On Razer’s website, the Deathadder Elite is billed not just as a, but the eSports gaming mouse, which is quite the definitive statement. While there are as many mice out there as video game websites, and this may not be the definitive be-all and end-all to gaming mice in particular, it’s still a very solid choice with some very attractive features.

The big selling point of the mouse is its optical sensor, which is capable of up to 16,000 DPI with true tracking at 450 IPS. Personally, I have trouble going above 4500 DPI in games, so there is a huge amount of headroom there if you demand extra-precise movement, or you own some massive resolution display. It helps that the DPI can be switched on the fly, thanks to two buttons on the top of the mouse, shifting between configurable sensitivity stages. While there isn’t a display on the mouse to indicate what you’re shifting to, there is a pop-up from Razer’s Synapse software that (usually) appears on-screen to indicate your current DPI.

That’s not the only thing that’s customisable either, as there are seven total buttons that can be programmed to suit a number of functions, from mouse to keyboard commands, to macros and even launching programs. This is all done through Razer’s Synapse software, which offers excellent options to customise everything about the mouse, from manually adjusting sensitivity, acceleration and polling rate, to calibrating the mouse to work on different mats.

The design and overall shape of the mouse isn’t far removed from most other mice on the market, and it lacks the little ‘wing’ that often accompanies more expensive mice to rest your thumb. Having come from a Logitech MX mouse that has this little wing is a little jarring, I find my thumb lays flatter against the body of the mouse, and more comfortably with that. On the Deathadder Elite, I have to arc it slightly to meet the textured grip along the side. It’s the definition of a minor issue, but on a device which you’ll be using daily, it’s worth noting. However, I do find the scroll wheel quite comfortable, with its rough tire-like ridges that provide a great grip.

The Deathadder Elite also features Razer’s Chroma lighting, which can basically light up the mouse wheel and Razer logo in any colour you desire. The way the lighting has been integrated with the material of the mouse actually can make it look less like a lighting feature and more like a physical decal on the body, which is impressive. There are also several other ways to customise this – such as setting the mouse to automatically cycle through colours, or light up in reaction to your clicking.

Speaking of which, Razer’s mechanical microswitches on the Deathadder Elite have been designed with Omron, and are rated for 50 million clicks, which sounds like an awful lot, even for an eSports gamer. Clicking itself is certainly responsive and appropriately clicky and clacky, which pleases me greatly.

At AU $119.95, the Razer Deathadder Elite certainly isn’t the most expensive mouse for gamers on the market, but neither is it the cheapest. There are a few really nice features such as the 7-customisable buttons, and a DPI rating that you will likely never max out, and the Chroma lighting is pretty swish. As an overall package, it’s easy to recommend, even if I have a few small reservations about the standard body shape and comfort.