The Razer Naga Hex V2 ($79.99) is a gaming mouse designed with a specific genre—multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA)—in mind. For those looking to up their game in League of Legends, Dota 2, or any of the myriad other entries out there, the Naga Hex V2 features several programmable quick-access buttons and a fast, sensitive sensor to keep up with the more frantic moments. Outside of MOBAs, this mouse is reliable and features customizable lighting, but doesn't offer any particular advantages or gameplay-related bonuses. I also don't find the shape especially comfortable, and while that may vary by person, the mouse is just a little too small for my liking. Although the Naga Hex V2 is fine for a MOBA-focused mouse, for general use and gaming the Editors' Choice Razer DeathAdder Chroma is more comfortable and less expensive. If you are indeed set on a mouse made specifically for the MOBA genre, the Logitech G303 Daedalus Apex is a worthy alternative.

Design and Features

The body of the Naga Hex V2 is matte black plastic, with the exception of a rubberized circular thumb rest and a strip for your pinky. Made for right-handed users only, this mouse is a little stockier than many, and not very long, but it's fairly thick and wide thanks to a sloping palm and finger rest. It measures 1.69 by 2.95 by 4.68 inches (HWD) and weighs 4.8 ounces, which is on the heavy side, but it's still not noticeably hefty. The original Razer Naga Hex, with which the new version shares some design cues, measures 1.8 by 2.8 by 4.6 inches and weighs 4.8 ounces. The similarly shaped SteelSeries Rival 700 measures 1.65 by 2.7 by 4.92 inches and weighs 4.8 ounces, while the Razer Diamondback is flatter, longer, and lighter at 1.18 by 2.64 by 4.92 inches and 3.1 ounces. If you can afford a jump up in pricing, the premium Editors' Choice 2015 Razer Mamba is a mixture of these shapes, measuring 1.67 by 2.76 by 5 inches and weighing 4.32 ounces.

Because the Naga Hex V2 is a MOBA-centric mouse, the thumb rest is surrounded by seven programmable mechanical buttons, which are meant to provide easy access to in-game commands. The original Naga Hex included six of these buttons, arranged (fittingly) in more of a hexagon around the thumb rest, in contrast to the new radial layout. On the V2, as with the previous version, are two programmable buttons just below the scroll wheel, that are, by default, set to switch between sensitivity levels. There are no dedicated Forward and Back buttons, which I've become accustomed to since you see them on almost all modern mice, but you can program the top two side buttons for these functions if you miss them.

On the default settings, pushing a numbered button will type that number into any open text field. They're pretty easily to hit accidentally, so I was confused for a while when 6 kept showing up where I was typing. Even if you wanted to intentionally hit these buttons, I'm not sure that default function is all that useful, since the numbers are readily available on any keyboard. The scroll wheel can also be pushed left and right (another alternative for Forward and Back) to scroll up and down a page by default, something I found useful when I first tried it on the Razer Mamba. To add to the MOBA focus, there are multiple preconfigured button layout profiles available for download for both League of Legends and Dota 2, offering schemes for a few different play styles in each game. You may end up creating your own from scratch, but these provide good foundations to tweak to your preferences.

The scroll wheel, palm logo, and side buttons are all backlit, and you can change the colors and effects through Razer's free software, Synapse. Thanks to Razer's Chroma technology (also used in the company's computer keyboards), there's a suite of 16.8 million colors to choose from, with effects that include slow pulsing light, a cycling color spectrum, reaction to input, and static color. All customization for both buttons and lighting is performed through Synapse, which is one of the more intuitive programs for gaming peripherals out there. There are helpful tips when you first use the software, and the tabs and sections are labeled more clearly than in other mouse software, which streamlines the process.

The sensor boasts a ceiling of 16,000 dots per inch (dpi), which sits firmly on the high end of mice we've tested. MOBAs require fast-twitch movements, so sensitivity is important. Most players won't need that level of fine tuning, but advanced gamers will appreciate the choice. For comparison, the Mamba, Rival, and Diamondback also feature sensitivities up to 16,000dpi (it's worth noting these mice are all more expensive), while the G303 Daedalus Apex tops out at 12,000dpi and the Corsair M65 RGB at 8,200dpi.

Performance

The high sensitivity really shows while gaming; combine that with the stocky build of the mouse, and playing with the Naga Hex V2 is very stable and consistent. It's not the most comfortable mouse for using over long periods, though, which I think can be attributed to its shorter body. I don't have large hands, but I never really felt settled on the mouse, even with the finger rest. Despite the rubber strip on the right side, I couldn't find a particularly comfortable spot to keep my pinky, since the finger rest is taken up by your ring finger. It's not an actively uncomfortable design, but just feels slightly too small to cushion my hand, which I also found with the Diamondback. It's a little more surprising with this mouse given that it's made specifically to support righties—it might very well be a personal preference.

The side buttons are useful for any game with an action bar, including both MOBAs and some RPGs or shooters. It is a little easy to hit them while you play, considering I was doing it while just browsing the Web too, but you learn to avoid them after more use. Having that extra set of buttons—a good number more than on most mice—gives you a leg up. Some common actions will naturally be bound to keyboard keys, but for some quick abilities or commands you'll frequently be firing off, having them in a spot where you barely need to move your finger is convenient.

Conclusion

Focusing mainly on its programmable suite of buttons and fast-twitch play in lieu of extras like adjustable weight, click feedback, or wireless functionality, the Razer Naga Hex V2 provides a straightforward and consistent experience. I wish the fit were slightly more comfortable, and I'm not sure I'd look to use it long term for that reason. The Naga Hex V2 is reliable and well made, though, and the fit may be fine for you. Its features are suited to players of MOBAs, so if those aren't up your alley, another mouse with more general features may be more appealing. The Razer Mamba remains our Editors' Choice for its unmatched capabilities, but the high price may mean it's not a realistic option for you. The DeathAdder Chroma is a more affordable Editors' Choice for general gaming, but if you're set on a MOBA-specific mouse, the Naga Hex V2 and Logitech G303 Daedaulus Apex are both solid options.