14 DAY TRIAL // The sequel to the Naga Pro, Razer’s take on the MMO (massively multiplayer online) mice, does bring a few significant upgrades over the original. The most important one is the new Focus Pro sensor that provides much higher DPI (Dots Per Inch) than the original Naga mouse.
But let’s start with the outside, which didn’t change much. In fact, Razer’s Naga V2 Pro looks pretty much the same as the predecessor, it's just a bit smaller and heavier. The biggest thing that sets the Naga V2 Pro apart from other regular mice are the three side plates that feature multiple customizable buttons to help players react faster in MMO and MOBA games.
The standard plate features two programmable buttons and isn’t something to brag about since it’s embedded in 99% of the mice coming out these days. However, the other two side plates completely change the Naga V2 Pro’s target. The 6-button plate that can be easily etched to the left side of the mouse is a dream come true for World of Warcraft fans and players of other MMORPG or MOBA.
The six programmable buttons on the left side are easily clickable and just enough to provide players with all the options they need when it comes to shortcuts. But wait, there’s more! The 12-button plate is made for players with great muscle memory who want to have every action in their favorite games tied to the mouse.
While this is certainly a great feature for those who find that the 6-button plate is not enough for their gaming needs, it will take time to get used to the layout. Memorizing each shortcut tied to all 12 buttons might be the easier step to being successful in MMO, but you’ll also need to learn be very precise in the heat of the action and press the right button.
Because plates are the same size, the 12 buttons are smaller than the ones on the 6-button plate, so it’s harder to press the one you need. Still, the modular plates are something that set the Naga V2 Pro apart from the competition and having the feature cover more options for customers was a great decision from Razer’s part. The bottom line is if you can’t get used to the 12-button plate, you have two other options that will augment your gaming experience.
Swapping the plates is seamless thanks to the magnetic inserts that make it easier to lock these into their specific place. Because there’s enough space, the 2-button and 6-button plates feature a textured grip just under the buttons.
Still on the outside, but on the bottom of the mouse, there are two switches that toggle between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless connections and your profiles set in the Razer Synapse app. The biggest thing on the bottom of the Naga V2 Pro, and a premier for the series, is a charging slot that allows the mouse to be charged using the Razer Mouse Dock Pro.
The Naga V2 Pro promises to offer up to 300 hours of battery life, or 150 hours when used with a 2.4GHz connection. These are superior numbers in comparison with the original Naga (up to 150 hours on Bluetooth and up to 100 hours on Razer Hyperspeed Wireless), at least on paper.
Moving on to the insides of the mouse, the Naga V2 Pro benefits from Razer’s 30,000 dpi optical sensor, a new wheel, as well as optical button switches. Not to mention that the mouse supports the company’s latest Hyperpolling dongle, which should make the mouse sensor refresh its position 1,000 times per second. Basically, this means that Hyperpolling dongle should easily reach a polling rate of 4,000 Hz. Combined with Razer’s HyperSpeed wireless connection, the technology should drastically cut latency and response lag, the main problem for MMO players.
The new wheel embedded into the Naga V2 Pro provides several new options for players. It comes by default with five presets, each with their own scroll-wheel haptics. The presets have one slot for custom scroll-wheel profile in case you want to use your own.
Conclusion
Design-wise, Razer’s MMO mouse is quite compact and heavy enough to feel great while using it. I didn’t quite like the fact that it’s a bit small (and my hands are normal size), but that’s something that you probably get used to with time.
If you’re a MMORPG/MOBA player who loves customizing their experience, Razer’s Naga V2 Pro is a no brainer, just make sure you add $30 to the spending budget for the Hyperpolling dongle, which is sold separately.
Review sample provided by Razer.
