Razer Basilisk V4 turns 180 degrees like a Power Ranger foot
I’m a sucker for a perfectly engineered peripheral, especially when it blends futuristic design with serious performance. That’s why the announcement of the Razer Basilisk V4 at Gamescom immediately caught my eye. It’s a larger, more ambitious gaming rodent that sets itself apart, offering two distinct paths for serious gamers: the Basilisk V4 Pro and the Basilisk V4 HyperSpeed.
For those who appreciate Razer’s naming conventions, the distinction is clear in the price tag: the HyperSpeed model is available for $110, while the Pro version commands a $170 MSRP. This difference reflects a trade-off in the underlying technology, giving users choices based on their budget and performance needs.
The performance disparity lies in the sensor and tracking technology. The Pro model packs a formidable 50K optical sensor, boasting a 930 IPS tracking speed and 90G acceleration, complemented by Frame Sync to perfectly align sensor scanning with the polling rate. In contrast, the HyperSpeed model features a 33K, 500 IPS unit. Despite the difference, both mice offer the luxury of 8K polling, whether wired or wireless.
Beyond pure tracking, the Basilisk lineup shares some truly distinctive features. Both models are equipped with four customizable side buttons in the Synapse software, and they both feature Razer’s supremely precise and clicky Gen-4 tactile switches.
One of the most attention-grabbing features is the customizable side button, which allows users to activate the Perfect 180 feature. This function allows a single click to snap aim around a full 180 degrees, a feature Razer claims is designed for low-sensitivity gaming. While some users find this mechanic exciting—imagine instantly turning around to face an opponent—others reckon it borders on being “hax” and potentially controversial on the competitive circuit.
Despite the potential uproar over the mechanics, the physical design itself is a triumph. The mice possess a sleek shape, well-placed side buttons, and a heavy tilt towards the right that feels incredibly natural in the hand. The four-way tilt scroll wheel, complete with free-spin mode, offers a lovely tactile experience that makes navigating menus a joy.
Powering these devices wirelessly is no issue. The mice can be charged via the Razer Mouse Dock V2 Pro or standard wireless charging pads. In terms of battery longevity, the HyperSpeed model delivers up to 200 hours on a HyperSpeed Wireless Gen-2 connection at 1,000 Hz, and up to 275 hours when utilizing Bluetooth 6.2 connectivity.
The Basilisk is back, arriving with sophisticated tracking, exceptional switches, and some genuinely unique features. While the product might not have landed its catchiest name yet, it certainly delivers on the promise of a high-performance, ergonomically sculpted gaming experience.
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