We received a A Lachesis that glows in white, but of course, the usual blue glow version is also available.

New mouse, new tricks

• 4000dpi Razer Precision 3G Laser™ sensor
• 32KB Razer Synapse™ onboard memory
• Nine independently programmable Hyperesponse™ buttons
• 1000Hz Ultrapolling / 1ms response time
• On-The-Fly Sensitivity™ adjustment
• Variable true dpi setting adjustments in increments of 125dpi
• Always-On™ mode
• Ultra-large non-slip buttons
• 16-bit ultra-wide data path
• 60-100 inches per second*
• Ambidextrous design
• Scroll wheel with 24 individual click positions
• Zero-acoustic Ultraslick™ Teflon feet
• Gold-plated USB connector
• Seven-foot, lightweight, non-tangle cord
• Approximate size: 129mm (length) x 71mm (width) x 40mm (height)

Design & Ergonomics

The Razer logo fades in and out during use.

As with most of Razer's offerings, the Lachesis is shaped symmetrically and therefore, suitable for use by both left and right handed users. The familiar satin black rubberised coating found on buttons previously now extends throughout the entire top of the mouse and the side buttons as well. This allows for front buttons that have a lot less play than in previous Razer mice, making it feel more well-built. Unlike previously Razer mice however, the Lachesis now sports an additional 2 buttons on the top for quick stepped-adjustments of the operating resolution.
With a raised arch on the rear and a narrower center, the mouse is intended to be gripped with the thumb and last finger around the mid-section and the wrist resting on the table. This method utilizes small movements of the wrist to invoke cursor movements.
Indeed, with a maximum resolution of 4,000DPI, it would be hard to rest the entire palm on the mouse and keep it stable unless you possess a Vulcan death-grip. During testing, I found it hard to use the mouse in such a manner and it seems that the mouse would be more apt for users with smaller palms. Otherwise, it would be wise to reduce the operating resolution or the cursor would be flying off the screen everytime it's lifted and repositioned.

Technology

Copperhead sensor (Left) and Lachesis 3G sensor (Right)

The sensor on the Lachesis looks orange-yellow as compared to the Agilent sensor on the Copperhead. However, this is not an effect of visible light emitted by the sensor; it is simply some form of coating on the lens. Aside from offering a whopping 4,000DPI of resolution, this sensor also allows for 60-100 inches-per-second of tracking speed. This means better tracking for those hard and fast swipes you make whilst gaming. Some of you are probably wondering what the "Always-on" feature is; Put simply, it just means that Razer has, unlike other manufacturers, opt not to switch the sensor off to save power. This removes the lag from switching the sensor on from idle mode. Lets take a look at the mouse from more angles before we move on to the software settings.

Software Settings

The usual suspects and more greet you in the first screen.

Set buttons to load pre-set DPI settings (Blue) and turn off the lights if they bother you (Red).

Once the software and drivers are installed, you will find the capability to adjust what each of the 9 buttons do and more. Users can easily adjust the USB polling rate without resorting to registry hacks, the sensitivity (both Windows and mouse sensor) and acceleration from the first screen as well. Remember those two buttons on the top of the mouse? Well, you can actually set them to give you fixed DPI settings rather than to mindlessly reduce/ increment DPI. This can be manually set in 150DPI intervals via the small grey arrows at the bottom left. If your workstation is also your gaming rig, this can be a godsend. Press one button to set a lower DPI setting for use in applications, press the other for that extra edge when you're gaming. Should you sleep in the same room as your computer, you will be glad to note that Razer has included the option to turn off the scrollwheel light and/ or the Logo backlight so that it will not bother you.

Macros

Up to 5 profiles can be saved in the Synapse memory.

For each button, there is a drop-down box to assign functions to the button; select "Advance Function" and a panel pops out on the right allowing you to choose "Single Key" or "Macro". The former is self-explanatory whilst the latter makes things much more interesting. Macros are basically scripted keystrokes in sequence that run when the selected button is depressed. Razer has even included the ability to insert a 50ms delay as and when required. You no longer need to be Dr. Octopus to lay down those combo-moves in games once you have programmed the keys on the mouse. Take note that most professional competitions do not allow macro functions to be used. For online gaming however, all is fair play. Go ahead, program that Dota finishing move on one of the buttons and start pwning someone's ass. Well, some of us play more than one game, so where does that leave us?  Pretty much safe in fact. Razer's onboard Synapse memory allows for up to 5 sets of settings to be stored and retrieved easily.

Conclusion

During the testing, the 4,000DPI setting of the mouse made it almost unusable on a 17" LCD monitor. That said, I would not go as far as to say that Razer has gone over the top with trying to clinch the title for the fastest rodent on the market. In fact, I can see the potential in the mouse when hardcore gamers go all out at full-resolution gaming on a 24" or even a 30" widescreen LCD. That, is where the higher resolution of the Lachesis would start to shine. Of course, one can always throttle down the DPI settings for use on smaller screens. Afterall, if it can handle 4,000DPI with such ease, 1,800DPI or so would be a walk in the park for the mouse. After all, having more when you don't need it is better than having less when you need it.

In terms of ergonomics, the Lachesis is a hit-and-miss affair. Everyone has palms of different shapes and sizes so there is never a mouse to fit all hands. Personally, my palm is large enough to comfortably fit one of the largest mouse in the market, the Razer Boomslang 2100 and Boomslang CE 2007 (BTW, both are paid for out of my pocket). I found the Lachesis a little too small for me but users should try out the ergonomics before buying the mouse. Fortunately for south-paws, the mouse is symmetrical and so it is not restricted to right-handers like the Deathadder.

In terms of features, the capability to program macros across yet more buttons and also pre-set DPI switching are a boon to any user who switches constantly between games and applications. Being able to turn off the lights on the mouse is also very useful for those times when they get irritating (in particular, the fading logo backlight).

In conclusion, the Lachesis is arguably an upgrade over the previous offerings from Razer. Whilst it may not seem usable, the sensor can be switched to lower resolutions for those on smaller screens whilst those with large LCD's can make use of the full 4,000DPI. Breaking away from the old Viper/ Diamondback shape, the Lachesis might fit those who have had issues with the former. The verdict? Try it out at the nearest shop and see if it fits your palm.

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