Introduction

SteelSeries recently launched the all new Xai gaming mouse. The Xai is a new mouse from top to bottom, but it features a shape similar to that of the legendary Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 1.1. Interestingly enough SteelSeries have decided to stick with a second generation laser sensor for the Xai gaming mouse, albeit the very latest high performance version (most likely an Avago ADNS-9500 (Agilent technology affiliate) judging from specifications given by SteelSeries), whereas most of the rivaling brands have long made the move to 3.5 generation laser technology. For reasons unknown SteelSeries is putting their money on what seems to be a now obsolete tracking technology. In this review we'll take a real close look at tracking performance to determine if the sensor is still up to the job.

Specifications

• Frames per second: 12.000
• Inches per second: 150+
• Megapixels per second: 10.8
• Counts per inch: 100 - 5.001 (one CPI Steps)
• Max. Acceleration: 30 G
• Sensor data path: True 16 bit
• Lift distance: ~1mm (auto-adjusting)
• Buttons: 8
• Cord: 2 m / 6,5 ft (braided to improve durability)
• Polling: 125 - 1000 Hz (1Hz increments)
• Gold-plated USB connector
• Measurements: 125,5 x 68,3 x 38,7 mm / 4,94 x 2,69 x 1,52 in
• CPI high/low indicator
• SteelSeries FreeMove Technology
• SteelSeries ExactSens Technology
• SteelSeries ExactRate Technology
• SteelSeries ExactAim Technology
• On mouse acceleration Technology
• On mouse LCD display for tweaking above technologies thru menu system
• Large pressure points that reduce friction for optimized glide
• Driverless, plug-and-play feature for LAN gamers
• Built-in memory for 5 profiles
• Operating systems: Win 2000/XP/Vista/7