Razer ViperMini it is exactly what you imagine: a more compact and lighter version of its big brother. But dismissing him like this would be wrong because yes, he's smaller than the Razer Viper, but that's not the only substantial difference. So let's try to understand what has changed and if it is worth opting for this little mouse.
Razer Viper Mini review: twins? Not exactly
At first glance they look really identical: we have the same lines, the same logo, the same symmetry. But something has changed. First of all the weight, which comes down to 61 grams and that allows it to be one of the lightest mice on the market. The dimensions are obviously small, but perfect for those with smaller hands.
Then the keys change. The older brother in fact had two side buttons on both sides while here we find them only on the left side. This is not just about having two less customizable buttons, but also penalize left-handed users. In short, the Razer Viper Mini is undoubtedly designed for right-handed people.
The other keys, on the other hand, are quite unchanged with the two main ones that rely on optical switches, fast and precise in every situation and guaranteed for tens of millions of clicks. More than you will in your entire life.
Finally, different the button dedicated to PPE that here I am "Only" 8.500 against the 16.000 of the older brother. Razer Viper in fact had a small button located on the bottom to avoid accidental presses while here we find it on the upper surface, just below the scroll wheel. A problem? Actually no. We have never happened to press it by mistake. However, what we have been missing is an LED that visually signals the change of DPI but it is not a big lack since the software - Razer Synapse - will show a convenient notification on your screen to notify you of the current DPI value.
The side surface is not rubberized like that of the classic Viper but not bad: the grip remains excellent and the grip will be firm even during the most eventful gaming sessions.
Finally, let's not forget the SpeedFlex cable in woven fabric which felt slightly softer than its big brother. This obviously does not affect performance. On the contrary, it seemed extremely flexible and very comfortable to us.
The field test
Before telling you how these weeks have been in the company of Razer Viper Mini I would like to say a few words the sensor, that is, that component that allows you to translate real movements into digital movements.
Razer Viper used the 5 DPI 16.000G optical sensor while here we have an 8.500 DPI one. What changes? Well, the numbers are scary but it's actually nothing to worry about. A traditional user as well as passionate gamers will not be affected by this difference. In fact, in daily use we have practically not been affected by the change and our gaming sessions were perfectly satisfying.
It is then impossible not to appreciate the responsiveness of the keys, the light weight and flexibility of the SpeedFlex cable. In short, we did not miss the older brother.
Razer Synapse for customization
Accompanying the mouse is the now beloved Razer Synapse, the free software that allows you to customize the user experience changing the keys according to your needs. From here you can too change the sensitivity associating different DPIs to the 5 available levels, but also changing the polling rate (i.e. the frequency with which the mouse sends information to the PC) or deciding the most suitable color for the logo, located on the upper surface, and the LED strip, positioned instead on the part inferior. Finally it is possible carry out the calibration, useful if you own a mousepad from the Californian company.
Razer Viper Mini review: buy it or not?
If you are looking for a compact mouse, very light, that doesn't strain your wrist but offers you nonetheless speed and precision, Razer Viper Mini is undoubtedly for you. With 49,99 € you take home an excellently finished product capable of supporting you both in everyday life and during play.
There are two cases in which you should probably prefer the older brother:
- you are an aspiring pro gamer and then the small differences that distinguish the two models could really affect your performance;
- prefer a little more subscriber and solid mice.
Razer ViperMini
Pro
- Very light
- Excellent grip
- Quick and accurate
- Flexible cable
Cons
- Two frets less than the Viper
- Not suitable for left-handers