Razer Basilisk V4 Pro trades thumb comfort for AI features
The new gaming mouse weighs 100 grams and offers 200 hours of battery life, but a newly added button pushes essential controls out of reach for many users.
By Rafael Esposito ·
Razer has updated its Basilisk gaming mouse line for the first time in two years, introducing the Basilisk V4 Pro. The device arrives with a reconfigured layout that adds an artificial intelligence function but alters the physical position of key controls. Senior editor Sarah Jacobsson Purewal of Tom's Hardware reviewed the unit and described it as a strong all-rounder for players seeking functionality without a cluttered design.
The previous refresh occurred in October 2024 with the Basilisk V3 Pro 35K. That model primarily paired the existing chassis with a new sensor. The V4 Pro retains the right-handed, contoured shape and bright RGB lighting of its predecessors. It utilizes the Focus Pro 50K optical sensor and fourth-generation optical switches. Connectivity options include 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and USB-C.
The mouse is priced at $169.99 in both black and white finishes. It launched alongside the Mouse Dock V2 Pro, a separate accessory sold for $69.99. The dock features an integrated 8,000 Hz receiver and eight RGB zones. It is compatible with several older Razer mice. The box includes a USB-A dongle, an adapter, and a 6-foot braided cable. Razer did not include its HyperFlex cables or grip tape.
The most consequential change involves the addition of two buttons, bringing the total to 12 programmable controls. One new button sits beside the left mouse button and switches profiles by default. A third thumb button is positioned in front of the existing pair and opens Razer's AI prompt. Jacobsson Purewal noted that the mouse measures 5.02 inches long. This length places the profile button at the front edge, making it difficult to press comfortably for users with medium-sized hands and long fingers.
The AI button presents a larger ergonomic challenge. Because it matches the size of the other thumb buttons, it pushes the existing cluster backward. This shift leaves the first thumb button, labeled MB4, too far away to reach comfortably. While the buttons can be remapped, the reviewer found that all three thumb controls felt slightly off. The review questioned whether every mouse and keyboard requires a dedicated AI prompt button.
The black version of the mouse weighs 3.53 ounces, or 100 grams. This is almost half an ounce lighter than the V3 Pro 35K, which weighed 3.95 ounces. Jacobsson Purewal observed that while the device is still far from ultralight, it is easier to pick up. The tilt wheel offers two tactile modes with 24 or 48 steps, plus a free-spin mode. The free-spin setting proved too sensitive and prone to backscrolling, while the precision tactile mode received praise.
Performance metrics show the sensor reaches 50,000 DPI and 930 IPS. It tracks on most surfaces, including glass at least 4mm thick. The switches are rated for more than 100 million clicks and produced no misclicks or double-clicks during testing. The reviewer stated the shape suits applications ranging from MMOs to competitive shooters, though perhaps not top-level competition.
Battery life has increased from 150 hours on the V3 Pro 35K 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. Tom's Hardware lists the feel, lower weight, and battery life as strengths. It identifies the AI button's effect on thumb-button layout, the price, and the slightly large size as drawbacks. The outlet positions the Basilisk V4 Pro between the DeathAdder V4 Pro and the Naga V3 Pro.
Source: Tom's Hardware
