Scroll a lot? Try a mouse with an electronic travel switch: testing the Razer Basilisk V3

It’s time to update the Razer asymmetric mouse for shooters and MOBAs. Have Basilisk V3 improved hardware, a redesigned wheel and a new RGB backlit zone. The shape and ergonomics remain the same, the emphasis is placed on a large body with a separate thumb rest.

Specifications

  • Number of buttons: 9 + four-position wheel.
  • Sensor: Razer Focus +, optical.
  • Polling frequency: 1000 Hz.
  • Sensor resolution: up to 26,000 DPI.
  • Velocity: 650 inches / s.
  • Switches: Razer optical (2nd generation), 70 million clicks.
  • Body materials: matte plastic, glossy plastic and rubber pads.
  • Backlighting: logo, wheel and base, RGB.
  • Connection: USB 2.0.
  • Cable: Fixed, Speedflex braided, 2.1 meters.
  • Dimensions: 130 × 60 × 42 mm.
  • Weight without cable: 101 grams.

Appearance and ergonomics

A large, asymmetrical mouse with pointed lines and a separate thumb rest is a gorgeous palm rest. The decision not to change the already pleasant shape was the right one. The only noticeable change is the weighting up to 101 grams, which added solidity. However, I personally like manipulators about a third lighter.

The materials of the case have not changed either. At the heart of Razer’s branded matte plastic, the sides are generously covered with rubberized inserts, and the case is decorated with a gloss. The insert is recessed and stays clean with normal grip.

In addition to the logo and wheel, RGB LEDs have been added all around the base. The luminous strip is divided into 9 independent zones with individual color settings and is perceived inseparably. The diodes are directed in such a way that the glow covers the table.

Keys and sensor

The update primarily affected the keys. Now powered by Razer’s second generation optical switches with 0.2ms response speed and 70 million clicks. In terms of tactile sensations, this is the same optics – there is no backlash before triggering, and after that there is a minimal, almost imperceptible, spring-loaded stroke.

The wheel tilts left and right for vertical scrolling. And the mechanical adjustment of the resistance is replaced by electronic switching of a stepped or smooth course. By default, one of the central buttons is responsible for this, the change of mode is instant. On the one hand, now it is impossible to determine the “jamming” of the wheel, and on the other hand, it is very convenient to switch the type of move on the fly. Kinetic scrolling has also appeared: with fast rotation, the mouse itself activates smooth scrolling, after which the wheel continues to rotate for a long time by inertia.

The thumb lever, on the other hand, has been simplified. Now it cannot be muffled or replaced with a longer lever. Otherwise, this is the same separate additional key with a short travel and a muffled click. It is convenient to assign the HyperShift switch to it.

Two more side keys are located slightly higher in a more familiar place. And on the base of the case there was a place for a switch of profiles saved in memory. There are 9 buttons in total. This variety makes it possible to assign additional actions, which are usually performed by keyboard shortcuts. For example, throwing a grenade in a shooter or activating voice chat in any other game. It is also useful in professional programs: by pressing the side keys, I call up the necessary brushes in Photoshop. Razer software makes it possible to bind the desired programs to profiles and, as a result, to key settings.

The Razer Basilisk V2 had a 20,000 DPI sensor, and this year the company went further and increased the resolution of the Focus + optical sensor to 26,000 DPI. This is necessary to improve the already high accuracy. The glide is perfect, the back side is generously covered with Teflon pads (PTFE fluoroplastic).

Connection

In terms of connectivity, the Razer Basilisk V3 is nothing special. It is a wired manipulator with a 2.1-meter braided wire. For convenience, a reusable screed is provided. I am looking forward to the appearance of exactly the same manipulator with a wireless connection.

Razer Synapse Utility

Our heroine is equipped with the latest technology and the full functionality of Razer Synapse is available to her. The list of actions contains all possible options, there is support for HyperShift combinations and turbo mode, which repeats pressing a certain number of times while holding the button. Only the primary left button cannot be reassigned. In the same section, the wheel is configured: virtual scrolling acceleration, a switch for the type of rotation and automatic activation of the freewheel during sharp acceleration.

The sensor resolution ranges from 100 to 26,000 DPI, there is a possibility of independent adjustment along the XY axes. The next section adjusts the tracking distance from 1mm to 3mm. The sensor can be calibrated to fit one of the Razer mats, or you can add your own surface manually.

There are 8 ready-made profiles for lighting and a fully customizable mode in Chroma Studio. The glow is synchronized with other Razer peripherals.

Razer software has no problems with unreasonable resource consumption, 7 background processes take up no more than 200 MB of RAM. There is no need to install Synapse on each computer; 5 completely independent profiles can be loaded into the mouse memory. This can be useful in esports tournaments when you have to play on an independent computer.

Recall after two weeks of use

Despite the apparent similarity, Razer Basilisk V3 Is a truly new model with many useful improvements. Most notable is the electronic travel switch wheel. This is an innovation for gaming mice, previously the option was found only in professional office models of Logitech. It is no less important to update the sensor and switches, and the weighting was only beneficial – now you don’t need to think about the weights. But before buying, I recommend answering the question: do you like heavy mice?

The verdict is this: the update did not spoil the flagship asymmetric mouse. If you looked closely at the Basilisk V2, but did not have time to buy it, switch to the latest version. It is the benchmark for shooters and MOBAs, and is also suitable for day-to-day work.

Pros:

  • Ergonomic asymmetrical body with thumb rest;
  • excellent quality materials and workmanship;
  • updated hardware;
  • smooth or stepped wheel;
  • additional lighting on the base of the case;
  • good cable in a comfortable braid;
  • built-in memory for 5 profiles.

Minuses:

  • gloss on additional buttons and insert.

May not like:

  • weight increased to 101 grams.

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