The Basilisk is one of the most venerable gaming mice from Razer. The Iguana has already been a guest in our test lab several times, most recently in the form of the Ultimate variant, which won the Platinum Award two years ago. After the wired Basilisk V3, Razer now sends the all-around improved Pro model into the race and THAT is now really ultimate, as our Razer Basilisk V3 Pro review reveals.
Specifications
| Ergonomics | Ergonomic (for right-handed users) |
| Sensor | Razer Focus Pro 30K |
| Sensor Type | Optical |
| DPI | 100 – 30,000 |
| IPS | 750 |
| Acceleration | 70G |
| Sampling rate | 1,000 Hz |
| Hardware acceleration | None |
| Number of keys | 11 (11 programmable) |
| Material | ABS plastic |
| Switches | Razer Optical Mouse Switches Gen-3 |
| Weight | 112 grams |
| Dimension | 123.0 mm x 75.4 mm x 42.5 mm |
| Length / material of the cable | 2.0 meters / fabric jacket |
| Connection | USB Type-A to USB Type-C |
| Connectivity | Wireless (2.4 GHz receiver); wired |
| Battery life | Up to 90 hours |
| Lighting | RGB; 13 zones |
| Features | Four-way scroll wheel with two modes |
| Price | € 142.79 * |
Razer Basilisk V3 Pro review: the scope of delivery
No big surprises await us in the scope of delivery of the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro. As is typical for the manufacturer, in addition to the gaming mouse itself, an approximately two-meter long and fabric-covered USB-A to USB-C cable, a USB-A to USB-C dongle adapter, the USB-A wireless dongle, and the obligatory manual including stickers are included.
Razer Basilisk V3 Pro vs Razer Basilisk Ultimate: The New Features
So what’s actually so new about the new Razer Basilisk V3 Pro? Compared to the Ultimate model, which is now two years old, a lot has actually changed. And that is in all aspects. This starts with the RGB lighting, which now even extends over the underside in a strip.
However, the technical features are much more interesting. For example, the resolution of the sensor increases to 30,000 DPI (compared to 20,000 DPI), while now 750 IPS mouse speed (compared to 650 IPS) and 70G acceleration (50G) are on the books.
While the Ultimate only supported 2.4 GHz wireless, the V3 Pro now also supports Bluetooth Low Energy – both of which it has over the normal V3, which can only be used wired. Of course, the V3 Pro can do that as well, if desired.
Other new features include the 3rd generation Razer Optical Mouse Switches, which are now said to withstand 90 million clicks. Another and indeed clearly noticeable improvement marks the so-called HyperScroll Tilt Wheel, which we already know from the V3.
While the Ultimate’s scroll wheel was only adjustable in terms of resistance, this is now a four-way mouse wheel that you can also click left or right accordingly. What’s more, at the touch of a button you can switch between a pleasantly precise rasterized scroll mode and a “free-spinning” mode, in which the mouse wheel rotates completely freely and without resistance.
Design and workmanship
- Thoughtful, ergonomic design
- Onboard memory with 5 profiles
- All buttons easily accessible
In terms of design, the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro is largely similar to the V3 from last year. Of course, the difference is that it does not have a cable. You can plug it into the USB-C port on the front of the gaming mouse to charge it or use it wired.
Both models share the matte-black, anodized mouse body, which is correspondingly insensitive to fingerprints. Another common feature are the two pleasantly grippy, ribbed sides, thanks to which the V3 Pro is haptically convincing all along the line.
The two trapezoidal primary keys, which are slightly offset in the mouse, definitely stand out. Just like the already mentioned HyperScroll Tilt Wheel, next to which two arrows indicate that you can also click it to the left or right. It also offers a grippy ribbing and is framed by an illuminated LED strip.
Below that, you’ll find two more buttons: The upper one is used to switch between the scroll modes of the mouse wheel, and the lower one is used to activate one of five pre-set sensitivity levels (which can be adjusted in the software). Three more buttons are found on the left side.
A look at the bottom reveals five generous white PTFE glide feet, as well as the mode switch, which you use to switch between 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth operation. To the right of the sensor is another button that lets you quickly switch between profiles in the mouse’s onboard memory.
At the very bottom is a circular cover, which is initially just a plastic lid, under which you can conveniently place the USB receiver. However, it gets really exciting in combination with the Razer Mouse Dock Pro, whose magnetic charging puck you can insert there.
Once in place, you can wirelessly charge the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro using the Qi standard on the dock. While the mouse hovers diagonally above the desk, the RGB strip on the dock informs you of the battery’s charge level. That is already a pretty cool solution. However, in combination with the Charging Puck, you can also power the mouse at any other Qi-enabled charging solution.
How good is the build quality of the Basilisk V3 Pro?
- Excellent workmanship with a pleasantly grippy feel
- Beautiful, extensively customizable RGB lighting in 13 zones
There is absolutely nothing to complain about in terms of build quality, as has actually always been the case with Razer recently. The Razer Basilisk V3 Pro feels enormously high-quality and robust. I particularly like the feel of the gaming mouse, which is due to the slightly roughened primary keys and the grippy sides.
The RGB lighting is also very well thought-out, and unlike the last SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless or Aerox 5, at least parts of it are still visible when you use the mouse or place your hand on it.
The Razer logo on the back of the mouse is covered, but the mouse wheel and the stripe on the bottom still shine in the glow of the lights, which looks really chic, especially on glossy surfaces. On the software side, you can of course adjust the brightness, set various effects, and sync the lighting with other Razer Chroma-enabled devices.
This includes, for example, the new Goliathus Chroma 3XL mouse pad, which we also got to try out right away. It offers excellent gliding properties with its microtextured surface and is simply gigantic with a width of 1.2 meters and a height of 55 cm.
My favorite is definitely the fire effect, where the lighting pulses red-orange. Not too flashy and not too subtle. But you can of course choose completely different effects or create your very own styles using Chroma Studio.
Practical and sensor test
- 30,000 DPI, 750 IPS and 70G acceleration
- Practical trigger or sniper button
- Side buttons a touch too smooth
In practice, the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro also cuts a very good figure. However, it cannot avoid the same criticisms that I already mentioned in my test of the DeathAdder V3 Pro. The side buttons on the Basilisk are also a bit too light for my liking, which is why it was not uncommon, at least for me, to accidentally press them.
Otherwise, right-handers will be pleased with the excellent ergonomics of the gaming mouse, thanks to which the mouse rests even better in the hand than the DeathAdder new edition mentioned above. The wide thumb rest on the left side is particularly pleasing, as it relieves the thumb very well.
Of course, the Focus Pro 30K sensor with a resolution of 30,000 DPI plays to its strengths even in the fastest games and is hard to beat in terms of precision and speed. As someone who usually plays with lower sensor resolutions anyway, I find the trigger or sniper button on the front left particularly practical.
Holding this down slows down mouse movements significantly, which noticeably improves precision when sniping or when millimeters matter. With 750 IPS and 70G mouse acceleration, even professionals will get their money’s worth.
The two primary keys also do an excellent job and trigger nicely precisely and tactilely, but pleasantly quietly at the same time. However, I would prefer the SteelSeries counterpart in a direct comparison. There I find the tactile pressure point along with the accompanying click noise even better.
Bonus points for the scroll wheel
- Tactile, haptically convincing four-way scroll wheel
- Switch between tactile mode with grid and freewheel mode
- Smart reel mode automatically switches during fast movements
The four-way scroll wheel also offers a practical use and that in both gaming and office mode. For example, you can use it to scroll horizontally through tables or to lean to the side in a shooter. Without having to reach around on the keyboard.
But that’s not all. The Razer HyperScroll Tilt Wheel is a real all-rounder and offers two different types of scrolling, which you can switch between at the touch of a button, which the mouse confirms with a mechanical “snap” sound.
On the one hand, tactile and with an excellently graduated grid, which is especially useful in shooters, MOBAs or MMORPGs, for example, to switch through the arsenal of weapons or skills. If you also turn the scroll wheel quickly, you virtually fly through long websites or documents.
On the other hand, there is the so-called free-running mode, where the grid (and thus any feedback from the scroll wheel) is completely disabled. As a result, even faster turning is possible with even less effort.
Using the Synapse software, you can also enable a“Smart Reel” mode that automatically activates freewheel mode when you move the mouse wheel quickly and turns back on tactile mode when the scroll wheel isn’t moving.
Whether you prefer automatic switching or prefer to manually switch between modes: The scroll wheel opens up whole new, unimagined possibilities and offers a level of precision I’ve never seen in any other mouse wheel. Definitely a great strength and a unique selling point of the Basilisk V3 Pro.
Wireless operation and battery life
- Connection possible via wireless, Bluetooth and cable
- 90 hours of runtime in 2.4 GHz mode; approx. 100 hrs. via Bluetooth
The Razer Basilisk V3 Pro supports dual connectivity, allowing it to connect simultaneously via USB receiver to a PC, and via Bluetooth to a smartphone, tablet or notebook. Especially in the 2.4 GHz wireless network, the nager works without noticeable latency and implements all inputs immediately, precisely and excellently.
Interferences when using the wireless receiver with corresponding dongles from other manufacturers did not occur in the test either.
In terms of battery life, the manufacturer promises up to 90 hours in wireless and even 100 hours in Bluetooth mode. Of course, this depends on the RGB lighting and the intensity of use. We can actually confirm these values in the practical test.
The Basilisk V3 Pro simply doesn’t run out of steam. Especially in combination with the adjustable energy-saving modes, with which the mouse automatically puts itself into sleep or battery-saving mode when you’re not using it. A battery indicator, on the other hand, is unfortunately only available within the software.
The advantages of the Razer Mouse Dock Pro
- Enables wireless charging using the Qi standard
- Charge level indicator through RGB lighting
- Increase sampling rate to 4,000 Hz (1,000 Hz without dock)
As mentioned at the beginning, the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro can also be used with the manufacturer’s Mouse Dock Pro for wireless charging in the Qi standard. The mouse is magnetically held on the charging dock and automatically charged in the process.
The RGB lighting in the form of a strip on the bottom of the Mouse Dock Pro reveals the battery charge level based on the color, which I find extremely handy. But the charging dock also offers another advantage that is not to be sneezed at:
While the Basilisk “only” offers a sampling rate of 1,000 Hz out of the box, the Razer Mouse Dock Pro increases this to a whopping 4,000 Hz – and completely wirelessly. This naturally results in even higher precision, which especially competitive gamers benefit from.
To do this, simply pair the Mouse Dock Pro with the Basilisk V3 Pro within the software, whereupon you no longer need the USB dongle either. The only drawback is that the Mouse Dock Pro costs an additional 90 Euros.
However, the manufacturer also offers an attractive bundle of mouse and docking station, which is only slightly more expensive than the pure Basilisk V3 Pro. The wireless charging solution is, in my eyes, definitely worth the extra charge.
Software connectivity: Razer Synapse
As always, the companion software for the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro is the Synapse software. If you already have it installed, it has to download the corresponding module for the gaming mouse when you connect for the first time.
Once that is done, you can make extensive adjustments to the mouse in the clearly arranged software. All eleven buttons can be freely configured, reassigned and even equipped with macros. Here you can also adjust the scroll wheel and activate the automatic Smart Reel mode if desired.
Under the “Performance” tab, you can adjust the five saved DPI sensitivity levels and even separately for the X and Y axes. You can also set the sampling or polling rate here.
In “Lighting” you can adjust the brightness of the RGB lighting and deactivate it, for example, when the screen is turned off or the nager is idle. There is also the option to calibrate for different mouse pad surfaces.
Thanks to Smart Tracking, you can adjust the tracking distance in three stages (low, medium and high) and even set an asymmetrical cut-off. Probably only the fewest will need this at all, but it’s nice that it’s offered.
Razer Basilisk V3 Pro review: conclusion
Razer has outdone itself with its newly-launched Pro lineup. After the excellent Viper and DeathAdder remakes, the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro climbs to the top spot. From a purely technical point of view, it is on par with its siblings and offers a little extra here and there.
This includes not only the RGB lighting, but also the simply ingenious HyperScroll Tilt Wheel, which I would not have thought would be so useful before the test. I also find the Sniper button very practical, especially for shooters, to make aiming a bit more precise.
In terms of design, workmanship and ergonomics, the gaming mouse ranks very high anyway, and the battery life and dual connectivity also score additional points.
The Mouse Dock Pro is particularly practical because it quadruples the sampling rate – but it is not included in the rating as a separate device. However, it is definitely worth considering if you are thinking about getting the Basilisk V3 Pro.
In any case, you have to look for points of criticism with a magnifying glass in the latest Razer mouse. I can only see these in the somewhat too smooth side buttons and the, once again, comparatively high – but justified – price. So if you’re right-handed and looking for a new gaming mouse, the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro will serve you well. Clear buy recommendation.
Razer Basilisk V3 Pro
Workmanship
Features
Ergonomics
Software
Value for money
95/100
High-quality workmanship, chic to look at and haptically convincing. The unique four-way scroll wheel and excellent sensor make the mouse something special.
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