Patriot Viper V570 Blackout Edition: This MMO Mouse is a Winner

When it comes to mice and keyboards I am picky and hard to impress.  So when Patriot sent me a Viper V570 I approached it with a professional sort of skepticism.  I’ve come to love my SteelSeries mouse so I was shocked to see how quickly I fell in love with the V570.  If you’re on the hunt for a new mouse and want an edge in both FPS and MMO type games you should do yourself a favor and check out this review.

Aesthetics

Patriot was kind enough to send me the Blackout version of the mouse; something I’m incredibly grateful for as it’s much more in keeping with my personal taste than the standard V570.  My first impression upon plugging the mouse in was how tasteful the RGB was.  it wasn’t in your face and added a great touch to the otherwise jet black plastics.  With multiple RGB zones you are able to customize all the lighting as you see fit, including the profile indicator next to the button below the mouse wheel.

Ergonomics

Aside from looking great, the V570 feels great in my hand. Left handed users should pass as the design is clearly intended for right handed gamers. The buttons are easy to reach with your index fingers and thumbs and do not require any finger gymnastics to get to the button you want.  My absolute favorite feature is the adjustable weight. When you open the box you’ll see a small puck that opens up to reveal small weights. Peel the top off the mouse to reveal 6 slots to add up to 34.2g of weight (each weight is 5.7 grams).  I was able to get the mouse to feel exactly right while moving it around the mouse pad.  I can’t stress how much I didn’t know I needed this feature in a mouse.

Tech Specs

• Xtreme Precision Laser Sensor (8,000DPI / 12,000 DPI w/ software)
• 150 IPS (Inches Per Second)
• 1000Hz Polling rate
• Omron Switch (10 Million Clicks)
• Multi-Zone Customizable RGB (multiple profiles with software)
• 13 Programmable macro keys
• Ceramic foot pads for smooth movement
• Adjustable weight (up to 34.2 grams)
• 6 foot USB cable
• Zero Delay
• 6990 bytes of in-mouse memory

Software

Even the world’s best mouse can be ruined by the world’s worst software, and I’m happy to report that the Viper software isn’t terrible; in fact, it’s quite good. On first opening it, you are presented with a virtual map of all your mouse buttons along with their bindings  You can click on any given button and be presented with an extensive list of how you want to map the button (mouse bindings, keyboard bindings, etc), including macro options.  Macros are saved in the 6990 bytes of mouse memory.  The macro recorder is impressive in itself with the ability to record keystrokes and even delays.  So if there is some borderline-cheating type activities you are trying to get done in an MMO that require delayed actions (*cough* fishing *cough*), it looks like it can be automated with ease. 

The software also lets you adjust the sensitivity of the sensor for four different settings which can be scrolled through at the click of a button.  Each has a slider for both the x-axis and y-axis, allowing you to adjust them together or independently of each other.  This is the first mouse I’ve seen that allows this leveling adjustment.  I personally can’t think of a reason to have the x and y axis different sensitivities, but to each their own I suppose. 

As mentioned before you can save up to four profiles.  Each profile can be color coated, which will cause the on-mouse profile indicator to appear in that color.  The profile will save your entire mouse setup, from bindings and macros to your RGB preference.  Being able to change profiles on the fly without mucking around in software is a huge bonus but if you don’t mind switching with the software you can bind whatever you want to the profile switching button.

If you’re expecting an elaborate experience with your RGB settings prepare to be disappointed.  You are given the option of a couple of presets: wave, inverse wave, two random options, and a ‘customized’.  The customized is where the software really shines, allowing you to change each RGB zone on the mouse.  You can create some really cool effects this way, but I found myself wishing I could edit the color spectrum for the different wave presets.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a versatile gamer that enjoys rounds of Overwatch or PUBG as much as WoW raids or GW2, you will be hard pressed to find a better mouse for yourself.  I’ve used everything from the Razer Naga to the Corsair Vengeance M65 and after only two weeks I know the Patriot Viper V570 is going to be my daily driver.  I fully plan on using the mouse until it breaks and unless they are discontinued will likely buy another.  One note though: I strongly recommend getting the Blackout version because, as stated before, the red buttons limit the aesthetics afforded by the RGB.

Pros

• Feels natural in your hand
• Easy to reach buttons
• Custom weight system

Cons

• Not suited for smaller hands
• Right and left buttons are a little sensitive
• Profile LEDs are only static colors