Handling

Ergonomics

The fact that the XAI is relatively flat makes it comfortable. If you are used to hold the mouse with your thumb and little finger it happens quite often that you unintentionally click the buttons located on the left side of the mouse. Futhermore the mouse wheel is silent when you scroll slowly but as soon as scroll a lot it becomes pretty loud. I small LCD integrated into a mouse isn't something we see every day but you can definitely ask where is the point in that. Sure it is nice to have but if you for example in a competition notice that you chose the wrong profile you've lost. We'd wish to have the possiblity to switch profiles not only using the integrated LCD an on-screen-display for example would be nice, by for example pressing the button on top of the mouse and using the scroll wheel.

 

Gliding characteristics

SteelSeries recommends the use of their 9HD mousepad which has been developed together with the XAI. In our tests neither the 9HD nor it's predecessor were able to convince. The gliding characteristics felt rough and there was too much resistance for our taste. The best experiences we had using a SteelSeries QcK mousepad with comes with a cloth surface. There the XAI glides very smoothly.

Precision / Speed

Cusor movements are generally very precise. It's tip is always going to point at the exact point you want it to and this after just a short while of getting used to. Regarding the precision SteelSeries created a mouse which can be recommended for low- as well as high-sens players.