Gaming Peripherals: Razer Raises Prices and Redesigns Thumb Controls

Razer has increased the price of its Basilisk V4 Pro mouse to $169.99, a jump driven by the addition of an artificial intelligence key and a longer battery life. The new device launches alongside the Mouse Dock V2 Pro, which sells separately for $69.99. This refresh marks the first major update to the Basilisk line since the release of the V3 Pro 35K in October 2024.

The primary hardware change is the inclusion of two new inputs, bringing the total programmable button count to 12. One button is located beside the left mouse button and switches profiles by default. The second is a third thumb button that opens Razer's AI prompt. Senior editor Sarah Jacobsson Purewal of Tom's Hardware noted that the profile button sits at the front edge of the device, making it difficult to press comfortably for users with medium-sized hands and long fingers.

The placement of the AI button creates a more substantial ergonomic issue. Because the new key matches the size of the other thumb controls, it forces the existing cluster backward. This shift leaves the first thumb button too far away to reach easily. Although the buttons can be remapped, the review found that all three thumb buttons felt slightly misaligned. The review also questioned whether dedicated AI prompt buttons are necessary on every mouse and keyboard.

Despite the layout changes, the new mouse is lighter than its predecessor. The black version weighs 3.53 ounces, or 100 grams, which is nearly half an ounce less than the 3.95 ounces of the V3 Pro 35K. The reviewer described the device as easier to pick up, though still far from ultralight. The tilt wheel offers two tactile modes with 24 or 48 steps, as well as a free-spin mode. The free-spin setting proved too sensitive and prone to accidental backscrolling, while the precision tactile mode received positive feedback.

Performance metrics have improved across the board. The Focus Pro 50K optical sensor supports 50,000 DPI and 930 IPS, tracking on most surfaces including glass at least 4mm thick. The fourth-generation switches are rated for more than 100 million clicks and produced no misclicks or double-clicks during testing. Connectivity options include 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and USB-C, with polling rates up to 8,000 Hz.

Battery life has increased from 150 hours on the previous model to 200 hours at 1,000 Hz over 2.4GHz. At the maximum polling rate of 8,000 Hz, battery life drops to 54 hours. The accompanying Mouse Dock V2 Pro features an integrated 8,000 Hz receiver and eight RGB zones, and it is compatible with several older Razer mice. The box includes a USB-A dongle, an adapter, and a 6-foot braided cable, but does not include a HyperFlex cable or grip tape.

The review positions the Basilisk V4 Pro between the DeathAdder V4 Pro and the button-heavy Naga V3 Pro. It is recommended for players seeking more functionality than a stripped-down shooter mouse without the complexity of a full MMO device. The verdict cites the improved weight and battery life as strengths, while listing the AI button's impact on thumb layout, the price, and the slightly large size as drawbacks.