Got this while I was walking around the store, thinking i could use a new mouse since my old one was starting to act up. I had an old MMO style mouse with the buttons on the side, some of which I actually used for different abilities or for in game push-to-talk communication. So, when I was looking for a new mouse, I wanted to have buttons on the side for a few things, but not so many that there was a grid of stuff to push. This mouse is smart. There are over 10 buttons on it, but they're placed all around. There are 8 on the side, above and below where your thumb naturally rests. The rest are on the top, around the edges of the mouse, easily pressed by your index of middle finger. The software that goes with the mouse has settings to have macros connected to the keys and it's easy to work with.

Hands down the best action,mmo gaming mouse I have ever owned. Sturdy construction, completely customizable, and good button placement. I have large hands fyi.

I had been using my G502 for around 6 months. I thought that once I got used to the narrow mouse my hands would stop hurting. It only got worse. The Rival 500 have been a HUGE relief for me. Definitively would recommend to fellas with big hands like me. Also, the amount of buttons on the mouse is a great plus for gamers like me. My only complaint is the lack of a braided cable and that the materials used tend to get dirty/oily real quick. It may just be my luck that I haven't found the need to clean the mouse all that often.

This is my first SteelSeries product. Bought it based on design and friend recommendations. Left and right click feel substantially more tactile. More like a cherry mx switch than a light mouse click. The software is an improvement over that of my Razer software. Easier to use and setting up different profiles for different programs is more intuitive. Only reason I gave 4 stars is although its heavier than most mice, I wish there was a way to make it heavier like the other mice with various weights. Will definitely be giving other SteelSeries products a chance.

This mouse will do everything and more. With 15 buttons to customize, DPI settings all the way up to 16000, acceleration and deceleration, and many other options through the steel series engine you can make this mouse exactly what you want.