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Cooler Master MM731 vs SteelSeries Rival 3: Comparison
What is the difference between Cooler Master MM731 and SteelSeries Rival 3?
Weight is where these two genuinely part company, Cooler Master MM731 49 g against SteelSeries Rival 3 77 g, a 57% lead for Cooler Master MM731. There is a split on sensor model as well, PixArt PAW3370, up to 19,000 DPI on the Cooler Master MM731 versus TrueMove Core Optical on the SteelSeries Rival 3. There is a split on sensor tier as well, High on the Cooler Master MM731 versus Entry on the SteelSeries Rival 3. They differ on connectivity too, Wireless , Bluetooth on the Cooler Master MM731 versus Wired on the SteelSeries Rival 3. There is a split on shape as well, Symmetrical, honeycomb on the Cooler Master MM731 versus Symmetrical on the SteelSeries Rival 3. They differ on switch type too, Optical on the Cooler Master MM731 versus Mechanical on the SteelSeries Rival 3.
Which should you buy, Cooler Master MM731 or SteelSeries Rival 3?
The Cooler Master MM731 is the one to take for budget shoppers chasing sub-50g wireless weight and ambidextrous claw and fingertip grip users, though it is not the pick for buyers who dislike honeycomb/vented shells and palm grip users wanting a fuller shell. Buy the SteelSeries Rival 3 for budget buyers who still want real mechanical switches and first-time gaming mouse buyers, though it is not built for esports players who want the highest DPI ceiling available and anyone who wants wireless out of the box. Our rating of the Cooler Master MM731 (8/10): one of the best value-for-weight wireless mice available; it just lacks the sensor polish of pricier flagships. Our rating of the SteelSeries Rival 3 (8/10): the best budget mechanical-switch mouse in SteelSeries' lineup, and a fair pick for anyone who doesn't need a flagship sensor.
What Cooler Master MM731 and SteelSeries Rival 3 have in common
The common ground is wider than the gap: polling rate, buttons and grip type are identical here.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Cooler Master MM731
- Cooler Master
- SteelSeries Rival 3
- SteelSeries
Connectivity
- Cooler Master MM731
- Wireless (2.4GHz), Bluetooth
- SteelSeries Rival 3
- Wired
Grip Type
- Cooler Master MM731
- Ambidextrous
- SteelSeries Rival 3
- Ambidextrous
Model
- Cooler Master MM731
- MM731
- SteelSeries Rival 3
- Rival 3
Shape
- Cooler Master MM731
- Symmetrical, honeycomb
- SteelSeries Rival 3
- Symmetrical
Sensor Model
- Cooler Master MM731
- PixArt PAW3370, up to 19,000 DPI
- SteelSeries Rival 3
- TrueMove Core Optical
Sensor Tier
- Cooler Master MM731
- High
- SteelSeries Rival 3
- Entry
Buttons
- Cooler Master MM731
- 6
- SteelSeries Rival 3
- 6
Polling Rate
- Cooler Master MM731
- 1000 Hz
- SteelSeries Rival 3
- 1000 Hz
Weight
- Cooler Master MM731
- 49 gBest
- SteelSeries Rival 3
- 77 g-57%
Switch Type
- Cooler Master MM731
- Optical
- SteelSeries Rival 3
- Mechanical
Which one should you pick?
Choose Cooler Master MM731 if you want the higher buttons (6 vs 6), the higher polling rate (1000 Hz vs 1000 Hz) and the lower weight (49 g vs 77 g).
Choose SteelSeries Rival 3 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Cooler Master MM731 | SteelSeries Rival 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Cooler Master MM731
8 / 10 Expert Rating
One of the best value-for-weight wireless mice available; it just lacks the sensor polish of pricier flagships.
SteelSeries Rival 3
8 / 10 Expert Rating
The best budget mechanical-switch mouse in SteelSeries' lineup, and a fair pick for anyone who doesn't need a flagship sensor.