The nitwit who thought that updating firmware on a mouse was a good thing should be kicked in the groin. Hard. Updating firmware is a necessary evil that’s only acceptable for complex devices whose functionality need change over time, not simple devices like a mouse.

It’s a good thing Razer included the ability to update the firmware, though, because out of the box, the mouse just ain’t right. Using the shipping firmware, you have to unplug and reconnect the mouse every time you power on your computer, to get the device working.

After a firmware update, the mouse still isn’t recognized by Razer’s configuration software when there’s more than one mouse connected to the PC, but at least Windows detects it without any shenanigans.

Performance is virtually identical to the Logitech G5. Tracking proved razor-sharp on every surface we tested, including surfaces such as glass and black metal, which would make most optical mice beg for mercy. And we like Razer’s sensitivity-shifting software much better than its previous attempts. Instead of scrolling the mouse wheel to determine sensitivity—which sounds like a good idea on paper, but doesn’t work well in practice because it’s difficult to hit the setting you expect—the Copperhead has a series of detents at different sensitivities.

We’re not thrilled with the physical shape of this mouse. While we appreciate that it’s ambidextrous, and we like the oversize main buttons, we wish the “thumb” buttons on either side were placed higher on the mouse, so as to be more easy to use, particularly by the pinky and ring finger.

You can purchase the ProTools kit to add weight to your Copperhead, but the kit costs extra, and using it voids your warranty.
-Will Smith

Month Reviewed: December 2005

+ MICE: Great tracking; nice ambidextrous design and sensitivity adjustment.

- RATS: Adding weight voids warranty; firmware update required; no tilt wheel.

Verdict: 3

www.razerzone.com

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