Installation:
Installation is quick and simple since the Ikari only uses a small program to handle programming profiles. This program is shown more in testing.

Testing:
After installation I took a quick tour through the included software to provide you with some screenshots below. Click each image to see a full sized version.

 
(Click to enlarge)
 

The feel of the Ikari was something I noticed right away. It has a different feel than most mice out there that are marketed as being ergonomic. The design behind the Ikari is inspired by the common grips used by gamers, as mentioned earlier when it was discussed how many gaming groups were collaborated with on the design process of this mouse. Now, I'm not sure if I have larger than average hands or if most gamers have small hands, but I found my right-most fingers to drag across the desk a lot when I held the mouse in the most comfortable position. I had to really change around how I typically hold a mouse in order to avoid this. I'll also point out the top half of the mouse. Although it looks unique and feels that way too, I personally found that it felt like my hand was on too straining of an angle when holding it because of how I had to adjust myself to use it. Now, this may work for some, don't get me wrong here, but personally I didn't think this much adjustment should go into using something as simple as a mouse. Since gamers game for sometimes crazy lengths of time at once, I would have liked to see SteelSeries go for an ultra-ergonomic design for this mouse. Even though that may not be what gamers commonly use when playing, forcing them to get used to a more ergonomic feel would help substantially in avoiding health problems and repetitive-use strains. Keep in mind that this opinion only comes from myself and is made when comparing the feel and use of the Ikari to that of the endless list of other mice I have experienced throughout my life. Since the packing of the Ikari uses a form fitted plastic covering, you can easily feel the mouse yourself in stores to see if it's something that fits your hand nicely and feels right.

When put through the gaming test it's hard to say much more than the fact you have literally endless options when it comes to customizing the Ikari. Although the software is only a few pages in length and has very few settings, it's the combinations of those settings that leaves you with thousands of possibilities. High CPI or Low CPI? Some FreeMove, no FreeMove or lots of FreeMove? Oh wait, what about combining the right level of FreeMove with the right level of CPI? Did you want some programmable Macros in there? Never underestimate the power that can lie behind simplicity!

Conclusion:
For being SteelSeries' first introduction into the world of gaming mice, they've done an excellent job of taking many new ideas and features and implimenting them onto a nice mouse. They've tried a lot of new things that I haven't seen any other gaming mice manufacturers doing yet, this is stuff that is certainly going to give them a new edge in this market. My only complaint was the physical design of the mouse itself as it didn't seem to agree with my hand when it came to comfortable operation and I was given some mixed feedback when I let others try it as well. However, that can very much just be a personal thing and I'm sure there will be many of you out there who's hands work just perfectly on this mouse. For entering a new field, Steel has done a great job on this mouse. For being a first from them, this leaves me very excited to see just what features any future mice could hold!

Pros:
Great performance
Driver-less design helps to free up CPU
Mouse can save your current profile to use on any system!
Screen on the bottom for viewing/editing profiles/CPI on the go
CPI settings can be adjusted on the fly without having to use the included software
Gold plated USB connector and braided cable show attention to quality and add to durability

Cons:
Left side buttons should be placed slightly better
The mouse did not seem to work well with my hands (it felt too low and like it should have a slightly different angle)