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Razer DeathAdder Essential Mouse Review

Tested using Methodology v1.4
Reviewed Jun 14, 2021 at 10:38 am
Latest change: Test bench update Dec 09, 2022 at 01:07 pm
Razer DeathAdder Essential Picture
6.8
Work
7.6
Video Games (FPS)
7.3
Video Games (MMO)
8.5
Raw Performance

The Razer DeathAdder Essential gaming mouse is a more affordable entry to the full-sized DeathAdder series. It has the same shape and size as the more expensive models, and it's suitable for all grip types for almost all hand sizes, although people with small hands might struggle with a claw or fingertip grip. It has a low minimum lift-off distance, decent click latency, and a fairly consistent sensor, but the CPI range isn't very wide, and you can adjust the CPI in increments of 100 only. Unfortunately, the mouse is quite heavy, its braided cable isn't very flexible, and its backlighting is green only.

Our Verdict

6.8 Work

The Razer DeathAdder Essential is decent for office use. It feels well-built and is suitable for almost all hand sizes with any grip type, but small hands may struggle with a claw or fingertip grip. You can reprogram all of its buttons using the Razer Synapse 3 software, which is available on Windows only. Unfortunately, its scroll wheel doesn't have any L/R tilt buttons, and it can't unlock for free scrolling.

Pros
  • Feels well-built.
  • Suitable for almost all hand sizes with any grip type.
Cons
  • No L/R tilt buttons or free scrolling.
  • Wired-only.
7.6 Video Games (FPS)

The Razer DeathAdder Essential is good for FPS gaming. It has a low minimum CPI, a low lift-off distance, and satisfactory click latency, although it may not feel responsive enough for some gamers. It feels well-built and is suitable for almost all hand sizes using any grip type, but people with small hands may struggle with a claw or fingertip grip. Unfortunately, it's somewhat heavy, and its cable isn't very flexible.

Pros
  • Feels well-built.
  • Low minimum lift-off distance.
  • Suitable for almost all hand sizes with any grip type.
Cons
  • Somewhat heavy.
  • Cable isn't very flexible.
7.3 Video Games (MMO)

The Razer DeathAdder Essential is a decent MMO gaming mouse, although it doesn't have nearly as many buttons as dedicated MMO mice. However, you can program all of them, and you can also set a HyperShift button to enable a second layer of commands. It has a low minimum lift-off distance and satisfactory click latency, although it may not feel responsive enough for some gamers. It feels well-built and comfortable, and it's suitable for almost all hand sizes using any grip type, although small hands may struggle with a claw or fingertip grip. Unfortunately, its cable isn't very flexible, and you can adjust the CPI in increments of 100 only.

Pros
  • Feels well-built.
  • Low minimum lift-off distance.
  • Suitable for almost all hand sizes with any grip type.
Cons
  • Cable isn't very flexible.
  • Doesn't have nearly as many buttons as a dedicated MMO mouse.
8.5 Raw Performance
  • 6.8 Work
  • 7.6 Video Games (FPS)
  • 7.3 Video Games (MMO)
  • 8.5 Raw Performance
  1. Updated Dec 09, 2022: 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Updated Aug 09, 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.
  4. Updated Aug 01, 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Updated Jun 14, 2021: Review published.
  8. Updated Jun 08, 2021: Early access published.
  9. Updated May 20, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
  10. Updated May 20, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  11. Updated Apr 22, 2021: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The Razer DeathAdder Essential gaming mouse is only available in black. You can see the label of our unit here.

Compared To Other Mice

The Razer DeathAdder Essential is a more affordable addition to the DeathAdder series. It has the same right-handed and ergonomic shape as the other mice in this lineup, but it lacks some of the features the more expensive models that we've tested have. For example, its lift-off distance isn't as low, and you can't adjust its CPI as precisely as the Razer DeathAdder V2 or the Razer DeathAdder Elite. It also lacks CPI buttons below the scroll wheel, and unlike the other models with customizable RGB, the Essential only has green lighting. Nonetheless, it's a great option if you love the DeathAdder shape and don't mind a few shortcomings at the expense of a cheaper price tag.

Check out our recommendations for the best wired mouse, the best gaming mouse, and the best Razer mice.

Razer Viper Mini

The Razer DeathAdder Essential and the Razer Viper Mini are both wired gaming mice. The Mini is a better choice if you prefer small, ultra-light mice and use a fingertip grip. It has a more flexible, paracord-like cable, better quality mouse feet, and a programmable button below its scroll wheel. While they have similar sensor performance, the Mini has a higher maximum CPI and much lower latency, but its sensor is even less consistent. On the other hand, the DeathAdder Essential is heavier and larger, making it suitable with any grip type for most hand sizes.

Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED

The Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED is a wireless-only mouse, while the Razer DeathAdder Essential is wired. The Logitech has an ambidextrous egg shape with two buttons on its left side and onboard memory. It has a very wide CPI range, a more precisely adjustable CPI, a lower lift-off distance, and lower click latency. It's suitable with a fingertip grip for any hand size, but people with larger hands may feel the mouse is too small for a palm or claw grip. On the other hand, the Razer is a right-handed mouse, and its larger size is better suited for larger hands.

SteelSeries Rival 3

The SteelSeries Rival 3 is overall a better gaming mouse than the Razer DeathAdder Essential. The SteelSeries has a sturdier-feeling build, a lighter weight, smoother-gliding mouse feet, and onboard memory. It also has lower latency, a wider CPI range, and a more consistent sensor. Comparatively, you can set a HyperShift button on the Razer, giving you a second layer of controls for as long as you hold it. Also, the Razer's larger size and shape make it more suitable for larger hands using a palm grip.

Razer DeathAdder V2

The Razer DeathAdder V2 and the Razer DeathAdder Essential have the same shape and size, but the V2 performs better overall. It has a lower lift-off distance, a significantly lower click latency, a much wider CPI range, and you can adjust the CPI more precisely. Also, it has a much more flexible braided cable, better quality mouse feet, and two programmable buttons below the scroll wheel. The Essential is heavier, has no onboard memory, and only has green backlighting.

Logitech G502 HERO

The Logitech G502 HERO is overall better than the Razer DeathAdder Essential. It has much lower click latency, a wider CPI range, a more precisely adjustable CPI, a lower lift-off distance, and a more consistent sensor. The Logitech has more programmable buttons, and its scroll wheel has L/R tilt buttons and can unlock for free-scrolling. Also, unlike the Razer, the Logitech has onboard memory to save your settings. On the other hand, if you prefer lighter mice, the Razer may be a better choice.

Razer DeathAdder Elite

The Razer DeathAdder Elite and the Razer DeathAdder Essential have the same shape and size, but the Elite performs better overall. It has a much wider CPI range, and its CPI can be adjusted much more precisely in increments of one. Also, its minimum lift-off distance is lower, and it has two programmable buttons below its scroll wheel, which the Essential lacks.

Logitech G402 Hyperion Fury

The Logitech G402 Hyperion Fury and the Razer DeathAdder Essential are wired gaming mice. The Logitech has onboard memory, its companion software is available on macOS, and it has more programmable buttons. Also, it has a more precisely adjustable CPI, a more consistent sensor, and much lower latency. However, the Razer's CPI range is wider.

HyperX Pulsefire Core

The HyperX Pulsefire Core and the Razer DeathAdder Essential are wired gaming mice with different designs. The Razer has a right-handed design, and its shape is best suited for palm or claw grip for medium to extra-large hands. It has a slightly higher maximum CPI, smoother-gliding mouse feet, and lower latency. The HyperX has an ambidextrous shape with two buttons on its left side, as well as two CPI switching buttons below its scroll wheel. It's better suited for smaller hands who prefer a palm or claw grip.

Corsair HARPOON RGB

The Corsair HARPOON RGB and the Razer DeathAdder Essential are wired gaming mice with a right-handed design and high back. The Razer has a wider CPI range, a more precisely adjustable CPI, and a more consistent sensor. If you have larger hands and use a palm grip, you may find the Razer's larger size more comfortable. On the other hand, the Corsair is more suitable for small hands using a palm or claw grip.

Logitech G203 LIGHTSYNC

The Logitech G203 LIGHTSYNC and the Razer DeathAdder Essential are wired gaming mice, but the Logitech is a better choice if you prefer lighter, ambidextrous-shaped mice. Also, it has a wider CPI range, a more precisely adjustable CPI, a lower lift of distance, and a much lower latency. Comparatively, you may find the Razer's larger, right-handed shape more comfortable when using a palm or claw grip if you have larger hands.

Logitech G PRO X SUPERLIGHT

The Logitech G PRO X SUPERLIGHT is overall better for gaming than the Razer DeathAdder Essential. The Logitech has a significantly lighter weight, smoother-gliding mouse feet, a wider CPI range with a more adjustable CPI, a lower lift-off distance, and a much lower latency. It has onboard memory to save your settings, and you can use it wirelessly via its USB receiver as well as wired.

Razer DeathAdder V2 Pro

The Razer DeathAdder Essential and the Razer DeathAdder V2 Pro have the same shape and size, but the V2 Pro performs better overall. It has a lighter weight, a more flexible cable, smoother-gliding mouse feet, and onboard memory. Also, it has two buttons below its scroll wheel to switch between CPI profiles, and it has RGB lighting, unlike the Essential that only has Green lighting. While the Essential is a wired model, the V2 Pro can be used wirelessly via its USB receiver or Bluetooth.

Razer Viper

The Razer Viper and the Razer DeathAdder Essential are wired gaming mice with different designs. The Viper is an ambidextrous model with two side buttons on each side. It has a wider CPI range, a more precisely adjustable CPI, a lower lift-off distance, and lower click latency. It's suitable for a claw or fingertip grip for most hand sizes. On the other hand, the DeathAdder Essential is a right-handed mouse with a high back and is better suited for larger hands using a palm or claw grip.

Logitech G403 HERO

The Logitech G403 HERO and the Razer DeathAdder Essential are both right-handed wired gaming mice, but the Logitech performs better overall. The Logitech comes with a 10g weight and a more flexible cable. Also, it has a wider CPI range, a more precisely adjustable CPI, a lower lift-off distance, and lower latency. Unlike the Razer that only has green lighting, the Logitech has full RGB lighting.

Corsair KATAR PRO XT

The Corsair KATAR PRO XT is better for gaming than the Razer DeathAdder Essential. The Corsair has a significantly lighter weight and a more flexible, paracord-like cable. Performance-wise, it has a much wider CPI range, a CPI you can adjust in increments of one, a lower lift-off distance, and a lower click latency; however, its sensor is very inconsistent. On the other hand, the Razer has a right-handed shape and lacks the Corsair's CPI switching button, but you can assign a HyperShift button to give you another customization layer. People with small hands using a claw or fingertip grip may prefer the Corsair's smaller size, and people with larger hands using a palm or claw grip may prefer the Razer.

Logitech G203 Prodigy

The Logitech G203 Prodigy and the Razer DeathAdder Essential are wired gaming mice, but the Logitech is a better choice if you prefer lighter mice. Performance-wise, it has a higher CPI maximum, a more precisely adjustable CPI, a more consistent sensor, and a lower lift-off distance. Also, its click latency is much lower. Comparatively, if you have larger hands, you may find the Razer's higher profile more comfortable using a palm or claw grip.

Razer DeathAdder V2 Mini

The Razer DeathAdder V2 Mini is overall better than the Razer DeathAdder Essential. They have the same classic shape, but the V2 Mini is a lot smaller and lighter. Also, the V2 Mini has a CPI switching button below its scroll wheel, a more flexible cable, and better quality mouse feet. It has a wider CPI range, and its click latency is much lower. However, the Essential's sensor is significantly more consistent, and its better suited for larger hands using a palm or claw grip.

GLORIOUS Model D

The GLORIOUS Model D and the Razer DeathAdder Essential are wired right-handed gaming mice, but the GLORIOUS is a better choice if you prefer ultra-light mice. The GLORIOUS has a honeycomb design, which helps make it much lighter. Otherwise, it has a more flexible cable, smoother-gliding mouse feet, a higher maximum CPI, and lower click latency. On the other hand, the Razer has a lower minimum CPI, more programmable inputs thanks to its HyperShift feature. Unfortunately, it doesn't have onboard memory like the GLORIOUS does. 

Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed

The Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed and the Razer DeathAdder Essential are gaming mice with different designs. The Hyperspeed is a wireless-only mouse that can connect via Bluetooth or its USB receiver. It has a wider CPI range, a more precisely adjustable CPI, and lower click latency. On the other hand, the Essential is a wired model and is significantly lighter than the Hyperspeed.

Redragon M602 Griffin RGB Wired

The Razer DeathAdder Essential and the Redragon M602 Griffin RGB Wired are similar wired gaming mice, but the Razer performs better overall. The Razer is slightly lighter and feels sturdier. It also has a more flexible cable, a much lower minimum lift-off distance, a lower minimum CPI, and lower click latency. You can also adjust the CPI by increments of 100 on the Razer, while the adjustment steps on the Redragon are irregular. On the other hand, the Redragon has a thumb and pinky rest, a slightly higher maximum CPI, and a set of weights you can add to change the weight distribution. It also has onboard memory, which the Razer lacks.

Razer Basilisk V2

The Razer Basilisk V2 and the Razer DeathAdder Essential are wired, right-handed mice, but the Basilisk V2 performs better overall. It has a more ergonomic shape with a thumb rest on its left side and a dedicated sniper button. Also, its paracord-like cable is more flexible than the DeathAdder Essential's braided cable, and its mouse feet glide more smoothly. It has a wider CPI range, a more precisely adjustable CPI, a lower lift-off distance, and a much lower latency.

Logitech G703 LIGHTSPEED with HERO Sensor

The Logitech G703 LIGHTSPEED with HERO Sensor is a better gaming mouse than the Razer DeathAdder Essential. The Logitech is a wireless gaming mouse with a much wider CPI range, a more precisely adjustable CPI, a lower lift-off distance, and a much lower latency. Also, it has onboard memory to save your settings to, and if you want to use it wired, its cable doesn't retain packaging kinks.

GLORIOUS Model O

The GLORIOUS Model O and the Razer DeathAdder Essential are right-handed wired gaming mice. If you prefer ultra-light mice, the GLORIOUS is a better choice. The honeycomb design makes it significantly lighter. It has a better quality cable, smoother-gliding mouse feet, and onboard memory. It has a wider maximum CPI, a lower latency, and a slightly more consistent sensor. Comparatively, the Razer has a lower minimum CPI and more programmable inputs thanks to its HyperShift feature, which gives you a second layer of customization.

Razer Basilisk

The Razer Basilisk and the Razer DeathAdder Essential are wired gaming mice with different designs, but the Basilisk performs better overall. It has a wider CPI range, a more precisely adjustable CPI, and a lower lift-off distance. It also has onboard memory and more programmable buttons. Also, the Basilisk is more versatile since it has a thumb rest, and its scroll wheel can unlock for free scrolling, which is great if you want to use it for office use.

Razer Basilisk Essential

The Razer DeathAdder Essential and the Razer Basilisk Essential are both right-handed gaming mice, but they have different shapes. The Basilisk Essential has a more ergonomic design with a textured thumb rest on its left side like the other models in its lineup, whereas the DeathAdder shares the same high-back shape as the other DeathAdder mice. Otherwise, they perform very similarly, but the Basilisk Essential has more programmable buttons, and the DeathAdder Essential has a much lower latency. Both are best suited for large hands, although people with small hands may be comfortable with a palm grip.

Redragon M601 RGB Centrophorus

The Razer DeathAdder Essential and the Redragon M601 RGB Centrophorus are budget gaming mice, but the Razer has better overall performance. The Razer has a somewhat more flexible cable and mouse feet that glide more smoothly. It has a CPI you can adjust by set increments and lower click latency. You can also set a HyperShift button to enable a secondary layer of commands. On the other hand, the Redragon has two more programmable buttons and includes a set of tunable weights.  It's also more lightweight and has a higher maximum CPI. Unfortunately, its CPI adjustments steps are irregular.

Razer Viper Ultimate

The Razer Viper Ultimate and the Razer DeathAdder Essential are gaming mice with different designs. The Viper Ultimate is a wireless mouse with an ambidextrous shape. It has a more flexible cable, smoother-gliding mouse feet, and three more programmable buttons. Also, it has a much wider CPI range, a more precisely adjustable CPI, a lower lift-off distance, and a much lower latency. On the other hand, the DeathAdder Essential is a wired right-handed mouse with a high back. It's better suited for large hands using a palm or claw grip, while the Viper Ultimate is better for smaller hands using a palm or claw grip.

DELUX Game Titan M626

The Razer DeathAdder Essential is a much better wired gaming mouse than the DELUX Game Titan M626. The Razer is significantly lighter and feels sturdier. It has a wider CPI range, a higher maximum CPI, and a lower click latency. You can also set a HyperShift button to enable a secondary layer of controls. On the other hand, the DELUX has two CPI buttons behind the scroll wheel, which the Razer lacks. Both mice have customization software, but we were unable to get the software for the DELUX to run, which affected some of our tests.

COUGAR Revenger

The Razer DeathAdder Essential and the COUGAR Revenger are wired gaming mice with similar shapes. The Razer is somewhat lighter, with a cable that's a bit more flexible and mouse feet that glide somewhat more smoothly. On the other hand, the COUGAR has a wider CPI range and a lower lift-off distance. It also has a CPI button behind the scroll wheel and onboard memory, two features the Razer lacks. Both mice are suitable for all grip types, but the Razer is more accommodating to smaller hands.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style
Type
Standard
Coating
Matte
Lighting Color Green
Design
Shape
Length 5.0" (128 mm)
Width 2.8" (70 mm)
Height 1.7" (43 mm)
Grip Width
66 mm
Ambidextrous
No
Left-Handed Friendly
No
Finger Rest
No
5.4
Design
Portability
Box Volume
23.43 in³ (384 cm³)
Receiver Storing
No
8.0
Design
Build Quality
6.4
Design
Weight
Lowest Weight
93.2 g
Default Weight
93.2 g
Weight Distribution
Centered
Extra Weights
No
Design
Hand Size Recommendation
Palm Grip Hand Recommendation
Claw Grip Hand Recommendation
Fingertip Grip Hand Recommendation

If you're interested in a similar wired gaming mouse with grippy rubber side panels, check out the Cooler Master MasterMouse MM530.

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
7.0
Design
Cable
Connectivity Wired
Cable Length
5.9 ft (1.8 m)
Cable Type
Braided
Permanent Kink
Yes
Port Type: Mouse End
No Port
Port Type: PC End
USB
7.5
Design
Mouse Feet
Gliding Experience
Good
Material
PTFE
Extra Included
No
Design
In The Box

  • Razer DeathAdder Essential gaming mouse
  • USB tip cover
  • Razer sticker
  • User manual

Control
7.3
Control
Additional Buttons
Total Number Of Buttons
5
Number Of Side Buttons
2
Number Of Programmable Inputs
12
Profile Switching Button
Yes
Gesture Support
No
7.1
Control
Click Latency
Expected Connection
12.0 ms
Wired
12.0 ms
Receiver
N/A
Bluetooth
N/A
8.1
Control
CPI
SRAV @ 1600 CPI
-0.58%
SRAV @ 800 CPI
-0.84%
SRAV @ 400 CPI
-0.75%
SRAV @ Fixed CPI
N/A
Precision Error Between Speeds
0.40%
Precision Error Between CPI
3.82%
Worst Tracking Error
16.75%
Minimum CPI
200 CPI
Maximum CPI
6,400 CPI
CPI Adjustment Steps
100 CPI
8.9
Control
Sensor Latency
Delay To Start Of Movement
11.5 ms
Delay At Half Movement
4.0 ms
Delay To End Of Movement
5.1 ms
Control
Sensor Specifications
Sensor Technology
Optical (LED)
Sensor Model
PixArt PAW3328
Works On Glass
No
Minimum Lift Off Distance
2.4 mm
Maximum Polling Rate
1000 Hz

The polling rate options on the Razer DeathAdder Essential are 500Hz and 1000Hz.

Control
Mouse Wheel
Scroll Wheel
Notched Wheel
Scroll Wheel Steps
24 Steps
Scroll Wheel Tilt
No
Thumb Wheel
No
Thumb Wheel Steps
No Thumb Wheel
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
No
CPI (DPI) Adjustment
Yes
Polling Rate Adjustment
Yes
Profile Configuration
Yes
Profile Auto-Switching
Yes
RGB On/Off
Yes
10
Operating System And Software
Mouse Compatibility
Windows Compatibility Fully
macOS Compatibility Fully