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Razer Basilisk Ultimate Mouse Review

Tested using Methodology v1.5
Reviewed Jan 20, 2020 at 10:06 am
Latest change: Writing modified Jan 05, 2024 at 02:54 pm
Razer Basilisk Ultimate Picture
7.7
Work
8.1
Video Games (FPS)
8.5
Video Games (MMO)
9.0
Raw Performance

The Razer Basilisk Ultimate is a great gaming mouse. This wireless mouse looks very similar to the regular Razer Basilisk, but with a slightly sharper design on the front and a nicer texture on the thumb rest. It has an ergonomic right-handed design, with a plethora of customizable buttons. Its sensor performance is remarkable, and it has very low click latency. It's also comfortable for any grip type and most hand sizes. However, it isn't a great fit for smaller hands. You can use it either wired or wireless, and it's a very versatile mouse.

Our Verdict

7.7 Work

The Razer Basilisk Ultimate is a good mouse for office use. While it has a more gamer-centric look, it has a comfortable and ergonomic right-handed design, with a thumb rest on the left-hand side, making it comfortable to use. It has several extra buttons, all of which are programmable, which can help you quickly navigate your applications or documents. The mouse wheel can even be customized via a slider on the bottom of the mouse to let you choose a more fluid or clicky scrolling experience, which is great. While people with very small hands may have a hard time reaching the side sniper button in claw or fingertip grip, this button can easily be removed and replaced with a space filler.

Pros
  • Superb click latency.
  • Ergonomic right-handed design can be used in all grip types by most hand sizes.
  • Great customization options.
Cons
  • No Bluetooth connectivity options.
8.1 Video Games (FPS)

The Razer Basilisk Ultimate is a great mouse for FPS games. It has superb click latency, you can adjust the CPI sensitivity settings in a very wide range, and you can reprogram every button. There are 14 customizable RGB zones throughout the mouse, and the feet are a nice upgrade over the regular Razer Basilisk, allowing the mouse to glide easier on your desk. You can use it with any grip by any hand size, and people with smaller hands will likely only have issues with fingertip or claw grips.

Pros
  • Superb click latency.
  • Ergonomic right-handed design can be used in all grip types by most hand sizes.
  • Great customization options.
Cons
  • No Bluetooth connectivity options.
8.5 Video Games (MMO)

The Razer Basilisk Ultimate is a great mouse for MMO games. While it doesn't have as many buttons as dedicated MMO mice, it has three additional buttons which, along with every other button, can be reprogrammed within Razer's software. Unlike many Razer mice, the scroll wheel has a L/R tilt which you can reprogram. It's comfortable enough for marathon gaming sessions and can be used in any grip type by almost every hand size, though those with very small hands may have a hard time reaching the sniper button with a claw or fingertip grip.

Pros
  • Superb click latency.
  • Ergonomic right-handed design can be used in all grip types by most hand sizes.
  • Great customization options.
Cons
  • No Bluetooth connectivity options.
9.0 Raw Performance

Pros
  • Superb click latency.
  • Ergonomic right-handed design can be used in all grip types by most hand sizes.
  • Great customization options.
Cons
  • No Bluetooth connectivity options.
  • 7.7 Work
  • 8.1 Video Games (FPS)
  • 8.5 Video Games (MMO)
  • 9.0 Raw Performance
  1. Updated Jan 05, 2024: We've updated the CPI graph displayed in the Sensor Latency section of this review. Our results remain the same, but these graphs have two new columns with results from the Delay At Half Movement and Delay To End Of Movement tests.
  2. Updated Oct 02, 2023: We've added text to this review for the new tests added in TBU 1.5.
  3. Updated Oct 02, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.5. This update adds a new Main Button test group, which provides button actuation data and switch information. We've also made minor changes to how we calculate the Office usage score. For more details, you can see our full changelog here.
  4. Updated Apr 26, 2023: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed to the Wireless Versatility section of this review.
  5. Updated Feb 24, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.4. This update modifies our Hand Size Recommendation test, adding a more granular hand size recommendation chart. We've moved several minor tests into different test groups, removed the Travel usage, and added a new Raw Performance usage. For more details, you can see our full changelog here.
  6. Updated Oct 24, 2022: Updated the article to include a comparison to the recently reviewed Logitech G502 X.
  7. Updated Oct 03, 2022: Added a comparison to the recently reviewed Razer Basilisk V3 Pro.
  8. Updated Sep 08, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3. This update adds a new Sensor Latency test and makes minor changes to several of our existing tests, resulting in test result changes in several sections. For more information, you can check out our full changelog here.
  9. Updated Aug 31, 2022: We've added a small detail to the Scroll Wheel section to indicate that the left and right tilt inputs aren't set to scroll horizontally by default but can be reconfigured using the customization software.
  10. Updated Aug 12, 2022: Following the update to Test Bench 1.2, some of our test results have changed within both the Weight and CPI sections. We've added or modified some of the text in this article to clarify these changes.
  11. Updated Aug 10, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update simplifies our Weight test and expands on our CPI test from Test Bench 1.1, resulting in changes to test results in both sections. For more details, you can see our complete changelog here.
  12. Updated Jun 15, 2022: We've updated this review to Test Bench 1.1, which revamped our click latency test methodology. We've updated the text to reflect our new results in various sections, including the Click Latency test box, Usages, Introduction, and other locations where we discuss click latency.
  13. Updated May 30, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.1. This update revamps our Click Latency test and results in changes to test results. For more details, you can see our full changelog here.
  14. Updated Oct 05, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
  15. Updated Sep 15, 2020: Clarification about palm and claw grip.
  16. Updated Jan 20, 2020: Review published.
  17. Updated Jan 15, 2020: Our testers have started testing this product.
  18. Updated Jan 15, 2020: Early access published.
  19. Updated Jan 13, 2020: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  20. Updated Jan 06, 2020: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Compared To Other Mice

The Razer Basilisk Ultimate is a wireless continuation of the popular Basilisk lineup. You can use it either wired or wireless, making it a very versatile all-around mouse.

Check out our recommendations for the best gaming mouse, the best FPS mouse, and the overall best mouse.

Razer Basilisk V3 Pro

The Razer Basilisk V3 Pro is the upgraded version of the Razer Basilisk Ultimate. These mice have the same shape and layout, so they'll feel the same in hand. However, the V3 Pro features an upgraded sensor, Gen-3 optical switches, which are rated for more clicks, and compatibility with the new HyperSpeed dongle, for a higher maximum polling rate. The V3 Pro also has Bluetooth connectivity which the Ultimate lacks.

Razer Basilisk V3

The Razer Basilisk Ultimate and the Razer Basilisk V3 are similar mice in Razer's Basilisk lineup. The Ultimate is an older version that connects wirelessly with its USB receiver or wired with its charging cable. On the other hand, the V3 is a newer, wired-only version. It has better quality mouse feet and a higher maximum CPI. It also has an additional RGB area with nine independent RGB zones that wrap around both sides and the back, casting light under the mouse. Both mice have scroll wheels with free-scrolling modes, but the V3 has an option to enable the feature automatically, depending on how quickly you scroll.

Razer Viper Ultimate

The Razer Viper Ultimate and the Razer Basilisk Ultimate are similar gaming mice. They're the same mouse internally but have a different shape and design. The Basilisk Ultimate is a right-handed mouse with a thumb rest and has an additional sniper button on the left side. While the Viper Ultimate isn't recommended with all grip types for larger hands, the Basilisk Ultimate can be used comfortably with all grip types with anyone except those with very small hands.

Logitech G502 LIGHTSPEED

The Razer Basilisk Ultimate is a slightly better gaming mouse than the Logitech G502 LIGHTSPEED. It's a little bit lighter, and it has lower click latency. It also has a more flexible paracord-like cable and better-quality mouse feet. On the other hand, the Logitech has a higher maximum CPI, a more consistent sensor, and its software is compatible with Windows and macOS. The Razer only has software compatible with Windows.

Logitech G502 HERO

The Razer Basilisk Ultimate has a very similar shape to the Logitech G502 HERO, but the Razer has better overall performance and versatility. The Razer is wireless and slightly lighter. It also has better quality mouse feet, slightly lower click latency, and it comes with a nice RGB charging station. Also, despite being wireless, it has a more flexible paracord-like charging cable. On the other hand, the Logitech is wired-only, but its software is compatible with Windows and macOS, while the Razer software is only compatible with Windows.

Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed

The Razer Basilisk Ultimate is a better mouse than the Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed. You can use the Ultimate wired or wirelessly, and it has RGB lighting, more buttons, and a better-performing sensor. On the other hand, the X can be used via Bluetooth and is typically available for much cheaper.

Razer Naga Pro

The Razer Naga Pro is better for a wider range of uses than the Razer Basilisk Ultimate, but the Basilisk Ultimate is a better pick for FPS gaming. The Naga Pro has many more side buttons for MMO gaming, it has lower click latency, and the feet provide a better gliding experience. Both mice have a scroll wheel with L/R tilt inputs, but only the Basilisk Ultimate's wheel also unlocks for free-scrolling. On the other hand, the Ultimate is lighter and has a lower lift-off distance.

Razer DeathAdder V2 Pro

Although both mice are very similar since they use the same sensor, the Razer DeathAdder V2 Pro performs slightly better than the Razer Basilisk Ultimate overall. The V2 Pro is significantly lighter and has better quality mouse feet. It also has marginally lower click latency, either wired or connected with its USB receiver, and it has Bluetooth support, a feature which the Ultimate lacks. On the other hand, the Ultimate has a thumb rest and more programmable inputs. It also has a lower minimum lift-off distance, a scroll wheel with L/R tilt inputs, and a free-scrolling mode.

Razer DeathAdder V2

The Razer Basilisk Ultimate and the Razer DeathAdder V2 are great gaming mice and use the same sensor. The Ultimate has an ergo-shaped design with a thumb rest. It’s a little more versatile, as it can be used wirelessly with its USB receiver and has more programmable buttons. It also has a scroll wheel with L/R tilt buttons and a free-scrolling mode. On the other hand, the V2 is lighter and a bit smaller. Both are well-suited for most hand-sizes and grip types, except for smaller hands using a claw or a fingertip grip.

Logitech G Pro Wireless

The Logitech G Pro Wireless and the Razer Basilisk Ultimate are very similarly performing gaming mice. The Razer has more programmable buttons, a thumb rest, and lower click latency. It also has a scroll wheel with L/R tilt buttons and a free-scrolling mode. On the other hand, the Logitech is significantly lighter, it has a higher max CPI, and its companion software is fully compatible with macOS or Windows. The Razer software is only compatible with Windows.

Razer Basilisk

The Razer Basilisk Ultimate is a better gaming mouse than the original Razer Basilisk. While the Basilisk is a wired-only mouse, you can use the Ultimate wired or wireless, and it has very low click latency either way. They both have a similar design, with the same right-handed ergonomic slant. Both mice have a scroll wheel you can unlock for free-scrolling, but only the Ultimate's scroll wheel has L/R tilt inputs as well.

Corsair DARK CORE RGB PRO

The Corsair DARK CORE RGB PRO is slightly better than the Razer Basilisk Ultimate. The Corsair has Bluetooth support, a higher polling rate, and the dedicated software is available on macOS. On the other hand, the Razer has more programmable inputs, it's lighter, and the sensor has lower CPI variation.

Logitech G502 X PLUS

The Logitech G502 X PLUS and the Razer Basilisk Ultimate are similar wireless, multi-genre gaming mice. The Logitech has slightly better click latency and sensor performance and a substantially longer advertised battery life.

Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed

The Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed and the Razer Basilisk Ultimate are wireless gaming mice in the same lineup. The newer V3 X Hyerpseed uses AA batteries for power and has higher-quality feet. On the other hand, the Basilisk Ultimate has a rechargeable internal battery and more programmable buttons. Its scroll wheel also supports tilt inputs and free-scrolling.

Logitech G502 X

The Razer Basilisk Ultimate and the Logitech G502 X are multi-genre gaming mice that perform similarly well. The Razer is a wireless model that connects using its USB receiver, while the Logitech is wired only. Also, the Razer has RGB backlighting, which the Logitech lacks, but the Logitech is much lighter.

Razer Basilisk V2

The Razer Basilisk V2 is nearly identical to the Razer Basilisk Ultimate but has some minor differences. The V2 is wired, while the Ultimate is wireless. The V2 is slightly lighter, but most users likely won't notice the difference. The Ultimate also comes with an RGB charging dock and a flexible, paracord-like cable, so you can use it wired as well.

Logitech G502 Proteus Spectrum

The Razer Basilisk Ultimate and the Logitech G502 Proteus Spectrum are wired gaming mice suitable for larger hands and all grip types, but the Razer is a better mouse overall. The Razer is significantly lighter, even though you can use it wired or wirelessly with its USB receiver, and it recharges with a more flexible paracord-like micro-USB cable. It has a much wider CPI range, less CPI variation, a lower lift-off distance, and significantly lower click latency. On the other hand, the Logitech feels sturdier, it has a somewhat lower minimum CPI, and its companion software is compatible with Windows and macOS.

ASUS ROG Chakram

The Razer Basilisk Ultimate is better overall for FPS gaming than the ASUS ROG Chakram, but the ASUS is a better option if you like physically customizing your mouse. You can adjust the Razer's CPI more precisely, and it has more programmable buttons. Also, you can unlock its scroll wheel for free-scrolling, which is great if you plan to use it for work. However, the ASUS offers more personalization, letting you swap out the click switches and customize the RGB logo with your design. Also, it has a unique, programmable joystick on its left side.

Razer Mamba Wireless

The Razer Basilisk Ultimate performs better than the Razer Mamba Wireless. Both mice have similar designs and weigh almost the same. However, the Ultimate has a thumb rest on the left side, and its shape is a bit more universal as only people with very small hands won't feel comfortable using it with a claw or a fingertip grip. The Ultimate has one extra side button and more programmable inputs, and a much better click latency. On the other hand, the Mamba has a more neutral look without any RGB. It's very well-suited for a palm grip but isn't recommended for a fingertip grip.

Corsair SABRE RGB PRO

The Razer Basilisk Ultimate and the Corsair SABRE RGB PRO are excellent gaming mice with comparable performance suitable for larger hand sizes using all grip types. The Razer is much heavier, but you can use it wirelessly using its USB receiver. It has eleven buttons that you can program, and you can set a HyperShift button to enable a second layer of controls. The Corsair is significantly lighter but doesn't have wireless capabilities. It also has a much higher 8000Hz maximum polling rate, its software is compatible with Windows and macOS, and you can adjust the CPI by increments of one. Unfortunately, it only has six buttons you can program, and you can't set a secondary layer of commands.

Corsair GLAIVE PRO

The Razer Basilisk Ultimate and the Corsair GLAIVE PRO are great gaming mice. While the Corsair is wired-only, you can use the Razer wired or wireless. The Razer is suitable for all hand sizes with a palm grip, while the Corsair is best with a claw grip for all hand sizes. The Razer comes with a less stiff and rigid cable, has a lower click latency even when used wirelessly, has more buttons, a lower lift-off distance, and a slightly wider CPI range. On the other hand, Corsair's software is fully compatible with Windows and macOS.

HyperX Pulsefire Dart

The Razer Basilisk Ultimate is a better wireless gaming mouse than the HyperX Pulsefire Dart. It's slightly larger, but it's lighter and has a thumb rest. It also has a more flexible charging cable, mouse feet that glide more smoothly, a wider CPI range, a lower lift-off distance, and significantly lower click latency. It has one additional side button, more programmable inputs, and a scroll wheel with L/R tilt buttons and free scrolling. The Razer also has a storage compartment for its USB receiver when it's not in use, which the HyperX lacks. Comparatively, the HyperX supports Qi-Standard wireless charging.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style
Type
Standard
Coating
Matte
Lighting Color RGB

The Razer Basilisk Ultimate looks very similar to the regular Razer Basilisk, but with slightly sharper fronts on the L/R buttons. The thumb rest on the left-hand side also has a different texture to it and feels a bit more premium. It has the same RGB lighting strips on each side, on the mouse, and on the logo as the regular Basilisk. This mouse looks rather similar to the Logitech G502 LIGHTSPEED Wireless.

Design
Shape
Length 5.1" (130 mm)
Width 3.0" (75 mm)
Height 1.7" (42 mm)
Grip Width
62 mm
Ambidextrous
No
Left-Handed Friendly
No
Finger Rest
Thumb
7.4
Design
Portability
Box Volume
25.02 in³ (410 cm³)
Receiver Storing
Yes

The Razer Basilisk Ultimate is decently portable, especially for a gaming mouse. While most people will likely use it strictly with their gaming setup at home, it'll fit in larger laptop carrying cases or bags and you can store its USB receiver in the mouse.

8.0
Design
Build Quality

The build quality of the Razer Basilisk Ultimate is excellent. While it's made of the same dense, good quality plastic as the regular Basilisk, the feet feel even better. There are no loose or wobbling parts.

5.8
Design
Weight
Lowest Weight
105.7 g
Default Weight
106.2 g
Weight Distribution
Front-heavy
Extra Weights
No

The Lowest Weight result is obtained by removing the plastic plate which covers the receiver storage bay on the underside of the mouse. If you're interested in a similar but significantly lighter multi-genre mouse, check out the SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless.

Design
Hand Size Recommendation
Palm Grip Hand Recommendation
Claw Grip Hand Recommendation
Fingertip Grip Hand Recommendation

The ergonomics are great for right-handed people. Its shape is quite comfortable with easy-to-press buttons, and a thumb-rest on the left side.

7.2
Design
Wireless Versatility
Maximum Of Paired Devices
1
Bluetooth
No
Receiver
Yes
Battery Type
Rechargeable
Use When Charging
Yes
On/Off Activation
Auto Off And On/Off Switch
Receiver Extender
Yes
Battery Indicator Yes

The Razer Basilisk Ultimate can be used wired or wireless. It comes with a USB receiver which can be plugged directly into your PC, or into the included cradle to work as an extension if your PC is too far from your mouse. If you also want to use your mouse via Bluetooth with your workstation, then check out the more affordable Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed or the Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed. Alternatively, the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro is a higher-performing option with Bluetooth capabilities.

8.5
Design
Cable
Connectivity Wireless
Cable Length
6.0 ft (1.8 m)
Cable Type
Paracord-like
Permanent Kink
No
Port Type: Mouse End
Micro USB
Port Type: PC End
USB

The included Micro-USB cable is the same as the one included with the Razer Viper Ultimate, and is much better than most other Razer cables. It's a good quality cable that has a good amount of flex. It can be used to connect your mouse to your PC, or can be plugged into the included adapter to work as an extension cable for the USB receiver.

8.5
Design
Mouse Feet
Gliding Experience
Good
Material
Virgin Grade PTFE
Extra Included
No
Design
In The Box

  • Razer Basilisk Ultimate mouse
  • USB receiver
  • Charging cradle
  • USB to micro-USB cable
  • Manuals
  • Stickers
  • Sniper Button plastic cover

Control
Control
Main Button
Switch Type
Optical
Switch Model
Razer Optical Mouse Switch Gen 2

This mouse's left- and right-click buttons use Razer Optical Mouse Switch Gen 2 switches.

8.1
Control
Additional Buttons
Total Number Of Buttons
11
Number Of Side Buttons
3
Number Of Programmable Inputs
24
Profile Switching Button
Yes
Gesture Support
No

The Razer Basilisk Ultimate has 11 buttons including the L/R wheel tilt, and all of them (as well as the up/down scroll and profile switch on the bottom of the mouse) can be reprogrammed with the companion software. You can also assign a HyperShift button to give you a second layer of programmed buttons. If you're interested in a mouse with a very similar shape but with a D-pad side button layout like those found on some game controllers, check out the Cooler Master MM830. Or, for a similar mouse with three additional side buttons on the left, check out the ASUS ROG Spatha X.

9.1
Control
Click Latency
Expected Connection
3.8 ms
Wired
3.0 ms
Receiver
3.8 ms
Bluetooth
N/A

The Razer Basilisk Ultimate has superb click latency. It's also very consistent. You won't experience any discernable click latency delays when playing games with this mouse in any genre. There's an identifiable pattern in click latency variation when this mouse is connected with its wireless receiver. However, you won't notice this variation pattern in-game as it only varies by a few milliseconds at most.

8.9
Control
CPI
SRAV @ 1600 CPI
-0.02%
SRAV @ 800 CPI
0.00%
SRAV @ 400 CPI
0.25%
SRAV @ Fixed CPI
N/A
Precision Error Between Speeds
0.24%
Precision Error Between CPI
4.07%
Worst Tracking Error
11.75%
Minimum CPI
100 CPI
Maximum CPI
20,000 CPI
CPI Adjustment Steps
50 CPI
8.3
Control
Sensor Latency
Delay To Start Of Movement
13.8 ms
Delay At Half Movement
6.4 ms
Delay To End Of Movement
7.7 ms
Control
Sensor Specifications
Sensor Technology
Optical (LED)
Sensor Model
Focus+
Works On Glass
No
Minimum Lift Off Distance
1.2 mm
Maximum Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Control
Mouse Wheel
Scroll Wheel Type
Notched Wheel + Free Wheel
Scroll Wheel Steps
24 Steps
Scroll Wheel Tilt
Yes
Thumb Wheel Type
No
Thumb Wheel Steps
No Thumb Wheel

There's a resistance setting on the underside of the Razer Basilisk Ultimate that lets you adjust between notched scrolling or faster, free-scrolling modes. The scroll wheel also has left and right tilt inputs. Note that by default, these tilt inputs don't scroll horizontally, but you can program them to do so using the customization software. If you're interested in a mouse with a higher quality scroll wheel with programmable up/down inputs, check out the Logitech G502 X.

Control
Noise
Click Noise
Quiet
Operating System And Software
Operating System And Software
Configuration Software
Software Name Razer Synapse 3
Software Windows Compatibility
Yes
Software macOS Compatibility
No
On-Board Memory
Yes
CPI (DPI) Adjustment
Yes
Polling Rate Adjustment
Yes
Profile Configuration
Yes
Profile Auto-Switching
Yes
RGB On/Off
Yes

Razer Synapse 3 is a great piece of software. You can customize every button on your mouse, save multiple profiles, adjust CPI and polling rate, and set the 14 RGB zones. This mouse also has on-board memory so you won't lose your customization settings when you switch computers, which is great.

8.3
Operating System And Software
Mouse Compatibility
Windows Compatibility Fully
macOS Compatibility Partially

Unfortunately, Razer Synapse 3 isn't available on macOS. While this mouse will work with default button configurations on Mac out-of-the-box, if you want to customize them, you'll have to make the changes on a Windows-based PC and save them to the mouse.