Gaming Peripherals: Razer Basilisk V4 Pro prioritizes battery life over thumb ergonomics
The new mouse costs $169.99, weighs 100 grams, and offers 200 hours of battery life, though its AI button displaces standard controls.
By Emmanuel Obasi ·
Razer has released the Basilisk V4 Pro, the first major update to its flagship mouse line in two years. The device aims to balance high-end performance with extended usability, though the physical layout has shifted to accommodate new software features.
The mouse is priced at $169.99 and is available in black and white. It launched simultaneously with the Mouse Dock V2 Pro, a separate accessory sold for $69.99. The previous generation, the Basilisk V3 Pro 35K, arrived in October 2024 with a sensor upgrade, while the V4 Pro introduces structural and feature changes.
The most visible alteration is the addition of two buttons, raising the total programmable count to 12. One new button sits beside the left click to switch profiles, while a third thumb button opens an AI prompt interface by default. Sarah Jacobsson Purewal, a senior editor at Tom's Hardware, noted that the profile button is located at the front edge of the 5.02-inch device. This placement places it out of comfortable reach for users with medium-sized hands and long fingers.
The AI button presents a more complex issue for thumb placement. It occupies space equal to the standard thumb buttons, pushing the existing cluster backward. This shift moves the first thumb button, designated MB4, too far from the user's natural grip. Although the buttons are remappable, Purewal found that all three thumb controls felt misaligned during testing. The review questioned the necessity of a dedicated AI key on every input device.
Weight reduction is a key improvement in the V4 Pro. The black model weighs 3.53 ounces, or 100 grams. This is nearly half an ounce lighter than the 3.95-ounce V3 Pro 35K. While not ultralight, the reviewer described the new model as easier to handle. The tilt wheel offers two tactile settings with 24 or 48 steps, plus a free-spin mode. The free-spin option was found to be overly sensitive and prone to unintended scrolling, whereas the precision tactile mode received positive feedback.
Performance specs include the Focus Pro 50K optical sensor, which supports 50,000 DPI and 930 IPS. The sensor tracks on most surfaces, including glass at least 4mm thick. The fourth-generation optical switches are rated for over 100 million clicks. Testing revealed no misclicks or double-clicks. The design suits genres ranging from MMOs to competitive shooters, though Purewal suggested it may not be ideal for top-level professional play.
Battery life has increased from 150 hours on the previous model to 200 hours at 1,000 Hz polling over 2.4GHz wireless. At the maximum 8,000 Hz polling rate, battery life drops to 54 hours. The mouse connects via 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, or USB-C. The included Mouse Dock V2 Pro features an integrated 8,000 Hz receiver and eight RGB zones, and is compatible with several older Razer models.
The packaging includes a USB-A dongle, an adapter, and a 6-foot braided cable. It does not include a HyperFlex cable or grip tape. Tom's Hardware identified the feel, lower weight, and battery life as primary strengths. Drawbacks cited include the impact of the AI button on thumb layout, the price point, and the slightly large size. The device is positioned between the DeathAdder V4 Pro and the Naga V3 Pro in the product line.
Source: Tom's Hardware
