Razer Basilisk V3 Review: Better And More Affordable! | Tech360.tv
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  • Lawrence Ng
    • Sep 10, 2021
    • 4 min read

Razer Basilisk V3 Review: Better And More Affordable!

If you're a fan of Razer's Basilisk line and are looking for a new gaming mouse, then you might want to look at the Razer Basilisk V3. The mouse features a new Hyperscroll Tilt Wheel, optical sensor, RGB underglow, changes to the multi-function trigger and more.

As you know, a good gaming mouse goes quite a long way. We've used a number of gaming mice previously, but there's one design that stood out among the rest and that is the Razer Basilisk. Now, Razer has made it better.


Today, we're looking at the Razer Basilisk V3, which basically replaces the previous Basilisk V2 with a few new features and upgrades while keeping the iconic Basilisk ergonomic design.


If you're rocking the V2, then you probably don't need to get the V3 since they're very similar. But there are a few features and upgrades to the V3 that might entice you to do so.


We're pretty sure that most of you are familiar with the design and layout of the Basilisk lineup and the V3 is pretty much 95% similar. So let's just dive into what's new with the V3.


The most obvious difference is the RGB underglow from the LED strip and honestly, we like it. It wraps around the bottom of the mouse and it's very nicely diffused. It does add a bit more character on top of the Basilisk design but it's not that intrusive to the point that it's outlandish.


In addition, because of the way the mouse has a slight bevel — kind of like chamfered edges on your phone — the RGB isn't shining directly into your eyes even when you have the mouse in the corner of your peripheral vision. This is great for focusing on gaming, especially in the dark.


The second main difference is the multi-function trigger that can easily be accessed with your thumb. A more common name for this would be the sniper button. Hold the trigger down as you're using the mouse and it'll temporarily overwrite your current DPI setting. That's the main use for it.


On the Basilisk V2, this trigger was actually removable. But for the V3, this is now fixed in place. It is also slightly smaller in physical size compared to the previous model, so you might need to shift your grip slightly forward to access it easier. Personally, that would force us to use a palm grip, which we don't prefer, in order for our thumb to access that multi-function trigger. Of course, your mileage may vary and it really depends on how big your hand is. But apart from that, it is basically the same trigger as before.


The third main difference would be the new optical sensor, which now has a maximum sensitivity of 26,000 DPI — an increase of 6,000 over the previous model. The max speed and acceleration remain the same at 650 IPS and 50G, respectively.


But we now come to the main difference between the V2 and the V3: the scroll wheel, or as Razer calls it, the Hyperscroll Tilt Wheel.


As you might recall, the Basilisk V2 had a dial on the underside, allowing you to adjust the resistance of the scroll wheel. You can have it tactile, free-spinning or somewhere in between the two.


But now on the Basilisk V3, there's this new feature called Smart-Reel Mode that you can enable in Synapse, which will automatically switch Tactile Scrolling Mode and Free-Spin Scrolling Mode depending on how fast you physically move the scroll wheel.


So by default, it's tactile. Like before, you can feel the notches and clearly hear the steps. We think this is great. But if you flick the scroll wheel, it immediately changes to Free-Spin Scrolling Mode, letting it go on and on and scroll the page as fast as it can. The moment it reaches the end, you can hear the click as the motors re-engage once more and it's back to Tactile Scrolling Mode.


Frankly speaking, when we first got the mouse, we didn't really like the feature and we didn't understand why you would want it. But after about two weeks of using the feature, we can say that it gets more and more intuitive. Now, we can say that we like it.


But if you don't like it, you can lock it to either Tactile Scrolling Mode or Free-Spin Scrolling Mode — it's your choice. Moreover, Smart-Reel Mode doesn't come on by default, so it's up to you to experiment.


Overall, the V3 is pretty much an upgrade over the V2. If you liked any of the Basilisk models, you would be happy with the V3. But we have to mention one thing about the V3 that might be a downgrade for some people out there: its weight.


The V3 comes in at about 10% heavier compared to the previous V2 — 101g versus the previous 92g. Some of you might like a lighter mouse, while some of you might like a heavier mouse. In the end, it's your preference.


If you're looking for a new mouse and you like the design of the Basilisk and to that extent, the Logitech G502 Hero, you might want to check out the Basilisk V3. On top of that, you might also be intrigued by the price because the V3 is being sold for US$69.99 (approximately S$94). If you didn't know, it is actually US$10 (approximately S$13) cheaper compared to the V2 when it first came out.


Like we've said, we used quite a number of mice over the years and personally, our favourite mouse is the Basilisk. It hits everything for us: the looks, ergonomics and performance. Now with the V3, it has a new nifty feature that we enjoy.


So do we recommend this? We would wholeheartedly say yes. You probably saw that answer coming from a mile away because this is our favourite mouse. But we do have to mention that our favourite mouse might not be your favourite mouse. Also, It might not be fit for your needs or comfort.


If you have the chance, do try all the gaming mice that you can get your hands on so you can understand your preferences and find the right mouse for you.

 

Content by Soon Kai Hong

 


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