Razer is one of the clear leaders in the gaming industry, and that is perhaps most true regarding its deep bench of gaming mice. But what is the best Razer mouse for you? Our in-depth buying guide includes our picks of the best Razer gaming mice, along with essential education to help simplify your buying decision.
Table of Contents
Best Razer mouse
- Best overall: Razer Viper V2 Pro
- Ergonomic performance pick: Razer Deathadder V3 Pro
- Highest polling rate: Razer Viper 8K Hz
- Best budget pick: Razer Basilisk V3
- Alternate budget pick: Razer Viper Mini
- Best for MOBA/MMO gaming: Razer Naga X
Pro tip
Our Razer gaming mouse picks are selected through a combination of in-house testing and analyzing player data for the specific gear used by pros and streamers we track on Setup.gg. This way, you get the picks we think are best and the select picks that the top players covet.
- Exceptionally light
- Great click latency
- Good battery life
- Fast Razer gen-3 optical switches
- High DPI sensor
- All-around build quality
- No onboard receiver storage
- No RGB
At a glance
- Weight: 59g
- Sensor: Focus 30K DPI
- Polling rate: 1000 Hz
- Number of buttons: 5
- Battery life: 80 hours
- Connectivity: Wireless (USB-C charging cable)
- Compatibility: PC, macOS (no software compatibility)
The Razer Viper V2 Pro is the best Razer mouse for most gamers. This Razer mouse was created with one goal: Make it perform exceptionally and cut out features that aren’t critical to performance. Knowing this, you’re not going to get RGB, even though Razer’s historical calling card has been to add RGB wherever possible.
Since removing RGB isn’t a death sentence in games, this isn’t going to matter for the type of gamer interested in this Razer mouse. Instead, you’ll get exceptional performance with the Razer Viper V2 Pro.
The Razer Viper V2 Pro is featherlight at just 59g. It packs in Razer’s new-generation Focus 30K DPI sensor for improved tracking. You’ll also get Razer’s fast 3rd-generation optical switches and an advertised 80-hour battery life.
While the price is a detractor for some, the great performance more than justifies the cost. That said, it’s still an expensive gaming mouse.
- High DPI sensor
- Feather light
- Great click latency
- Long battery life
- High price
At a glance
- Weight: 63g
- Sensor: Focus 30K DPI
- Polling rate: 1000 Hz
- Number of buttons: 5
- Battery life: 90 hours
- Connectivity: Wireless (USB-C charging cable)
- Compatibility: PC, macOS (no software compatibility)
The Razer Deathadder V3 Pro is Razer’s new installment in the ever-popular Deathadder series. The Deathadder has built a massive following with its versatile ergonomic shape, build quality, and performance. So, it’s always in the best Razer gaming mice pack.
The updated Razer Deathadder V3 Pro improves upon prior generations with its ultralight weight of 63g. This Razer mouse also packs in Razer’s Focus 30K DPI sensor, which offers precise tracking with one of the highest DPIs we’ve seen.
Moreover, the Razer Deathadder V3 Pro includes Razer’s fast and tactile 3rd-generation optical switches. It also gets an astounding 90 hours of battery life.
Let’s talk about the shape for a moment. The Razer Deathadder V3 Pro is technically an ergonomic gaming mouse, but it doesn’t have a deep recess for a thumb rest like a full-on ergonomic mouse. Instead, the Razer Deathadder has a slight thumb recess and left to right downward-sloping top that curves nicely to your hand and thumb. The shape makes it a great fit for palm-grip and claw-grip users but also great for other grips styles and hand sizes.
- Great click latency
- High DPI sensor
- Super high polling rate
- Ambidextrous design
- Not a fit for all grip styles
At a glance
- Weight: 71g
- Sensor: Focus+ 20K DPI
- Polling rate: 8000 Hz
- Number of buttons: 7
- Battery life: N/A
- Connectivity: Wired
- Compatibility: PC, macOS (no software compatibility)
The namesake feature of the Razer Viper 8K Hz is its 8000 Hz polling rate. If you’re unfamiliar with polling rates, know that high-polling rate mice reduce input lag. In short, the Razer Viper 8K Hz reports actions to your PC 8,000 times per second. This is impressive since 1000 Hz is common among even the best gaming mice, and it’s still incredibly high, compared to a standard mouse.
Knowing this all, the Razer Viper 8K Hz offers exceptional performance. The Razer Focus+ sensor goes up to 20K DPI and is highly accurate, which is critical in fast-paced gaming. You’ll get similar great performance out of Razer’s 2nd-gen optical switches, rated for 70 million clicks.
With these specs, you’d expect the Razer Viper 8K Hz to take a chunk out of your wallet. But the Razer Viper 8K Hz is one of the best budget Razer mice available and can typically be found for under $50. On the downside, this is a wired Razer gaming mouse, which isn’t a fit for every gamer.
- Lots of programmable buttons
- Versatile ergonomic shape
- Includes a high DPI sensor and a high polling rate
- Includes a L/R tilt wheel
- Ergonomic shape isn’t a fit for all gamers
- It’s a wired gaming mouse
At a glance
- Weight: 101g
- Sensor: Focus+ 20K DPI
- Polling rate: 1000 Hz
- Number of buttons: 11
- Battery life: N/A
- Connectivity: Wired
- Compatibility: PC, macOS (no software compatibility)
The Basilisk line of ergonomic Razer gaming mice has long been popular with gamers based on its heritage of providing exceptional value. The Razer Basilisk V3 has all the essentials you’d expect from a truly ergonomic mouse, including an 11-button array with a L/R tilt wheel for added customization, and a thumb rest with a grippy texture on both sides.
You’ll also get outstanding performance with this wired Razer gaming mouse. The Razer Focus+ 20K DPI sensor tracks precisely, it has a high 1000 Hz polling rate, and you also get Razer’s 2nd-generation optical switches that are both fast and durable.
Now, the Razer Basilisk V3 isn’t without its detractors. Seasoned FPS gamers may not like its heavier weight (although it’s still light in its category) and MMO/MOBA gamers may find the 11-button array isn’t enough.
But seasoned FPS and MMO/MOBA gamers aren’t the majority of the market. Most gamers want something in the middle of the road for versatility across gaming titles and productivity tasks. The Razer Basilisk V3 is a perfect fit if that sounds like you.
- Lightweight
- Great click latency
- Still fits the majority of hand sizes and grip styles
- Great bang-for-your-buck
- Too small for the largest of hands
- It’s a wired gaming mouse
At a glance
- Weight: 61g
- Sensor: PixArt PMW3359
- Polling rate: 1000 Hz
- Number of buttons: 6
- Battery life: N/A
- Connectivity: Wired
- Compatibility: PC, macOS (no software compatibility)
Many different types of gamers are a fit for the Razer Viper Mini. But first, let’s cover who isn’t a fit. The main reason not to buy the Razer Viper Mini is if you prefer a Razer wireless mouse instead.
With that said, let’s now get into the myriad of reasons why you may want to buy the Razer Viper Mini. Firstly, the Razer Viper Mini uses the same popular design language found in the Viper lineup. Most hand sizes and grip types will find this mouse suits them well even though it’s small.
The Razer Viper Mini is also perfect if you have small hands or are seeking an ultralight gaming mouse for improved performance – it weighs a featherlight 61g.
While the Razer Viper Mini was released several years ago and includes older-generation Razer optical switches and sensors, it somehow performs on par with new best-in-class picks for sensor accuracy and click latency.
Best yet, the Razer Viper is an absolute steal at its price point, making it an easy pick for the best budget Razer mouse.
- Highly customizable
- Exceptionally light for its category
- Includes a high DPI sensor and a high polling rate
- Turbo mode is great for rapid-fire actions
- Ergonomic shape isn’t a fit for all gamers
- The number of buttons may be overkill for some
- It’s a wired gaming mouse
At a glance
- Weight: 85g
- Sensor: Razer 5G 16K DPI
- Polling rate: 1000 Hz
- Number of buttons: 16
- Battery life: N/A
- Connectivity: Wired
- Compatibility: PC, macOS (no software compatibility)
With its Naga-branded lineup, Razer offers a deep bench of MMO/MOBA gaming mice, but the Razer Naga X hits the sweet spot of versatility, performance, and price. The Razer Naga X is the best MMO/MOBA Razer mouse for these reasons. It’s also great at pulling double duty for productivity.
The Razer Naga X packs all the essentials you’d expect in this category. You’ll get a total of 16 buttons, twelve of which are loaded into the left side. The ergonomic shape is also balanced well for most hand sizes. Somehow with the high profile and overall shape, it doesn’t feel hefty. The Razer Naga also defies certain conventions with its 85g weight. Most competing mice tilt the scales in the triple digits, but the Razer Naga X is exceptionally light.
That low weight is partly achieved because it’s a wired mouse, which may be a downside for some gamers. But that’s also how Razer keeps the price for the Razer Naga X so low.
Comparing the best Razer mice
Razer Mouse | Weight | Sensor | Polling Rate | # of Buttons | Battery Life | Connectivity | Compatibility |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Razer Viper V2 Pro | 59g | Focus 30K DPI | 1000 Hz | 6 | 80 hours | Wireless (USB C charging cable) | PC, Mac (No software compatibility) |
Razer Deathadder V3 Pro | 63g | Focus 30K DPI | 1000 Hz | 6 | 90 hours | Wireless (USB C charging cable) | PC, Mac (No software compatibility) |
Razer Viper 8K Hz | 71g | Razer Focus+ 20K DPI | 8000 Hz | 7 | N/A | Wired | PC, Mac (No software compatibility) |
Razer Basilisk V3 | 101g | Razer Focus+ 20K DPI | 1000 Hz | 11 | N/A | Wired | PC, Mac (No software compatibility) |
Razer Viper Mini | 61g | PMW-3359 | 1000 Hz | 6 | N/A | Wired | PC, Mac (No software compatibility) |
Razer Naga X | 85g | Razer 5G 16K DPI | 1000 Hz | 16 | N/A | Wired | PC, Mac (No software compatibility) |
Which Razer mouse should you get?
If you want the best performance: The Razer Viper V2 pro, the Razer Deathadder V3 Pro, and the Razer Viper Mini are all extremely lightweight and have exceptional latency, calling card-features for the best FPS gaming mice. The Razer Viper 8K Hz has excellent latency, though it is slightly heavier than the three other Razer mice models.
If you’re looking for an ergonomic Razer mouse: The Razer Basilisk V3 and the Razer Naga X are excellent ergonomic mice. The Razer Deathadder V3 Pro is also a great ergonomic pick, though it doesn’t have a thumb rest or right finger rest.
If you’re on a budget: Consider the Razer Viper 8K Hz or the Razer Viper Mini. Both are absolute steals at their price points. While they aren’t picks on this list, older-generation Razer mice are also great options, including the Razer Deathadder V2 and the original wired Razer Viper.
If you have small hands: The Razer Viper Mini is a clear standout pick. The Razer Viper V2 Pro and the Razer Viper 8K Hz are also picks to consider for smaller hands. Their low-profile design can fit some small hands well, just not the smallest of hands.
If you’re into MMO and MOBA gaming: The Razer Naga X is the pick to start with due to its customizable button array. The Razer Basilisk V3 is also a great Razer MMO and MOBA gaming mouse, though it doesn’t have as many customization options with fewer buttons.
Honorable mentions
Razer has one of the industry’s largest lineups of gaming mice, and many are excellent picks. Several other Razer gaming mice deserve the spotlight beyond the selections included above.
The Razer Basilisk V3 Pro is the updated version of our Basilisk V3 pick, but it packs in upgraded internals and ditches the cable. Gamers liking everything about the Basilisk series and wanting Razer’s cutting-edge specs should give this mouse some attention. But it’s expensive.
Battle royale gamers like the Razer Orochi V2 for its performance and lightweight, but its egg-like shape isn’t a fit for most.
There are also prior-generation models for nearly all of the picks on this list that still perform exceptionally well in 2023. For most models, Razer offers some combination of an “Essential”, “X”, or “Ultimate” version.
You’ll save some money buying these older models. So, if you find a Razer mouse on this list that you like but it’s priced too high, it’s worth reviewing the historical lineup to find one that better suits your budget.
What Razer gaming mouse do pros use?
The Razer Viper V2 Pro is the best Razer wireless mouse and it’s a popular pick among pro gamers and streamers. The older-generation Razer Deathadder V2 is also extremely popular due to its performance and low price.
Razer’s technological advantage explained
Razer Focus Sensors
Most of Razer’s newest gaming mice include either Razer Focus+ 26K DPI or Razer Focus 30K DPI sensors. Both optical sensors offer some of the highest DPI settings available, leading to precise tracking.
These Razer sensors also offer unique features not found in other gaming mice. Both sensors can be tuned for a custom lift-off distance. The sensor also calibrates automatically when moving across different surfaces, such as sliding off the mousepad and onto your desk. This calibration ensures a consistent lift-off distance is maintained regardless of the surface.
Switches
Razer offers three generations of proprietary optical switches in most of its gaming mice. All are exceptionally fast since they’re optical switches, not traditional mechanical ones. Razer switches are also highly durable, with the gen-3 switches rated for an astounding 90 million clicks and its gen-2 switches rated for 70 million clicks.
Software and firmware tuning
High-performing technology under the hood is all for naught if the software and firmware tuning lags behind. Many other gaming mouse brands offer similar, high-spec internals but can’t compete with Razer regarding latency.
The performance difference is the software and firmware tuning that each company layers on top of its specs to improve performance. Razer’s long history in the gaming peripherals industry has created an advantage in proprietary tuning.
This is perhaps most recognizable with Razer’s Hyperspeed wireless technology, which is its name for the standard 2.4 GHz connection many wireless gaming mice use to connect via a USB receiver. Hyperspeed optimizes how data transmits between your mouse and PC for reduced lag. Razer also offers its aftermarket HyperPolling dongle, which can improve performance by increasing the polling rate to 4000 Hz for select mice.
Razer Synapse overview
Razer’s Synapse software is one of the most robust and simple-to-use customization platforms we’ve come across. While the software isn’t Mac-compatible, it does offer an endless array of customization options on PC systems.
The first mouse settings page most users will encounter inside Synapse is the DPI and polling rate settings page. You can choose your DPI presets and customize your X and Y-axis sensitivity here.
The button customization UI is also easy to use and robust. Just click on a specific button and then map a myriad of actions, from simple keybinds to more complex macros, to that button. Most Razer mice also include HyperShift functionality, which gives you keyboard-like Shift functionality for additional layers of customization.
Last but not least is Razer’s Chroma Studio, where you manage your RGB lighting settings inside the Synapse software. From here, you can customize a wide range of RGB effects and set up RGB profiles.
Should you buy a Razer or Logitech gaming mouse?
Razer and Logitech make great gaming mice across all price points and go toe-to-toe with each other across all major mouse categories. Both offer flagship models with bleeding-edge specs, great software experiences, and excellent build quality.
However, one major differentiator is Logitech’s G Hub software is fully compatible with Macs.
If operating system compatibility isn’t a concern, then deciding between the two brands mostly depends on brand preference. We suggest sticking with one brand if you already have other Razer or Logitech peripherals. Check out our guide to the best Logitech gaming mice if team Razer isn’t for you.
FPS pros and Razer gaming mice
With Razer’s long history in gaming peripherals, it’s not surprising that Razer gaming mice are popular with esports pros and streamers. In fact, 8% of Esports pros and streamers tracked on Setup.gg use Razer gaming mice. Only Logitech and Finalmouse are more popular with FPS players.