Razer raises mouse price to $169.99 for new AI button

Razer has increased the cost of its flagship gaming mouse to $169.99 to accommodate a dedicated artificial intelligence key. The Basilisk V4 Pro launches today in black and white. This price point sits above the previous generation model, which cost less when it debuted two years ago. Buyers now pay a premium for features that include a longer battery life and a lighter shell.

The physical changes to the device are immediate. The new mouse weighs 100 grams in the black finish. That is a reduction of 12 grams compared to the 112-gram Basilisk V3 Pro 35K released in October 2024. While the weight is not ultralight, reviewers note it is easier to lift during long sessions. The shape remains right-handed and contoured, retaining the bright RGB lighting fans of the line expect.

The most controversial addition is the third thumb button. It sits in front of the existing two keys. By default, this button opens Razer's AI prompt tool. The company also added a twelfth programmable button next to the left click. This key switches profiles by default. The mouse now houses 12 total buttons, up from the previous count.

Sarah Jacobsson Purewal, senior editor at Tom's Hardware, found the new layout awkward. She reported that the profile button sits at the front edge of the 127.5-millimeter long device. For users with medium-sized hands and long fingers, the placement is difficult to press comfortably. The AI button creates a similar issue. Because it is the same size as the other thumb keys, it pushes the cluster backward. This leaves the first thumb button, labeled MB4, out of reach for comfortable use.

The review questioned the necessity of a dedicated AI key on every peripheral. Although users can remap the buttons, the physical spacing felt off during testing. The reviewer suggested the design works for players who want more functionality than a stripped-down shooter mouse but do not want the button-heavy design of the Naga line.

Performance specifications have improved alongside the hardware changes. The mouse uses Razer's Focus Pro 50K optical sensor. It reaches 50,000 DPI and 930 IPS. It tracks on most surfaces, including glass at least 4 millimeters thick. The fourth-generation optical switches are rated for more than 100 million clicks. Testing showed no misclicks or double-clicks. The device connects via 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, or USB-C.

Battery life has extended to 200 hours at a 1,000 Hz polling rate over 2.4GHz. This is a 50-hour increase over the previous model. At the maximum 8,000 Hz polling rate, the battery lasts 54 hours. The tilt wheel offers two tactile modes with 24 and 48 steps, plus a free-spin mode. The free-spin setting was too sensitive for some users, while the precision tactile mode received praise.

The mouse ships with a USB-A dongle, an adapter, and a 6-foot braided cable. It does not include Razer's flexible HyperFlex cable or grip tape. The Mouse Dock V2 Pro is sold separately for $69.99. This dock features an integrated 8,000 Hz receiver and eight RGB zones. It is compatible with several older Razer mice. The box contents and dock availability are available to consumers starting today.

Tom's Hardware positions the Basilisk V4 Pro between the DeathAdder V4 Pro and the Naga V3 Pro. The verdict lists the feel, lower weight, and battery life as strengths. The drawbacks include the AI button's impact on thumb layout, the price, and the slightly large size. The review recommends the device for players seeking a balance between control and utility.