Many Razer gaming mice showcase the latest advancements in optical sensor technology. Unfortunately, that level of innovation usually comes at a high cost. The DeathAdder Essential is an exception, with the comfortable shape that made the product line famous. This budget gaming mouse offers the same ergonomics and durability as its expensive cousins. At a reduced price, the wired DeathAdder Essential is a low-risk way to experience the advantages of gaming mice.
Right-handed gamers find the DeathAdder Essential supportive of medium and large palms. Recent versions, such as DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, have become lighter and smaller. Still, the more affordable Essential retains the same basic shape with mainstream appeal. The mouse’s concave left side slopes to better grip thumbs. Below the two side buttons is a bumpier texture that prevents slipping during rapid movements. Likewise, the scroll wheel has a tactile feel that’s easy to control when gaming or web browsing.
Razer DeathAdder Essential Gaming Mouse
$16 $25 Save
$9
The Razer DeathAdder Essential delivers precision with its 6,400 DPI sensor, 5 programmable buttons, and durable mechanical switches rated for 10 million clicks. It also features customizable macros and tactile scroll wheel.
- Weight
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96 g
- Sensor and DPI
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Optical 6400 DPI
- Switches
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Mechanical
- RGB Lighting
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Single-Color White Lighting
- Programmable Buttons
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5
- Connectivity
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Wired
- IPS
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220
- Polling Rate
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1,000 Hz
- Acceleration
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30
What is the DeathAdder Essential Missing?
Razer keyboards and mice are celebrated for their RGB effects. Despite its low asking price, the DeathAdder Essential isn’t completely unlit. The white Essential mouse only has single-colored lighting, which gives it the flair that cheaper mice lack. Although it’s not currently on sale, Razer’s mouse is also sold in traditional black with green LED lighting.
The DeathAdder Essential has a simple five-button control scheme. The straightforward layout matches that of pricier FPS mice. Any novice gamer accustomed to a basic productivity mouse will have no issues adjusting to the Essential. However, its buttons are designed for lower latency rapid inputs rather than office work. While not as reinforced as more premium alternatives, the right and left buttons withstand 10 million clicks.
Many buyers dismiss budget mice because of their low maximum DPIs. In reality, the DeathAdder Essential’s 6,400 DPI sensor is sufficient even for competitive gaming. Esports pros play at lower resolutions, negating the advantages of higher sensitivity settings. More crucial is consistency and games not missing subtle movements. Also, a mouse that detects lifts off surfaces during sweeping movements provides more tracking area. The DeathAdder Essential doesn’t skip a beat during the most hectic gaming.
Razer Synapse is one of the most powerful apps for customizing mouse performance.
With the DeathAdder Essential, gamers won’t be inundated with options. Even so, users can select lower DPI levels and remap buttons. As a result, macros to execute attacks more easily or close browser tabs become possible. As a setup evolves, gamers can add more Razer peripherals without installing other software.
Many of the best gaming mice under $30 use cords. That’s not a drawback when wireless interference is a concern. Also, gamers don’t need to recharge the DeathAdder Essential. The mouse employs a braided USB cable that is more rigid than the recent Razer Speedflex alternative. Nevertheless, it reduces the chances of snags and is resistant to tears.
The Razer DeathAdder Essential is a reliable mouse that doesn’t compromise on ergonomics. If you prefer Logitech gaming gear, the wired Logitech G203 is also discounted. It performs similarly to the DeathAdder Essential but is lighter and has a slightly higher maximum DPI.
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