Barely six months after unveiling the Viper V3 HyperSpeed, Razer is making a “Pro” version of its eSport mouse available. Without revolutionizing the already convincing recipe, the brand makes substantial improvements, but these are barely visible until you have it in hand.
The mouse gamer Razer Viper V3 Pro is a high-end model aimed at the most demanding gamers. Taking the same form as its cousin “HyperSpeed”, this new version improves on almost every possible point. On the menu: a new optical sensor, new switches, a rechargeable battery, a featherweight and a new arrangement for its skates.
It is also supplied with the dongle HyperPolling, which was previously an option and which allows it to be used at a polling frequency of 8,000 Hz wirelessly. If the HyperSpeed version could be considered an accessible model, this Pro version takes its place at the top of the Razer range, with a recommended price of 180 euros. A price which remains high, but ultimately rather in line with its competitors.
New features that are barely visible at first glance
In terms of design and if you already know the Viper V3 HyperSpeed, you won’t have any bad surprises. Indeed, the Pro version sports the same shell as its predeceased-sister (you have it ?). We also praised its truly convincing shape and maintain this opinion since the Viper V3 Pro still proves very comfortable once in the palm of the hand. Especially since it only weighs 54 g, or around 30 less than its counterpart, while it uses 85% recycled plastics, heavier than traditional materials.
The Viper V3 Pro is a symmetrical mouse that offers a rounded shell that’s just right. Losing the flat appearance of previous generations of the Viper, it is closer to a G Pro X Superlight 2 while retaining a less “round” appearance. The soft plastic covering still feels great, although potentially problematic for sweaty hands. Probably reason why Razer now provides a kit of grips adhesives in the box.
The two main clicks, concave at their ends, now house a new generation of optical switch which makes them a little more responsive, with above all a more reasonable actuation noise. The wheel is allegedly more tactile and reliable, but in use the difference compared to last year’s model is imperceptible.
On the other hand, the DPI button that accompanied it has now been relegated below the mouse. Two additional buttons are ideally placed on the left edge of the mouse. These fall very well under the thumb and provide good responsiveness, even if the sensation provided is again a little different if we compare them to those of the previous model.
Like many other references focused on performance and eSports, the Viper V3 Pro completely ignores RGB lighting. Even the wheel does not benefit from this and the only light element takes the form of a discreet status LED, positioned between the two main clicks, at the front of the mouse. It will allow you to know the sensitivity chosen, as well as the state of the battery.
It’s by taking a look under the mouse that we discover the biggest changes made by Razer to its Viper. Starting with the two imposing PTFE pads. The optical sensor is now installed in the central position (center front on the previous model) and the power switch has now been replaced by a single button also allowing switching between different sensitivity levels. We also note the absence of the hatch housing the battery, since this new model now runs on battery.
The Viper V3 Pro also does not have a slot for its dongle USB since it works with the imposing HyperPolling adapter which it seems difficult to store in the mouse. The latter comes with a braided and removable USB cable, which will allow you to charge the mouse battery.
8,000 Hz wirelessly and at no extra cost
The wireless connection is therefore ensured by the HyperPolling adapter, supplied in the box and allowing the Viper 3 Pro to benefit from a polling frequency of 8,000 Hz. Clearly marking the “pro” positioning of the mouse , this technology is primarily aimed at the most demanding players, equipped with the appropriate hardware and playing titles that support it. Obviously, nothing prevents you from using the field mouse with a more traditional frequency of 1000 Hz.
The use of a high frequency will logically have an impact on autonomy, which peaks at just under 100 hours at 1000 Hz according to manufacturer data. For our part, we were able to use it (at 1000 Hz) for about a week, and the remaining battery displayed was still 70%. At 8,000 Hz, however, the Viper V3 Pro will be 5 to 6 times less durable.
Impeccable performance
By ignoring RGB lighting and Bluetooth, Razer intends to offer here the ultimate eSport mouse. This also applies to the optical sensor, now centered, and which bears the sweet name of Focus Pro 35K Gen-2. On the menu: 35,000 DPI, 750 IPS and up to 70 g of acceleration. On paper, this is the brand’s most advanced sensor to date.
Concretely, we found nothing to complain about it. It lived up to our expectations by ensuring impeccable tracking of movements, even the quickest and most abrupt. During these few days of testing, we were able to put it to the test on nervous titles such as FPS Valorant or during naval combats in Sea Of Thieves where he showed no signs of weakness.
Above all, this sensor is supported by very convincing skates which provide excellent glide to the Viper V3 Pro. We feared, due to their large size, which is reminiscent of those fitted to the G Pro X Superlight 2, that the glide would not be optimal, but this is not the case. On a classic fabric carpet, no friction is felt. Likewise, the different buttons lived up to our expectations and guarantee excellent responsiveness as well as impeccable control.
A discreet new feature in Synapse
Synapse, always faithful to the post, takes care of managing the parameters associated with the Viper V3 Pro. Starting with the assignment of the different buttons, which can be customized with precision thanks to the numerous options available. This first page also allows you to adjust the operation of the indicator LED. dongle to, for example, display the mouse battery level.
The second tab is still dedicated to sensor performance and includes a module allowing you to control the different sensitivity levels, as well as the mouse interrogation frequency. Interesting little new feature: the sensitivity adapter. It ensures, in a fairly simple way, to match the sensitivity of the Viper V3 Pro to that of your usual mouse. Very practical for overcoming subtle differences in sensitivity.
Finally, there are also some options related to battery management as well as the calibration of the sliding surface. The sensor’s unhooking distance can always be modified, and always asymmetrically if necessary (a different distance for unhooking and hooking up).
Settings can then be saved in profiles for easy switching depending on the situation. The Viper V3 Pro can also keep a profile in memory to bypass Synapse.
Razer Viper V3 Pro mouse price and availability
The Razer Viper V3 Pro mouse is available at the recommended price of 180 euros.