would have prefered them abit bigger, however I am demanding player.
Despite that, the side buttons are actually very good in terms of clicking, the click feels a lot better than my current mouse DA and seems to respond faster.
For mid/high sensitivity fps gamers I would highly recommend this mouse, however for low sensitivity gamers, due to what I have read about skipping and negative acceleration, I would suggest trying out the mouse first or buy it to test it and return it if you don’t like it. If not go for the opitcal version, but I have heard about lift-off problems, but perhaps that can be reduced depending on the mousepad you use the mouse on.
I have only just sent mine back for a replacement, because the site I bought mine from had none in stock and told me to avoid a long wait, return it when they get the ikari’s back in stock which is this week :D
I hope that what I have written is helpful for those considering buying the ikari laser. I am not stating this mouse will be perfect for everyone, as it will come down to personal preference as different people use different sensitivity settings and hold their mice in different ways. But for me this mouse is almost flawless.
January 29th, 2008 19:08
Thank god sylar!I thought i was the only one.Mine totally died too and I’m gonig to have to send mine back in or they could just save me the shipping cost and send one right over!(hoping)
Apart from this mouse dying on me everything was alright.The best mouse i have used to date.
btw where did you get that tool to set your polling rate for the mouse?
January 29th, 2008 19:10
I guess we received the first unlucky batch.Dang!
January 29th, 2008 23:17
No probs noxxing. Erm..I can’t remember where i got it from exactly but i remember the file was called usbmrs11.exe and there was a file that came with it called dx_mouse_timer_dialog.exe which is used to check the polling rate.
The polling rate runs at an average of 500Hz, I thought this was odd, but according to SS it can reach 1000HZ if needed.
If you want leave me an email I can send it to you as a rar file instead of you having to search for it. I also have the cpl mousefix that disables the windows acceleration which will improve tracking accuracy.
Yeah we are the unlucky dudes lol. I hope my replacement mouse works perfect and doesn’t die, because I really like this mouse.
January 30th, 2008 06:14
Excellent.machina54@hotmail.com.
I already have the mousefix but it makes no difference cuz i’m using vista.
I used mouserate checker and yea it averages at 500hz too but if you swipe it fast enough you can get readings of 900+hz.
eversince i had mouse issues the rate wont go anywhere near the 700 region.LOL.
January 30th, 2008 09:24
@noxxing
you could try this accel fix :)
January 30th, 2008 10:19
Hey sylar,
If you haven’t already returned the mouse, could you please check if the lights on the profile indicator on the side shuts off when the mouse starts stalling?
It sounds to me as if your mouse suffers from some sort of cable defect making the power going to the mouse inconsistent, finally causing it to drop out.
January 30th, 2008 12:42
Thanks bull.Will download it and give it a try as long as i can uninstall it.
Crash_…I’m experiencing that very problem the high/low lights dissapear along with the red glow and i’m forced to replug the usb connectors once again.
It’s getting worse everyday.I do not wish to test it further for it might get worse and symptoms may not match the ones described in my rma form.
January 30th, 2008 12:49
noxxing: You’re definately experiencing a cable problem similar to sylar’s.
January 30th, 2008 14:11
aite.I’m waiting for my RMA to go through.Thanks crash.
January 30th, 2008 22:03
Hey Crash,
I have returned my mouse already. But before I returned it I can assure you that the porfile lights (white lights) did not turn off whenever my mouse decided to hang.
When the mouse hangs the lights stay on, you cannot swtich profiles at all and the cursor just doesn’t move at all. At first I was getting complete hangs where I would have to restart my computer or unplug the mouse and re-plug it in the usb. But recently it hangs for a few seconds then works again then hangs a few seconds later, it constantly does that.
I have tried to plug it in all different usb ports on my computer, tried blowing the usb connector to clear any dirt that might cause it to not work properly, but no luck :(
Any ideas what the problem could be then guys
February 26th, 2008 03:53
Im having the same problem, but now my mouse isnt working at all. My computer , laptop, work computer and brothers computer so i know its not my usb hub. It started out by freezing in games then 1 day later it dosnt turn on at all.
March 1st, 2008 20:33
my optical died today too… whenever i plug the mouse in a popup tells me the usb device is noe recognized.
March 2nd, 2008 05:04
fill out the RMA they respong fast and will replace the broken mouse. WE GOT THE 1stBatch what did you expect. Just like my iphone:)
March 12th, 2008 22:16
i’ve had had mine replaced. been using it for over a month and no problem so fine. fingers crossed it won’t die on me again :P. If it does then I will just get a refund and buy a different mouse instead, it would be a great shame though as i love this mouse.
March 15th, 2008 01:34
Ok I have tested the Ikari Laser now and it doesn’t work with the Steelseries SP! So there is no Ikari that works with this pad so far!
March 18th, 2008 21:05
I got my Ikari`O back from steelseries located in California, and it seems like they boxed a refurbished one and told me that its new. So i dont know my mouse i reacting alot different then the 1st one I got. SOooooo dont know what to tell you but im back using my mx518. And the ikari is back in the pit with all the razers i own.
March 20th, 2008 12:09
SteelSeries SP -> not recommended for tracking with Ikari Laser and too high lift distance with Ikari Optical
^^
Will there be a now mouse or firmwareupdate for this pad?
March 20th, 2008 12:10
new^^
March 21st, 2008 19:28
Scotch tape can fix the lift distance problem !!!
use few scotch tape and put them onto the sensor, it’s ugly, but it works!!
March 29th, 2008 15:17
Steelseries have lost so many cool points, the Ikari has pretty much turned out to be a failure, their keyboards break down, some keys just stop working. Yea, maybe it’s just because it’s the first batch and all, but while we wait for the next batch Steelseries reputation is going down the drain.
Should just stick making mousepads.
April 14th, 2008 19:33
My Ikari Laser is still working great after 4 plus months. The coating is still perfect, buttons still feel like new, feet are in great shape.
Fantastic mouse, thanks steel.
As for #160, my experience is not adding up to what you say. I’ve been gaming over 10 years online, and am very impressed with the Ikari.
April 23rd, 2008 16:45
{HNC}ice-nine
How much do they pay you? You seem to have a sponsor lol xD
April 25th, 2008 02:36
First, the light weight makes it crappy. Second, big mouse feet is a stupid design as in physics, friction force = pressure X friction coefficient? thus bigger mouse feet won’t actually make u feel smoother&faster. Besides, I’ve ordered a set of glides online, n I haven’t got it. I want to know how many sets r there in one package?
April 29th, 2008 12:33
I won this mouse (Steelseries ikari optical) at a lan party in switzerland 2 weeks ago. i tested this mouse for 2 weeks now and there are some facts i can confirm
the liftoff distance on a Steelpad S&S is about 3.5mm and this is definitely too much! So i just tried some pads (i’ve lots off) and i notice some interesting things. every cloth pad i have (different qpad’s, QcK) the liftoff distance was way better than befor. for me i didnt see any difference between ms1.1 or 3.0.
May 8th, 2008 14:30
Hello!
I’ve just got a new Ikari Laser and have a problem with it:
The Button 4 (”Internet Back” button”) always toggles the CPI function too. I can’t get it to just act as “back” button!?
And the CPI button always acts as “back” button too. So basically the CPI and Button 4 both do the same. And they both toggle two functions (set CPI and “back”).
What’s up with this?
Also the software lets me choose between “Button 3″ and “Button 4″ functions. But in the manual I see that these should be shown as “Internet Forward” and “Internet Back” entries!?
May 15th, 2008 21:43
Ok, got a new Ikari Laser from my dealer. Works fine now.
@SteelSeries: Why do you have an support email (support@steelseries.com) if nobody answers? Lame!
September 17th, 2008 08:56
Hey i had that cable prob like noxxing and sylar, i would like to know can i get a replacement for my optical? Its been such a dissapointment since i had such a good shape..
It would be impractical for me to rma, i’m from malaysia, bought the mice from newegg and had it sent over, to sent it back, would cost me a bomb… Local distributer would’t not replace mice because i dint buy from them zzz
Poor me T.T
September 23rd, 2008 14:58
An update, steel rma my mice, will get a new one soon~
October 10th, 2008 14:49
It is a great mouse,no doupt.Those who say it is not,i believe they just haven’t really spented enough time getting used to it and getting the “hand” of(on) it.
But the real question comes up after a long research i’ve done.
Which is actually better between those two?
We have Ikari Laser which has immense percision and as SS sais “It is suitable for FPS gamers”
On the other hand,we got Ikari Optical which has immense power too,but SS sais “It is designed just for FPS gamers”
After all this,you can see that,even the SS website,gives more love at Ikari Laser.Much more love..Them and everything else on the Web.
You can also spot that most of the people and great teams do use (say they use at least) Ikari Laser on CS.Why?
Shouldn’t they use Optical?Isn’t it suppose to be better?Are the rumors about Ikari Laser that it has the “best laser pointer” true,but it has problems with its reability (Neggative Acceleration,whatever it is) true?
Whats your personal opinion?Consider that i’m a competitive gamer,a can’t waste my time on “trying”
I’m on to you guys,your opinion will count on what i’ll buy.Thanks :D
October 24th, 2008 01:22
Tbh, the laser doesnt skip or have neg accel unless you use a really low sensitivity, something like >40cm/360, so no worries, just go ahead and get it! xD
November 4th, 2008 21:52
If you experience high lift-off distance with the mouse, you can apple small amount of transparent tape, over the optical sensor. It doesn’t effect the tracking or glide of the mouse.
Other than the lift-off distance the mouse is amazing. I use it for 1.6 and use an in game sens of 1.7. The mouse tracks “very” well and the ergonomics are excellent. I’ve used the Death adder and IME 3.0, and this is by far the greater of the two. If you dont want to apply the tape then you can always add extra skates.
November 6th, 2008 05:32
Interestingly was, but there is someone who does not quite agree with the author?
December 3rd, 2008 19:00
almost 9 months on, and the mouse hasn’t died on me yet, loving this mouse! Ikari Laser
December 5th, 2008 21:11
I’ve been using the Ikari Optical with the I-2 pad and am loving the way the mouse works. I’ve owned a DA, G5, G9 and an IME3. The Ikari optical is what is connected to my game computer at this moment, and it has been that way for 3 months now.
January 11th, 2009 06:27
The ikari laser only skips if you use REALLY EXTREME LOW SENS.
I use normal windows sens 6/11
and 1.7 on CS, with 400 cpi in Ikari and I cant make it skips.
To make it skip i need to move it soo fast really fast to all ways possible and then it skips, but really fast movements that i cant do when gaming.
I use Everglide titan monstermat.
January 16th, 2009 19:43
ok, my Ikari Laser skips with QCK and (but less) with everglide titan.
What is the best mousepad for laser?
That was an expensive mouse.
January 16th, 2009 20:01
I need some help
January 17th, 2009 21:44
My ikari laser is just skipping easier now
and i`m not using low sens, i just make fast mov and it has neg accel, and then skips
someone help me
January 23rd, 2009 03:40
hmmm… it’s already close to feb’09, still no firmware for the ikari optical. I am planing on purchasing the SP mousepad but after reading the column i’m disappointed.My ikari broke about 1 month ago, would work, then turn off, work again etc but like 10-20 times a day, regardless of being in game or not.I had tried it in different ports, even different PC’s, still the same thing. Turned out it was the cable, the very end of the cable that goes in the mouse is in such a way built that one of the wires inside of it snaps.Luckily i have a friend that knows his ways with wires and that problem is gone now.However he didn’t assure me that it would not happen again. Anywayz, I use a qcK pad and i haven’t experienced any lift-off problems, but i tend to dislike the “keep clean” factor of owning a black cloth pad and was contemplating the idea of purchasing a hard pad from SS, preferably SP or S&S and now i see it would be a pretty bad decision, so… when is that firmware coming??? Also some1 mentioned that SS keyboards are not durable… is that true?:( was thinking of getting the 6G with my new mousepad. Any opinions about that keyboard that i could use? Thx
January 23rd, 2009 23:10
creepz, your ikari optical skips at fast movements?
January 24th, 2009 17:15
So you guys, what is the best pad for Ikari Laser ?
January 24th, 2009 23:16
No it doesn’t, . I noticed it skips alot at 1600CPI but i don’t use that kind of high sens,I use the 400 CPI setting.
January 24th, 2009 23:41
Thank you
I cant understand, on the site it says ikari laser has 50IPS and the optical has 40ips.
Ikari laser skips at some kind of high speed mov and optical doesnt…
=( i just made a bad choice
January 25th, 2009 02:13
I’m playing CS 1.6 with
- Sens Win: 5/11
- Sens Game: 3 (with noforce command)
- Current Mouse DPI: 400 (IE 1.1A)
So, when I switch to Ikari Laser, may it loss ?
January 29th, 2009 04:37
184
I think your sens isnt that low, but i dont recommend it. why you want to switch?
my sens is very very slower than yours and ikari laser ALMOST does it work, sometimes i move the mouse very fast and it has malfunction or something like skip.
February 13th, 2009 12:34
Hey,
i have Ikari laser for 4 or 5 months but recently i have this discussed unplug->plug issue when cursor freezes, PC is slowed down, led on mouse is glows. Also all of sudden it swtiches sensor to 3200CPI even if i don’t have such settings set. Filled form on support site but no reply yet. What serie did you guys have don’t you remember?
Mousepad : I have Steelseries SX (metal one). And it’s awesome with Ikari. I can only recommend.
February 19th, 2009 03:18
I fail to understand how the Ikari Laser has superior specifications then the Optical, but can’t even track correctly when I do a 180*…
The Optical was nice, but I decided to trade my friend for his Laser version, and that was a mistake. I play 400CPI, default windows, 1.0 in-game. This is WAY too fast for the mouse to handle… My 1.1a handles it just fine, my G5 handles it fine… How does a mouse with this good of specifications track horrible? The acceleration on the mouse is superior to the Optical. Either SteelSeries is posting non-existent specifications, or they are lying.
Show me a video of someone swiping the Laser version without it flipping out. No one clearly tested the specifications with the mouse.
Other then the tracking issues, the mouse is good. The design is amazing and the scroll wheel is amazing.
February 19th, 2009 08:52
The specs are provided by the sensor manufacturer, not by SS.
February 20th, 2009 19:45
Then obviously SS didn’t text the specifications to their max, since clearly almost everyone is having issues tracking at higher speeds - which according to the specs should be better then the optical version.
March 24th, 2009 05:21
I’m using an Ikari Laser for CS. In-game sens 1, in-game res 800 x 600, windows 6/11, CPI at 1060 which would be comparable to 2.5 in my revised IE v3. It tracks perfectly on my Mantis Speed. I’d have to say best mouse I’ve used to date and I’ve been playing FPS games since 1992. In the 8 years I’ve been playing Counter-Strike I’ve owned a Logitech Mouseman Dual Optical, MX518, G5, Razer Diamondback, Razer Deathadder, 1.1a and IE v3. The lift-off distance was a major put off on the Deathadder hence I avoided the Ikari Optical although I hear many people say you get used to lifting your hand a mm or two higher. The only con is I find the Ikari Laser a bit too small for my hand on the thumb side and I’m having a hard time getting a good grip on the mouse. I consider myslef to have average sized hands. I haven’t experianced any discomfort with the v3/Deathadder shape. If the thumb wing was shortened and the thumb recess expanded out by a couple off mm it would be perfect. A cross between the thumb side of the v3 and the pinky side of the Ikari Laser would be my ideal mouse shape.
March 28th, 2009 10:41
Best blog!
April 16th, 2009 06:55
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