When it comes to computer peripherals, being left-handed is definitely a disadvantage. The huge variety of gaming mice, keyboards and keypad alternatives on the market is almost entirely eliminated as options because they don't work for our hands. There are some rare mice that come in and out of production with gaming buttons and ergonomics specifically for the left hand, but not enough to offer "choice". That leaves us having to rely on ambidextrous mice.
In the last couple of years, I've used the nicer lefty or ambi mice from Razr and Logitech and liked them fine while it lasted, but the main button switches failed way earlier than their price justifies. Enter SteelSeries...
Pros:
-The Sensei Ten is pretty straight forward compared to the modular part-swapping fanciness of my last Logitech. 2 Side buttons on each side, a mouse wheel that feels decent and offers the basic downward click (no sideways wheel clicking as some do).
-The size, shape and weight are fine. I have average hands with longish fingers and I don't notice it, which is probably ideal.
-The texture is soft to the touch with just enough grip to provide confidence.
-The software to control the mouse settings and RGB lighting is simple enough and works fine. I set up a couple of swappable (using the button on the mouse) profiles and haven't had to open the software again.
-The lighting looks cool without being overly bright.
-I've been using this for several months--working full time from home (thanks Covid) and gaming often in evenings and weekends. So far all is working well. My biggest hope rests on reliability.
Cons:
-I only have one and it MIGHT depend on my own grip and hand shape: There is a pair of extra programmable buttons on each side of the mouse. However, the placement of these makes the ones on the left side of the mouse (the "fingers side", not the "thumb side") are positioned such that I accidentally click them while moving the mouse around. This happened enough that I just disabled those two buttons. So I'm really just getting a mouse with 2 programmable buttons rather than 4.
Overall, the good ergonomics, attractive lighting and reliable switches (knock on wood, fingers crossed, so far so good...) are enough for me to be happy. I do wish more companies would put more effort into accommodating southpaws with better products. I realize we're a small market, but that market isn't going away and someone who "nails it" would have a devoted following. Meanwhile, this is my favorite mouse.
| Brand | SteelSeries |
|---|---|
| Series | Sensei Ten |
| Item model number | 62527 |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Operating System | Windows, Mac, Linux, and Xbox. USB port required. |
| Item Weight | 3.2 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 4.94 x 2.7 x 1.54 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.94 x 2.7 x 1.54 inches |
| Color | Black |
| Manufacturer | SteelSeries |
| ASIN | B07Y3Q2PYH |
| Date First Available | October 1, 2019 |
