Razer Basilisk V4 Pro: AI Key Forces Thumb Buttons Out of Reach

Razer has set the price for its newest gaming mouse at $169.99, a figure that now includes a dedicated button for artificial intelligence prompts. The Basilisk V4 Pro launches today in black and white, marking the first update to the line since October 2024. While the company promises longer battery life and a lighter chassis, the redesign forces a change in how users access their most commonly used controls.

The previous iteration, the Basilisk V3 Pro 35K, shipped in late 2024 with a new sensor but retained the original layout. The V4 Pro keeps the right-handed shape and RGB lighting but adds two new programmable buttons, bringing the total to 12. One button sits next to the left click to switch profiles. The other is a third thumb button positioned in front of the existing pair, which defaults to opening Razer's AI prompt tool.

Senior editor Sarah Jacobsson Purewal of Tom's Hardware tested the device and found the new layout problematic for average hand sizes. She noted that the mouse is 5.02 inches long, placing the profile button too far forward for comfortable reach. More critically, the AI button is the same size as the other thumb controls, pushing the original cluster further back. This change left the first thumb button, designated MB4, difficult to press without stretching. Purewal described the overall thumb cluster as feeling slightly off, even after remapping.

Despite the layout complaints, the hardware performance has improved. The black version weighs 3.53 ounces, a drop of nearly half an ounce from the 3.95-ounce predecessor. The battery now lasts 200 hours at a 1,000 Hz polling rate, up from 150 hours on the previous model. At the maximum 8,000 Hz rate, that figure drops to 54 hours. The device uses a Focus Pro 50K optical sensor capable of 50,000 DPI and connects via 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, or USB-C.

The launch includes the Mouse Dock V2 Pro, priced separately at $69.99. This accessory provides wireless charging and houses an 8,000 Hz receiver. The main box contains a USB-A dongle, an adapter, and a 6-foot braided cable, but it does not include Razer's HyperFlex cables or grip tape. The switch mechanism is rated for 100 million clicks and showed no double-clicks during testing.

Razer positions the Basilisk V4 Pro as a middle-ground option between the DeathAdder V4 Pro and the Naga V3 Pro. It targets players who want more functionality than a basic shooter mouse but do not require the button-heavy design of an MMO-focused device. The company says the shape suits competitive shooters and MMOs alike, though the review suggests it may not be ideal for top-level professional play due to its size.

The AI button remains the most debated feature. Purewal questioned whether a dedicated hardware key for AI prompts is necessary on every mouse and keyboard. The default function allows users to open a prompt window instantly, but the physical placement requires a shift in hand positioning. For buyers who prioritize the 200-hour battery and the 100-gram weight reduction, the trade-off may be acceptable. For those who rely heavily on the thumb buttons for in-game actions, the new arrangement presents a tangible ergonomic hurdle.