The mouse only requires four screws to open: two covered by one of the mouse’s adhesive feet, and two beneath the removable puck. Covering two screws with an adhesive panel limits the ability to repair, as it will gradually lose adhesion over time. After removing the screws, there are two plastic clips at the front and two at the back that need to be released. Like any plastic clip, you run the risk of them breaking when taking them apart.
Inside the mouse is a single-sided printed circuit board that houses the sensors, micro switches, and the mouse wheel. The overall design is simple; With replacement parts and some soldering skills, the repair should be straightforward. The battery is attached to a removable section on the top shell of the mouse using a rubberized adhesive. This adhesive panel stretches and sticks when removed, making it nearly impossible to reuse with a new battery, but it leaves no residue on the actual plastic of the mouse. A new battery should be easy to install using double-sided tape.
There is nothing unnecessary in the Cobra HyperSpeed’s simple internal design, and no additional confusion or failure points. While some other models, like the Logitech MX Master 4 or the Razer Basilisk 35K, boast a lot of premium features (with added complexity), it’s always refreshing to see something just as complex as it needs to be.
Along with the $100 Cobra HyperSpeed, Razer also offers the $35 Cobra and $130 Cobra Pro. Compared to the Pro model, the HyperSpeed’s slightly less responsive sensor and scaled-back RGB aren’t a huge hit to performance or usability, and the HyperSpeed’s lighter weight is a distinct advantage. Compared to standard wired models, adding wireless is a huge benefit for both performance and usability. The HyperSpeed’s optical scroll wheel is a definite improvement over its siblings.
Overall, this mouse is a solid workhorse for gaming and general browsing. It’s fast, comfortable and compact. The simple yet sturdy construction will suit general everyday use. While it doesn’t push the boundaries of performance or functionality like some of the more expensive eSports-focused mice available today, the Cobra HyperSpeed is a great option for those who don’t need cutting-edge specifications, but want a mouse that gets the job done.
