There are so many flavors of gaming mice that picking the right one is a pretty daunting task. Getting the newest isn’t always the best choice, even with the advances in laser tech, Teflon coating, or comfortable design. Buying older models is equally frustrating, with so many people happy with the ones they have. Razer sells nine different mice, so the company knows what it means to match an individual’s personal preference. And the Taipan does that exceptionally well. Finding the best gaming mouse requires time and patience, but it is out there.
The Razer Taipan marries together comfortable ambidextrous design with the most sensitive laser and some of the smoothest mouse movement I’ve ever tested. This 9-button completely programmable gaming mouse was a unique experience for me to test, because for the first four days I had to adjust to the smoothness of the Teflon-coated feet, which just felt too fast. As a mouse that tracks up to 8200 dpi (that’s essentially four times as much as anyone truly needs), I couldn’t tell if the laser was just too sensitive or if the feet were too smooth.
Related: If you like this ambidextrous mouse, you might be interested in our Razer Lachesis review.
It ended up being the latter, but after a few days of getting used to the Taipan I was blasting away, in standard computer applications and games. The level of comfort is uncommon for an ambidextrous mouse, a serious problem in the past that several mouse makers have finally gotten around to correcting. So whether you’re right or left handed, the Taipan will feel great in the hand; tight, easy to control with a claw or palm grip, and studded for a strong grip.
Let’s talk about the sensor. I’ve found it to be very accurate, but way over the top. I say this in nearly every gaming mouse review; the dots per inch count was high at 6200/6300. At 8200, there’s just no point. 8200 dpi is for controlling NASA’s launch TVs, where there’s something like 100,000 pixels across and 60,000 pixels down on dozens of displays. On my three monitors, I find 4000 to be excessive even if I need to fly the mouse across the screen. So what the hell is anyone going to do with 8200 dpi? I can only imagine that it’s for the laziest gamers ever, who now play with such slight twitch controls that they don’t even noticeably move their hands. I mean, why bother moving at all?
Related: Need a good mousepad? Check out our Razer Vespula Mass Effect Edition review.
The good thing about such a powerfully sensitive laser is that it performs well at lower levels, so there’s no real complaint about it. It has a nice lightweight design, one that’s comfortable to move and isn’t overwhelming for hours of gaming or use. The matte finish is also very easy to grip for long periods. And if you’re the kind of person who really grips the life out of their mice, then the Taipan will work well for you because it has rubberized thumb rests for trip, on both sides.
Nine programmable buttons can be fully customized, which is standard for Razer’s mice. What is new is the ability to store profiles for button programming, as well as laser sensitivity, online using the company’s Synapse 2.0 system. It also downloads driver updates straight to the mouse, so you don’t have to worry about having additional software on your computer, something that both pro gamers and, well, anyone tired of installing new software constantly, hates with a passion. I certainly do, so this feature is very appealing.
The Taipan is a very appealing mouse. It’s easy to grip, tracks very precisely, eliminates sweat thanks to how it’s designed and textured, and works for both right and left handed players without sacrificing comfort or looks. After getting through the break-in period, the Taipan turned out to be one of the best mice I’ve ever used, both for everyday use and gaming. It isn’t as comfortable as one-sided mice like Logitech’s G700 or a long-time classic, the SteelSeries Ikari Laser, but it is at the top for ambidextrous designs. I highly recommend it.
Editor’s Rating:
[Rating: 4.5]
Excellent
Bottom Line: A great gaming mouse that’s very fast, very light, and for right and left handed players
Pros:
- Extremely smooth movement
- Superbly sensitive laser
- Surprisingly comfortable for an ambidextrous mouse
- Completely programmable
Cons:
- Not as comfortable as one-handed mice
- Occasionally easy to accidentally hit the wrong side’s mouse buttons
