The Razer Salmosa is earmarked as an entry-level gaming mouse. What exactly does that mean? Well, for one, it means that the mouse is devoid of all the side buttons that have appeared on some of the higher-end Razer peripherals.

And just by picking up the mouse, you know there is something different about it. While it connects via USB to your machine, what makes this mouse a delight is the weight – it is one of the lightest mouses on the market.

Here are some of the specs on the mouse from the Razer site:

• 1800dpi Razer Precision 3G infrared sensor

• 1000Hz Ultrapolling / 1ms response time

• Mechanical dpi/polling rate switches

• On-The-Fly Sensitivity adjustment

• Always-On mode

• Ultra-large non-slip buttons

• 16-bit ultra-wide data path

• 60-120 inches per second

• Three independently programmable Hyperesponse buttons

• Ambidextrous design

• Scroll wheel with 24 individual click positions

• Zero-acoustic Ultraslick Teflon feet

• Seven-foot, lightweight, non-tangle cord

• Approximate size: 115mm (length) x 63mm (width) x 37mm (height)

Like all of the Razer mouses before it, the Salmosa slides easily across any surface, making it an ideal weapon for not only desktops but laptops as well. The lightweight design and long slender body make it ideal for users of all ages, and the responsiveness is excellent.

In addition to the three standard buttons on the top end of the mouse, the Salmosa also feature settings buttons on the underside. That is where you can adjust the dpi of the infrared sensor, as well as the ultrapolling (which is the rate of speed that the mouse interacts with the computer – rather than the standard USB rate of eight millisecond cycles, the Salmosa runs in one millisecond cycles – which makes for a speedy mouse).

Of course, the proof is in the pudding, so to speak. What better way to test the responsiveness of the Salmosa than by taking it for a spin in PvP games or first-person shooters. Using Warhammer Online, Age of Conan, Guild Wars and Call of Duty: World at War as test beds, the Salmosa performed extremely well. The Teflon footpads on the underside did not get caught in anything and allowed the mouse to move fluidly and quickly.

The price point for the Salmosa is also very attractive. At a suggested retail price of $39.99, this mouse performs as well as other mouses costing twice as much. If you are looking for a solid peripheral, this is definitely one to consider.

Pros:
Lightweight, slender with solid responsiveness and a nice price point.

Cons:
None.

Verdict: 9.0
In a time when some peripherals can cost more than a triple-A game, it is nice to see a mouse come along that not only gets the job done, but is affordable. The Salmosa is a plug-and-play device that is a good gaming mouse while providing solid support for productivity programs.