How to configure steelseries keyboard and mouse

After doing the same with Logitech, Corsair and Razer it is time to configure Steelseries keyboard and mouse. Let's go to the mess!

The brand responsible for the Gateron switches is not far behind the competition. With both peripherals and software, SteelSeries always makes it onto the lists of companies with the best products.

Index of contents

SteelSeries Software

In the case of the Danish company, the configuration program has always been the same. SteelSeries Engine is now in its third version, increasing with each its features and performance. Obviously, the variety of options to configure also depend on our SteelSeries keyboard or mouse model.

Navigation

Within the software itself and before entering the matter with the specific characteristics of its components, we must highlight the presence in the main menu not only of the Equipment tab, which shows us the currently connected components, but also Apps and Library.

Apps

the applications section covers a large number of programs or games compatible with the StreelSeries Engine options. From Discord notifications on some devices equipped with a screen or vibration to audio graphic displays using RGB lighting.

To make use of these options we will need to activate them and configure them to my liking later if the predefined format is not enough for us. From compatibility with CS: GO, Dota 2 or Minecraft, it is here where you will also find utilities to complement your games in some specific games.

library

In library is where we can detect or add games that are currently on our computer and perform a specific profile configuration for them. SteelSeries Engine will detect when these are running and will start the mode that we have stored for them in our library. From concrete lighting to specific macro commands, the options we create will be stored here.

This is not just a plugin for gamers. The same type of configuration can be done when specific programs such as Photoshop or Indesign are run, so there are also alternatives for those users who want to maximize their performance.

What aspects should we control

Given the two external options to the use of our SteelSeries keyboard and mouse, we enter into work with specific aspects of this field. The number of editing options and panels available on our peripherals may vary depending on the model and how updated our software is, so we recommend that you keep the SteelSeries Engine software up to date whenever possible.

Remember that in many cases your peripherals have local memory slots, so that once you have made the relevant changes you can even completely uninstall the program.

Keyboard options

When we launch our keyboard for the first time you will generally find a main panel with a menu in the form of a bar and another dropdown on the left. The contents will be the following:

• Profiles: Our keyboard will always appear at the beginning with the default configuration, although this can be changed at any time or have various profiles with specific functions and toggle between them according to your needs.

• Key assignments: located on the left, a configuration column is shown. In this column we can establish the function of each of the buttons on our keyboard for both writing and using applications and macros. The image of the keyboard itself allows us to interact by directly selecting the button to which we want to make changes.

• Actuation: on specific keyboards such as the SteelSeries Apex Pro it is possible to establish the activation point of the keys by regulating the exact millimeters in which the pulsation is detected.

• Illumination - Key-illuminated keyboards can not only set specific patterns with specific brightness, directions, or velocities, but also customize each key with a specific backlight. Each mode can be saved associated with specific profiles either in local memory or in the application.

• OLED and configuration: you will also find keyboard models that have OLED screens where we can receive notifications or view our playlists. The alternatives to establish the display mode are found in this profile and we can also find compatible accessories with it in the App category seen previously.

Mouse Options

The menu of options for a SteelSeries mouse is usually much smaller, more specific and visual. Generally, its design is designed so that right from the start we can visualize almost all the specifications to configure, which also prevents us from going back and forth. The most commons are:

• Actions: establish opening of programs or macros. DPI Sensitivity: Customize the default DPI. Acceleration / Deceleration: modify both factors as desired. Prediction: Smooth the movement of the mouse by the user, stabilizing the stroke. Response Speed: Sets the hertz at which the mouse updates the data to the OS.

DPI (mouse)

The dots per inch property is closely related to the quality of the sensor integrated in our mouse. Generally, not only does it usually make us gain stability, but we can manage it according to what needs arise.

Depending on the mouse model, several things can happen: to begin with, in the most basic ones it is common to find a single default DPI option that cannot be changed. The second possibility is that there is a catalog of three to five interchangeable speeds (also fixed). Finally, we have more complete models that through software allow us to fully calibrate them at our whim.

The third option is always the most desired. Initially of course we will find a previous selection of DPI that we can later alter. It may be possible to override all active options except one and also (if the mouse allows it) to change the color of the LED that shows the speed.

Polling frequency

The polling rate or response speed is a relevant factor the more you are fond of gaming. This consists in the frequency with which your mouse or keyboard transmits information to the computer about both the pressed keys and the movement. It is generally a fixed percentage on keyboards. In mice, however, the percentage may vary. It is common to find it by levels:

• 125Hz / 8 milliseconds 250Hz / 4 milliseconds 500Hz / 2 milliseconds 1000Hz / 1 milliseconds

The ideal amount is around 1000Hz / 1ms, being the fastest data exchange today. If you have the possibility, our recommendation is to always select as many hertz as possible in the shortest time. This usually helps to combat latency problems, although it cannot work miracles against problems such as server lag.

illumination

Lighting is without a doubt the most attractive aspect of any of our peripherals. Non-expert users may perceive that their presence is a synonym of high quality, although this is not always the case. We can find backlighting of a single zone or key by key, being the second one that generally will transmit more vivid colors and greater intensity.

Another factor that indirectly affects lighting is the typography of the characters stamped on the keys. A greater thickness gives rise to a greater light transfer, and the same happens with the keycaps type pudding.

Depending on our keyboard we can find more or less variety in terms of its default modes. Generally, the original colors are always modifiable to taste, as well as their speed, direction and intensity. Any modifications made will be saved in the current active profile, although we can also save lighting patterns specific to games.

With SteelSeries Prism Sync we are also able to sync all of our branded peripherals to display the same pattern and parameters that we have set similarly to how it is done in competing sofwares like Razer Synapse.

Macros

Oh the macros. For both gamers and workers, keyboard shortcuts or commands for programs and games always come in handy. There are users who do not take advantage of macros and others who cannot live without them. In its origins it was a matter limited to the pressing of buttons on the keyboard while nowadays its action capacity has been expanded and they are available even in mice.

Generally we will always recommend configuring them through software, although it is possible to do them On the Fly (on the fly) according to your peripheral. If you want to dive deep into this section we have two specific tutorials:

• How to create macros on a SteelSeries keyboard How to create macros on a SteelSeries mouse

Profiles

Having seen all of the above, we cannot stop commenting on the issue of saving and managing profiles so that all our modifications are safe. Generally you can distinguish between two memory modes:

1. Local on the computer using Corsair software Integrated in the peripheral (mouse or keyboard)

The difference between the two is not relevant if you are not going to be moving from one side to the other, but if that is your case, you probably want the SteelSeries keyboard and mouse to have integrated memory. You can have specific profiles for games and others for office automation or work with editing programs such as Photoshop.

Maintenance and care

We have all turned purple to worms watching memes in front of the computer, so for those occasions when culinary accidents occur or any other class we are going to take a look at the possible solutions.

Cleaning the keyboard

A classic among classics. Bread crumbs do not go away on their own and it is a very good idea to periodically review our keyboard. Here we are not just talking about wiping it, but about removing all its keys and cleaning it thoroughly. Whether it's finger grease, dust, or some food residue, this can affect not only the mechanisms but also the luster of the buttons.

Whether you are users of a mechanical or membrane keyboard, here is a tutorial: How to clean the computer keyboard.

The key question then is this: how often do you clean it? The truth is that there is no exact amount. In a way it also depends on environment factors, frequency of use or regular maintenance. A periodic cleaning every six months or a year may be a good estimate.

Another influential factor is the keyboard chassis. If we are facing a keyboard with the switches seen we can clean the dirt much more easily than if it is a box type.

Cleaning the mouse

A keyboard-like situation occurs here, although on the other hand mice are much easier to care for. A slightly damp cloth with glass cleaner or other non-abrasive product is enough to remove residual grease from the fingers on its entire surface, being careful with sensitive areas such as grooves, sensors or buttons.

Keycaps replacement

Situations like slimy keys or disappearance of characters may lead us to need a keycaps replacement. Currently we can find many suppliers but often situations occur in which the official brand does not provide them separately and we must resort to third parties that have compatible models.

Surfers replacement

If we talk about the replacement of keycaps if we have deterioration, the same thing happens with surfers. Scratches, cracks or the detachment of the part itself can cause poor sliding. Changing surfers is somewhat more complicated than buttons since their shapes and thickness can vary much more and are more closely linked to the design of the mouse itself.

Updates

Not everything was going to be a matter of hardware, and is that the software must also be pampered a little. Generally all major brands can present regular updates for their software. This is not only good to do so that they stop giving us the ember with notifications, but because they generally bring with them improved performance, less consumption or more options.

Conclusions on how to configure your SteelSeries keyboard and mouse

When customizing and configuring the SteelSeries keyboard and mouse, all possible documentation or guides are always welcome for those less familiar with the options available in the software. That was the objective of this guide and we have tried to cover all the most relevant points both in mouse and keyboard.

However, remember that the SteelSeries Engine 3, the company's current software, can do much more for us. Other devices such as headphones, PC chassis and RGB mats can also be configured through it, so it is a transversal program that tries to make life easier for us.

We recommend reading:

The versatility of it always comes with some maintenance. If we want to synchronize the lighting of various peripherals we will need to have Prism Sync installed and active. If in changes you are one of those who edit and save their profiles, you can always uninstall it once you have finished. In any case, checking the periodic updates available never hurts.

When we tell you that the sky is the limit, it is serious. SteelSeries is one of those brands that cares about pampering its users not only with the products, but also with the accompanying software. If we have left any detail in the inkwell, do not hesitate to leave us a comment, until next time!