Razer Basilisk V3 review

Our Verdict

80%

Versatile and reasonably priced, the Razer Basilisk V3 is a great example of a multi-button mouse.

Like several models of Razer mice, the Razer Basilisk is available in different variants that use the same core shape but with different features. However, with this mouse, Razer has taken the differences between models to extremes. Opt for the Basilisk X and you get a stripped-down wireless mouse with only a handful of buttons. Choose the Basilisk Ultimate and you again get wireless but the mouse also includes loads of buttons, a charging dock, adjustable scroll wheel resistance, and much more.

Meanwhile, the Basilisk V3 we’re reviewing here rather confusingly doesn’t offer a wireless connection but does include 11 programmable buttons and a tilting scroll wheel – the latter can also be switched between notched or freewheeling modes. If you’re just after lots of features without spending extra money for a wireless connection, this is the variant to get.

Running through those extra buttons, on the top you’ll find the standard left and right buttons, with two programmable buttons behind the scroll wheel, the rear one of which can be activated with the base of your middle finger. The further forward button defaults to switching the wheel between notched and freewheeling modes for easy document scrolling (or tap strafing), but it can also be reprogrammed. The wheel also tilts left and right to trigger two more buttons.

Meanwhile, on the left side of the mouse is a more modest selection of buttons, with just a default set of back and forward thumb buttons, and one further button towards the front of the mouse that defaults to being a ‘sniper’ DPI switching button – it’s a shame there’s only the one extra thumb button here. Finally, on the underside of the mouse there’s also a profile switching button.

It’s a decent combination of buttons that provides plenty of extra functions without making it too easy to hit buttons accidentally or totally compromising the ways in which you can hold the mouse. The scroll wheel helps significantly here, with its crisp and precise responses, unlike the indistinct Logitech G502 Hero wheel.

The overall shape of the Basilisk works well for all grip styles, though for palm grip use it will only be suitable for those with small to medium size hands, as it lacks a bit of width and height at the back. There are also patches of rubber on the sides, which help if you’re using a fingertip grip.

With a weight of 101g, the Basilisk V3 is relatively light for this class of multi-button mouse, but it’s still quite heavy when you consider the wider mouse market, with many first-person shooter-focussed mice coming in at well under 70g. When it comes to styling, we also rather like the aggressive, pointed front and the subtle RGB lighting, which glows from the edges of the scroll wheel, the Razer logo, and a strip that runs under the bottom edge of the mouse.

In games, the button combination proved a great balance for our needs, keeping out the way during aggressive movements but still offering a wide variety of functions to hand when needed. Razer’s excellent Focus+ sensor also provides flawless tracking performance.

Razer Basilisk V3 pros and cons

Pros

• + Versatile shape
  + Great selection of extra buttons
  + Decent scroll wheel

Cons

• – No extra index finger buttons
  – Only one extra thumb button

Razer Basilisk V3 specs

The Razer Basilisk V3 spec list is:

Razer Basilisk V3 price

The Razer Basilisk V3 price is $70, making it quite expensive for a wired mouse but its extra buttons make it reasonable value.

Price: Expect to pay $70 (£70)

Razer Basilisk V3 review conclusion

The Razer Basilisk V3 is a great all-rounder of a mouse. Its shape suits a variety of hand sizes and grip styles and its extra buttons prove useful across a wide variety of games and non-gaming tasks. It wouldn’t be our first pick as a dedicated FPS/eSports mouse but for a multipurpose everyday mouse that also has the sensor and button response to turn to gaming, it’s a great option. 

For more mouse recommendations, check out our best gaming mouse guide. Meanwhile, if you own the Razer Basilisk V3, we’d love to hear your thoughts on it. Just get in touch via the Custom PC Facebook page, Twitter page, or by joining our 390,000+ member Custom PC and Gaming Setup Facebook group.