Razer Viper V2 Pro review: Razer's flagship mouse finally goes super light

Ever since Logitech proved to the world that you could make lightweight mice without holes with the introduction of the G Pro X Superlight in December 2020, there have been lots of requests from gamers asking for a lightweight version of their favourite mice shapes.

The Razer Viper was no exception.

Well, good news for Razer Viper fans. It is finally here in the form of the Razer Viper V2 Pro.

Shape wise, it is a carbon copy of the Razer Viper shape, with a few tweaks (or rather, sacrifices) to make it lighter, of course.

But before I get to that, here are the basic internal specs of the Viper V2 Pro.

Specifications:

• Switches: Razer Optical Gen-3 (90 million clicks)

• Sensor: Focus Pro 30000 DPI, 70g acceleration

• Weight: 58 grams (black)/ 59 grams (white)

• Rated battery life: 80 hours

Razer has said there that the weight difference between the two colours is attributed to the white plastic having 'heavier' density than the black.

There is no difference between the two mice versions of the mice besides that. That said, Razer didn't send the black Viper V2 for us to verify this.

What a bummer. I am pretty sure I could have reached Radiant in Valorant with the Viper V2 Pro if I had the 58g version instead of the 59g version. (Dear editor, do I really need to put a sarcasm warning here?)

Jokes aside, the wireless is flawless as usual, since Razer has one of the best wireless tech in the market. I experienced no delays or lag in my games.

What's in the box:

• Razer Viper V2 Pro

• USB-A to USB-C Razer Speedflex cable

• Wireless dongle with adapter

• Grip tapes

• Manual and stickers

I am extremely glad that the Viper V2 Pro is using USB-C. The USB-C port has been proven to last longer than the micro-USB port that some mice companies still refuse to move away from.

You also do not have to watch how you plug your cable into your mouse as they do not have an orientation that you need to look out for like the micro-USB.

Physical changes from the Razer Viper Ultimate

If you loved the shape of any of the Vipers that came before this, you will feel right at home with the Viper V2 Pro.

However, Razer has made five major changes externally over its predecessor, the Razer Viper Ultimate.

1. No more rubberised sides

The rubberised sides that were present on the Viper Ultimate are now gone.

Razer, however, included grip tapes with the Viper V2 Pro that you can attach to sides of the mouse if you feel that the bare plastic is too slippery when you use the mouse.

However, during my testing, I never once felt that the Viper V2 Pro's plastic sides were slippery, even though I have extremely sweaty hands, but your mileage may vary.

At least Razer is aware enough to provide the optional grip tape if you really need it.

2. The left thumb buttons protrude more

Compared to the Viper Ultimate, the Viper V2 Pro has its left side thumb buttons protrude much more prominently.

This is a great change as the previous thumb buttons were sometimes too recessed to hit consistently.

3. The removal of the right-side thumb buttons

If you are a left-handed mouse user that has been enjoying the convenience of a truly ambidextrous design in the Razer Viper Ultimate, you are going to be extremely disappointed with the Viper V2 Pro.

In an effort to cut some weight, Razer has taken out the thumb mouse buttons on the right side of the mouse, making it cater to only right handed people (if you use them religiously).

There is no word from Razer if they are going to make a left handed version of the Viper V2 Pro. Sorry lefties.

4. No more charging dock

If you are someone who enjoys the convenience of just placing your Viper Ultimate on its charging dock to charge every night, you are going to be sorely disappointed as the Viper V2 Pro does away with this whole charging mechanism totally.

If you are planning to upgrade, your Razer charging dock will be rendered useless for the Viper V2 Pro.

5. You need to buy new aftermarket mouse skates

If you are someone who likes to use a particular brand of aftermarket mouse skates for all of your mice, I hate to be the one to tell you that the Razer Viper Ultimate's skates will not fit the Razer Viper V2 Pro.

The mouse skates are totally different in shape and size, so you aren't able to reuse your Viper Ultimate's skates on the V2 Pro.

The stock skates on the Viper V2 Pro are good enough by themselves though, so I don't think you will see the need to buy new skates within the first few months of usage.

Overall experience

To keep this list concise, here are my thoughts in point form:

• NO HOLES. NO RGB. YAY.

• Build quality is top notch. No creaking or flex on the body. Slight button wobble on the main mouse clicks.

• Main mouse clicks and side buttons are crisp and tactile with moderate pre-travel, but somehow feel hollow due to the fact that the mouse is big, and it is 'empty' inside. The whole mouse reverberates when you use the main mouse clicks and the scroll wheel.

• Scroll wheel is solid. There are distinct steps when scrolling, and is easy to click.

• You technically don't need Synapse installed to use this mouse. You do need it to change the presets on the mouse, but you can delete the program after once the settings are saved...

• You can change your DPI using the power button underneath the mouse, so you are able to switch your sensitivity without going into Synapse.

• Battery life lasted about 73 hours for me on 1600 dpi. There will be an LED indicator flashing red on the mouse if it has low battery.

• There are other silly functions and buzzwords like "Smart Tracking", "Motion Sync" and "Enhanced Asymmetrical cut-off" (referring to the lift off distance of the sensor) written in the marketing material, but it made absolutely no difference in normal usage or gaming. Just know that you can set your lift-off distance on the mouse (how high do you want your sensor to stop tracking on your mousepad when you lift it) from 1mm to 3mm.

Conclusion

If you ask me about my personal preference, I will never use the Razer Viper in any shape or form for gaming, as long as it stays the same shape. It is no different for the Razer Viper V2 Pro.

The shape is just not for me. I prefer something with a higher back hump, and the Viper definitely lacks that.

But that doesn't stop me from saying that the Razer Viper V2 Pro is one heck of a mouse. If you love the shape of the Viper, this is a worthy successor.

It is well-built, sturdy and has one of the best wireless technologies in the world today.

If you are okay with forgoing right-side thumb buttons, the RGB and the lack of charging using the dock, this mouse has way more benefits than sacrifices.

Now, the price. It is not cheap.

Following the same footsteps as the Logitech G Pro X Superlight with having a premium price, the Razer Viper V2 Pro retails at US$149.99/SG$229.90.

Is it worth that price? Yes, if you love the shape.

But if you have been doing well with a Razer Viper Ultimate anyway, keep using it. I wouldn't rush out to get this one yet. Wait for a sale or a good bargain.

Dominic loves tech and games. When he is not busy getting headshotted in VALORANT or watercooling anything he sees, he does some pro wrestling.