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Razer Atheris vs Razer DeathAdder Essential

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against mice at a similar price

The Razer DeathAdder Essential scores 6.3/10 overall, ahead of the Razer Atheris at 6.1/10.

The Razer Atheris leads on connectivity and battery and build and buttons.

The Razer DeathAdder Essential leads on comfort and shape.

They score the same on sensor and tracking and software and value.

Razer Atheris

Razer Atheris

6.1/10verdict: good, not the best

The Razer Atheris is for people who want a small wireless mouse that connects to a laptop by dongle or Bluetooth. It suits travel bags, desk-hopping and anyone who wants AA batteries instead of a built-in cell. It is less suited to people with larger hands or those who want a light mouse.

Typically about £19.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Razer DeathAdder Essential

Razer DeathAdder Essential

6.3/10verdict: good, not the best

The Razer DeathAdder Essential is for right-handed users with medium to large hands who want a wired mouse with a comfortable shape. It suits desk setups where a 1.8 m cable is fine and wireless is not needed. It is a sensible pick for anyone who values owner-praised comfort and value over long-term switch reliability.

Typically about £18 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightRazer AtherisRazer DeathAdder Essential
Comfort and shape25%5/107/10
Connectivity and battery25%7/106/10
Sensor and tracking20%6/106/10
Build and buttons15%6/105/10
Software and value15%7/107/10
Overall6.1/106.3/10

Specifications

SpecRazer AtherisRazer DeathAdder Essential
Connection2.4 GHz AFT wireless via compact USB dongle, plus Bluetooth LEWired, 1.8 m cable, USB
Sensor and DPIOptical, max sensitivity 7200 DPITrue 6,400 DPI optical sensor, 1000 Hz Ultrapolling, up to 220 IPS / 30 G acceleration
Battery lifeUp to 350 hours continuous use on a pair of AA batteries (on Bluetooth); not rechargeableNot applicable (wired)
Weight66 g excluding batteries; 99.7 mm x 62.8 mm x 34.1 mm96 g (excluding cable)
Buttons5 programmable buttons; mechanical switches rated 20 million clicks5 independently programmable Hyperesponse buttons, Razer mechanical switches rated to 10 million clicks, tactile scroll wheel
Shape and handAmbidextrous ergonomic form factorRight-handed ergonomic design, 127 x 73 x 44 mm, for medium to large hands, palm, claw and fingertip grip
SoftwareSupported by Razer Synapse 3Razer Synapse 3

Strengths and weaknesses

Razer Atheris

  • + 2.4 GHz dongle plus Bluetooth LE
  • + Up to 350 hours on two AA batteries
  • + Ambidextrous shape with five programmable buttons
  • − Owners find it small and heavy for its size
  • − Batteries are not rechargeable
  • − No tilt scroll wheel

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want a rechargeable mouse with USB-C charging
  • Users with larger hands who want a bigger, lighter mouse
  • People who need a tilt scroll wheel for horizontal scrolling
Read the full Razer Atheris review ›

Razer DeathAdder Essential

  • + Owners praise the comfortable shape
  • + Supports palm, claw and fingertip grips
  • + Owners praise its value
  • − Owners report switch and double-click failures
  • − Right-handed design only
  • − Razer labels it Legacy

Skip it if:

  • Left-handed users, because the shape is right-handed only.
  • Anyone who wants a wireless or Bluetooth mouse.
  • Buyers who want a lightweight mouse or a switch that lasts for years.
Read the full Razer DeathAdder Essential review ›

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