“World of Warcraft” has become in recent years one of the massively
multi-player online role-playing game (MMORPG) most played with an
estimated 11.5 million number of monthly subscribers. SteelSeries has a
whole line of keyboards, mice and gamer mouse pads for this title. In
this case, World of Warcraft MMO gaming mouse is a real USB model with
15 programmable buttons, profile management, allocation of its own game
commands and of course, macro, with a simple software to use and fully
configurable illumination in both color and intensity.
Design
SteelSeries has whole massively multiplayer online role playing games,
among which is "World of Warcraft. This mouse has been designed in
collaboration with the company that created the game, Blizzard, offering
an exclusive mouse of this title.
A major feature is the personalization of the 15 buttons available for
this model, from basic actions like left click, commands and macros of
the game itself. The mouse is accompanied by a simple manual which
clearly explains how to install, download the software and use it.
The design is completely symmetrical in shape; you might think that this
is an ambidextrous model, but the form and number of buttons on the
left make it really complicated to use for lefties. On the top, you will
find two typical and two small buttons on each end, the scroll is with
the push button and two buttons are underneath. On the right side is the
button for double clicking and an area to support the hand. The left
structure is exactly the same, although here we have two buttons and a
stick with four possible keystrokes. A total of 15 buttons! The laser
sensor at the center is surrounded by three Teflon feet, one on top and
other two on sides. The sensor has a maximum sensitivity of 3,200 DPI,
acceleration of 20G and a top speed of 165.1 centimeters per second.
Other attractions of mouse are the lighting; in this paragraph we must
say that it covers up to 16 million colors, can change the intensity and
the way it appears lighting.
The profiles, which we will be speaking in the later part, can be
identified because we can assign a color to the lights when one of them
is active. This is just one example of huge range of colors that we can
configure. To install and configure the mouse, follow the instructions
in the manual. Download the latest version of the configuration
software and control, and the mouse is detected and installed
without drivers.
From the main screen we have access to all settings for the mouse, from
the button assignment, profile manager to mouse properties and lighting.
We will go one by one viewing the main features.
In the properties you can adjust the mouse sensitivity from 800 to 3200
dpi, and the speeds in the double click of the wheel (very useful if we
use it to zoom into the camera quickly) and the pointer. The profile
manager will allow us to have different settings for up to 10 characters
in the game; all you have to do is click on the area’s character and
add the information we are asked, so, we loaded the first profile. The
profiles that are created can be saved locally in XML format or online,
although this method is under construction. In "Profile>Edit
game/APP" we can do that when loading an application (in this case,
World Of Warcraft), the profile is loaded, so we routinely use the mouse
under desk and have all the features of this mouse when we play.
With the game commands, you will have the opportunity to assign any key
to any operation, like seeing bags, select characters to focus on a
target, or assign special features like music turn it off and/or audio
and even screen capture. Apart from that, you can assign other functions
like changing the profile, or special keys for the desktop.
Each macro is assigned to a key, with a maximum of 150 characters; by
default there is no need to enter the home key and send it because the
software itself introduces him. You can record key delays, for example,
to launch a sequence of spells.
Tests
We have used only "World of Warcraft" for a general test performance.
The mouse is quite large, so we need a time for us to size, although it
is quite light compared to other models of the same level; it is a pity
that we did not incorporate a system of weights to adjust to taste. The
scroll wheel is the best we’ve tested; you can change your speed, for
example, for the camera and zoom quickly. In desktop mode it may do
something rough for everyday use.
As for his performance in the field of games, frequent players have a
great ally to this model; we have up to 15 more actions to use a mouse
click. This allows us, for example, cast a spell, move and rotate the
camera at the same time, which cannot be done if we have the spell on
the keyboard or use the interface to launch. Another important aspect is
the macro, although it should be written as in the game, the mouse will
have a bar action, a series of actions in the mouse without using the
keyboard. The sensitivity can be adjusted to taste and the profile
manager is good, because although there are common actions the use of
each character is completely different. The software help us to have the
mouse fully configured, although we will take a while to let it
completely finish and ready to play. The lighting, for what they like,
is the best for the wide gamma color that allows up to 16 million
colors, can choose the intensity and the way lights (fixed, pulse,
etc.).
Features
The World of Warcraft MMO Gaming Mouse is the only gaming peripheral on
the market that can be configured directly from within World of Warcraft
for both Mac and PC users. The World of Warcraft MMO Gaming Mouse is
fully scalable to meet the requirements of even the most demanding gamer
and delivers:
- Incredible customization with 15 programmable
buttons - Superior performance, comfort and control for in-game dominance
- An amazing experience for World of Warcraft gamers of all levels and
play styles
Easy to use, drag and drop software for PC allows you to:
- Program
all 15 buttons with over 130 preset game commands - Create custom macros (supports in-game macros)
- Develop up to 10 profiles, each with a unique illumination scheme
- Choose from 16 million colors, all with 4 levels of intensity and
pulsation
New In-Game Set-up for MAC and PC allows you to:
- Bind all 15
buttons directly from the World of Warcraft interface, without ever
leaving the game - Achieve faster response time by customizing mouse setup in-game and
thereby removing a layer of software
Product Specifications
Software Specifications
- World of Warcraft branded GUI
- Assign World of Warcraft commands
- Develop custom macros (up to 160 characters)
- Adjust DPI and standard mouse settings
- Adjust illumination color, effects, and intensity
- Independently adjust x and y-axis sensitivity
- Real-time profile switching
- Import and export profiles
Technical Specifications
- Max. resolution: 3200 DPI
- Max. acceleration: 20 g
- Max. speed: 65 inches/second
- Max. USB report rate: 1000 Hz/1ms
- USB data format: 16-bit
- USB interface: Full speed
- Sleep mode: Disabled (Always On)
System Requirements
- Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows
Vista - 100 MB Free Hard Drive Space
- 128 MB RAM
- Available USB port
Conclusion
Starting from design to finish in the software, the SteelSeries WoW MMO
mouse can be a great tool for most enthusiastic players. 15 buttons go
far, as well as to play only with the mouse and keyboard movement; it is
easy to configure the keys with the commands of the game without being
inside it. When exported as XML files, we can easily edit and duplicate
profiles for common actions. There is no system of checks as in other
gamer mice, so getting used to it will take some more time. Regarding
macros, there is an improvement over the editor’s own game, although the
intention is to assign macros to a mouse button quickly with the
possibility of local or export via the Internet, although this is still
not available.
The mouse quality is indisputable, with excellent production, fully
programmable buttons and a profile manager to have the game settings
with a single file or via the Internet.
Advantages
- 15 programmable buttons.
Up to 3,200 DPI - Profile management. Assigned to 130 Game commands
- Excellent lighting
Disadvantages
- Weight
