Razer Viper Mini: At 61 grams, this is one of the lightest gaming mice ever made

It’s perfect for people with small hands and for children getting their first gaming mouse. Just be wary of the budget sensor.

- HAYDEN DINGMAN

When I picked up the box, I thought it was empty. That’s how light Razer’s Viper Mini is, the latest mouse to vie for the featherweight crown. Coming in at a mere 61 grams, or 2.1 ounces, it feels less like a mouse and more like a prototype, an empty plastic shell. It’s hard to believe there’s actual hardware under the hood—and yet it’s a proper gaming mouse.

And in this case, small size is paired with a similarly small price tag. The Viper Mini can be yours for just $40. That had us asking, “What’s the catch?” Is there a catch? Read on to find out.

TINY TERROR

Okay, caveat number one: It’s very small. Obviously that’s by design. It’s the Razer Viper Mini. I am not a small person though, and I find the Viper Mini too narrow for all-day use. The original Viper’s faux-ambidextrous (symmetrical, but not intended for left-hand use) chassis measured approximately 2.6 inches left-to-right. The Viper Mini is just over 2 inches across. It’s enough of a difference that I find not just my pinky but my entire ring finger dragging across the mousepad.

The Viper Mini is shorter too, at 4.6 inches to the original’s 4.9. Nevertheless, it’s the width that causes me the most trouble. It’s comfortable enough in short bursts, but after an hour or so my hand starts to cramp.