Razer introduced Viper V3 Pro, its latest premium wireless gaming mouse. What makes a gaming mouse “high-end,” you might ask? Basically, it’s very light and packed with impressive wireless and sensor technology, all of which make it extremely responsive in competitive games. I’ve had one for about two weeks now and I’m experiencing near zero lag on rounds. Halo Infinite and Apex Legends.
The other thing is the price: the Viper V3 Pro sells today for $160 in the US or €180 in Europe. It’s not unheard of – Razer’s DeathAdder V3 ProOur best wireless choice a guide to buying gaming miceit’s the same price – but it’s certainly not cheap.
If you’re keeping up with the gaming mouse market, here’s the short version: The Viper V3 Pro has almost the same shape and soft-touch coating as last year’s mid-range. Viper V3 HyperSpeed, but it’s lighter at 54 grams, plus it has optical switches, a technically superior sensor, and a few minor design tweaks. It is a continuation of the popular one Viper V2 Pro 2022 and double sided complement to the aforementioned DeathAdder V3 Pro with a more dramatically contoured ergonomic shape.
The main thing for anyone to know about mice like these is that they are built for competitive gaming first and foremost. Thus, the Viper V3 Pro deliberately excludes features that would make it more convenient for everyday use: there is no Bluetooth and only two side buttons, the DPI switch is located under the mouse. The scroll wheel cannot be tilted left or right and there is no lighting. But these shortcomings make sense if you see the mouse as an esports tool: They reduce weight and make it harder to accidentally press buttons.
The most important thing with any gaming mouse is its shape, and the Viper V3 Pros should fit most hand sizes. It’s very similar Logitech’s G Pro X Superlight 2, its main competitor, but slightly longer and flatter. A modest but noticeable hump in the center sits naturally in your palm, while the sides gently contour inward to meet the tops of your thumb and ring (or pinky) finger. The main click buttons are knurled, slightly flared, and large in size. None of the angles are aggressive. Razer says it works best with a fingertip or claw grip; As someone who uses the latter, I have few problems. But the design isn’t so short or flat that it’s terrible for palm grips. Overall, it measures 5.0 x 2.51 x 1.57 inches.
The mouse pad is pleasantly soft and smooth. It will pick up fingerprint smudges over time, but should be grippy enough for most people out the door. (Razer includes pre-cut grip tape in the box if it still feels too slippery.) Overall, the device is solidly built, with no creaking or creaking in two weeks of daily use.
The Viper V3 Pro isn’t necessarily the lightest gaming mouse out there, but to call the 54g device too heavy to move around would be splitting hairs. Note that it reaches this weight without any cuts in the top or bottom shell. Like rival gaming mice Pwnage Stormbreaker or Pulsar X2V2 are just as lightweight, but leave their internals more exposed to dust and debris.
The mouse’s main click buttons are fast, not sticky, and on the softer side for a device that uses optical switches. They’re not as loud as the clicks on the G Pro X Superlight 2, although the right-click pad on my test unit sounded a little less full than the left-click. (This is more of a nitpick than a deal.) As with most optical mice, the main buttons may not be as satisfying to press as good mechanical switches, but they’re more likely to avoid durability issues over time. As for the side buttons and scroll wheel, I would also prefer the Viper V3 Pro over Logitech’s mouse. The Viper wheel is tighter, quieter and has more matte ridges on the exterior, while the side knobs are a bit less neat in comparison.
In terms of performance, the Viper V3 Pro uses Razer’s new “Focus Pro 35K Optical Sensor Gen-2”. It can reach a maximum of 35,000 DPI and you can adjust this sensitivity in 1 DPI increments. A maximum speed of 750 IPS and a maximum acceleration of 70G accompany this. As usual with gaming mice, these high numbers are partly marketing fluff: Many older gaming mice have several issues with sensor accuracy and consistency.
Along these lines, the mouse comes with Razer HyperPolling Wireless Dongle, which itself costs $30. It claims a maximum polling rate of 8000 Hz, which technically allows for more accurate movements. negligible effect about real-world performance. Mainly, it cuts into battery life: Razer says the Viper V3 Pro can last up to 95 hours at a 1000Hz polling rate, which is good, but that drops to just 17 hours at 8000Hz.
Still, while I’m far from a pro-level gamer, I can’t foresee many complaints about the Viper V3 Pro’s responsiveness or connection quality. Shape, weight and sensor all play a role – as do the large PTFE feet that allow the mouse to glide smoothly between surfaces. The included cable, which is cleverly angled to reduce friction, but isn’t the thinnest or most flexible cord I’ve seen, is a little less agreeable. The dongle still requires running a cable from the computer to the desk.
Still, if you’re serious about competitive gaming, prefer a two-sided form factor, and have cash to burn, the Viper V3 Pro is worth a look. To be clear, there are still several gaming mice It will feel comfortable and perform well for less money, especially if you’re happy with a wired model. And if you own an old Viper that you’re still happy with today, there’s no real need to upgrade. Such a mouse is closer to a Ferrari, as most people can live well with a Subaru. That said, Ferraris are pretty cool, aren’t they?
