The Razer Viper was a decent gaming mouse that sadly got overshadowed by its wireless brother the Viper Ultimate. A lot of gamers still went for the classic Viper but clearly, the gaming mouse missed some killing specs to make it really shine bright. Enter the Razer Viper 8KHz, the first gaming mouse that offers an insane 8000 Hz polling rate on a consumer gaming mouse. With stats like that, it’s clear that this one is labeled as the ultimate eSports Gaming Mouse but does it really deliver? Let’s find out!
The accuracy
The big selling point of this gaming mouse is the 8000 Hz but what exactly is it and does it really matter? Like you already know by now, we don’t really jump deep into the specs of our gaming hardware but focus on the performance and what we enjoyed while using it. Before I can explain this new Viper, however, I need to briefly explain what the 8KHz does. Most gaming mice run at 1000Hz polling rate, meaning the mouse will send positional updates to your computer thousands times each second, which could eventually lead to a 1ms input lag while using it. 8000Hz polling rate means the mouse sends those positional updates 8000 times each second, which reduces the potential input lag to an incredible 0.12ms, which of course is a huge difference on paper but does it really matter while playing?
After using this gaming mouse for a couple of hours, I can certainly say it does matter. Although it sounds like something you wouldn’t really notice, it does make a difference simply because every action you take feels a lot smoother than ever before. Clicks clearly register a lot faster, slower movements are way smoother never experiencing any hiccups along the way and the short snappy movements you need in online shooters feel as fast as they should. Never did I experience any noticeable input lag so I could enjoy my online gaming sessions without any trouble. If you play on modern 240Hz+ monitors, this difference is even more noticeable too. Where 1000 Hz can lead to stuttering and lag on those monitors, this is never the case with 8000 Hz, even on modern monitors, every move you make will be extremely smooth. Something that stands out, even more, when you return to a classic 1000 Hz gaming mouse. So yes, the difference is clearly there and yes, it alters the way you enjoy your games, but does it really matter?
Am I a better gamer now?
Since this gaming mouse presents itself as a true eSports gaming mouse and delivers some crazy specs, a lot of potential buyers will ask themselves the question if this automatically makes you a better gamer. The short answer is no, this doesn’t make you a better gamer. While gaming I wasn’t magically better at online shooters and although the gaming mouse itself is incredibly accurate, it didn’t really make a difference for my KD ratio at all. For us, mere mortals, the mouse won’t make you invincible but for the professional gamers where every pixel on the screen counts and can turn the match to their advantage, this really could be a game-changer. I’m pretty sure the professional teams will devour the 8000 Hz to take every advantage out of it. I’m pretty sure that when you’re gaming on a professional level, the difference in input lag can really benefit your game for sure.
The quality of the mouse
But what about the mouse itself? How does it feel? Well, it seems like Razer really nailed the Viper line and delivered a light yet sturdy mouse that easily fits your palm. Sporting a classic shape, the mouse finds the right balance between competitive and performance, which is suited for every type of user. It’s nothing groundbreaking or innovative but why change a winning formula? Being an ambidextrous eSports gaming mouse, this Viper also comes with side buttons that are fully integrated into the curve of the mouse, which makes it aesthetically interesting but isn’t always that great to use, the side buttons aren’t that easy to access. Perhaps the only downside of this Viper in all honesty. As you already know, this is a wired mouse that comes with a slightly thicker cable in order to achieve 8KHz. It’s not the most flexible cable out there but it doesn’t affect your gaming session. It’s a strong and sturdy cable for sure but it never holds back the smooth movements of the mouse itself. Compared to the other Razer products, this Viper 8KHz is perfectly on par with the quality you would expect from the company.
Conclusion:
The Razer Viper 8KHz is an incredible gaming mouse that really makes a difference if you’re a professional eSports gamer. For the more casual gamer, the difference of 8000 Hz certainly is noticeable too and will translate into a smoother experience while using this gaming mouse during your gaming sessions but it won’t magically make you a better gamer. That being said, it’s probably one of the best, if not the best, wired gaming mice on the market and definitely worth considering if you’re looking for upgrading your gear.
