Razer Deathadder V2 vs Razer Deathadder Elite Mouse Comparison

The Razer Deathadder V2 improves upon its predecessor in several ways. We discuss if the upgrade is worth the price.

Razer Deathadder V2 vs Razer Deathadder Elite Mouse Comparison

Recommendation

Get the Deathadder V2 if you're not on a strict budget. Enough improvements were made over the original Razer Deathadder Elite to justify paying more.

Razer Deathadder Elite (left) and Razer Deathadder V2 (right)

Main Differences

Unless you follow gaming mouse news and releases, the naming conventions of said mice can be really confusing. The Deathadder V2 is simply the new and improved version of the Deathadder Elite. A more Appropriate name would have been the "Deathadder Elite V2", but for some reason razer decided to leave out the "Elite" this time around.

  • The Deathadder V2 has a more flexible braided cable that reduces cable drag.
  • The Deathadder V2 has optical switches versus the mechanical switches of the Deathadder Elite. (Optical switches have lower latency and eliminate double click errors.)
  • The Deathadder V2 is quite a bit lighter at 82 grams vs the 105 grams of the Deathadder Elite

Similarities

  • The form factor and design of these two gaming mice is almost the exact same - the only changes made involved updating the mid buttons, scroll wheel texture, grip durability, and the body flair was brought in a tiny bit on the front of the mouse.
  • Both mouses have high performance optical sensors.
Razer Deathadder Elite Razer Deathadder V2
Price View Price on Amazon View Price on Amazon
Sensor 5G 16k Optical Sensor Focus+ 20k DPI Optical Sensor
Switches Omron Mechanical Switches Razer Optical Switches
Durability 50M Click Durability 70M Click Durability
Buttons 7 Programmable Buttons 8 Programmable Buttons
Cable Standard Braided Cable Razer Speedflex Cable
Weight 105g Midweight Design 82g Lightweight Design
Feet Standard Dock Feet 100% PTFE Mouse Feet
Memory No On-board Memory Support Up to 5 On-Board Memory Profiles
Scroll Wheel Standard Scroll Wheel Instinctive Scroll Wheel Tactility

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Razer Deathadder V2 (top) and Razer Deathadder Elite (bottom)

Summary

The Razer Deathadder V2 is the newer version of the Razer Deathadder Elite, which is not exactly obvious when you look at the naming conventions. That being said, the Deathadder V2 is the better mouse considering Razer implemented some pretty nice upgrades to the original Deathadder Elite.

Among the most notable improvements is the addition of Razer's Speedflex cable which is a much more flexible mouse cable that does a better job of staying out of the way. Other cosmetic changes include more durable side grips, smaller mid buttons, a more tactile scroll wheel, and slightly less flair at the top of the mouse where your ring finger rests.

Under the hood changes include a newer optical sensor (though the old one was practically just as good), lower latency optical switches with a higher durability rating, and a significantly lighter overall build.  

Both Deathadders are considered large mice, so consider this before you purchase if you have small hands, prefer a smaller mouse, or use a claw grip.

At the end of the day, both of these wired gaming mouses from Razer provide enough value to justify their respective purchase prices, especially for those who love the Razer gaming aesthetic.


Pictured: Razer Deathadder Elite

Razer Deathadder Elite Overview

Despite the Deathadder Elite being the older Deathadder model, it still holds up in terms of quality and performance. Anyone looking for high performance wired gaming mouse in the lower budget range should consider this mouse.

Razer Deathadder Elite: Connection + Latency

The Razer Deathadder Elite uses a standard USB wired connection and achieves ultra-low professional-tier latency with its 5G optical sensor.

Razer Deathadder Elite: Weight

The Razer Deathadder Elite is a mid-weight mouse at 105 grams. This weight is not adjustable.

Razer Deathadder Elite: Tracking Resolution & Tracking Speed

The Razer Deathadder Elite can be adjusted to a dpi up to 16,000 which is more than adequately fast enough for any task you could possibly think of. It's accurate at speeds up to 450 IPS, which is professional-tier accuracy.

Razer Deathadder Elite: Who Should Buy the Razer Deathadder Elite?

The Razer Deathadder Elite is a great mouse for anyone looking for a large, high-performance wired gaming mouse for less than $50.

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Pictured: Razer Deathadder V2

Razer Deathadder V2 Overview

The Razer Deathadder V2 improves upon the Razer Deathadder Elite several key areas that make it a worthwhile upgrade over the original.

Anyone who has used both of these wireless gaming mice will quickly notice the vastly improved flexible braided cable. It's far more nimble than the previous version and greatly reduces the amount "cord presence" you feel when making fast mvoements. The other big improvement of the V2 is in the weight of the mouse. At only 82 grams, it's a very lightweight mouse for it's size.

Razer Deathadder V2: Connection + Latency

The Razer Deathadder Elite uses a standard USB wired connection and achieves ultra-low professional-tier latency with its Focus+ optical sensor. While this is a small improvement over the sensor in the original Deathadder Elite, you won't notice much of a difference in a practical setting as they are both great, pro-tier sensors.

Razer Deathadder V2: Weight

At just 82 grams, the Razer Deathadder V2 is one of the lightest 'large' mouses available.

Razer Deathadder V2: Tracking Resolution and Tracking Speed

The Razer Deathadder V2 can be adjusted to a dpi up to 20,000 which is far more speed than you'd ever nee out of a mouse. At this point, high dpi has become a vanity marketing metric in mouses with no real practical application. The Deathadder V2 is accurate at speeds up to 650 IPS, which is technically better than the Deathadder Elite, though once again, most people will no notice any practical differences between the two.

Razer Deathadder V2: Who Should Buy the Razer Deathadder V2?

The Razer Deathadder V2 is a great choice for anyone in the market for a medium to large high quality light-weight wired mouse with the Razer gaming aesthetic.

Razer Deathadder Elite vs Razer Deathadder V2: Final Recommendation

Both the Razer Deathadder Elite and Razer Deathadder V2 are great options for their respective pricetags. Most users will only really, really miss the Speedflex cable, optical switches, and lighter weight by not upgrading to the Razer Deathadder V2. If those three things are important to you, go for the Deathadder V2. If not, you'll be more than pleased with the Deathadder Elite.

Razer Deathadder Elite vs Razer Deathadder V2: Where to Buy

Mouse prices tend to fluctuate a lot based on time of year, available stock, and recent releases. As with most electronics, we recommend purchasing through Amazon as their customer service and return policies are very easy to work with if for whatever reason you are not happy with your purchase.

  • You can buy the Razer Deathadder Elite on Amazon here.
  • You can buy the Razer Deathadder V2 here.

You may want to consider cross-shopping on Best Buy, Jet, eBay and Target to find the best price, though Amazon will usually be your best bet unless their is a significant deal or discount on another site.


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