GoKawiilLike its predecessors, the V4 Pro is largely designed as an ambidextrous mouse. While some users might prefer a dedicated right-handed mouse for better ergonomics, the lightweight design will satisfy the needs of most gamers.
The top curvature is comfortable on your palm, and both the length and width are meant for average-sized hands. Both sides of the mouse taper slightly for easier lifting, and the side buttons are placed optimally on the left side for a standard palm grip. The lack of side buttons on the right means this isn’t a “true” ambidextrous mouse, but there aren’t many of those on the market anymore. Because of this, lefties will have to do without side buttons for the time being. The only significant difference from other mice is the two main buttons, which feature Razer’s signature concave shape.
Photograph: Henri Robbins
To give the V4 lower latency and make the buttons last longer, Razer moved away from mechanical switches to optical sensors for the buttons and scroll wheel. Another benefit is that the tactile experience of each switch can be fine-tuned independent of the internal workings. With a standard mechanical switch, the two are inseparable from one another, which creates trade-offs between a switch's feel and its functionality.
The buttons have a short travel distance and an immediate, full-sounding click when pressed. The switches underneath require enough weight to prevent misclicks, but aren't so heavy as to make inputs feel slow. The new optical scroll wheel has a significant, separated bump between each input, snapping into place immediately while still being easy to rotate. The side buttons feel slightly softer, with a more muted tone compared to the two main buttons.
The real improvements to this generation's Viper are under the hood. Razer reduced the weight by 5 grams (totaling 50 grams in white, or 49 grams in black). The mouse’s guts are capable of 8,000-Hz polling (the same as the V3) and 50,000 DPI (15,000 more than the V3), and the new hemispherical dongle (which I loved when reviewing the latest Deathadder) looks better on a desk and provides more information at a glance.