The Razer Raiju V3 Pro is a pro controller for the PS5. The controller is primarily aimed at players who prioritize speed. MeinMMO editor Benedikt Schlotmann tested the controller and explains for whom the device is worth it.
With the Raiju V3 Pro, Razer launches a gaming controller for the PS5. At 200 euros, it’s not exactly cheap but promises lots of modern technology for the money with tactile buttons and TMR sticks.
I was able to test the controller in everyday use and explain why I am so enthusiastic about the button clicks and whom I cannot recommend the controller to.
Product in the test, quick overview:
- Delivery, design, and construction
- Processing
- Software
- Ergonomics, weight, and battery life
- Gameplay
- Conclusion
Who tested it?
Benedikt is a tech editor at MeinMMO and has been testing hardware for readers for many years. He tests mice, keyboards, headphones, and pretty much everything that can be used with computers, consoles or other devices.
The model was provided to us by Razer as a review copy.
Benedikt Schlotmann
Hardware Editor MeinMMO
Here you can find the technical details in a table (click to expand):
| Design/Interface | Wired or wireless connection |
| Button type | mechanical, tactile switches, TMR sticks on the thumbsticks |
| Programmable buttons | Yes |
| Lighting | No |
| Compatibility | PS5, PC |
| Delivery | wireless adapter for HyperSpeed Wireless USB cable (C to A) 2 interchangeable thumb caps 4 interchangeable back buttons screwdriver transport bag for controller instructions and safety information |
| Special features | TMR switches, interchangeable back buttons |
| Price (RRP) | 209.99 Euro |
Delivery, Design, and Construction
Positive: Delivery, construction, interchangeable parts | Neutral: no adaptive triggers/haptic feedback
What’s included? Razer has equipped its Raiju V3 Pro with a decent delivery package. This includes:
- wireless adapter for HyperSpeed Wireless
- USB cable (C to A)
- 2 interchangeable thumb caps
- 4 interchangeable back buttons
- screwdriver
- transport bag for controller
- instructions and safety information
Design and Construction: Razer’s Raiju V3 Pro is heavily based on the official design of the PlayStation controller: The Raiju V3 Pro follows the same symmetrical design. Unlike the Victrix Pro BFG (Reloaded), however, the symmetrical design cannot be adjusted.
A few things can still be changed: The thumbstick caps can be exchanged, as well as the back buttons on the back of the controller.
By the way, Razer deliberately forgoes haptic feedback with its controller. Razer itself states that the “Razer Raiju V3 Pro was specially designed for competitive eSports use and does not have haptic feedback.”
Processing
Positive: interchangeable parts | Negative: only plastic | Neutral: hollow-sounding housing, fixed battery
The Raiju V3 Pro is completely made of plastic, metal parts or elements are completely absent. Some components, like the thumbsticks and back buttons, can be easily exchanged, but the sticks themselves cannot. Here other manufacturers like Victrix or Sony have an advantage.
The official DualSense Edge seems sturdier in direct comparison to Razer, as the plastic body of the controller sounds less hollow when tapping on the casing. However, the “hollow” feeling is also noticeable in terms of weight: The Edge weighs at least 325 grams, while the Razer Raiju V3 Pro weighs only 259 grams. You can throw a TV with both models.
Software
Positive: Many configuration options | Negative: Only on PC/phone
If you want to set up the Raiju V3 Pro, you have two options: You can either use the Synapse software directly on your PC or the mobile app on your phone. The options of the software are roughly identical. However, the rule is: You cannot make any settings directly on the PS5, this is only possible with the official DualSense Edge.
Overall, you can freely assign 6 buttons: Two on the top, near the triggers (referred to as Razer claw grip bumpers) and the four back buttons on the back of the controller.
Practical: You can save four profiles directly on your controller and switch back and forth with the corresponding key combination. This also works on the PS5.
Ergonomics and Weight
Positive: Weight, haptics, ergonomics | Negative: With small hands, back buttons may be difficult to reach | Neutral: no haptic feedback/adaptive triggers
How heavy is the controller? At 259 grams, the Raiju V3 Pro is one of the lighter gaming controllers on the market, making it significantly lighter than the official PS5 pro controller, which weighs 325 grams. However, you will have to forgo features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback.
Ergonomics: Razer has covered the grips of its controller with a rough rubber surface. This ensures that the controller fits well in the hand, even if the hands become moist and sweaty in the heat of battle.
I also like the arrangement of the buttons on the back: With the right hand, the index and middle finger rest on the back buttons; with the left hand, it’s the middle and ring fingers. It feels intuitive without having to strain your hands.
Restrictively, I must say that I have quite large hands, measuring 19 centimeters (from wrist to fingertip). My wife has smaller hands (17 centimeters) and can no longer easily reach the lower buttons.
So if you have small hands, you may need to forgo the back buttons, which would be a shame. By the way, my wife has no problems reaching the paddles of the DualSense Edge. These are simply better positioned and a bit longer.
Gameplay: A play and click feel like a gaming mouse
Positive: Click feel, weight, ergonomics | Neutral: Software only configurable on PC; click noises can be bothersome
How does it play? Gaming with the Raiju V3 Pro can best be described as playing with a gaming mouse on the PS5, as it feels just like that: All important buttons, the D-pad, the symbol buttons, and the back buttons give you a solid click feedback.
Normally, I always feel that my inputs with a controller are somewhat vague, as I usually miss the clear feedback of a button click. The click of the mouse indicates it and gives me the satisfying feeling that I clicked, which I can also see on the screen.
The Raiju V3 Pro achieves exactly that: Each button offers you a solid click. In everyday use, it feels as if you are playing with a mouse and not with a controller.
Additionally, there’s the weight of around 250 grams. Generally, I prefer playing with the DualSense Edge because it is best integrated into the PS5 system, but the 80 grams less from the Raiju V3 Pro, combined with these clicks, is a real challenge.
However, I must add: As great as it feels, the clicking of the buttons is quite audible. When you play with it, you can hear every button you use. If you’re not playing with headphones, that can be quite annoying, especially if you’re sensitive to noise. It’s not a problem for me, but I wanted to point it out.
Conclusion
For whom is the controller worth it? If you primarily want to play competitively, can do without immersive features like haptic feedback and are looking for a device that fully focuses on speed and performance, then you get a very good controller with the Razer Raiju V3 Pro.
Because in the competitive area, the device fully demonstrates its strengths: Weight and the quick buttons are very well suited when things need to happen quickly and every gram counts.
Alternatives:
- The DualSense Edge is the best alternative on the PS5: Native support, many features, but a rather short battery life. The current price ranges from 180 to 190 euros.
- The Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded comes with TMR sticks and interchangeable button modules. This makes the controller particularly flexible. The Reloaded model is available for around 190 euros.
More options for controllers: If you are looking for more controllers, then take a look here. Because you can also find more controllers in our buying guide for controllers for PC and Xbox.
