Razer DeathAdder Essential Master Guide
Introduction
The Razer DeathAdder Essential is an essential gaming mouse designed to kickstart a proper gaming rig. It features a True 6,400 DPI optical sensor for fast and precise swipes, an ergonomic form for extended gaming sessions, and 5 Hyperesponse buttons rated for up to 10 million clicks.
Package Contents and System Requirements
Package Contents
- Razer DeathAdder Essential mouse
- Important Product Information Guide
System Requirements
Hardware Requirements
- PC with a free USB port
Razer Synapse 3 Requirements
- Windows® 7 64-bit (or higher)
- Internet connection
- 500 MB of free hard disk space
Registration and Technical Support
Registration
Register your product online at razerid.razer.com/warranty to get real-time information on your product's warranty status. Register now at razerid.razer.com to get a wide range of Razer benefits.
Product Identification
The mouse diagram shows the top and bottom views. The serial number (S/N) can be found on the bottom of the device.
Technical Support
- 2 years limited manufacturer's warranty.
- Free online technical support is available at support.razer.com.
Technical Specifications
Technical Specifications
- True 6,400 DPI optical sensor
- Up to 220 inches per second (IPS) / 30 G acceleration
- Five independently programmable Hyperesponse buttons
- Razer™ Mechanical Mouse Switches with 10 million-click life cycle
- Gaming-grade tactile scroll wheel
- Ergonomic right-handed design
- 1000 Hz Ultrapolling
- Single-color green lighting
- Razer Synapse 3 (Beta) enabled
Approximate Size & Weight
- Length: 127 mm / 5.0 in
- Width: 73.0 mm / 2.90 in
- Height: 43.0 mm / 1.70 in
- Weight: 96 g / 0.21 lbs
- Cable Length: 2.1 m / 6.89 ft
Device Layout
The Razer DeathAdder Essential features a symmetrical design with buttons and features labeled as follows:
- A. Left mouse button: The primary click button.
- B. Right mouse button: The secondary click button.
- C. Scroll wheel: For scrolling and middle clicking.
- D. Mouse button 5: Typically used for back navigation in browsers.
- E. Mouse button 4: Typically used for forward navigation in browsers.
- F. True 6,400 DPI optical sensor: Located on the underside of the mouse.
- G. Ultraslick mouse feet: Located on the bottom for smooth gliding.
Installing Razer Synapse 3
To install Razer Synapse 3 for your Razer DeathAdder Essential:
- Step 1: Ensure your Razer device is connected to a USB port on your computer.
- Step 2: Install Razer Synapse 3 when prompted, or download the installer from razer.com/synapse.
- Step 3: Create your Razer ID or log in using an existing account. (This step is applicable for Windows 8 or later.)
Configuring Razer Synapse 3
Razer Synapse 3 allows extensive customization of your Razer DeathAdder Essential. The following sections detail the available tabs and their functions.
Dashboard
The Dashboard is the default tab upon launching Razer Synapse 3. It provides an overview of your Razer devices, installed modules, and online services. You can access modules like Macro, Beta Feedback, Register Your Razer Product Warranty, View Compatible Devices, Visit Razer Store, and Razer Game Store from here.
Mouse Tab - Customize
The Mouse tab is the primary interface for customizing your DeathAdder Essential. The Customize subtab allows you to remap buttons, assign functions, and utilize Hypershift mode.
Button Assignments
The Customize subtab displays a visual representation of the mouse. You can click on each button (Left Click, Scroll Click, Mouse Button 5, Mouse Button 4, Right Click, Scroll Up, Scroll Down) to assign a new function. Options include Default, Keyboard Function, Mouse Function, Sensitivity, Macro, Switch Profile, Razer Hypershift, Launch Program, Multimedia, Windows Shortcuts, Text Function, and Disable.
Hypershift
Hypershift mode provides a secondary set of button assignments. By default, it is activated by the FN key on a Razer Synapse 3 supported keyboard, but any mouse button can be assigned as the Hypershift key.
Function Types
Default
Resets the mouse button to its original setting.
Keyboard Function
Assigns a keyboard key function. Turbo mode can be enabled to emulate repeated key presses.
Mouse Function
Assigns another mouse function. Available functions include Left Click, Right Click, Scroll Click, Double Click, Mouse Button 4 (Backward), Mouse Button 5 (Forward), Scroll Up, Scroll Down, Scroll Left, Scroll Right, Repeat Scroll Up, and Repeat Scroll Down. Turbo mode can also be enabled for some mouse functions.
Sensitivity
Allows manipulation of the DPI setting. Options include Sensitivity Clutch (changes to a predefined DPI when held), Sensitivity Stage Up/Down (cycles through 5 stages), and On-The-Fly Sensitivity (adjusts DPI using the scroll wheel).
Macro
Assigns a prerecorded sequence of keystrokes and button presses for complex command execution.
Switch Profile
Enables quick switching between different button assignment profiles.
Razer Hypershift
Activates Hypershift mode when the assigned button is held down.
Launch Program
Opens an application or website. Users can search for an app or enter a website address.
Multimedia
Assigns multimedia controls such as Volume Down/Up, Mute Volume, Mic Volume Up/Down, Mute Mic, Mute All, Play/Pause, Previous Track, and Next Track.
Windows Shortcuts
Assigns mouse buttons to Windows Operating System shortcut commands. For more information, visit support.microsoft.com/kb/126449.
Text Function
Types a prewritten text with a button press, supporting Unicode and special characters.
Disable
Renders the assigned key unusable.
Mouse Tab - Performance
The Performance subtab allows adjustment of sensitivity, acceleration, and polling rate.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity refers to cursor travel distance based on mouse movement. Higher DPI means longer cursor travel for the same physical movement. Users can create up to 5 different sensitivity stages and cycle through them.
Polling Rate
The polling rate determines how often the computer receives status updates from the mouse. Options include 125Hz (8ms), 500Hz (2ms), and 1000Hz (1ms).
Mouse Properties
Access to Windows Mouse Properties for OS-level settings that affect the mouse.
Mouse Tab - Lighting
The Lighting subtab controls the device's light settings.
Brightness
Toggle or adjust the luminance of the device's lighting using a slider.
Switch Off Lighting
A power-saving feature that disables lighting when the system display turns off or the mouse is idle.
Effects
Allows selection of lighting effects. Currently supported effects include:
- Breathing: Lighting fades in and out, selectable up to 2 colors or randomized.
- Static: LEDs remain lit in the selected color.
Profiles Tab
The Profiles tab is for managing profiles and linking them to games and applications. The Devices subtab shows which profile is active for each Razer device. New profiles can be created, renamed, duplicated, or deleted. Profiles can be set to auto-activate when specific applications are launched via the Link Games option.
Linked Games Subtab
This subtab allows adding games, viewing peripherals linked to games, and searching for added games. Games can be sorted by alphabetical order, last played, or most played. Added games remain listed even if not linked to a Razer device.
Macros Tab
The Macros tab is for creating, editing, and organizing macros, which are prerecorded sequences of keystrokes, button presses, and cursor movements. Macros can be assigned to mouse buttons. Macros can be shared using import and export functions.
Creating and Editing Macros
To create a macro, select a name, click Record, assign a shortcut key, set delay options, and choose whether to include mouse movement tracking. Click START to begin recording and STOP to end. Commands can be edited individually, with options to adjust delay, change actions, and modify the total macro duration.
Key Binds
View the Shortcut Keys assigned to a selected macro.
Properties
Edit individual commands, adjust delays, change actions, and modify the total macro duration for faster or slower execution.
Settings Window
The Settings window allows configuration of startup behavior, language, viewing the master guide, and performing factory resets.
General Tab
Change software display language, start-up behavior, or view the master guide for connected Razer devices.
Reset Tab
Perform a factory reset on devices with on-board memory. Profiles on the selected device will be erased. For devices without on-board memory, a new profile with default settings is created.
About Tab
Displays software information, copyright statement, terms of use, and provides links for software updates and Razer's social communities.
Safety and Maintenance
Safety Guidelines
- To ensure maximum safety, follow these guidelines.
- If troubleshooting fails, unplug the device and contact Razer support at support.razer.com.
- Do not disassemble the device, as this voids the warranty. Do not operate under abnormal current loads.
- Keep the device away from liquid, humidity, or moisture. Operate within the temperature range of 0°C (32°F) to 40°C (104°F). If the temperature exceeds this range, unplug or switch off the device to stabilize.
Comfort Guidelines
- Position your keyboard and monitor directly in front of you, with the mouse next to it. Keep elbows close to your side and keyboard within easy reach.
- Adjust chair and table height so the keyboard and mouse are at or below elbow-height.
- Keep feet supported, posture straight, and shoulders relaxed.
- During gameplay, keep your wrist straight and relaxed. Avoid prolonged bending, extending, or twisting of hands.
- Do not rest wrists on hard surfaces for extended periods; use a wrist rest.
- Customize keyboard keys to minimize repetitive or awkward motions.
- Avoid sitting in the same position all day; stand up, move, and stretch arms, shoulders, neck, and legs regularly.
Maintenance and Use
The Razer DeathAdder Essential requires minimal maintenance. Once a month, unplug the device and clean it with a soft cloth or cotton swab and warm water to prevent dirt buildup. Avoid soap or harsh cleaning agents.
For optimal performance, Razer recommends using a premium mouse mat from Razer, as some surfaces can cause undue wear on the mouse feet. The sensor is tuned and optimized for Razer mouse mats.
Legalese
Copyright and Intellectual Property Information
©2018 Razer Inc. All rights reserved. Razer, the triple-headed snake logo, Razer logo, "For Gamers. By Gamers.", and "Powered by Razer Chroma" are trademarks or registered trademarks of Razer Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. Windows and the Windows logo are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Razer Inc. may hold intellectual property rights concerning the product. This guide does not grant licenses to these rights. The product may differ from images. Razer is not responsible for differences or errors.
Limited Product Warranty
For the latest terms of the Limited Product Warranty, please visit razer.com/warranty.
Limitation of Liability
Razer is not liable for lost profits, data loss, or incidental/consequential damages arising from product use. Razer's liability is limited to the retail purchase price of the product.
General
These terms are governed by the laws of the jurisdiction where the product was purchased. Invalid terms will be excluded without affecting the remaining terms. Razer reserves the right to amend terms without notice.