Razer may be producing LED toasters these days, but its bread and butter remains gaming mice, of which the DeathAdder is one of the best. The DeathAdder is the best of the best. The latest model, the DeathAdder V2, will be the best yet.

In short, it appears that Razer has taken a few steps forward with the latest version of the DeathAdder, rather than a step (or more) backward. We haven't tested it yet, but our friends at Toms Hardware have, and they seem impressed. So what makes it different from past versions?

The biggest upgrade is the sensor; Razer has included the same Focus+ 20Kdpi optical sensor in the DeathAdder V2 that they introduced in the ambidextrous Viper Ultimate (another excellent rodent), ergonomically designed for right-handed gamers. For reference, the second fastest DeathAdder currently available is the Elite model, which features a 5G 16K dpi optical sensor.

Talking about fast sensors inevitably leads to comments about how much sensitivity is needed in a gaming mouse. Some gamers feel that more than a few thousand dpi is overkill, and that includes professional players. That is true. At the same time, I have never automatically dismissed a mouse because of its maximum sensitivity (after all, there is no need for maximum sensitivity).

When Samuel reviewed the Viper Ultimate, he noted that it "tracks well on a variety of surfaces" and "feels consistently sharp" no matter how fast his movements. given that the DeathAdder V2 uses the same sensor it's reasonable to expect similar performance, but no one at PC Gamer has reviewed this model yet. The verdict is still out.

The upgraded sensor also includes other features such as Smart Tracking, Asymmetric Cut-off, and Motion Sync capabilities. These are mouse features that, as Razer explains in detail on the Focus+ sensor page, automatically calibrate for different surfaces, set the landing distance for more precise control, and synchronize the signal the mouse sends to the PC for more consistent tracking. In.

The DeathAdder V2 is lighter than previous versions: the DeathAdder Elite weighed 105 grams, while the DeathAdder V2 weighs 82 grams. In other words, it is about 25% lighter while maintaining the same overall shape and size. It also has one additional programmable button, bringing the total number of programmable buttons from seven to eight.

The DeathAdder V2 is available now for $69.99.

Razer has also upgraded the Basilisk mouse as well with the new V2 model. It has a similarly upgraded sensor, three more programmable buttons for a total of 11, and a lighter profile (92 grams versus 107 grams).

Like the DeathAdder V2, the Basilisk V2 is ergonomically designed for right-handed users.

Basilisk V2 is currently available for $79.99, while the previous generation model has been reduced to $39.99.