Razer Copperhead Gaming Mouse

What's your grip?

There are really two types of mouse available to buy at the moment. The first type, you grip in the palm of your hand, and the second type, you'd grip with your fingers. Both Logitech's and Microsoft's flagship gaming mice, such as the MX510 / MX700 / Intellimouse Explorer, have traditionally been mice that you'd grip with the palm of your hand. Razer have always been different in that respect. This mouse breathed accuracy from the day that it first found itself in my hand, and just like every other Razer mouse I've used in the past - it's one for the fingers.

Subjective thoughts:I wouldn't say the Copperhead is a mouse for every day use, at least where my own use is concerned. I'm quite a lazy desktop mouse user and I like to rest my palm somewhere, so I use a much larger Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 4.0 mouse for general desktop work.

I don't particularly like the position of the rocker buttons down the side. I found that I couldn't press the back button without pressing the front one at the same time. The fact that they're a very light touch means that you can often find yourself pressing both at the same time without intending to press either. For those who don't like the side buttons, Razer will be selling a Copperhead Toolkit in the near future, which will contain dummy buttons and three customisable weight standards for you to tweak your mouse with.

I don't like the way the mouse 'falls away' under your hand. The non-slip side rails are too bulky for my preferences and my little finger feels rather like it's in mid air when using the mouse, because I'm pinching the mouse between my thumb and little finger, rather than holding it. In actual fact, the footprint of the Copperhead is no smaller than the finger-liscious Viper, but the pinch effect seems to be exaggerated by the oversized side rails.

This mouse isn't my personal cup of tea and I couldn't use it as my everyday mouse. If it was possible to pack the features that this mouse has inside the shell of the Viper, I'd have my dream mouse. Over the years, I've found my choice of mouse to be a very personal opinion and I have to say that I won't be changing from the Viper to the Copperhead because I can't get used to the different, and slightly bulkier shape.

Final Thoughts...

Choosing the right mouse is harder than choosing the right pair of shoes. The Copperhead isn't cheap at £49.94 including VAT, but for those who demand one of the technically-superior mice out there, this is it. It's the fastest mouse I've ever used by a considerable distance. The mouse feels accurate, smooth and most importantly positive. The button control is as positive as its movement and the feel of the main two buttons is as good as it gets.

I would go so far as to say that the Copperhead is noticeably smoother than any other mouse I've ever used. I've been through a lot over the years, and I have to say that this mouse grabbed me as soon as I installed it for the first time.

This really is a good mouse, and I'd thoroughly recommend it for consideration if you can get used to the shape. My recommendation is that you try it before you buy it, if you can - that goes for any mouse that is likely to undergo some heavy use. In the mean time, I'll sit here and carry on looking for my perfect Viper replacement...