Hello, my fellow small-handed people (and hello, other people who just want a smaller mouse), allow me to introduce you to the Razer DeathAdder V2 Mini. It’s an ultra-lightweight version of the ever-popular DeathAdder, with the same best-in-class ergonomic grip, but in a convenient shrunk-down size that’s perfect for smaller hands. Just how small is it, you may ask, because clearly size is the name of the game here.
The DeathAdder V2 comes in at 5.0 inches long and 2.9 inches wide with a 2.4 inch grip width and 1.7 inches in height. A decent size for normal hands. The Mini is a sleek 4.5 inches long, 2.6 inches wide with a 2.2 inch grip width and 1.5 inch height. So really, you’re only talking 0.2 inches for the grip and height, but that 0.5 inch difference in length is what we’re here for. Excluding the cable, the Mini weighs in at 62g (vs the DeathAdder V2’s 82g), so it’s not only a more compact mouse to have on-the-go, but a lighter one as well.
The Razer optical mouse switch generates the quickest response time (at 0.2 milliseconds) which is 3 times faster than mechanical switches. If you’re fond of the mechanical switch, it doesn’t feel all that much different on the actual click (in my experience, anyways), but the response time is quite nice. The mouse also comes equipped with a braided speedflex cable that is lightweight (creating minimal drag) and very flexible, so if you’re tucking away some unsightly cables, they’re easy to manage. It’s soft, but also quite durable — don’t go snipping it with scissors, but it’s not likely to fray or kink anytime soon.
Ergonomically, the DeathAdder V2 Mini is friendly for extended use, but it’s decidedly a right-hand mouse (sorry for all you lefties). It’s designed for use with claw, palm, and fingertip mouse grip styles, so no matter how you click it, it’s going to work with you. The mouse feet are coated with the highest grade PTFE (the same material that’s used on nonstick pans), so it glides smooth, with liquid ease and pinpoint precision. Not only is it easy on the hands, its accuracy is frustration free. There are six programmable buttons (vs the DeathAdder V2’s eight) that you can customize within the Razer Synapse program, so if there’s a preferred layout or shortcuts that you want to program in, you’re all set.
Razer Synapse is also used to adjust the fully customizable RGB lighting, which lights up the Razer logo on the palm of the mouse. There’s no scroll wheel or underside illumination, so if you care about aesthetics it’s a pretty basic — and humble — model in comparison. However, this obviously has no effect on the functionality of the mouse itself — it’s purely a matter of personal preference. The DeathAdder V2 Mini’s design is sleek and simple; it’s not ostentatiously stylized — with a focus on function — but the RGB lighting does give it a bit of a glamorous edge.
In terms of function, the DeathAdder V2 Mini feels similar to its parent model, just with some lighter (and more economic) adjustments. It has a 8500 DPI optical sensor — modest, compared to the V2’s Razer Focus+ 20K. There’s only room for one on-board memory profile, while the larger model can handle up to five.
So, while you’ve got a list of the tech specs here, the big question is how does it feel for average use? I found it to be overall very comfortable; it just felt right in my stupid teeny tiny hands. For comparison, I also use a Razer Basilisk which — though absolutely a flashier mouse — feels physically large for me. If I’m trying to click the side buttons or scroll quickly, it’s definitely more cumbersome and generally awkward, and the overall fit is clearly designed for someone more… hand endowed. The Mini is a far more appropriate size. Though I do miss the Basilisk’s thumb rest, the design of the DeathAdder V2 Mini is very user-friendly, and won’t intimidate anyone who’s not used to using a gaming mouse. It even comes with grip tape in the box, so you can add a little customization for more confident use.
That in mind, if you are someone with a larger hand span, the Mini might force your hand into using a claw grip. I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone with large hands — that ergonomic grip won’t save you during hours of use. But if you want something that’s small, light, and easy for on-the-go use, it would be a great little travel companion, and it sure as hell beats a laptop trackpad.
If you’re not looking for anything super fancy and just want a high-functioning but low-price range gaming mouse, the V2 Mini is a solid option for those on the small-hand spectrum. Additionally, if you know a young gamer who’s looking to upgrade their gear, this would make for a great gift. If neither of those apply to you, and you’re looking for something that’s on the higher (and larger) end, the DeathAdder V2 is arguably one of the best (at $99.99) and with a new wireless DeathAdder Pro available (for $179.99) you’ve got some options.
