Razer Viper vs. Viper Mini: Which should you buy?

Razer Viper
Razer Viper (Image credit: Windows Central)

Ultimately, the standard Razer Viper should be what most people opt for since it's got a more comfortable grip, a size that suits the average person better, and an optical sensor that has a higher possible DPI. However, people who have smaller hands or want to save money will love the Razer Viper Mini for its smaller form factor and less expensive cost.

Razer Viper vs. Viper Mini: Standardized or specialized?

Razer Viper Mini

Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central)

In most ways, these two mice are incredibly similar. Both the Razer Viper and the Viper Mini have near-identical ambidextrous designs, and both mice also have equally accurate optical sensors that are top-notch quality. Also, they both are incredibly durable and are rated for 50 million clicks, and they both can be purchased in a wired or wireless configuration. Another feature the two mice share is extra programmable buttons. These are very useful for games where you need to quickly swap items or execute multiple actions in a pinch. However, it should be noted that the Razer Viper has eight programmable buttons compared to the Viper Mini's six.

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Header Cell - Column 0 Razer ViperRazer Viper Mini
Optical sensor16,000 DPI8,500 DPI
Programmable buttons86
Connection methodWired or Wireless (USB dongle)Wired or Wireless (USB dongle)
RGB lighting supportYesYes
AmbidextrousYesYes
Textured gripYesNo
Weight69g61g
Price$60$40

The differences between the two mice mainly come down to DPI maximums, sizing, grip comfort, and price. The Razer Viper has a higher max DPI of 16,000, which will make it more attractive to players who want to have higher DPI settings. On top of this, the size of the Razer Viper is designed to suit the average player, making it the better choice for most gamers. The textured side grips of the Viper also contribute to the mouse's increased comfort compared to the Viper Mini.

It's important to remember, however, that the Viper Mini isn't designed to be for the average player. Instead, it's supposed to be a specialized option for people who have smaller-than-average hands. For these folks, the Razer Viper Mini will be a clear choice. The Viper Mini is also 33% less expensive than the standard Razer Viper, making it an attractive option for people on a budget.

Razer Viper vs. Viper Mini: Which should you buy?

Razer Viper Mini

Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central)

Ultimately, the choice between the Razer Viper or the Razer Viper Mini should mainly be determined by the size of your hands. If you have "normal" sized hands and you want the mouse that will suit you the best, get the Razer Viper, as its standardized size, textured grip, two extra programmable buttons, and higher DPI optical sensor make it the overall best choice. However, don't shy away from opting for the Razer Viper Mini if you have small hands or want to save some money, as it's still a very comfortable mouse to use in its own right and is considerably less expensive as well.

Brendan Lowry

Brendan Lowry is a Windows Central writer and Oakland University graduate with a burning passion for video games, of which he's been an avid fan since childhood. He's been writing for Team WC since the summer of 2017, and you'll find him doing news, editorials, reviews, and general coverage on everything gaming, Xbox, and Windows PC. His favorite game of all time is probably NieR: Automata, though Elden Ring, Fallout: New Vegas, and Team Fortress 2 are in the running, too. When he's not writing or gaming, there's a good chance he's either watching an interesting new movie or TV show or actually going outside for once. Follow him on X (Twitter).