Razer Basilisk V4 Pro: 200-hour battery life comes at the cost of thumb reach

Razer has released the Basilisk V4 Pro, the first major update to its gaming mouse line since October 2024. The device costs $169.99 and arrives with a 12-button layout, a new artificial intelligence key, and a battery that lasts up to 200 hours. The company positioned the product as a middle ground between its stripped-down DeathAdder V4 Pro and the button-heavy Naga V3 Pro.

Sarah Jacobsson Purewal, a senior editor at Tom's Hardware, reviewed the device and recommended it for players seeking more functionality than a basic shooter mouse offers. She noted that the mouse retains the right-handed, contoured shape and bright RGB lighting of its predecessors. The unit connects via 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, or USB-C, and it uses Razer's Focus Pro 50K optical sensor.

The most visible change is the addition of two new buttons. A third thumb button now sits in front of the existing pair and opens Razer's AI prompt by default. A separate button beside the left mouse button switches profiles. Purewal found both placements awkward. The profile button sits at the front edge of the 5.02-inch mouse, making it difficult to reach comfortably for users with medium-sized hands and long fingers.

The AI button created a larger issue with ergonomics. Because it is the same size as the other thumb controls, it pushes the existing cluster backward. Purewal reported that the first thumb button is now too far away to press comfortably. Although the buttons can be remapped, she found that all three thumb buttons felt slightly off. The review also questioned whether every mouse requires a dedicated AI prompt key.

Weight dropped from 3.95 ounces on the previous model to 3.53 ounces for the black version of the V4 Pro. That is a reduction of nearly half an ounce. While still far from ultralight, the reviewer found the lighter mouse easier to pick up. The tilt wheel offers two tactile modes with 24 and 48 steps, plus a free-spin mode. Purewal praised the precision tactile mode but found the free-spin setting too sensitive and prone to backscrolling.

Performance metrics show the sensor reaches 50,000 DPI and 930 IPS. It tracks on most surfaces, including glass at least 4mm thick. The fourth-generation switches are rated for more than 100 million clicks and produced no misclicks during testing. Battery life improved from 150 hours on the previous model to 200 hours at 1,000 Hz over 2.4GHz. At the maximum 8,000 Hz polling rate, the battery lasts 54 hours.

The mouse launches alongside the Mouse Dock V2 Pro, which sells separately for $69.99. The dock includes an integrated 8,000 Hz receiver and eight RGB zones. It also works with several older Razer mice. The box includes a USB-A dongle, an adapter, and a 6-foot braided cable. It does not include one of Razer's flexible HyperFlex cables or grip tape.

Purewal listed the feel, lower weight, and battery life as strengths. She cited the AI button's effect on thumb-button layout, the price, and the mouse's slightly large size as drawbacks. The device is available in black and white.