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After having gone through and reviewed a number of mice here at Laptop-Review, we are at last coming to the end of the road. This time we try out the updated version of Razer Deathadder, which has been given the epithet Respawn. We take a look at the mouse and the new sensor.

Maker’s website: Razerzone.com

Configuration

Category:
Gamers/graphic designers

Specifications (as stated by the manufacturer):

- 3500dpi Razer Precision™ 3G infrared sensor
- Ergonomic right-handed design
- 1000Hz Ultrapolling™/1ms response
- Five independent, programmable Hyperesponse™ buttons
- On-The-Fly Sensitivity™ adjustment
- Always-On™ mode
- Ultra-large non-slip-buttons
- 16-bit ultra-wide data path
- 6.400 frames per second (5.8 megapixels per second)
- 60-120" per second and 15g of acceleration
- Zero-acoustic Ultraslick™ Teflon feet
- Gold-plated USB-connector
- 2 m lightweight, braided fibre cable
- Approximate size: 128mm (length) x 70mm (width) x 42.5mm (height)

Price:
€60.00

Package contents
Deathadder Respawn (DR) ships in the typical box that characterises Razer – plenty of bling, logos and information. The front features a picture of DR and can be opened to reveal the mouse. The side and rear contain various information and specifications.


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Along with the mouse comes a stacks of manuals and brochures, plus some stickers. You will have to download drivers via the internet.


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Contents:
Mouse
Assortment of accessories (brochures, manuals, stickers)

Construction & Design

First impression

It is very, very obvious who has made DR when you first get your hands on it. DR’s design is just like Razer’s other mice, though this does not give rise to any criticism; far from it. It is exactly the same as its big brother Mamba in terms of shape – there are some differences with regards to diodes, buttons and wheel, but the bodies are identical in shape. Not that it matters, for both are very handsome.


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One thing that does separate the two mice is the weight. DR is a bit lighter than Mamba, about 20g. Some might appreciate this while others might prefer a heavier mouse. In the grand scheme of mice and their weights, DR falls somewhere in the middle. While not light as a feather, it does not feel like it is made of reinforced concrete either.


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Craftsmanship & Materials

As has previously been the case with Razer, the craftsmanship is tip-top. All the bits are tight and firm, and the mouse feels solid and durable.
However, if you compare DR with Mamba, you will notice a slight difference, both in terms of craftsmanship and choice of materials.
The top uses a dull surface which provides a firm grip. The side is made of hardened plastic, and while it works well, it does feel a bit cheap compared to Mamba.
In line with this, the joints around e.g. the buttons are not as tight here as on Mamba. Then again, the price difference is there for a reason.


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The USB cable is a nice touch – thanks to the braiding/fibre, the wire does not tangle.


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The product in general

Features

The main feature of DR is the optical sensor which has been upgraded since the original Deathadder. The change is from 1800 to 3500 DPI, which is something I will get to later.

Of other great features there is the braided wire. Though found on several of Razer’s mice, it is still a nice and clever little detail.

Finally there are the buttons – it is often difficult to find your way around a gamer mouse, for they can be filled with a veritable cornucopia of buttons. That is not the case with DR. Razer may have employed some “back to basics” thinking, as DR “only” comes with five buttons. That means you only find two buttons on the side.

 
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The buttons can – along with other settings – be configured via the driver.


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Buttons & wheel

The buttons and wheel are, as is always the case with Razer mice, a delight. Feel and response are fantastic, and the buttons are quick, which is often important as you engage in battle in the virtual world.

The wheel may feel a bit cheaper than on other mice from Razer. It is still very nice to use, but nevertheless not quite as good as some of Razer’s high-end mice.


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When talking buttons, we have to mention DR’s lack thereof. While it can get a bit over the top with a billion buttons, only two extra feels a bit cheap. I personally would have preferred at least two more than that.

Precision

DR can now pride itself with a better optical sensor than the original, and it really delivers. The mouse flows steadily and precisely around the screen. That counts for both standard use, FPS gaming and indeed creating the pictures for this review. It works wonders in all tasks and is a steady and high performer, and if there are any issues with the pictures, yours truly is the cause – not the mouse.


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All in all, DR does really well in terms of precision.

Conclusion

Considering the price, DR is a very reasonable mouse. The optimised sensor gives the aging Deathadder a well-deserved boost and makes it a worthwhile acquaintance. The mouse performs very well when it comes to precision, especially at the price.
The exterior is quite satisfactory as well, in spite of the few buttons, low weight and a somewhat cheap choice of materials and wheel. However, if you step back a moment and reflect upon the price, all those issues are easily overlooked. Deathadder Respawn is not a high-end mouse, but a very fine product nonetheless – especially considering the price.

  

Pros:
Price
Buttons/response
The updated sensor

Cons:
Few buttons
Wheel and materials have a slightly cheap feel

Construction:	4 / 5
Mobility:	4 / 5
Innovation:	3 / 5
Design:	4 / 5
Weight:	3 / 5
Performance:	4 / 5
Overall:	4 / 5