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Razer Atheris  Mouse Review

Reviewed Dec 11, 2019 at 08:55am
Tested using methodology v1.2 
Razer Atheris
7.5
Office/Multimedia 
7.0
Video Games (FPS) 
7.1
Video Games (MMO) 
7.0
Ultra-Light Gaming 
8.2
Travel 
 0
The Razer Atheris is a very compact wireless mouse. It's one of the smallest mice we've reviewed and is a great traveling companion. You can easily toss it in a bag and use it wirelessly either via Bluetooth or with its receiver, which you can store inside the mouse. It has a wide enough CPI range for most people. It's not quite as customizable as other Razer mice, but these are usually gaming-oriented. The mouse is so small that it should practically only be used with a fingertip grip, although small hands should be able to have good control with a claw grip. People with extra-large hands should look somewhere else for a mouse, as this one is probably too small.

Our Verdict

7.5
Office/Multimedia 

Good for the office. This mouse is a good option for fingertip grip users since its shape isn't really ergonomic. On the upside, it offers a few programmable buttons that can make your workflow a bit easier and fluid. It's also wireless, which doesn't clutter your desk with a cable.

Pros
None
Cons
None
7.0
Video Games (FPS) 

Okay for FPS games. The mouse has excellent performance and rather low latency for a wireless mouse. However, wired mice with even lower latency are recommended for FPS games. The mouse also isn't the most ergonomic and can practically only be used with a fingertip grip. This mouse is also quite heavy for its size.

Pros
None
Cons
None
7.1
Video Games (MMO) 

Good for MMO games. This mouse offers a few programmable buttons, but won't be as good as a dedicated MMO mouse. The mouse's ergonomics also aren't ideal for most people, as its short body and small shape practically only allow the fingertip grip.

Pros
None
Cons
None
7.0
Ultra-Light Gaming 

This mouse is rather small and quite heavy, which isn't recommended for ultra-light gaming.

Pros
None
Cons
None
8.2
Travel 

Great travel mouse. The mouse is very small and works wirelessly, which is amazing for working in tight places like on a plane. However, the build quality isn't the best and the top cover might come off when inside a bag.

Pros
None
Cons
None
  • 7.5
    Office/Multimedia
  • 7.0
    Video Games (FPS)
  • 7.1
    Video Games (MMO)
  • 7.0
    Ultra-Light Gaming
  • 8.2
    Travel
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Dec 09, 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.
    2.  Updated Nov 17, 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.
    3.  Updated Oct 05, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
    4.  Updated Jun 11, 2020: We've retested the mouse via Bluetooth on macOS 10.15.1 and confirmed reports of compatibility issues.

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    Stormtrooper Limited EditionAtheris
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    Popular Mouse Comparisons

    The Razer Atheris is a versatile mouse. It's one of the smallest mice we've reviewed, which is great for travel, but its performance is also great, making it a good option if you want to play a few games with it as well. It's almost only suitable for fingertip grip, but its wireless latency is pretty decent. See our recommendations for the best cheap gaming mice, the best ergonomic mice, and the best mice for MMOs.

    Razer Pro Click Mini

    The Razer Atheris and the Razer Pro Click Mini are very similar mice, but the Pro Click Mini performs better overall. Although the Atheris is designed for gaming, the Pro Click Mini has lower click latency, a wider CPI range, and more programmable inputs. It feels better-built and more comfortable to use, and it offers a better gliding experience. Also, since it's an office mouse, its scroll wheel unlocks to a free-scrolling mode. On the other hand, the Atheris comes in more colors if you want to match your setup.

    Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED

    The Razer Atheris and the Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED are both very good mice. They each have two additional side buttons and are fairly small and good for travel, though the Razer is a little smaller. However, the Logitech feels better built and is more suitable if you prefer to use a palm grip with your mouse. The Logitech also only uses one AA battery, while the Razer uses two. On the upside, you can use the Razer with both the USB receiver or Bluetooth.

    Logitech MX Anywhere 2S

    The Logitech MX Anywhere 2S and the Razer Atheris are both good mice, but the Logitech is better for office use, and the Razer is better for gaming. Both mice are small and better suited for fingertip grips. The Logitech scroll wheel has more features than the Razer, but the Razer has a wider CPI range and an adjustable polling rate.

    Logitech MX Anywhere 3

    The Logitech MX Anywhere 3 is a better office mouse than the Razer Atheris. It feels better-built and more comfortable, is lighter, and has lower click latency. However, the Razer is better for travel because it has a slot to store its USB receiver. It also has a wider CPI range, a higher polling rate, and many more programmable inputs.

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    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Style
    Type
    Standard
    Lighting ColorNo Lighting

    The Razer Atheris is a very low-profile mouse that has an ambidextrous design. It has a Razer logo on the back, but it doesn't have any RGB lighting. The mouse is very small and has rubbery sides for extra grip. The mouse is available in both black and white. Razer also made a Star Wars Stormtrooper Limited Edition of this mouse, although we don't know how long it'll be available.

    Shape
    Length3.9" (100 mm)
    Height1.4" (34 mm)
    Width2.5" (63 mm)
    Grip Width
    59 mm
    8.1
    Portability
    Volume
    13.12 in³ (215 cm³)
    Cable/Receiver Storing
    Yes

    The Razer Atheris is a great portable mouse that's travel-friendly. This is one of the smallest mice we've tested and it's also wireless, which eliminates the clutter from a cable. It can easily be tossed in a bag, especially since you have a slot inside the mouse to store its receiver. If you'd like a travel-friendly mouse that isn't as small as the Atheris, check out the very generic Logitech M510 wireless mouse.

    7.5
    Build Quality

    The build quality of the Razer Atheris is just decent. It's made out of plastic with silicone grips on the side, which feels solid enough, but slightly cheap. There's no wobble or squeaking parts on this mouse, which is good. However, the top cover is fairly loose and thin. It can slightly come off during regular use, making it sometimes frustrating to use the mouse as you need to click the cover back into place. Also, the feet are pretty standard, but the center foot around the sensor is ever so slightly thicker than the rest, making the mouse spin easily, which can result in unwanted cursor movement. If build quality is important to you, then check out the Logitech MX Anywhere 3.

    7.5
    Weight
    Lowest Weight
    80.5 g
    Default Weight
    121.4 g
    Weight Distribution
    Back-heavy
    Extra Weights
    No

    The Razer Atheris is pretty heavy for its small size, and it's mainly due to the two AA batteries that are needed for the mouse to work. There are also no weight optimization options.

    7.0
    Comfort Of Use
    Right-handed
    No
    Left-handed
    No
    Ambidextrous
    Yes
    Coating
    Matte
    Finger Rest
    No

    The mouse's very small size affects its ergonomics, which are just okay. This mouse has an ambidextrous design that's only suitable for a fingertip grip. It's better suited for smaller hands, too, since the mouse's body is rather short. On the upside, all buttons are easily reachable. If you'd like a slightly bigger mouse that can be used with more grip types, check out the Corsair KATAR PRO Wireless.

    Palm Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
    Small Hand
    No
    Medium Hand
    No
    Large Hand
    No
    X.Large Hand
    No

    The Razer Atheris is too small and short to be suitable for a palm grip.

    Claw Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
    Small Hand
    Yes
    Medium Hand
    No
    Large Hand
    No
    X.Large Hand
    No

    Only small hands can use the Razer Atheris with a claw grip. The mouse is very small, but curled up fingers of small hands shouldn't have any issue clicking the two main buttons.

    Fingertip Grip: Hand Size Recommendation
    Small Hand
    Yes
    Medium Hand
    Yes
    Large Hand
    Yes
    X.Large Hand
    No

    The Razer Atheris is pretty small and designed for the fingertip grip. Only extra large hands won't be suitable for this mouse as fingers can go past the mouse's body, making it awkward to use.

    9.2
    Wireless Versatility
    Bluetooth
    Yes
    Receiver
    Yes
    Battery Type
    2x AA
    Use When Charging
    No ( Single use batteries)
    On/Off Activation
    Auto Off And On/Off Switch
    Receiver Extender
    No
    Battery IndicatorYes

    The Razer Atheris has amazing wireless connectivity. It can be used via Bluetooth or its dedicated receiver. You can easily choose your connection option thanks to the switch that's under the mouse, which also doubles as a power-off switch. Unfortunately, this mouse needs two AA batteries, so you'll need to change them at one point, but Razer advertises up to 350 hours of battery life. If you're interested in a similar wireless mouse with a rechargeable battery, check out the ASUS ROG Gladius II Wireless.

    0.0
    Cable
    ConnectivityWireless
    Cable LengthN/A
    Cable Type
    No Cable
    Permanent Kink
    No
    Port Type: Mouse End
    No Port
    Port Type: PC End
    No Port

    This mouse doesn't have any cables.

    7.5
    Mouse Feet
    Gliding Experience
    Good
    Material
    PTFE
    Extra Included
    No

    The mouse feet are good, and they provide a pretty smooth glide. However, it feels a bit scratchy when used on a hard surface. There aren't any replacement feet included in the box, but there are third-party ones that you can purchase separately.

    In The Box

    • Razer Atheris mouse
    • 2x AA batteries
    • USB receiver
    • Manuals

    Control
    7.8
    Buttons
    Buttons Activation
    Mechanical
    Total Number Of Buttons
    6
    Number Of Side Buttons
    2
    Number Of Programmable Inputs
    14
    Profile Switching Button
    Yes
    CPI (DPI) Switching Button
    Yes
    Gesture Support
    No

    All the buttons of the Razer Atheris are customizable, and you can even set the scroll up and down to different commands. You can also reprogram the left click, but it has to be assigned to another button first. You can also set a profile switching button, but this isn't available by default.

    6.9
    Click Latency
    See details on graph tool
    Expected Connection
    13.7 ms
    Wired
    N/A
    Receiver
    13.7 ms
    Bluetooth
    19.1 ms

    The Razer Atheris's latency is pretty decent. Using this mouse for daily tasks will be great as most people won't notice any delay, whether via Bluetooth or with the receiver. However, for competitive gaming, there are better wireless options, like the Logitech G Pro Wireless or the Razer Viper Ultimate.

    8.6
    CPI
    See details on graph tool
    SRAV @ 1600 CPI
    -0.75%
    SRAV @ 800 CPI
    -0.79%
    SRAV @ 400 CPI
    -0.67%
    SRAV @ Fixed CPI
    N/A
    Precision Error Between Speeds
    0.37%
    Precision Error Between CPI
    2.36%
    Worst Tracking Error
    5.13%
    Minimum CPI
    200 CPI
    Maximum CPI
    7,200 CPI
    CPI Adjustment Steps
    100 CPI
    Sensor Specifications
    Sensor Technology
    Optical (LED)
    Sensor Model
    PixArt PMW3330
    Works On Glass
    No
    Minimum Lift Off Distance
    2.4 mm
    Maximum Polling Rate
    1000 Hz
    Mouse Wheel
    Scroll Wheel
    Notched Wheel
    Scroll Wheel Steps
    24 Steps
    Scroll Wheel Tilt
    No
    Thumb Wheel
    No
    Thumb Wheel Steps
    No Thumb Wheel

    The Razer Atheris' mouse wheel is pretty standard. It offers good feedback from the incremented design, but isn't ideal for long scrolling like office-oriented mice. If you want a scroll wheel with L/R tilt buttons, check out the Logitech M525. For a scroll wheel with L/R tilt buttons that also unlocks for free scrolling, check out the Logitech MX Anywhere 2S.

    Noise
    Click Noise
    Loud

    The Razer Atheris is loud, but it still shouldn't bother those around you unless you're in a noise-sensitive environment.

    Operating System And Software
    7.8
    Compatible Software Option
    Software NameRazer Synapse 3
    Software Windows Compatibility
    Yes
    Software macOS Compatibility
    No
    Account Needed
    No
    On-Board Memory
    Yes
    CPI (DPI) Adjustment
    Yes
    Polling Rate Adjustment
    Yes
    Profile Configuration
    Yes
    RGB On/Off
    No

    The Razer Synapse 3 software offers good customization options to Windows users. You can modify the keybindings of each button, which is saved inside the onboard memory of the mouse, meaning you won't lose your favorite settings if you use your mouse with another computer. You can also create profiles inside the app and then assign a profile switching button for you to cycle through them.

    8.3
    Mouse Compatibility
    Windows CompatibilityFully
    macOS CompatibilityPartially

    Update 06/11/2020: With macOS 10.15.1, the mouse doesn't work via Bluetooth anymore. You need the USB dongle to use it effectively. The text has been updated.

    The mouse is fully compatible and customizable on Windows. However, the software isn't available on macOS so you won't be able to customize the mouse. Also, on macOS 10.15.1, you need to use the dongle as there are now Bluetooth issues with this mouse with this latest OS version.

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