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Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless vs SteelSeries Rival 5: Comparison

Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless vs SteelSeries Rival 5: the weight difference

Start with weight, because it is the widest measured gap between them: Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless 122 g against SteelSeries Rival 5 85 g, 44% in favour of SteelSeries Rival 5. Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless also leads on buttons, 17 on the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless versus 9 on the SteelSeries Rival 5. Connectivity is not the same on both, Wireless , Bluetooth on the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless versus Wired, USB-C detachable cable on the SteelSeries Rival 5. They differ on switch type too, Mechanical side buttons, optical primary on the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless versus Mechanical, rated 60 million clicks on the SteelSeries Rival 5.

Which should you buy, Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless or SteelSeries Rival 5?

The Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless is the one to take for MMO and MOBA players needing 12+ bindable buttons and right-handed users who want a sliding, adjustable side panel, though it is not the pick for FPS players who want a light, low-button mouse and left-handed users. Buy the SteelSeries Rival 5 for FPS players who want a couple of extra thumb binds and right-handed medium to large grip sizes, though it is not built for left-handed users and MMO players needing 12+ side buttons. Our rating of the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless (8/10): the adjustable keypad genuinely helps different hand sizes, though at 122g it's not for anyone chasing a light flick-aim mouse. Our rating of the SteelSeries Rival 5 (8/10): A smart pick for players who outgrew a basic FPS mouse but don't need a 12-button MMO grid.

Frequently asked questions

Do the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless and SteelSeries Rival 5 differ on sensor model?

Yes. Sensor Model reads Corsair Marksman Optical, up to 26,000 DPI on the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless versus TrueMove Air Optical, up to 18,000 DPI on the SteelSeries Rival 5.

Is the Grip Type the same on the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless and SteelSeries Rival 5?

It is. Both are listed at Right-Handed, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.

Specs and benchmarks

  • Brand

    Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless
    Corsair
    SteelSeries Rival 5
    SteelSeries
  • Connectivity

    Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless
    Wireless (2.4GHz SLIPSTREAM), Bluetooth
    SteelSeries Rival 5
    Wired, USB-C detachable cable
  • Grip Type

    Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless
    Right-Handed
    SteelSeries Rival 5
    Right-Handed
  • Model

    Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless
    Scimitar Elite Wireless
    SteelSeries Rival 5
    Rival 5
  • Shape

    Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless
    Ergonomic
    SteelSeries Rival 5
    Ergonomic
  • Sensor Model

    Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless
    Corsair Marksman Optical, up to 26,000 DPI
    SteelSeries Rival 5
    TrueMove Air Optical, up to 18,000 DPI
  • Sensor Tier

    Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless
    Flagship
    SteelSeries Rival 5
    Mid-High
  • Buttons

    Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless
    17Best
    SteelSeries Rival 5
    9-47%
  • Polling Rate

    Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless
    Up to 2000HzBest
    SteelSeries Rival 5
    1000 Hz
  • Weight

    Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless
    122 g-44%
    SteelSeries Rival 5
    85 gBest
  • Switch Type

    Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless
    Mechanical side buttons, optical primary
    SteelSeries Rival 5
    Mechanical, rated 60 million clicks

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless if you want the higher buttons (17 vs 9) and the higher polling rate (Up to 2000Hz vs 1000 Hz).

    Choose SteelSeries Rival 5 if you want the lower weight (85 g vs 122 g).

    Price comparison

    RetailerCorsair Scimitar Elite WirelessSteelSeries Rival 5
    AmazonView on Amazon
    NeweggView on Newegg

    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

    Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless

    8 / 10 Expert Rating

    The adjustable keypad genuinely helps different hand sizes, though at 122g it's not for anyone chasing a light flick-aim mouse.

    SteelSeries Rival 5

    8 / 10 Expert Rating

    A smart pick for players who outgrew a basic FPS mouse but don't need a 12-button MMO grid.

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