Intro:
Razer has been producing high DPI mice for many years. Although you
could chronicle the struggle immense, I'm very glad Razer is back now. Razer has
just introduced the Viper. How about 1000 DPI
for an optical mouse? Yes, that is correct, Logitech just got beaten at their
own game. If you need a responsive mouse, continue on as I look at this new
offering from Razer Inc.
About the Viper:
The following two sections were taken, with slight cosmetic
editing, from the
Razerzone website. What
review would be good without telling what the buzz is about? YES, there still is
buzz!
Razer Viper™1000 DPI Optical
The Razer Viper possesses the most advanced optical tracking system of any mouse
to-date. This is a high-precision, extremely accurate input device that operates
at anywhere between 25 to 150% more resolution than other optical mice.
• Sleek ergonomic ambidextrous profile - translucent exterior design
• Two Ultra-large nonslip buttons - Finger tip grip for accurate and precise
targeting control
• Nonslip side rails - performance grip design
• Ultraslick teflon feet - zero accoustic feedback
• Gold Plated Max-Conductive USB connector
• Order a Razer Viper™ for $49.99 and receive a cool Razer LAN-pak (a $9.99
value)!
Razer's first pure optical mouse - possesses the most advanced optical tracking
system of any mouse to-date. The true 1000 DPI hardware-based optical engine,
results in unparalleled, explosive game play. Viper is more responsive, offers
smoother movement, and is faster than any optical mouse out there!
System Requirements
• Minimum hardware configuration of 120Mhz CPU and 16MB of RAM.
• A 200Mhz CPU or higher and 32MB RAM is recommended.
• For USB: Windows98, a motherboard with USB 1.1 or higher, and a free USB port.
The technology behind Razer's line of mice:
For the mouse user, performance is experienced through
speed, precision, smoothness and accuracy. These are four technical factors that
determine the performance of a typical computer mouse, and the Razer Boomer and
Razer Viper have been optimized in all these areas to create the ultimate gaming
experience.
The technical areas that determine the performance of a
mouse are:
1. DPI of the encoder technology in the mouse
2. Speed/baud of communication between mouse and computer
3. Driver features/equations that turn mouse signals into motion
4. DPR of the encoder technology of the scroll wheel
1) Encoder DPI
The encoder DPI/CPI (dots/counts per inch) is the most
important factor in determining the smoothness and speed of a mouse. This is
described by how many discrete signals are sent to the controller chip when the
mouse moves one inch. As the number of signals sent to the chip increases, mouse
resolution becomes finer and the resulting motion smoother. The Razer Boomer and
Razer Viper use a patented focusing technology that allows much higher DPI than
current mice. Most mechanical mice perform at 400-450 DPI, while the Razer line
of mice offers resolutions from 1000 to 2100 DPI.
2) Connection speed/baud
The next critical link to performance is the connection
between the mouse and the computer. USB 1.0 has a polling rate fixed at 125
polls/sec and allows for communication to and from the peripheral.
3) Driver Software
The driver software converts the signals or pulses that
the mouse sends into actual on-screen movement. This conversion is basically an
equation that correlates the number of pulses the mouse sends to the number of
pixels on the screen. When the user adjusts the speed/sensitivity of their
mouse, they are changing the numbers in the equation. For instance from 1 pulse
= 1 pixel to 1 pulse = 2 pixels. This would make the mouse twice as fast.
The Razer line of mice offer smooth and controllable
movement at ALL speeds, with speed/sensitivity adjustable "on the fly" by a
special key combination. The user can adjust sensitivity settings from
application to application, or within game environments, such as land to water
or air. No other mouse offers this timesaving function.
4) Scroll wheel
The scroll wheel in the Razer Boomer mouse takes
advantage of an additional encoder, allowing for faster and more precise
scrolling. It's extremely sensitive, providing increased click points per
revolution versus the standard scroll wheel. This added capability enhances the
current gaming experience and will do so even more as game developers continue
to take advantage of advanced scroll wheel technology.
The Result
The Razer Boomer and Razer Viper have been designed
from the ground up as the ultimate control devices for today’s intense computer
games. Featuring an ergonomic design, innovative features and breakthrough
technology, Razer mice give players the competitive edge they demand in the fragfests of today’s games. With an incredible feel, amazing performance and
explosive game play, the Razer line of mice are truly a cut above the rest.
The mouse:
This is a 3 button mouse. I asked "Why are
there only 3 buttons?", as I am used to seeing mice with numerous buttons (even
the Razer Boomslang has five). Below is a direct quote:
"The original industrial and human factors design was made purely for gamers.
The best gaming mouse of all time, the Wingman, only had 3-buttons. I personally
have retrained myself to simply use the keyboard in place of the extra button.
It took me two whole days to completely adapt to the Viper and the overall
result was that due to the smoothness and the tracking/targeting of the Viper my
scores/kills/percentages increased even without the 4th button."
So there you have it. My qualm was that I was used to doing
an Internet Back Command by pressing a thumb button. Previously looking up IE
shortcuts, you find that the keyboard command is (Left ALT key + Left Arrow).
The forward key of course is (Left ALT + Right Arrow). I reprogrammed my scroll
wheel (double click) to the internet back command. It was easy as pie to change
the option with the flexible software that is available with the mouse. So,
problem solved. I mean, who uses that silly 'click and scroll in any direction'
anyway? Moving on....
You can see the overall
look of the mouse from the next three pictures. On top there are two large, plastic, velvety-feeling left and
right mouse click buttons, and a nice rubber scroll wheel. On the sides, there
are two non slip clear rubber rails. On the bottom, there are the slickest
little Teflon mouse feet I have ever come across. This thing slides smoothly! Of
course I didn't mention until now, the 7 foot, gold plated, USB cable. Yes
folks, it's time to give up your PS/2 mouse port now...
 |
 |
 |
| (1) The mouse |
(2) Side View |
(3) The bottom |
The Viper's measurements approximately in inches are, 4 3/4"
long, 2 1/4" wide, and 1 1/4" high, give or take an 1/8" here and there. It is a
smaller mouse compared to the rest of the Razer line. That is not a negative at
all though, as it is very light too. I came up with 2.8 ounces on my digital postal
scale. Lastly, in picture form, we'll take a closer look at the buttons and
scroll wheel below.
 |
| (4) The scroll wheel |
A closer look at the bottom:
In picture 5, you can see a little better close up of one of
the Teflon pads, that offers not only slick movement, but pure silence on a nice
quiet pad like the
X-Trac Zoom. Picture 6 shows the optical eye that measures at the
fastest speed of any optical mouse, at 1000 DPI. I have seen a mouse or two claiming
1000 DPI, but they are obviously cheapies, so I wouldn't trust their numbers. In comparison,
the MX700, and MX900 mice from Logitech use 800 DPI. You'll also see something
neat for you modders on this mouse; one screw holds this bad boy together.
No searching under your Teflon pads to get the mouse apart. Mod away, folks! Mod
away!
 |
 |
 |
| (5) Close up of bottom pad |
(6) The optical eye |
(7) One screw holds this
together |
