Razer DeathAdder Chroma

Razer's latest mouse release improves on one of its customer's favorites with the Razer DeathAdder Chroma that not only adds a wide range of LED color options, but also an improved sensor to provide even more accuracy in movement. The Razer DeathAdder Chroma is a right-handed design mouse that features the normal assortment of buttons in addition to back and forward on the left side.

Product Features

• Ergonomic right-handed design with textured rubber side grips
• 10,000 DPI optical sensor
• Chroma lighting with 16.8 million customizable color options
• Razer Synapse enabled
• 5 Independently programmable Hyperesponse buttons
• 1000 Hz Ultrapolling
• On-the-fly sensitivity adjustment
• Always-on mode
• 200 inches per second / 50 G acceleration
• Gold-plated USB connector
• 2.13 m / 7 ft., lightweight, braided fiber cable
• Approximate size: 127 mm / 5 in. (Length) x 70 mm / 2.76 in. (Width) x 44 mm / 1.73 in. (Height)
• Approximate weight: 105 g / 0.23 lbs.

Performance
The DeathAdder Chroma's performance in games as expected is top notch and handles extremely well in performing precise and quick movements. The 10,000 DPI optical sensor makes a major difference from past mice I've used in that the mouse cursor or crosshair never deviated from the intended location. The added precision with the extreme DPI ensured in strategy games that clicking on specific units or highlighting a selection of troops was always an effortless process. The games in which the mouse really shines are first-person shooters and other fast-paced titles that require quick reaction timing. Games tested with the mouse ranged from a wide variety of genres and scenarios from zombie hunting in Dead Rising 3 to sneaking through dark corridors in Alien: Isolation. Game after game, the DeathAdder Chroma performed excellent no matter the type of gameplay.

As the mouse name's mention, the DeathAdder Chroma add the ability to customize the mouse's LED lighting in its scroll wheel and Razer logo from 16.8 million color options. The Razer mouse software allows for a wide range of options from setting the colors to rotate on a spectrum to selecting a specific, constant color. While the ability to customize the mouse's color to an exact hue or RGB value is a nice feature to have, it doesn't add anything to how the mouse actually performs. However, it also doesn't subtract anything from the mouse resulting in a feature that will only be a decision maker to those owners who want complete customization with LED colors.

Ergonomics
While not everyone may not be interested in the mouse's wide array of LED color options, they will be happy to know that the DeathAdder Chroma ergonomics have been fine-tuned for the most ideal weight and size dimensions. After testing the mouse for extended gaming sessions for many hours there wasn't any hand or palm fatigue which have usually been a problem in past mice that were either too large or heavy. While the mouse isn't necessarily designed for use beyond a desktop setup, it isn't too large for packing into a bag for traveling. The added side grips and matte surface of the mouse aid in providing an ideal experience for both gaming and daily desktop use.

In regards to the cord, the mouse includes a lengthy braided cable that works well in keeping it in place on a desk surface and for increased durability. With the added Razer software, the mouse's operation can be completely customized from its movement speed to even the type of surface in which the mouse is placed upon. The surface type section of the software in particular had support for the various Razer gaming mats including the Goliathus Control Edition, which I've previously reviewed.

Highly Recommended
The DeathAdder Chroma from Razer is an easy recommendation for gamers in the market for a new mouse as it performs excellent in nearly every gameplay genre and scenario. While the added customization of the LED colors is a nice feature, it doesn't add much to the mouse and wouldn't be worth an upgrade alone for owners of the previous DeathAdder. The major factors which earn the mouse it's recommendation are the accurate sensor and fine-tuned ergonomics.