The Razer DeathAdder has been one of my favourite mice for years, so when I heard there was going to be a new addition to the range, I was excited. The DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed aims to strike a balance between performance and affordability by making some changes to the iconic design. This new mouse brings some exciting features to the table while maintaining the ergonomic design that has made the DeathAdder series so popular with gamers.
At first glance, the new DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed follows the familiar right-handed ergonomic shape. Only when you compare the mouse to other DeathAdder entries, do the differences become apparent. Razer has reduced the overall size slightly compared to previous models, measuring 4.81 inches long and 2.55 inches wide. This makes it around 5% smaller than its siblings in the V3 family. The smaller form factor, combined with an ultra-lightweight design that tips the scales at just 55 grams, results in a mouse that feels incredibly nimble and easy to manoeuvre.
When using the mouse, the changes feel fantastic. The DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed strikes a great balance between lightness and usability. I have always enjoyed the DeathAdder design, and the subtle but noticeable changes keep it comfortable while making it easy to use in gaming or work. The placement of the buttons feels smart, resulting in fewer accidental clicks with the weight overall, making it incredibly smooth in gaming, where the split-second responses matter to many.
Razer has not stopped there, however, and has upgraded most of the key features you would expect from a wireless DeathAdder mouse. The DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed now uses the new Focus X 26K optical sensor. While this is technically a step down from the 30K sensor found in the DeathAdder V3 Pro, it still offers excellent performance for competitive gaming and is a solid choice for a lower-cost offering. The sensor offers a maximum DPI of 26,000, along with 40G acceleration and 500 IPS tracking. These specs should satisfy even the most demanding eSports players, even if I did not take full advantage of it in my daily use of the mouse.
“The DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed strikes a great balance between lightness and usability.”
What makes the Focus X 26K sensor stand out from the crowd is not just the speed but Razer’s introduction of Dynamic Sensitivity and Rotational Tool customization to the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed. As the name suggests, the Dynamic Sensitivity feature allows users to create a custom curve that automatically adjusts the DPI based on the speed of the hand movement. This can be particularly useful for players who prefer a lower base DPI but want the ability to make quick 180-degree turns without having to make multiple swipes. As for the rotation tool, it allows users to fine-tune the sensor angle to compensate for angled mouse movements or setups.
Razer has also equipped the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed with its third-generation optical switches, which are rated for 90 million clicks. These switches provide a satisfying tactile feel and should offer excellent durability over time. The mouse has a total of six programmable buttons, including two side buttons that are easily accessible with your thumb. It all works together to give the mouse a satisfying click that feels good in the hand. I am a big fan of the newer switches on Razer mice, and the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is no exception.
“I genuinely found the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed a joy to use without being tethered to the PC and did not see any issues even when gaming at my desk.”
In terms of connectivity, the V3 HyperSpeed lives up to its name with Razer’s HyperSpeed Wireless technology. This low-latency 2.4GHz connection ensures responsive performance that rivals wired mice. The mouse also supports a wired USB-C connection for charging or, if you prefer, a direct link to your PC. I will be honest: I normally find wireless mice tedious to manage—beyond for photos, of course—but I genuinely found the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed a joy to use without being tethered to the PC and did not see any issues even when gaming at my desk.
But what about battery life? Should you go wireless for everyday use? Thankfully, it is impressive, considering how incredibly light the mouse is. Razer claims up to 100 hours of use on a single charge at the lowest DPI setting, dropping to around 20 hours when using the optional 8000Hz HyperPolling Wireless Dongle, which can be purchased separately for users who want the absolute lowest latency possible.
In testing, I would say the 20-hour claim is correct, with the 100-hour claim feeling pretty accurate. It’s always hard to put the longer-hour claims to the full test, but in the weeks I’ve been using it, I’ve had no problems. So, well done, Razer; I am impressed. What is most impressive is how light the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed feels with it lasting this long.
Speaking of polling rates and battery life, the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed supports up to 1000Hz out of the box with the included dongle. While I am sure we all want the biggest numbers when it comes to specs, this will be fast enough for most users. Those who want to be the best or most competitive players will appreciate the option to upgrade to 8000Hz polling for even smoother tracking and lower click latency, and as someone who uses the 8000Hz on this and other Razer mice, it is a nice to have feature, even if I don’t utilize it to its fullest potential 90% of the time.
Razer has made some interesting design choices with the V3 HyperSpeed that go beyond size. The mouse has larger PTFE feet than previous models, which should provide a smoother glide on a variety of surfaces. The company has also opted for a smooth-touch texture on the body of the mouse, which feels comfortable and should provide a good grip even during intense gaming sessions, and I honestly love it. I have access to a wide range of mice here at the CGM offices, and even after this review, I will find it hard to give up the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, and that is one of the reasons why.
One thing I never thought I would say is that I am starting to miss the Razer Chroma. It was something that the brand has moved away from, especially in its more professional mice, but it is still disappointing to see. This omission probably contributes to the mouse’s impressive battery life and keeps the focus on performance. For gamers who prioritize function over flash, this shouldn’t be a problem. But if, like me, you sometimes want your gaming setup to look like a unicorn has licked all your devices with rainbows, this might not be the mouse for you.
While I am disappointed that the V3 Hyperspeed is not blinding me with colour on a daily basis, I love using the mouse for gaming. The combination of its lightweight design, responsive sensor and low-latency wireless connection makes it a joy to use in fast-paced shooters and other competitive games. The ergonomic shape lends itself well to both palm and claw grips, although users with smaller hands may find it a little large for fingertip use.
While I am still learning how all this can help my style of play, the Dynamic Sensitivity feature is particularly interesting for FPS players. Being able to fine-tune how the mouse responds to different movement speeds can give you an edge in situations where you need to switch quickly between precise aiming and quick turns. It may take some experimentation to find the perfect curve, but the potential benefits are significant.
There is a lot to love about this mouse, and compared to other mice in its price range, the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed holds its own. It offers many of the high-end features found in more expensive models while keeping the price relatively accessible at $99.99. The main competition at this price point includes mice like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight and the Glorious Model O Wireless, and for me, I prefer the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed over both of those options.
The V3 HyperSpeed has a slight advantage in terms of weight, being a few grams lighter than either of these options. It also offers more advanced sensor features with its Dynamic Sensitivity and Rotational Tool options. One potential drawback of the V3 HyperSpeed is the lack of Bluetooth support. Some competing mice in this price range offer both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity, which can be useful for users who want to easily switch between multiple devices or do not want to bring a dongle while travelling.
In the broader context of Razer’s mouse lineup, the V3 HyperSpeed occupies an interesting middle ground. It’s more affordable than the flagship DeathAdder V3 Pro while offering many of the same features. The main differences are the slightly lower-spec sensor and the lack of Razer’s Focus Pro 30K optical sensor. For most users, these differences will be negligible in practice.
While the lack of RGB lighting and Bluetooth connectivity may be disappointing for some users, these omissions allow the V3 HyperSpeed to focus on what matters most: gaming performance. The impressive battery life is a testament to this design philosophy, ensuring that the mouse won’t let you down during extended gaming sessions.
The Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is a worthy addition to the legendary DeathAdder line-up. It offers a compelling mix of features, performance and value that should appeal to a wide range of gamers. Whether you’re a competitive eSports player or just someone who wants a reliable, high-quality mouse for everyday use, the V3 HyperSpeed is definitely worth considering. It is my new mouse of choice for both gaming and desk use. There is a reason why the DeathAdder range has such a long lifespan, and the V3 HyperSpeed delivers.
