Razer Joro & Basilisk Mobile: In-Depth Review & Verdict
▼ Summary
– The Razer Joro keyboard is highly portable but has an uncomfortable fixed typing angle and sluggish scissor switches, making it unsuitable for extended use.
– Despite its solid aluminum chassis and laser-etched keycaps, the Joro’s poor battery life and high price ($140) outweigh its benefits.
– The Razer Basilisk Mobile mouse is more comfortable and ergonomic than the Joro but is heavier (77g) and less portable than competitors like the Logitech Pro X 2 Superlight.
– The Basilisk Mobile includes an unnecessary AI Prompt Master button, which can be accidentally activated during gaming, detracting from its usability.
– Both the Joro and Basilisk Mobile are overpriced for their features, with better portable gaming peripherals available at similar or lower prices.
Gaming on the go demands gear that balances performance and portability, but Razer’s Joro keyboard and Basilisk Mobile mouse struggle to justify their premium price tags. While both devices aim to cater to mobile gamers, they make too many compromises to stand out in a crowded market.
Starting with the Razer Joro, this ultra-thin keyboard boasts a sleek aluminum chassis and a compact 75% layout, weighing just 381 grams. Its scissor-switch keys and Snap Tap technology help with responsiveness, but the typing experience falls short. The fixed low angle strains wrists over time, and the keycaps, prone to smudges, lack the tactile feedback of mechanical switches.
Battery life is another sore point. Razer claims five hours with RGB at full brightness, though real-world use stretched closer to seven. That’s hardly enough for extended sessions, and the lighting, while visually appealing, drains power unnecessarily. At $140, the Joro feels overpriced compared to budget Bluetooth alternatives that offer similar portability without the discomfort.
The Basilisk Mobile mouse fares better but still misses the mark. Weighing 77 grams, it’s not as lightweight as competitors like the Logitech Pro X Superlight, and its bulkier dimensions undermine its “portable” label. However, it retains a comfortable grip and includes 10 programmable buttons, one of which awkwardly triggers an AI prompt feature, an odd addition for a gaming peripheral.
Performance-wise, the Razer Focus X 18K sensor delivers solid tracking, and the scroll wheel feels precise. Yet, the mouse’s middling weight and size leave it in an awkward spot: not compact enough for true mobility, nor exceptional enough to compete with dedicated gaming mice. Priced at $90, it’s hard to recommend when better options exist at similar costs.
Verdict: The Joro and Basilisk Mobile prioritize style over substance, with high prices that don’t match their underwhelming practicality. Gamers seeking true portability should look elsewhere, these devices simply don’t deliver enough to warrant their premium positioning.
Buy if:
✅ You prioritize a slim, travel-friendly keyboard (despite its flaws).
✅ You want a mouse with extra programmable buttons.
Avoid if: ❌ You need ergonomic adjustability or long battery life. ❌ You’re budget-conscious, better alternatives exist. ❌ You dislike gimmicky AI features on gaming gear.
Ultimately, Razer’s mobile duo feels like a missed opportunity. With refinements, they could shine, but as-is, they’re tough to justify.
(Source: PC Gamer)
