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Razer Cobra Mouse Review

Tested using Methodology v1.5
Reviewed Aug 16, 2023 at 12:03 pm
Latest change: Writing modified Jan 05, 2024 at 02:55 pm
Razer Cobra Picture
6.2
Work
8.9
Video Games (FPS)
7.9
Video Games (MMO)
9.2
Raw Performance

The Razer Cobra is a lightweight wired gaming mouse with a low-profile, symmetrical shape. It has two side buttons on the left and RGB lighting in the palm rest and around the back end, which casts an underglow effect on your mousepad or desk. Using this mouse's companion software, You can customize this RGB lighting and make changes to various sensor and profile settings.

Our Verdict

6.2 Work

The Razer Cobra is acceptable for work but isn't designed specifically for this use. Overall, it has good build quality and a comfortable symmetrical shape best suited for small or medium-sized hands. You can also reprogram all of the buttons on this mouse using the companion software. Unfortunately, its scroll wheel lacks productivity features like a free-scrolling mode or left and right tilt inputs.

Pros
  • Good build quality overall.
Cons
  • Minor body flex on the side panels and palm rest.
  • Scroll wheel lacks a free-scrolling mode and left/right tilt inputs.
8.9 Video Games (FPS)

The Razer Cobra is an excellent FPS gaming mouse. This mouse has remarkably low latency and excellent overall sensor performance, delivering a very snappy and responsive feeling in-game experience. It's also very lightweight and has good build quality overall. Its mouse feet glide smoothly across mousepads and desks, and it has a fairly lightweight and flexible cable. That said, there's some minor flexibility in some areas of the plastic body. However, this is unlikely to be an issue when holding the mouse normally.

Pros
  • Good build quality overall.
  • Excellent sensor performance.
  • Outstanding click latency.
Cons
  • Minor body flex on the side panels and palm rest.
  • Cable not quite as lightweight and flexible as on some recent Razer releases.
7.9 Video Games (MMO)

The Razer Cobra is good for MMO gaming but doesn't have nearly as many side buttons as a dedicated MMO gaming mouse. That said, you can reprogram all its buttons using the companion software. Overall, this mouse has good build quality, but the plastic side panels exhibit a bit of flexibility in some places. It also has remarkably low latency and excellent overall sensor performance—delivering an extremely responsive-feeling gaming experience.

Pros
  • Good build quality overall.
  • Excellent sensor performance.
  • Outstanding click latency.
Cons
  • Minor body flex on the side panels and palm rest.
  • Cable not quite as lightweight and flexible as on some recent Razer releases.
  • Has fewer programable buttons than a dedicated MMO gaming mouse.
9.2 Raw Performance

The Razer Cobra wired mouse has remarkably good raw performance. Its click latency is extremely low, and its sensor provides remarkable motion latency and excellent accuracy performance that closely translates the physical movements you make with your mouse into the cursor movements you see on screen.

Pros
  • Outstanding click latency.
  • Superb sensor latency.
  • Impressive sensor accuracy.
Cons
  • 6.2 Work
  • 8.9 Video Games (FPS)
  • 7.9 Video Games (MMO)
  • 9.2 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 Aug 16, 2023: Review published.
  5. Updated Aug 08, 2023: Early access published.
  6. Updated Aug 04, 2023: Our testers have started testing this product.
  7. Updated Jul 21, 2023: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  8. Updated Jul 04, 2023: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The Razer Cobra wired mouse is only available in a black color option. There aren't other variants at the time of writing, but there is a wireless version of this mouse with a more advanced sensor and more extensive and customizable RGB lighting called the Razer Cobra Pro.

We can see the label of the Razer Cobra we bought and tested here.

Compared To Other Mice

The Razer Cobra wired mouse is a lightweight gaming model with the same low-profile, symmetrical shape, and overall design philosophy as the older Razer Viper Mini. This new mouse introduces customizable RGB lighting, more durable optical switches, and a slightly improved sensor with a lower lift-off distance than the previous generation Razer Viper Mini.

Compared directly to its wireless version, the Razer Cobra Pro, the wired-only Razer Cobra doesn't use Razer's newest sensor or have as many customizable RGB zones. That said, it offers remarkably high-end gaming performance considering its budget price point, and it's a compelling option if you prioritize lower-weight options and don't mind or even prefer wired-only mice.

For more recommendations, see our picks for the best wired mouse, the best gaming mouse, and the best mouse.

Razer Viper Mini

The Razer Viper Mini and the Razer Cobra are gaming mice with virtually the same size and shape. The Cobra has a slightly better sensor with a lower lift-off distance. On the other hand, the Viper Mini feels somewhat sturdier.

Razer Cobra Pro

The Razer Cobra Pro and the Razer Cobra are mice in the same lineup and are the same size and shape. The Pro is a wireless model with better overall sensor performance, better build quality, and more customizable RGB lighting zones. It also has rubberized side grips, which the Cobra lacks. On the other hand, the Cobra is a wired-only model that's significantly more lightweight.

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2

The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 and the Razer Cobra are wired gaming mice. The HyperX is larger, slightly lighter, and feels a bit sturdier. It also has better sensor accuracy and a bit more flexible cable. On the other hand, the Razer has significantly better click latency and more extensive RGB lighting.

Razer Viper 8KHz

The Razer Cobra and the Razer Viper 8KHz have the same symmetrical shape, but the Cobra is smaller. The Cobra is lighter and has RGB lighting, which the Viper lacks. On the other hand, the Viper 8KHz has a slightly more lightweight and flexible cable, better sensor accuracy, and it supports a higher maximum polling rate of 8000Hz.

Test Results

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

This mouse has a textured, matte black plastic body with glossy plastic accents. This mouse looks similar to its more premium wireless counterpart, the Razer Cobra Pro. However, unlike the wireless version with rubberized side grips, this mouse has plastic sides. This mouse also has fewer RGB lighting zones, with a single zone in the Razer brand emblem on the palm rest and another around the back rim of the mouse, producing a faint underglow effect on your mousepad or desk. Note that while you can customize the RGB using the companion software, the two lighting zones act as a single customizable lighting element and can't be controlled independently.

Design
Shape
Length 4.7" (120 mm)
Width 2.5" (63 mm)
Height 1.5" (38 mm)
Grip Width
60 mm
Ambidextrous
Shape Only
Left-Handed Friendly
Yes
Finger Rest
No

This mouse shares virtually the same dimensions as the original Razer Viper Mini and exactly the same dimensions as the more premium wireless version of this mouse, the Razer Cobra Pro. However, this mouse doesn't have rubberized side grips, unlike the Razer Cobra Pro.

5.8
Design
Portability
Box Volume
17.39 in³ (285 cm³)
Receiver Storing
No

This mouse isn't designed specifically with portability in mind. While it isn't very big, it's fairly bulky, and its cable isn't detachable.

7.5
Design
Build Quality

This mouse has good build quality overall. Its body is made of solid plastic, which doesn't feel cheap, and has a slightly more textured feel compared to the smoother finish of the more premium wireless version of this mouse, the Razer Cobra Pro. Unlike the wireless version, this mouse doesn't have rubberized sides.

There are no loose or wobbling parts, and the left- and right-click buttons have minimal side-to-side travel. Overall, the plastic surfaces feel sturdy. However, there's slight flex in the body, specifically on the underside, on both side panels, and the corner of the palm panel just above the rearmost side button.

If you apply deliberate pressure to the plastic surface near the back side button or the CPI button on the top of the mouse, You can unintentionally activate these buttons. However, doing so requires deliberate localized pressure and is unlikely to be an issue when holding and using the mouse normally.

9.1
Design
Weight
Lowest Weight
57.3 g
Default Weight
57.3 g
Weight Distribution
Centered
Extra Weights
No

This mouse is remarkably lightweight. It's very easy to move quickly and accurately.

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

This mouse has a low-profile, symmetrical shape with two side buttons on the left. The dimensions of this mouse are virtually identical to those of the older Razer Viper Mini. Much like the Viper Mini, this mouse is best suited for small or medium-sized hands and ideal for a fingertip grip.

The shape and size of this mouse also make it suitable for a claw or, to a lesser degree, a palm grip for smaller hands.

0
Design
Wireless Versatility
Maximum Of Paired Devices
Wired
Bluetooth
No
Receiver
No
Battery Type
No Batteries
Use When Charging
No
On/Off Activation
None
Receiver Extender
No
Battery Indicator No

This is a wired-only mouse that can't be used wirelessly. This mouse has a separate wireless version called the Razer Cobra Pro.

8.0
Design
Cable
Connectivity Wired
Cable Length
6.1 ft (1.9 m)
Cable Type
Paracord-like
Permanent Kink
Yes
Port Type: Mouse End
No Port
Port Type: PC End
USB

This mouse has what Razer calls a 'Speedflex' cable. It's a non-detachable cable that feels durable and is fairly lightweight and flexible.

However, this cable is noticeably stiffer and retains slightly more kinks from its packaging compared to the 'Speedflex' branded charging cables included with other recent Razer releases, including the Razer Viper V2 Pro, the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro, and the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro.

9.0
Design
Mouse Feet
Gliding Experience
Good
Material
Virgin Grade PTFE
Extra Included
No

This mouse has remarkably good feet that glide very smoothly on mousepads and directly on desks with minimal drag and only minor friction noises.

Design
In The Box

  • Razer Cobra
  • Sticker
  • Silicone cable wrap
  • USB cap
  • User documentation

Control
Control
Main Button
Switch Type
Optical
Switch Model
Razer Optical Mouse Switch Gen 3

This mouse's left- and right-click buttons use Razer Optical Mouse Switch Gen 3 switches.

7.4
Control
Additional Buttons
Total Number Of Buttons
6
Number Of Side Buttons
2
Number Of Programmable Inputs
14
Profile Switching Button
Yes
Gesture Support
No

You can reprogram all of the buttons on this mouse, including the left- and right-click buttons. However, one button must always be set as the primary click button. You can also assign a 'Hypershift' button to toggle to a secondary layer of programmable inputs.

9.6
Control
Click Latency
Expected Connection
2.2 ms
Wired
2.2 ms
Receiver
N/A
Bluetooth
N/A

This mouse has exceptionally low click latency. It delivers a highly responsive-feeling experience for gaming in any genre and is well-suited for casual or competitive play.

8.3
Control
CPI
SRAV @ 1600 CPI
-1.09%
SRAV @ 800 CPI
-1.17%
SRAV @ 400 CPI
-1.42%
SRAV @ Fixed CPI
N/A
Precision Error Between Speeds
0.59%
Precision Error Between CPI
2.69%
Worst Tracking Error
7.50%
Minimum CPI
200 CPI
Maximum CPI
8,500 CPI
CPI Adjustment Steps
50 CPI

This mouse provides excellent CPI performance. The sensor has impressive tracking accuracy and relatively little variation at different speeds and CPI settings, so the physical movements you make with your mouse translate closely to those you see on-screen.

9.4
Control
Sensor Latency
Delay To Start Of Movement
10.9 ms
Delay At Half Movement
2.7 ms
Delay To End Of Movement
1.6 ms

This mouse provides superb sensor latency performance. The sensor reacts extremely quickly when you move your mouse, and these movements very closely correspond to the timing of the cursor movements you see on-screen.

Control
Sensor Specifications
Sensor Technology
Optical (LED)
Sensor Model
PixArt PAW3349
Works On Glass
No
Minimum Lift Off Distance
1.2 mm
Maximum Polling Rate
1000 Hz

The available polling rate settings are 125Hz, 500Hz, and 1000Hz. You can adjust various sensor settings using the companion software, including polling rate, CPI, and lift-off distance.

Control
Mouse Wheel
Scroll Wheel Type
Notched Wheel
Scroll Wheel Steps
24 Steps
Scroll Wheel Tilt
No
Thumb Wheel Type
No
Thumb Wheel Steps
No Thumb Wheel

This mouse has a rubberized scroll wheel with small bumps for added grip. Scrolling feels precise, and the scroll button has satisfying tactility and doesn't take too much force to activate.

Each scroll step is well-defined, and scrolling is very quiet. The scrolling noise is significantly quieter compared to the wireless Razer Cobra Pro, but the individual scrolling steps don't feel as pronounced.

Control
Noise
Click Noise
Quiet

The noise made by the left- and right mouse clicks, all buttons, and the scroll wheel are all fairly 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

This mouse uses Razer's Synapse 3 software, which is well laid out and relatively easy to navigate. This software allows you to customize expected options, including RGB lighting, CPI, button programming, polling rate, and lift-off distance. The only settings you can save to onboard memory are CPI and polling rate settings. This means you'll need to have the software open and running in the background to enable other options, like custom RGB lighting or reprogrammed button layouts.

Like similar software options from other major manufacturers, this software is a source of criticism from the broader community. While we didn't experience any issues during the testing of this mouse, many users online criticize this software for requiring frequent updates and taking up disproportionate system resources, among other complaints. This software may be frustrating if you prefer more lightweight software options or no software at all.

10
Operating System And Software
Mouse Compatibility
Windows Compatibility Fully
macOS Compatibility Fully

This mouse is fully compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, but the software is only compatible with Windows.