Razer Raiju V3 Pro Review
The competitive controller market is getting crowded. Victrix, Sony, and Xbox (to name a few) all deliver high-end controllers with all the bells and whistles you could ever want. Razer is no slouch either. They are heavy hitters when it comes to high-end gamepads. The Raiju V3 Pro is Razer’s latest premium esports controller designed specifically for the PlayStation 5.
Created with input from pro gamers and licensed for PS5, this controller targets competitive players who demand the best. While it comes with a hefty price tag and a few notable omissions, its features and build quality make it a rock-solid option for folks looking to up their controller game.
Lightweight and Comfortable Design
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Raiju V3 Pro is how light it feels. It makes my Xbox Elite controller feel like a tank. This thing is incredibly light and feels great in hand. Despite being packed with advanced components and customization options, the controller maintains a surprisingly lightweight form factor. This makes it ideal for those long gaming sessions.
The balance between build quality and portability is impressive. Out of the box, you also get a premium carrying case. First impressions were already high with a controller that looks and feels great, and the case only reinforces its tournament-ready design. Whether you’re heading to an esports event, LAN party, or just want a slick way to store your gear, the case adds a layer of convenience and protection.
Precision Control with Symmetrical TMR Thumbsticks
The Raiju V3 Pro’s symmetrical TMR (Tension Magnetic Resistance) thumbsticks are easily one of its standout features. These sticks not only feel great but also offer precise control with anti-drift performance. They’re perfect for shooters, fighting games, and action titles.
The tension is consistent and smooth, and subtle movements translate into accurate in-game actions. This precision is further enhanced by swappable thumbstick caps, allowing users to customize the feel and grip to their preferences. While this level of customization is fairly standard for a pro controller, the TMR technology also apparently contributes to the controller’s excellent battery life by drawing less power.
Though I have no direct way to test this, the battery life is impressive—you get around 25-30 hours per charge.
Extensive Customization Options
Customization is at the heart of the Raiju V3 Pro. It features four removable back buttons and two claw grip bumpers, all of which are fully remappable. Personally, my thick fingers often accidentally press the back buttons, so having the option to remove them is a must-have feature in a pro controller.
Responsive Buttons and Flexible Layout
The buttons use ultra-responsive switches typically found in Razer’s gaming mice, delivering fast actuation and satisfying tactile feedback. Whether you prefer a traditional grip or a claw grip, the layout is designed to support both styles. The ability to remove and reposition these buttons adds another layer of personalization. Bottom line: there’s a button layout to suit every gaming style.
Razer Pro HyperTriggers
Another standout feature is the Razer Pro HyperTriggers, which let players toggle between rapid-fire mouse-like clicks and full analog trigger control. Using Razer Synapse 4 software, you can fine-tune trigger actuation points to match different genres. That means hair-trigger responsiveness for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, or full-range precision for racing games like F1 25.
Durable Face Buttons and D-Pad
The face buttons and 8-way floating D-pad seem durable and are constructed from doubleshot PBT materials by design. These tactile buttons offer crisp feedback and fast response times. Every press feels intentional. The buttons are certainly clicky but not so much that they distract during gameplay. Unlike cheaper materials that can become glossy or mushy over time, these buttons maintain their texture and performance even through extended play.
Wireless Performance and Connectivity
Wireless performance is another area where the Raiju V3 Pro excels. Powered by Razer HyperSpeed Wireless technology, the controller delivers lightning-fast, lag-free connectivity when paired with a PS5. For those who prefer wired play, the controller also includes a detachable 2-meter USB Type-C cable.
Notable Drawbacks
Despite its many strengths, the Raiju V3 Pro is not without drawbacks. Most notably, it lacks rumble and haptic feedback due to PlayStation’s licensing restrictions. For players who value immersive tactile sensations, this omission is significant. Certain games that rely heavily on haptic cues may feel less engaging as a result.
While this isn’t a deal-breaker and likely helps preserve battery life, the absence of rumble and haptics is disappointing given the controller’s premium price.
Price Considerations
The Raiju V3 Pro is undeniably expensive, currently listed at $279.99 CAD on Razer’s website. It sits at the top end of the market, which may deter casual gamers or those who don’t need every advanced feature. However, for players who take their performance seriously and want a controller offering deep customization, the investment may be justified. That price is just a tough pill to swallow.
Software and Profile Customization
The Raiju V3 Pro supports extensive customization through the Razer Mobile App and Synapse 4 software. Players can adjust thumbstick sensitivity, remap buttons, and save up to four onboard profiles. This means you can switch between setups for different games or playstyles without having to reconfigure each time.
Final Verdict
The Razer Raiju V3 Pro is a lightweight, feature-rich controller built for competitive PS5 players. Its TMR thumbsticks, triggers, and removable back buttons offer a level of precision that few other controllers can match. The build quality is excellent, and the included carrying case adds a layer of portability.
While the lack of rumble and haptics is a notable downside, and the price is a kick in the teeth, the Raiju V3 Pro delivers where it counts: speed, control, and adaptability.
***Controller was provided to COGconnected for the purpose of this review***
