Razer DeathAdder 3G Infrared Gaming Mouse

Razer DeathAdder 3G Infrared Gaming Mouse

SteelSeries' World of Warcraft MMO mouse is officially the most ridiculous gaming mouse I have ever seen. Designed with Blizzard just for WoW gamers (just in time for Wrath of the Lich King), it has 15 programmable buttons. You don't even have that many fingers. And it has flashing disco lights. In 16 million colors. Of course, this much nerd doesn't come cheap—it'll be $90 when it drops next month, but SteelSeries gear is tank-like, so you'll be stuck with it for a long time. Which is good, since you're going to be very lonely if you buy one. Update: SteelSeries says that Mac drivers will be out in Dec. or Jan.

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #1424 in Consumer Electronics
Color: Black
Brand: Razer
Model: RZ01-00150100-R3M1
Released on: 2007-02-25
Platform: Windows Vista
Dimensions: 9.00" h x 3.50" w x 7.50" l, .30 pounds

Features
High precision gaming mouse
Ergonomic right hand design
1800 dpi 3G infrared sensor
5 programmable, ultra-large Hyperesponse buttons
On-The-Fly Sensitivity drivers let you switch dpi settings in the midst of a battle

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Editorial Reviews
From the Manufacturer
The Razer DeathAdder, when placed in the right hands, will send enemies scurrying for cover. Its pinpoint accuracy and lightning fast speed are undoubtedly the finest in the art of fragging. It features ergonomic right-handed design, an 1,800 DPI 3G infrared sensor, five programmable buttons, a 16-bit data channel and more.

Ergonomic Right-Handed Design
The right-handed ergonomic design with rubber coated buttons provide slip-resistant grip and improved comfort during intensive gameplay.

Razor's infrared sensor gets 1,800 DPI precision 1,800 DPI 3G Infrared Sensor
Powered by Razer Precision, the new 3G infrared sensor on the Razer DeathAdder lets you move 2.25 times faster when compared to a standard 800 dpi optical sensor. Before the enemy sees you, he's already dead.

Five Programmable, Ultra-Large Hyperesponse Buttons
The Razer DeathAdder allows gamers to program their button functions while Razer's Hyperesponse technology reduces latency.

16-Bit Ultra-Wide Data Channel
No action is too fast for the Razer DeathAdder. Its 16-bit ultra-wide data channel allows latency-free gaming on all battlegrounds.

A tighter lift-off distance cuts down on erratic cursor
movement when mousing over long distances Zero-Acoustic UltraSlick Teflon Feet
Watch the Razer DeathAdder glide and slide as you experience the true meaning of smooth gaming.

Award-Winning On-the-Fly Sensitivity Drivers
With On-The-Fly Sensitivity drivers, you can switch dpi settings right in the midst of a fierce battle!

1,000Hz Ultrapolling
The fast response time of the Razer DeathAdder means you never have to wait for the mouse--no matter how quick you are.

Always-On Instant Response
Always-On capabilities give gamers virtually no latency when the mouse goes back into action from idling.

It is always a bit of a surprise when Razer adds a new mouse to their lineup. After all, this is a company that will always be remembered for a single ball mouse and one who got into the optical game quite late. Since releasing their first optical mouse, the Viper, they have released a steady stream of mice and now have specially designed products for more than a few types of games and gamers.

The DeathAdder will become the fifth Razer mouse currently available (counting the Habu, a joint project with Microsoft). It is not a laser mouse like the Copperhead, or a RTS mouse like the Krait, and it does not have seven buttons like the Diamondback, but Razer did intend for this mouse to stand out from the crowd.

Initially, the DeathAdder, aside from having a great name, does not appear too much different from Razer’s other mice. Looking at it we can see a matte finish with a great looking one-piece exterior along with Razer’s signature LED-lit mouse wheel and palm rest. The main difference between it and the other mice is the use of Razer’s 3G infrared sensor, a technology that they claim is far superior to other optical mice. Razer’s designed did not opt for a laser mouse, like on the Copperhead or Logitech popular G5, but rather went to an infrared sensor, which is a form of optical sensor.

Examining the specifications we can see all the usual specs and hardware that Razer has used on its previous mouse or two. Some of the numbers are 1800 dpi for the infrared sensor, 1000Hz ultrapolling, 1ms response time, and a 16-bit ultra-wide data channel. This is not that far removed from most of Razer’s other mice though it is clear that things have been tweaked a bit.

The most interesting point here is why an optical sensor was used instead of a laser one- this optical sensor is specially designed for players who prefer low sensitivity settings when gaming. These are the type of people who use huge cloth mats and make sweeping motions when they need to do something like turn a quick 180. This is very good for high accuracy things like sniping, but can get you in trouble when doing quick movements, unless your mouse can handle the acceleration.

The official word from Razer was that “optical mice react better to gamers that play ‘low-sensitivity’ games. For those gamers that move their hands longer distances at higher speeds, the optical mouse will track the movement better… However, the laser mouse is more advantageous for high-sensitivity games where the users play with high sensitivity and make quick, twitch-like movements.” It is also said that optical mice respond better on non-uniform surfaces like cloth pads while lasers are better on hard surfaces. So the laser sensor has its purpose, but for “low-sens” gamers optical is the way to go.

Looking at the exterior of the DeathAdder we can see that is has a great looking, very sleeking looking exterior that has a number of departures from Razer’s signature style. The mouse has a sloping rear and pronounced arch at the center so the design is actually close to that of the Habu than of the Diamondback or Copperhead. This style seems to have a little bit more mass appeal to it than Razer’s, which is very low profile with a a short, steep rear section. The primary buttons are built into the upper shell of the mouse, something Logitech does a lot but Razer has not been known for.

The DeathAdder has five buttons: the two primary one, the mouse wheel, and two buttons on the left side. The two main ones have a clean, precise click and the wheel works excellently as a button (something Razer has perfected in its last few mice). The side buttons are relatively unobstrusive, which is good for use that don’t tend to use them, but are still easy to access. I did not accidently hit them at all during gaming, which is a good sign.

The DeathAdder has a very interesting feel to it. The shape of the exterior is more refined that that of Razer’s previous mice and it is right hand specific, which is good for most users, but means lefties are out of luck. The mouse is quite light and has a strange hollow feel to it which is bothersome at first, but did not end up being a problem. It definitely has taken some notes from the Habu, and is taller than the Viper or Diamondback.

The top of the mouse is a textured, almost a satin, plastic while the sides are a glossy plastic. The entire top is one piece, including the two buttons, which means there are no uncomfortable seams on the mouse. On the back, right behind the high point of the mouse there is a logo that pulsates as the LED below it goes on and off. This logo is slightly textured but you can barely feel it on your palm and it is not at all noticeable during use. The two side buttons are very well placed for easy access for your thumb- this is something is has taken Razer a long time to finger out and it is something that mouse companies as a whole have found difficult to do well. There are only two side buttons, both on the right, but this lends to the right-handed design of the mouse and improves functionality for people are willing to integrate these buttons into their gaming.

Due to the zero-acoustic Teflon feet the mouse moves well and its light weight aids quick acceleration. I am well accustomed to Razer’s normal, low-slung mice so getting used to the DeathAdder took some time, after which I found it to be comfortable. The textured top is one of its best features, but also the buttons have nice click and the scroll wheel works great as well.

During use my feelings were mixed about the DeathAdder. Personally I prefer high sensitivity mice so as soon as I got started with the DeathAdder I was out of my element. I appreciate the low sensitivity style of game play but it is just not something I have been able to perfect. After a few days of gaming my skills improved, but I was never converted. That said, the mouse did a great job and was definitely not holding me back. It was comfortable and very responsive and I had no problems with tracking or missed clicks. This mouse was made for gaming and it did a great job when put to the test.

Conclusion
During the time I spent with the DeathAdder, I have come to think of it as a modified Habu. The design is similar and while the intentions have been changed slightly, the two mice are more alike than I would have predicted. Both are solid mice and people are going to have to decide for themselves whether the laser or infrared sensor is for them.

There is no question about it, the DeathAdder is a fine mouse. It performed well under all conditions and is very well suited for gaming, even the fast and loose low-sensitivity gaming that so many mice have trouble with. The new sensor worked flawlessly and delivered hours of high performance gaming. If the mouse has any flaws they are that it has five buttons when some people want seven, that it is rather expensive, and, the only major one, that there are no on-the-fly sensitivity adjustments. These adjustment buttons are something many gamers have come to love and not including them makes the mouse simple and sleek-looking, but cuts out a very useful control. - Reviewed by Geek

Razer Gaming Mouse

Razer DeathAdder 3G Infrared Gaming Mouse