Razer DeathAdder V2 Mini review: A tiny $50 gaming mouse that's big on performance

Earlier this year, Razer refreshed its iconic DeathAdder gaming mouse. At just 82 grams, DeathAdder V2 came in 23 grams lighter than its predecessor, bumping to a 20,000 DPI optical sensor, and came in at a reasonable $70 for a premier gaming accessory.

Take all that magic and shave off another 20 grams of weight, make the design a smidge smaller, and knock $20 off the price and you have the new Razer DeathAdder V2 Mini. It goes on sale today, and we've spent some time with it.

Here is what you need to know.

Razer DeathAdder V2 Mini specs and features

Weighing just 62 grams, the DeathAdder V2 Mini is just a smaller version of the DeathAdder V2. It follows the March release of the similar Viper Mini, which comes in at 61 grams.

However, there is one reduction, with the slightly less accurate optical sensor at 8,500 DPI (instead of an insane 20,000). But this tiny mouse keeps the DeathAdder's famed optical switches (70 million clicks), ergonomic design (optimized for palm or claw grip), six user-programmable buttons, onboard memory for user profiles, and 100% PTFE mouse feet (aka Teflon) for smooth gliding when gaming.

Here is how the new DeathAdder V2 Mini stacks against its bigger brother and new Viper Mini:

New this year is a bonus for users: anti-slip razer Mouse Grip Tape. In every box for the DeathAdder, V2 Mini comes four grip stickers that users can optionally install on their new mouse for even more tactile grip.

Letting no great idea go wasted, Razer is making customized tape for its other premium gaming mice, including Razer Viper/Viper Ultimate, Basilisk Ultimate/V2/X HyperSeed, DeathAdder V2, and Viper Mini. The cost is $10, and they are available now, which is expensive for tape, but they are custom-fitted and presumably long-lasting.

Any drawbacks to the Razer DeathAdder V2 Mini?

There's not much to complain about this mouse, especially at the $50 price.

Most of these are just FYI but are not flaws—the cable, which, while braided, is not detachable. And unlike the bigger Viper, you do not have the DPI switch on the bottom. But the DeathAdder makes switching DPI on the fly much more accessible, so it depends on your style.

Following the bigger DeathAdder, this is not an ambidextrous mouse, so left-handers will want to stick with Viper or Viper Mini.

Razer's required installation of its Synapse software is also required, which some people do not care for as it runs in the background. I've never had any significant issues with Synapse, though it can use some CPU cycles. However, users can plug-in-play without the software but lose out on the RGB lighting, profiles, and other customizations.

Should you buy the Razer DeathAdder V2 Mini?

Smaller mice like the DeathAdder V2 Mini are certainly an exciting option for gamers, especially those who fall into two categories: people with smaller hands or those looking to lighten their travel bag.

While this mouse is smaller than the DeathAdder V2, it's not such a massive difference that it feels foreign. The clicking is excellent, and I enjoyed the tuning of the scroll wheel.

Combining the super-smooth glide from the PTFE mouse feet, the 8,500 DPI optical sensor, and that grip tape bonus make this just a fun, but still effective travel gaming mouse.

Unless you have some deep-seated dislike of Razer's gaming mice, it's hard not to recommend the DeathAdder V2 Mini if you want something small, affordable, but little compromise. That recommendation holds especially true if you're a DeathAdder fan, like our own Richard Devine.

My only question is whether I'll get a mini version of my preferred Razer mouse: Basilisk V2 (I use Basilisk Ultimate as my daily)? At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised.