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The Razer DeathAdder V3 family has become crowded enough to cause some confusion. Yet, each wireless andwired gaming mousewith this moniker offers different features and performance levels. The new DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is a more economical version of the cordless DeathAdder V3 Pro, released in 2022.
In the few years since the V3 Pro’s debut, Razer has found additional ways to downsize the mouse. The DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is smaller and lighter but houses a comparable optical sensor. Stirring gamers' curiosity further, the latest mouse has an inventive way to adjust DPI during frantic gameplay. Unfortunately, the temptation to make increasinglylighter gaming micecan force some compromises on buyers. When sent a test unit, Game Rant was anxious to see how minor button layout and shape changes affected its ergonomics.
Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed
The Razer DeathAdder gaming mouse line continues to evolve with the wireless V3 HyperSpeed. Lighter than ever at just 55 grams, gamers won’t feel any strain after using the mouse all day or all night. At the same time, it remains comfortable enough to grip for medium-sized hands. With a smooth coating and right-handed ergonomic shape developed in consultation with esports pros, the sleek DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is an unstoppable weapon. The mouse also features a Focus X 26K optical sensor and Dynamic Sensitivity, automatically changing DPI settings during rapid mouse movements.
Packaging
Razer doesn’t break many traditions with the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed’s packaging. The predominant green and black color scheme remains on the compact rectangular-shaped box. The back of the container details some critical information about the mouse’s weight, optical sensor, and battery life.
The environmentally friendly inner container holds the HyperSpeed wireless dongle and an extender with a USB-C connection.
A smooth, rather than braided, USB-A toUSB-C cableis stored in the small black box above the mouse.
Design
The DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed’s exterior is completely black, with only a faint Razer snake logo towards the bottom of its shell. Without any RGB lighting to brighten up its appearance, it’s not the most photogenic mouse. However, Razer did include a smallLED lightabove the scroll wheel to signal a pairing process and low battery levels. Currently, there is nowhite gaming mouseoption like with the DeathAdder V3 Pro.
Of course, competitive gamers are far more concerned about the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed’s size and shape. Retaining its traditional right-handed ergonomic form factor, slight differences exist from the DeathAdder V3 Pro. At 4.81 inches long and 2.55 inches wide, it’s a bit shorter and narrower than its pricier cousin. Compared to some of the mostlightweight mice for small hands, the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed has a more pronounced hump. This allows palm grippers to control the device easily and is inviting for medium-sized hands. Even so, some smaller-handed gamers report that the mouse is too cumbersome for daily use.
Considering how many esports pros rely on claw or fingertip grips, Razer didn’t ignore them with the latest DeathAdder mouse. The two side buttons with Gen-3 optical switches have actually been raised marginally from the V3 Pro’s design. Even fingertip grippers won’t have to strain their digits to reach either button.
Gamers will also find the coating on the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed to be smooth but not especially slippery. It preserves the mouse’s sleek appearance, and while fingerprints show to some extent, it wasn’t as much of an issue as feared.
The basic scroll wheel has a rubbery coating with notches and is designed more for quick weapon cycling than scrolling through long articles. Underneath the wheel is a USB-C port accessible enough for most third-party cables to recharge the mouse.
Razer further simplifies the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed with two larger PTFE feet on its bottom. More of this low-friction material surrounds the optical sensor in the center. When traveling, a small compartment stores the HyperSpeed USB dongle. The mouse doesn’t offer Bluetooth connectivity, and there is no slider to switch wireless modes or power it off. Instead, a single button disables the device or changesDPI settingson the fly. DeathAdder V2 Pro users may find the streamlined controls somewhat less convenient.
Although its relatively large size among lightweight mice caters to the mainstream, the mouse’s button layout is oriented toward FPS titles. Razer touts eight programmable buttons, but that includes the scroll wheel functionality and the bottom DPI/power selector.
Performance and Usage
The DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed may be more affordable than the V3 Pro, but it introduces some unique features. Two of the headline makers are Dynamic Sensitivity and Mouse Rotation. The latter is slightly less complicated and targets gamers who hold their mice at an angle. These players can shift the device directly left and right, and the mouse’s tracking will compensate to prevent crooked cursor movements.
Dynamic Sensitivity aims to convert gamers who normally turn off mouse acceleration in software or an OS. Razer’s interpretation is more customizable and tuned for fast-paced gaming action. Competitive gamers often keep their mice set to a lower DPI to launch precise attacks once enemies have been located. Unfortunately, a lower DPI isn’t as ideal when making quick sweeping movements to scan an area or change viewpoints. Dynamic Sensitivity intelligently ramps up DPI when it detects these longer swipes. Gamers can choose from several presets or set up curves to specify how severely the mouse reacts to drawn-out motion.
Both Dynamic Sensitivity and Mouse Rotation require gamers to relearn how to use their mice. After some practice sessions in Aimlabs andCounter-Strike 2, Dynamic Sensitivity began to show its worth. Keeping DPIs at lower levels led to more precise headshots. Then, finding new victims with elongated movements wasn’t as frustrating. Mouse Rotation also worked as advertised, but players accustomed to holding their mice unevenly might find the adjustment difficult.
Another concern with both capabilities is that they rely on the Synapse software. The DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed stores one onboard profile that matches the most recent Synapse settings. Esports competitors who frequently travel and use different PCs won’t be able to adjust custom sensitivity curves. Nevertheless, moreFPS gaming miceadopting similar technologies could make the features more standard.
The DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed includes the Focus X 26K optical sensor, a marginal downgrade from the V3 Pro’s Focus Pro 30K sensor. Still, few gamers will notice the difference and even Dynamic Accuracy will rarely make use of higher DPIs. A 40 G max acceleration rating and 500 IPS are sufficient to keep pace with the most nimble opposition.
Casual gamers will focus more on ergonomics and battery life. Experiences may vary, but this Razer mouse is a practical alternative to miniature mice with flat shells, from which only the most skilled gamers benefit. Palms are well-supported, but the mouse is short enough for gamers to access the main left and right buttons easily. The placement of the side buttons also provides plenty of space for thumbs to rest below while staying within close reach.
Like most lightweight mice, the 55-gram DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed doesn’t feel like premium gaming gear. Still, the build quality is deceptively solid, and there is little or no flex when handling the mouse’s shell. Its internal components appear extremely well-shielded with a thick exterior. The DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed’s side optical switches also effortlessly handle furious clicking. Be prepared, however, that they respond with loud sounds that match those of themost clicky gaming keyboards.
Razer’s latest DeathAdder mouse has a 100-hour battery life, lasting more than a week’s worth of gaming. The lack of RGB lighting helps, but it proved to be more power-efficient than an unlit DeathAdder V2 Pro. A 1000 Hz polling rate will ensure that gamers see immediate reactions to the slightest movements. The mouse is also compatible with Razer’s optional HyperSpeed wireless dongle, which increases its maximum polling rate to 8000 Hz. However, this would have a significant impact on battery life.
The PTFE feet on the bottom of the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed facilitate smooth but controlled gliding. At least on a Razer Gigantus gamingmouse pad, the mouse resisted skating away with the slightest touch. Transitioning from a mouse that’s 27 grams heavier didn’t cause issues, and the lighter weight made long, action-packed FPS battles seem less tiresome.
Software
The DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed’s settings are confined to five tabs in the Synapse app. Gamers can remap any of the eight buttons and initiate HyperSpeed multi-device pairing. The included USB RF dongle can be used to connect to supported wirelessRazer gaming keyboards. Users can select from available polling rates and tweak the typical DPI slider. After setting up sensitivity stages, the button on the bottom of the mouse will toggle through custom DPIs.
Razer’s Smart Tracking allows gamers to adjust how the mouse detects lifts off surfaces. The most interesting menus, dealing with the new Dynamic Sensitivity and Rotation features, appear on the last tab. To help users find the correct sensitivity levels, the graph shows how DPIs change as mouse movements pick up speed in real time.
Synapse has a reputation for being overly complicated. At least with the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, there was minimal frustration when navigating its menus.
Verdict
The DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed proves that innovation in this established line of premium gaming mice is still possible. Following industry trends, Razer managed to lower the mouse’s weight to a measly 55 grams. What’s more impressive is that the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed remains comfortable for many right-handed palm grippers.
With features like Dynamic Sensitivity and Mouse Rotation, buyers may reconsider paying more for the DeathAdder V3 Pro. Users will need practice to capitalize on how the mouse can seamlessly switch DPI settings, but it’s worth the effort for competitive gamers. Wireless tracking with the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is flawless without any of these capabilities affecting battery life.
Any complaints with Razer’s latest DeathAdder are unrelated to its ergonomics or performance. Still, appearances count, and the mouse’s uninspired exterior disappears on black mousepads without a lighter-colored option.
Quibbles aside, the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is one of the most impressivewireless gaming micefor $100 or less. With thoughtful design choices, ultra-lightweight mice can be appreciated by more than just esports pros.
Lightweight mouse for small hands
$70 at Amazon
Top-of-the-line sensor
$140 at Amazon
Ambidextrous mouse with 8000 Hz polling rate
$151 at Amazon
It’s hard to ignore thePulsar Xlite v3 Miniif you are looking for alternative lightweight wireless mice. The mouse performs very similarly to the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, but the smallest version is more appropriate for tiny hands. Buyers with a higher budget should consider the slightly largerDeathAdder V3 Prowith Razer’s highest-end optical sensor. Finally, theRazer Viper V3 Prohas an appealing ambidextrous design and ships with an 8000 Hz polling rate dongle.
FAQ
Q: Is DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed good for big hands?
The 55-gram Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed suits medium and large hands better than most lightweight mice. On the other hand, the DeathAdder V3 Pro is marginally bigger. Also, the Pulsar Xlite v3 Large is a rare lightweight mouse designed specifically for bigger hands.
Q: What is the ideal gaming mouse weight?
Not long ago, an 80 to 90-gram gaming mouse was often considered lightweight. Today, most competitive FPS gamers gravitate toward even lighter mice that have found clever ways to downsize components.
