Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro Review: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
â–Ľ Summary
– The DeathAdder V4 Pro is an improved version of the highly-rated V3 Pro, featuring a new sensor, optical switches, and a lighter design with better battery life.
– It includes a wireless 8K polling dongle in the box, unlike the V3 Pro where it was sold separately, enhancing its performance capabilities.
– The mouse retains the same ergonomic shape and size as its predecessor, praised for its comfortable right-handed design and grippable texture.
– With a price of $170, it is a premium option and may not be worth upgrading from the V3 Pro if that model is available at a discount.
– It offers 150 hours of battery life after a firmware update, significantly more than the V3 Pro’s 90 hours, making it efficient for extended use.
The Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro refines an already outstanding ultra-lightweight gaming mouse, delivering enhanced performance and efficiency that serious gamers will appreciate. While it builds on the near-perfect foundation of its predecessor, the V3 Pro, the upgrades may not justify the cost for everyone, especially if you can find the earlier model discounted. This review breaks down what’s new, what’s familiar, and whether this premium peripheral deserves a spot on your desk.
Razer’s DeathAdder V3 Pro earned a loyal following for its exceptional ergonomics, speed, and featherlight design. The V4 Pro retains the same beloved external shape but introduces meaningful internal improvements. It ships with a new sensor, updated optical switches, a redesigned scroll wheel, and greater power efficiency, resulting in reduced weight and extended battery life. Perhaps the most significant addition is the inclusion of a wireless 8K polling dongle right in the box, something the V3 Pro required as a separate purchase.
When it comes to design and comfort, the DeathAdder V3 Pro was already superb. Its contoured, right-handed shape fits so naturally that it practically disappears in your hand. Razer wisely kept the same dimensions and ergonomic profile for the V4 Pro, so users of the older model will feel immediately at home. You still get large, separated main buttons, two spacious thumb buttons on the left, and a notched rubber scroll wheel. The overall size remains substantial, measuring 5 x 2.67 x 1.73 inches, placing it on the larger side, comparable to the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2.
Despite the identical shape, the V4 Pro introduces a smooth matte finish and a meaningful weight reduction. It tips the scales at just 56 grams, about 10% lighter than the V3 Pro. This difference is noticeable during use, contributing to a nimbler feel. Build quality also feels more robust, with no trace of the slight side creak that could develop on the V3 over time.
On the bottom, you’ll find large PTFE skates for smooth glide and a power button that also cycles DPI settings. There’s no RGB lighting, only a small multi-color LED near the scroll wheel to indicate your active DPI preset. The new wireless dongle is compact and weighted to stay put on your desk, displaying connection status and battery level via three small LED dots. Inside the box, Razer includes a braided USB-C to USB-A cable, the 8K dongle, and a set of pre-cut grip tape.
Under the hood, the DeathAdder V4 Pro is equipped with Razer’s Focus Pro 45K Optical Sensor Gen-2, capable of 45,000 DPI, 900 IPS, and 85G acceleration. Tracking is flawless across all surfaces tested, from cloth and hybrid pads to glass and bare desks. New Gen-4 optical switches offer a lighter, crisper click feel and are rated for 100 million clicks. The scroll wheel is also improved, lighter and more precise than the V3 Pro’s, with distinct tactile steps.
Through Razer Synapse software, you can customize all six programmable buttons, adjust DPI steps, and set the polling rate up to 8,000 Hz. A Smart Polling Rate Switcher automatically boosts to 8K when you enter a full-screen game. Additional software features include surface calibration, asymmetric cut-off, and sensitivity matching to help transition from an older mouse.
Wireless performance relies solely on 2.4GHz or wired USB-C, no Bluetooth here. The connection remains strong and consistent, with the dongle providing real-time feedback on signal quality. Battery life received a welcome boost via a firmware update, now reaching up to 150 hours at 1,000 Hz polling, a substantial improvement over the V3 Pro’s 90 hours.
In summary, the DeathAdder V4 Pro is a polished evolution of an already excellent mouse. It brings a better sensor, refined switches, a lighter build, and outstanding battery life, all while including the 8K dongle from the start. If you’re in the market for a high-performance, no-frills gaming mouse and don’t require extra buttons or RGB, the V4 Pro is an easy recommendation. However, if your V3 Pro is still going strong, the upgrade may feel incremental unless you specifically crave the latest sensor and maximum battery endurance.
![Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro front view] ![Close-up of the DeathAdder V4 Pro scroll wheel and buttons] ![Bottom view showing PTFE feet and sensor placement] ![Wireless 8K dongle included with the DeathAdder V4 Pro] ![Razer Synapse software interface for customizing settings]
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)
