Razer Cobra Pro Review: The Viper Mini Wireless We Wanted?

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The ‘Viper Mini Wireless’ has finally arrived in the form of the Razer Cobra Pro, but does it meet the expectations of the gaming community?

The Cobra Pro, which is essentially a revamped and rebranded version of the beloved Viper Mini, has stirred up controversy due to broken promises at worst, or miscommunication at best.

In this Razer Cobra Pro review, we will delve into whether the mouse lives up to the long-awaited Viper Mini Wireless moniker or if Razer has missed the mark on what should have been an easy win with the fans.

The original Viper Mini garnered praise for its compact size, lightweight design, and affordable price.

With the wireless introductions of the DeathAdder V3 Pro and Viper V2 Pro, fans repeatedly requested a wireless variant of the Viper Mini that maintained the same minimalistic and competition-focused approach.

Razer fueled the anticipation by occasionally dropping hints about an upcoming Viper Mini Wireless on the r/MouseReview subreddit, confirming its eventual release.

However, instead of delivering the eagerly awaited wireless edition, Razer dropped a $280 ‘Signature Edition’ wireless version with holes. Not quite what people expected.

Then, as eagerness grew further for the real release, Razer surprised everyone with the Cobra Pro…which looked oddly like the Viper Mini.

In terms of shape, the Cobra Pro closely resembles the Viper Mini, differing only by a few millimeters:

Cobra Pro Size:

• Length: 119.6 mm / 4.71 in
• Width: 62.5 mm / 2.46 in
• Height: 38.1 mm / 1.50 in

Viper Mini Size:

• Length: 118.3 mm / 4.70 in
• Width: 61.4 mm / 2.40 in
• Height: 38.3 mm / 1.50 in

The only notable physical difference lies in the weight, with the Cobra Pro weighing 77g compared to the Viper Mini’s much leaner 61g.

While this might not seem significant to some, it could be a dealbreaker for those who prioritize a featherlight mouse.

Furthermore, Razer decided to incorporate rubberized sides into the Cobra Pro, deviating from the Viper Mini’s design.

Internal Upgrades

Internally, the Cobra Pro boasts impressive upgrades.

As a flagship Razer product, it houses the same Focus Pro 30K Sensor found in the other Pro series mice, enabling a 4000Hz polling rate when used in conjunction with the hyperpolling dongle (sold separately).

The switches also utilize the third generation of Razer’s optical switches, known for their durability, with a lifespan of 90 million clicks, identical to those featured in the DeathAdder V3 Pro and Viper V2 Pro.

Additionally, the Cobra Pro is compatible with the Razer Dock Pro (also sold separately as the prices keep racking up).

The Downside

Undeniably, this mouse offers top-tier hardware, leaving Viper Mini fans hopeful for a satisfying experience.

However, there’s a significant drawback: the Viper Mini was always extremely cost effective. The Cobra Pro is $129 at full retail price on Amazon.

It also includes things like rubberized sides and significantly increased weight that Viper Mini fans were not looking for.

Despite the improvements, it’s understandable why those anticipating a Viper Mini wireless version would feel let down.

Razer Statements

Let’s consider the statement made by a Razer representative regarding the Cobra Pro:

“The Cobra Pro is for people who were dissatisfied with the Viper V2 Pro, particularly those who missed the dock, additional buttons, rubberized grips, and yes, even RGB.”

They further add that “most people don’t want a mouse completely devoid of features.”

This statement becomes puzzling when we acknowledge that the Cobra Pro is a different shape and size.

Individuals disappointed by the Viper V2 Pro’s lack of features would likely find the Cobra Pro underwhelming due to its 7mm shorter length and 3.5mm thinner width, which significantly changes its usability as a gaming mouse.

While I can comfortably use the Viper V2 Pro for hours, both the Viper Mini and the Cobra Pro prove challenging to wield after extended periods due to their smaller dimensions.

And now it becomes even more convoluted.

After the release of the $280 Viper Mini Signature Edition, Razer assured us that “this isn’t the only answer to the long-awaited Viper Mini Wireless. We still have more to come. We’ll be tackling different price points.”

However, it has been five months since that statement, and the story doesn’t end there.

To add the final blow, Razer has now declared: “No plans to release any more mice with this shape.”

Therefore, it seems that Razer had two answers to the Viper Mini Wireless people were looking for. Those answers were the Viper Mini Signature Edition, and now the Cobra Pro.

Verdict

So, comparisons to the old product aside, what do I think of the Cobra Pro?

There are a couple of critical issues that concern me.

Firstly, the weight.

While I am not among those who can only lift and handle mice weighing less than 65g, the 77g weight of the Cobra Pro feels somewhat disproportionate due to its smaller size.

Secondly, the rubberized sides are a point of contention for me. They tend to become slippery when the temperature heats up.

Personally, I prefer plastic sides with the option to attach rubber grips as needed.

Apart from these concerns, the mouse performs exceptionally well, with its buttons, switches, coating, and overall quality being fantastic.

Considering the improvements it offers, I believe it provides reasonable value at $129 at full retail price on Amazon or the Razer store, though discounts and reductions will be likely in the future.

If we detach any association with the Viper Mini, it stands as a commendable mouse worth considering for those seeking a smaller wireless option.

Yet, the unusual weight for its size remains a lingering concern.

Consequently, I would argue that the Cobra Pro falls short of being a true Viper Mini. I’m confident others would share this sentiment.

If you are open to a new Viper Mini, the wired version of the Cobra Pro is available, featuring a lighter weight and the third-generation switches, albeit lacking wireless capabilities.

Perhaps another version will emerge in the future. With mixed messages coming from Razer themselves, I still think a new version could hit the shelves in future.

And when they see the disappointed from Viper Mini fans from this release, it should make their decision even easier.