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Mar 25, 2023

Razer DeathAdder V2 Pro Review

Kris Brooks Posted: Sep 22, 2020 9:00 AM ET Category: Hardware Reviews 0 Razer

Kris Brooks Posted: Sep 22, 2020 9:00 AM ET Category: Hardware Reviews 0

Razer is always one to revise its models to keep up with the cutting-edge demands of gamers With this in mind, Razer has decided free the DeathAdder V2 from its chains. The DeathAdder V2 Pro features its new HyperSpeed 2.4Ghz technology giving players the power and freedom of wireless gaming without sacrificing the responsiveness and features that made the DeathAdder a fan favorite. It also features Razer's 20k DPI Focus+ optical sensor, its new optical mouse switches for "faster than light" actuation, and up to 120 hours of battery life. It sounds great, but with a price point of $129.99, does it justify the cost?

The Razer DeathAdder has become a worldwide hit for its award-winning ergonomics and rich feature set. The addition of HyperSpeed wireless technology is not only a refreshing change, it is a smart play by Razer. Gamers have evolved: they want performance-driven peripherals with elegant features that allow them to dominate in their favorite games as well as perform well in their daily lives. With working from home becoming a mainstay of current life, being able to move around without the tether of wires is freeing. But, Razer is a company for gamers first, so it's not just that the mouse is wireless, it's also just as fast (or faster) than a wired gaming mouse. Razer's' new Hyperspeed 2.4Ghz wireless technology improves stability with a transmission rate of 1000hz, right on par with some of its wired competition.

But it's not all about wireless. The Pro is extra impressive because it brings with it great features like Razer's 20k Focus+ Optical Sensor, contactless optical switches, dual wireless connectivity, and a long-life internal battery. All of this allows the Pro to be a wholesale improvement over its predecessors.

What makes a mouse "premium?" Speaking for myself, I want to use a mouse that feels solid in my hands, without creaking or flexing, and that works for when I’m "poised" mid-match or relaxed, filling in the spaces of my hand for its different uses. The DeathAdder V2 Pro delivers. The quality of the shell is a testament to its construction. After extended gameplay and backpack travel, the Pro maintains a solid construction that does not creak or crunch during use. The last thing a gamer wants to hear is low-quality plastics making unnecessary noise during fierce gameplay. The sweat-resistant coating provides better control over movements and reduces grip drift. The injection-molded rubber grips have been molded directly to the shell to ensure they never peel away. Like the V2 Mini, I would have liked to have seen the peal and stick mouse grips for the left and right mouse buttons included, you can purchase them for the V2 directly from the Razer store for about $10.

No gaming mouse is complete without an assortment of buttons to map to your delight. The Pro features the same 8 programmable buttons that can be further modified using the HyperShift settings within Synapse 3.0. Each of these buttons is placed in an easy to actuate location that assists with reducing fatigue. The left/right buttons feature Razer's New 2nd Gen Optical mouse switch. This switch not only actuates at the "speed of light" (measurably faster due to the lack of debounce delay found with mechanical key switches), it improves durability and longevity without physical wear and tear. Rated at 70 million clicks each, the Pro may even outlast your gaming rig. I also appreciated pointed tactile feedback during my gaming sessions, while also finding it smooth and precise.

Razer includes Bluetooth connectivity in addition to the HyperSpeed Wireless. This enabled me to use the Pro with more devices and swap between them with the press of a button. I could seamlessly move from my PC to my laptop and even my phone.

The battery life is also great. In one week, I have only had to charge the Pro a single time, and that was the initial setup and charge when I unboxed it. The Pro is compatible with the Razer Mouse Dock Chroma provided you additional ways to easily charge up the mouse while also making it look cool on your desk.

One of the most important features of any mouse is how well it glides. Razer has fitted the Pro with 100% PTFE mouse feet that provide silk-like movement on either hard or soft mouse pads. I have paired this with the Razer Gigantus V2 XXL for my testing and was not let down. The texture provided a perfect surface for the Focus+ Optical Sensor and allowed my movements to be as exceptionally smooth.

A Razer device is not complete without its Synapse software which unlocks its full functionality. The Pro can store up to 5 profiles onboard that are configured using the application, allowing you to take your settings on the go. Additional configurations can be made to change the sensitivity stages and polling rate. The Pro features a single lighting zone: the Razer logo on the palm of the shell. This can be configured with over 16 million color choices and various effects that can be synced with other devices using the chroma studio built into synapse.

Synapse also gives gamers control over the expected battery life by adjusting the duration before it goes to sleep to conserve power. There could be nothing worse than going through a raid in your favorite MMO just to find yourself racing to plug in mid-phase. To extend battery life further, you can adjust at what point Low Power Mode kicks in, allowing you more breathing room should you be caught off guard. This Mode automatically reduces tracking speed and sensor acceleration to conserve power while still maintaining accuracy. I just wish the battery life indicator were more apparent since it's behind the Power tab in the upper right. I would love to see a more apparent meter or one on the mouse itself.

I think we can say at this point we have reached an equilibrium where wired and wireless peripherals are capable of competing, even for high-end eSports. In the past gamers would have to weigh the benefits of wireless (free movement, less wire mess) with responsiveness. With the DeathAdder V2 Pro, that is no longer is the case. The only improvements I would like to see are a better battery meter, more RGB (like on the scroll wheel), and included grip tapes at this price. At $129.99, this mouse will be out of the reach of more budget-minded gamers, but if you can afford it, it's an easy recommendation.

Long time tech, gadget and all around geek. I love cars, computers and movies and most importantly my family.