The Razer Pro Click lineup is focused on work rather than play, and among the recent additions to the series is the Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition. If the name doesn’t already make it obvious, this is a vertical mouse. Of course, there is the more conventional version, though we’ve already covered it a while back.
But going back to this variant, it’s Razer’s first attempt at releasing a vertical mouse. And for a pioneer product, it’s hard to deny that it does a decent job. I say decent because it has made a few odd design choices that detract from the mouse’s functionality.
What Am I Looking At?
Vertical mice undeniably look strange, and the Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition can be described as an oddly angular blob. Beyond that, you get your usual left-click and right-click buttons, a scroll wheel cum middle mouse button, two side buttons, and another one for adjusting the DPI. The underside of the mouse is where you’ll find the toggle for Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connections.
The left side of the mouse has a textured surface, while the other side is smooth, with an obvious seam splitting the two halves. The right side of the mouse also gets a slightly flared base for support and comfort. Also worth noting is that this is a pretty heavy mouse.
And because this is Razer we’re talking about, the mouse gets the RGB underglow one would normally associate with gaming peripherals. It only takes up a tiny sliver of the mouse, so it’s pretty unobtrusive if you’re the type to get distracted by the shinies. But with that in mind, it does feel like the lights are only there to add a pop of colour to an otherwise almost all-black mouse.
What’s Good About It?
Of course, the main draw of a vertical mouse is its ergonomic design. The vertical orientation puts less strain on your wrist as it makes you adopt a more natural handshake grip. It does take some getting used to if you’re unfamiliar with this type of mouse, but after that, it’s definitely more comfortable over extended periods.
Moreover, the lip on the right side of the mouse provides support for your hand, so you don’t end up dragging your pinky across the table when you’re moving it around. Speaking of which, the mouse glides pretty smoothly on most surfaces. It’s also pretty precise, making it ideal for tasks that demand pixel-level accuracy.
While the Pro series was designed with productivity in mind, Razer does mention gaming as one of the uses for this mouse, so naturally I had to give it a go. Again, you do need to get used to the unconventional form factor, but gaming is surprisingly doable and, dare I say, comfortable. By that, it certainly keeps up with fast-paced action, and long gaming sessions don’t leave you with an aching wrist.
What’s The Catch?
For starters, the size and placement of the thumb buttons make it pretty easy to accidentally click on them by accident, especially when moving your hand quickly. I am also not a fan of the texture on the mouse. Sure, it feels kind of nice to the touch, but it’s definitely a magnet for dirt and grime. Moreover, the seam where the two halves meet is slightly pointy, so it digs into your palm a bit when you hold it.
Furthermore, if you keep the RGB lights running, you can expect a much shorter battery life than the six months advertised. It lasted a little more than two and a half weeks before needing a charge, so I’d recommend keeping the lights off if you want the mouse to last.
Should I Buy It?
At RM589, it is pretty hard to recommend the Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition if you’re just looking for an ergonomic mouse for work purpose, given the other options out in the market, and for considerably less to boot. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a gaming mouse, there are also plenty of those available, although they typically don’t come in the vertical variety.
While I do like this mouse, it does feel like it currently fills a fairly uncommon niche. That said, if you do game regularly, you should at least give this mouse a try. Your wrist will thank you for it.