Launched in 2006, the DeathAdder remains, according to Razer, “the best-selling gaming mouse in the world”. Redesigning such a mythical mouse therefore represents an obvious risk for Razer as the accessory has played an important role in the success of the company.
When I received the final version of the DeathAdder V3 Pro, I discovered a mouse which, if it had been marketed under another name, would never have been confused with the first DeathAdder of the name. Razer has indeed opted for radical changes.
The new, more go-anywhere design may antagonize some DeathAdder series diehards, but it’s also likely to draw crowds of uninitiated gamers to this line of mice. So let’s see what makes this new DeathAdder so different.
Image: Michael Gariffo/ZDNET.
Features
- Connectivity: Razer HyperSpeed Wireless (2.4GHz)
- Autonomy: 90 hours or 24 hours using Razer’s 4000Hz dongle (sold separately).
- RGB lighting: None
- Sensor: Razer Focus Pro 30K Optical Sensor
- Programmable buttons: 5
- Switch model: Razer Gen-3 Optical Mouse Switches
- Mouse Feet Material: 100% PTFE
- Dimensions: 128mm x 68mm x 44mm
- Weight : 64g
- Colors: Black or white
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Design
Apart from the fact that it retains its status as an ergonomic mouse, the DeatAdder V3 Pro bears little resemblance to the old DeathAdders. The wide, flared front is gone, replaced by a narrower tip. The left and right mouse buttons also have less pronounced curves.
Image: Michael Gariffo/ZDNET.
Button clicks are extremely tenuous. By separating them from the rest of the mouse body, Razer was able to further modify the way its optical switches work.
The left flank also adopts a more rounded shape. Razer has retained the large, well-constructed side buttons from previous generations. The right side is also rounded to allow the ring finger to better grasp the mouse.
Those accustomed to the “fingertip” grip will not find their happiness here, however. The DeathAdder V3 Pro is too big for this gripping method to be really comfortable, unless your hands are well above average size.
Image: Michael Gariffo/ZDNET.
The finish on this mouse is one of the best available from Razer and one of the best I’ve used overall. The grainy look gives the device a secure grip, even if you have sweaty palms. It never causes perspiration like rubber coatings can. The device does, however, come with a set of rubber grips (black), for those who prefer that feel.
Features
Image: Michael Gariffo/ZDNET.
Like most of Razer’s “Pro” models, the DeathAdder V3 Pro focuses on the essentials to improve its performance. The 64g mouse feels absurdly light in the hand, despite its large size, and the aforementioned buttons further enhance the feeling of immediate responsiveness.
Despite the reduced weight of this mouse, Razer has incorporated several competition-focused features, including support for its new 4000Hz wireless dongle (sold separately) and the presence of the Focus Pro 30K optical sensor. The tiny LED indicator present on the nose of the mouse is the only on-board lighting on the DeathAdder V3 Pro.
Image: Michael Gariffo/ZDNET.
As a result, the mouse is simple, pleasant and practical to use. The shape of the DeathAdder V3 Pro may put some people off, but it’s hard to find fault with the hardware performance of this accessory.
Connectivity and charging
Image: Michael Gariffo/ZDNET.
Razer’s cable is long and flexible enough to never get in the way when using the mouse while charging it. The presence of an extension for the receiver also makes it possible to bring it closer to the mouse if necessary.
On top of that, the charging is reliable and fast, so hard to find anything to complain about on this point.
Performance
Image: Michael Gariffo/ZDNET.
The feet installed under the mouse are among the best created by Razer. After a few hours of break-in, they were smooth and consistent and offered an ideal glide on both fabrics and hard surfaces.
Image: Michael Gariffo/ZDNET.
I generally prefer symmetrical mice. Most ergonomic ones feel slower and less responsive to me. But, although the DeathAdder V3 Pro is larger than the Pulsar V2 Mini, its ergonomics make it very easy to adopt. That’s partly because the design is still pretty much inspired by symmetrical mice.
Although it’s a full-sized mouse, the DeathAdder V3 Pro never felt heavy or imprecise. This new design is clearly thought out to make the mouse more accessible to the general public.
Image: Michael Gariffo/ZDNET.
A mini version of this mouse would most likely be ideal for a lot of people too, but during my tests, my hands (of fairly normal size) never had any trouble handling the accessory.
Conclusion
Image: Michael Gariffo/ZDNET.
Ultimately, it will be up to the millions of current DeathAdder users (and billions of other potential users) to decide whether Razer was right to take the risk.
Probably few users will find much to complain about this mouse. Razer thought of its accessory as being rather consensual. Some may not like the new design, but after that it’s impossible to satisfy everyone.
No matter what, Razer has a product here that offers top-notch performance that should satisfy even esports pros. In addition to that, the construction is successful and the accessory surprisingly light. Mouse preferences are very subjective, but if you’re willing to give it a shot, you’ll get your hands on what I consider to be one of the best mice available today.
Alternatives
Source: ZDNet.com