12 side buttons might seem like overkill, and for some it is. Where keybindings are concerned, though, overkill is exactly what I'm going for.
The Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE was intimidating when I first got it out the box last summer, but after getting to know each of its Stream Deck-enabled clickers I've kept this rodent running in my roster. Its merits within MMOs are obvious, it's one of the best gaming mouse models after all, but that's not why I love this pointer.
That Stream Deck integration means this is more than just a keypress replacement. I can swap between Spotify and Planet Coaster controls at the tap of a button, adding tracks to my playlists while adjusting the height of a tree line all with just a slight shift of the thumb. Do I need it? Absolutely not. But if I want my setup to resemble anything it's the Apollo 11 cockpit, and maximizing my button-to-device ratio is imperative in that mission.
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It takes a little learning to remember exactly how each of those 12 buttons are mapped but once the muscle memory is ingrained the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE feels like a super power. That's not just for gaming, I've been using this rodent in between reviews for nearly a year now and if anything I'd recommend it primarily as a productivity device.
Stream Deck integration is nice and simple, with a drag and drop interface and the entire Elgato Plugin store at your disposal. That means controls for pretty much anything you could imagine, though some of the more impressive integrations are paid for separately. Sure, it's not quite as seamless as having LED buttons tell you exactly what they do, but with a little time (and a cheat sheet for all my bindings) these 12 inputs have become second nature.
While it can be held back by its weight and software, those hunting down ultimate programmability aren't going to be disappointed.
Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE review
Today's deal puts the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE down at $79.99. That's $10 higher than I've seen it in the past, but the best price of the year so far. So should you dive in now?
If you're keen to get your setup as button-heavy as possible, this is an acceptable position. I've only ever seen the Elite Wireless at a cheaper price in a couple of sales and they were all positioned around last year's Black Friday / holiday events. That means there's no guarantee we'll see that discount return in the near future.
For those who can hold off for a record-low, it's likely we'll see a $69.99 price tag here again at some point. Whether that drops during Amazon's Prime Day offers in the summer or in its far sooner Spring Sales is difficult to predict.
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For more setup inspiration, check out the best gaming keyboards and the best gaming headsets on the market. Or take a look at the best gaming monitors for a bigger update.
