SteelSeries Kinzu V2 Pro Edition Gaming Mouse Review (SE Silver)

1. Introduction2. Packaging and Bundle3. Design and Ergonomics4. Software5. Performance and Conclusion6. View All Pages

It was no surprise to us that the Kinzu V2 performed very well in our tests as it uses an almost identical sensor to the Kana.  Both mice have a 3200 CPI optical sensor which should handle the requirements of the vast majority of casual gamers.  During our tests it tracked flawlessly and registered every movement with accuracy.  The Kinzu V2 features three large teflon feet on the underside of the mouse which let it glide smoothly across your mouse pad.  We tested it with a SteelSeries QcK cloth gaming surface and the two worked very well together.

We expect that the colour scheme of the Kinzu V2 will appeal to a broader range of consumers to the Kana, after all silver and black is much less garish than the florescent orange of the Kana.  That said, we feel that the rubberised paint finish of the Kana feels much better in the hand than the gloss finish of the Kinzu V2 and it also helps us grip it more securely.  The Kana also has a more comfortable mouse wheel which is easier to control with precision.

It's not clear why SteelSeries felt the need to omit browser forward and back buttons on the Kinzu V2.  It wouldn't add significantly to the price and they could be used as macro buttons when combined with the SteelSeries Engine software.  We find ourselves using these buttons very frequently during general use for navigating web pages so it was quite a pain using the Kinzu V2 without them.

At a price of £29 at Kikatek, the SteelSeries Kinzu V2 is about £6 cheaper than the Kana.  We feel that the Kana is a better buy as it features a far preferable rubberised finish and browser forward and back buttons.  For the price, we feel that the Kinzu is lacking in features as there are a number of alternatives on the market which are better featured for less money.

Pros:

• Ambidextrous design
• High performance sensor
• Smooth glide
• Attractive finish

Cons:

• Gloss paint finish
• No foward and back buttons

KitGuru: A good mouse but the Kana offers better value for money.

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