Top critical review
1.0 out of 5 starsTracking issues, buggy hard to use software
Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2021
I bought this mouse for its use of optical switches for the left/right mouse click, very high DPI, low latency and Razer's reputation. Unfortunately, because of buggy software and tracking issues, I had to return my purchase and change my review to 1 star.
The mouse was smaller than I expected. For example, when I grab it, there's a 3 inch gap between the back of the mouse, and my palm. Unfortunately, nearly all mice are being made smaller these days. I'm guessing this is due to the average hand size found around the world. It's too bad no one builds a "big and tall" version mouse and keyboard too. Oh, and this is right hand mouse only (I'm right handed so no issue for me). I did not rate my review score on size, because my hands are larger than most.
The DPI is great, and almost too much for any real application. It's way more than what's needed, but really cool. I'm very impressed by the detail this mouse can crank out.
The LED lights are pretty, colorful and the software has a lot of cool customizations. No complaints there. What would be nice is the special purpose buttons had their own LEDs, which would make finding them easier.
The battery life is very poor, especially if you run the lights. I turned off all the lighting features to save power. If you're into mouse disco lights, expect it to work for less than a day. Big difference to my other mouse (which had 1 led) that lasts 2 years on 2 AA batteries! While I understand higher DPI, fast response mice with lots of LEDs take more power, this should be matched with a much larger battery, perhaps 5x the watt hour rating.
While the razer claims to have a focusing optical sensor, I found it no better than any other optical sensor mouse. It absolutely will not track on glass (something my laser mouse does just fine on), and despite it's high DPI, is not as accurate as a laser mouse with lower DPI. Something to consider when buying a higher end mouse. Finding laser mice these days is difficult, because I think all the mice makers went to the lower cost optical sensors. Too bad, laser mice rock.
It's not a Bluetooth mouse. It would be nice if it included this feature. Installing a dongle isn't always practical. Also, no bluetooth means the mouse is useless on mobile devices, such as a tablet computer.
The Razer software is buggy, bloated, has UI issues, and requires you to sign in every time you reboot the software or computer. Seriously? do you really want to sign into your mouse software? That is crazy. If you wish to use very basic functions, such as scroll left / right with scroll wheel, you'll need this software running (unfortunately). Is it spyware? I don't know, and I don't care. If someone wants to spy on my stupid video games, go for it. (hey, I broadcast them anyway). The software was crashing on my Window 10 PC several times a day, requiring going to the task manager, and "end task", then restarting the software. While the mouse will work after the software has crashed, many of the basic features won't (such as the left/right scroll). Sorry, unstable software affecting basic functionality on a mouse is a deal breaker. Bloatware and needing to "sign in" is nearly a deal breaker too.
The buttons aren't too bad, but not the best. The special purpose buttons are all in awkward locations, especially the 2 buttons behind the scroll wheel. All the buttons feel like a cheap commodity mouse, no precision and very "clicky". The scroll wheel could use some improvements, it's just too clunky, doesn't free spin unless you loosen the tensioner on the bottom, then spins too free. The wheel isn't nice, isn't fast, and is a junk. I do like the left/right scroll feature on the mouse wheel. Unfortunately, the Razer software must be running for that feature to work, and the software is unstable.
The mouse tracks well, until it doesn't! This too is a major deal breaker, and in fact after the mouse froze more than a dozen times a day, typically for 3 to 10 seconds each, I stopped using it. Tracking issues with or without Razer's software, with or without the wired USB, and on multiple mouse pads I tried. Not reliable enough for even doing office work, and you could forget using it for games. Yes, the mouse was close to the wireless receiver at about 1 foot (300 mm). No, there was no other interfering devices. In fact I've never had wireless device issues on this computer in this room before. I'm guessing the mouse freezing is due to buggy mouse firmware, or a marginal optical sensor (or both). I've used 5 dollar optical mice that perform fine without tacking issues. Sorry, it was a no brainer as to if I should keep the high priced mouse or return it. In fact even if I couldn't return it, I would still have never used it. A mouse that freezes is unacceptable.
The cable it shipped with is excellent, and allows recharge and use while connected. This cord is very flexible, and probably the best USB wire cord material I've ever seen. Unfortunately, as I wrote, even when wired, the mouse still had tracking issues. There is also a design problem with the cable connector in the mouse because of the very narrow channel to reach the mouse USB connector. What kind of design is that? So, for all practical purposes the (nice) cable is proprietary. I consider this a problem, because the mouse needs recharging every few hours, meaning you'll always need that cable if you take the mouse elsewhere. If you lose the cable, good luck charging your mouse.
I'm so sorry, but I can't recommend this mouse. Beyond being unreliable, it's small, cheap feeling, not easy to charge on a standard USB cable and with it's very short battery life, it is just too expensive for what it is. I went back to my old logitech mouse I bought 5 years ago. Those that have already bought a Razer, and can't return it, I recommend gifting it to a child. The size is perfect them, they'll love the pretty lights, and they won't know the difference when the mouse stops tracking...
