PC gamers are always on the lookout for the best gaming gear to give them even the slightest edge in their virtual battles. Launched just this week, the Razer Basilisk V3 is the latest gaming mouse they can add into their arsenal.
The Basilisk V3 features several improvements over the V2 version. For a start, it is S$30 cheaper than the V2. And it now comes with a more sensitive Razer Focus+ optical sensor that has a maximum sensitivity of 26,000 dots per inch (dpi), up from V2’s 20,000 dpi.
Compared to V2’s two zones for RGB lighting, the Basilisk V3 has 11 RGB lighting zones that stretches from the bottom to the logo and the scroll wheel.
SPECS
PRICE: $109.90, available in Razer Store
SENSOR: Razer Focus+ Optical
MAXIMUM SENSITIVITY: 26,000 dots per inch
MAXIMUM SPEED: 650 inches per second
CONNECTIVITY: USB-A with 1.8m braided cable
WEIGHT: 101g (including cable)
And the biggest feature about the Basilisk V3 is the new 4-way HyperScroll Tilt Scroll Wheel, as coined by Razer. Basically, it is a fancy name for a new scroll wheel that has the ability to automatically switch from a tactile cycle to a free-spin scroll.
DESIGN
In terms of design, the Basilisk V3 does not differ much from the V2. It sports an asymmetrical ergonomic design that caters specifically to right-handers. Sorry, left-handers.
There is a rubberised thumb rest on its left side that houses the DPI clutch button as well as the forward and backward buttons.
This DPI clutch button is sited just in front where your thumb will rest. When pressed, it allows you to lower the mouse sensitivity to the default 400 DPI (or any DPI settings you desire via Razer Synapse).
On top of the mouse, apart the usual left and right buttons, you will find the 4-way scroll wheel with the scroll mode button and DPI cycle button behind it. At the base of the mouse, there is a profile button. All these 11 buttons are programmable using Razer Synapse software.
The right side of the mouse is also padded with rubberised panels to give you a very comfortable grip. Your right hand will rest nicely on the contours of the mouse, whether you are using the palm grip or claw grip.
Being a primary palm gripper, I love the comfort this mouse offers. It really fits my palm almost like a glove with great support. I have used it to game for hours without feeling any discomfort.
The 11 Razer Chroma RGB lighting (with support of 16.8 million colours) zones are a fantastic visual feast. For PC gamers, this is the best thing you can get if you cannot afford a RGB lighting gaming rig (like myself). The colourful under-glow of the Basilisk V3 will light up your table like your local pasar malam (night market) lit up the neighbourhood.
PERFORMANCE
In terms of tracking performance, the Basilisk V3 does not disappoint. It probably can go faster than you ever will be able to move the mouse and react to virtual enemies.
FOR
+ Comfortable ergonomic design
+ Swift and accurate tracking
+ Intelligent HyperScroll Tilt Wheel
+ 11 customisable RGB lighting zones are a visual feast
+ Pretty affordable
AGAINST
– Only for right-handers
– DPI clutch button not removable
And when you need to slow the speed for aiming or sniping in first-person shooter games like Doom Eternal, you can utilise the DPI clutch button.
Even in action games like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (ACV) or MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries (MW5), I found the DPI clutch to be really useful. For example, in ACV, I use the DPI clutch to slow the mouse’s movement to accurately aim and shoot arrows to bring down foes from a distance.
The only minor quirk is the DPI clutch button is fixed and not removable anymore like in V2. But I guess no one really bother to remove it in the first place.
The much-touted HyperScroll Tilt Scroll Wheel works exactly as advertised. You can use the scroll mode button to toggle between the tactile cycle and the free-spin scroll modes. Or you can enable the smart-reel mode (via Razer Synapse) that lets the scroll automatically shift between the two modes.
The free-spin scroll mode is so smooth that you can scroll, say, a news story or report from the bottom to the top again in an instant. This is also perfect when you want to zoom in quickly on your target with a sniper rifle.
On the other hand, the tactile cycle mode has a distinct notched scrolling for more precise scrolling. This is ideal for cycling through weapons or skills during gaming. Also great when you need to read carefully line by line of a business proposal.
I actually recommend the smart-reel mode, as the scroll wheel is intelligent enough to know which mode you need. For instance, in MW5, I was able to zoom in quickly to target my enemy Mechs during battles. And when I toggle to read some game walkthrough, I can precisely scroll down to where I want it to be. But with a flick of the scroll wheel, I can get back to top of the page.
This automatic scrolling switch is a feature I thoroughly enjoy on my Logitech MX Master 3 (S$169, available in Lazada and Shopee) productivity mouse I use every day for work. So, it is great that Razer is now having the same thing.
And it is pretty amazing that Razer has managed to squeeze all these features into this mouse for only S$109.90, which represents superb value for money. Granted that it is a wired gaming mouse and there are many much cheaper mice out there, it is nonetheless still quite a feat by the gaming hardware company.
VERDICT
The Razer Basilisk V3 is an affordable feature-packed wired gaming mouse that ticks all the boxes on a PC gamer’s wish list. But if you are a left-hander or prefer a wireless mouse, this rodent might not be for you.
RATINGS
FEATURES: 8/10
DESIGN: 9/10
PERFORMANCE: 9/10
VALUE FOR MONEY: 9/10
OVERALL: 9/10 [SGEEK Editor’s Choice]
