Patriot Viper V570 Blackout Gaming Mouse Review

Patriot's Viper V570 Blackout is a gaming mouse you seriously need to consider buying.

Published
Updated
Manufacturer: Patriot Memory
18 minutes & 52 seconds read time
TweakTown's Rating: 97%
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The Bottom Line

Patriot's Viper V570 Blackout is all the original was, just with a murdered out appearance now! The price increase is a bit of a bummer, but adding in the Viper Gaming Mouse Pad has given us the most amazingly effortless time using such a well equipped mouse; ever.

Introduction, Specifications, and Pricing

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This past summer, we were introduced to the original version of the mouse we are bringing forth today. It was then that Patriot introduced their flagship mouse, the Viper V570. At that time, we found this product to be superior to most other mice available, it was comfortable to use, and with the use of ceramic feet, it was one of the least friction influenced mice we had ever used. That all being said, Patriot felt that with the success of the V570, they should have a go at reproducing that magic, yet without all of the bold red accents.

At present, Patriot has murdered out the V570 and kept all of the things that made the original a terrific mouse to use. Stuff like the laser sensor, the Omron switches, a 32-bit MCU, and most importantly, the ceramic feet, can all be found this time as well. Even the software is the same with its intuitive nature of presenting the options; the highly developed Macro management keeps all seven LED zones, and still has the adjustable internal weight system to customize the feel of the latest V570. However, this time around, things get even better as Patriot sent a mouse pad which was not available at that time, which lessens the coefficient of friction even more.

Today we have the Patriot Viper V570 Blackout Gaming Mouse, and if you strive to own the best available products on the market, this mouse needs to be on your radar. Patriot has taken a design which we already approve of, and in our opinion, made it even better looking now. Past the looks, we have the Viper Gaming LED Mouse Pad to try out as well. Another thing which bolsters the deal for many to lean towards Patriot for their next mouse is that the price is not over the top either. However, the mouse pad is a tad pricey. With what we know from the past, as long as this mouse wasn't built on Friday, right before the plant closed, we expect to see the same greatness wrapped up in new clothes.

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The largest change to the Patriot Viper V570 Blackout is that all of it is black this time around, whether it be shiny, rubberized, or textured, everything beyond the RGB LED capabilities in this mouse, is black. The V570 Blackout is 133mm from back to front, it is 80mm wide, and it stands 44mm tall, all while weighing in at 159 grams. Speaking of weight, there are seven additional pucks which can be added to the Viper V570 Blackout. Each weight is roughly 5.9 grams in weight, and all combined, they total 40.4 grams of add-in weight. Made to accommodate FPS as well as MMO gamers, the mouse comes with thirteen programmable buttons on it, to offer near unlimited control under the right hand.

The "Xtreme Precision Laser" sensor used is the Avago ADNS-9800. The Avago sensor is designed to max out at 8200 DPI, but with the help of software, Patriot can raise the limit to 12,000. The sensor can track movements up to 150 inches per second, and while there is no force limit stated, we do see that the polling rate of the mouse is 1ms, so even the slightest twitch will be caught. There are seven LEDs in the mouse, and each LED can be individually controlled or used with preset modes to deliver RGB LED accents to it. There are ceramic feet under it, there is zero delay, there are Omron switches under the main buttons, and Patriot also shows that they use a Sonix MCU as the heart of this beast.

We have also been sent the Viper Gaming LED Mouse Pad. This is a pad made of hard plastic on the top, foam rubber used for grip below, sandwiching a strip of RGB LED lights that encircle most of the pad. Since it is RGB LED lit, it also needs to have a USB cable to power the LEDs requirements. What is nice about this cable, is that it is detachable, and there is a built-in controller with two buttons to cycle through modes and display options.

As for the Viper V570 Blackout, the price is not that far up there. At the time we looked at the original V570, the mouse was on sale, and it only cost $48 and change. When it comes to the V570 Blackout, the MSRP has been set higher. We found it listed at the Viper Store at $69.99, which matches what Newegg is selling it for, but at Amazon, without mention of a sale, it is listed for just $59.99. Considering what you get in the V570 mice, we feel this price is more than acceptable. When it comes to locating the Viper Gaming Mouse Pad, this is where it hurts a bit, when you see the asking price. For a thin mouse pad, with fancy RGB LEDs, a few modes to select and appreciate for a time, but more importantly a seriously slick operating area, the Viper Mouse Pad may be expensive, but well worth it, if you can handle it. Currently, the Viper Gaming Mouse Pad is $59.99, but when it comes to combining it with the V570 Blackout and its ceramic feet, as the coefficient of friction has been lowered as much as humanly possible.

Chad's Peripherals Test System Specifications

Packaging, Accessories, and Documentation

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Compared to the original, even the packaging has changed. Gone is the bright red splashes of color, in favor is matte black all over. Above the image of the illuminated Viper V570 Blackout, we see its name. Below it, we find features like RGB lighting, 12,000 DPI, adjustable weights, and the hybrid design next to the Viper logo.

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Part of the front panel is magnetically attached and can be opened as we see the box here. Inside of the front panel we see mentions of the laser sensor, ceramic foot pads, adjustable weight system, the thirteen programmable buttons, and another nod to the hybrid design. More importantly, opening this panel allows a view of the V570 Blackout, under a layer of plastic.

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The image on the right side of the box is slightly blurry, but that is done to draw your eyes to the buttons. This panel highlights the six buttons offered on the left of the V560. Patriot also ends it with the complete name of the product you are viewing.

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While we expected more on the back of the box, we find it to be simplistic. Two images of the V570 are shown, one looking at the bottom, pointing out the laser sensor and foot pads, at the top. The lower image shows where to put the weights points to some of the programmable buttons and shows off the sniper button.

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While their last panel does come up with a clever way to display the icons, we see more of the same information seen on most other panels as well. We do wish that more information on the specifications were offered outside, and maybe even an image or three featuring the software.

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Inside of the box, we find that the V570 Blackout, the adjustable weight container, and the cable are all separated, either with the way the plastic cover is molded or the way the cardboard insert is folded. What we do know, is that while this looks too simple to work effectively for long travel, the Viper V570 Blackout and everything that came with it is in superb condition.

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The puck-like container which holds the adjustable weights inside of it has the Viper logo painted on the top, and it has "Gaming Weight Box" embossed into the surface. Inside of the puck, there is a solid rubber insert used to keep the weights in place. There are seven weights in total, and a couple measures 5.8 grams, while the other five totaled 5.9 grams.

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Also in the box, but found under the mouse, is a large red envelope with the Viper Logo on the front of it. Upon opening the envelope, inside of it, you find the quick start guide and a pair of Viper logo stickers. Flipping the guide card over, there are mentions of the contents, requirements, and how to plug the mouse in. After that, the features are pointed out, it is shown where to obtain the software, and there is even a troubleshooting section that contains addresses to obtain help.

Patriot Viper V570 Blackout Gaming Mouse

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Upon first look at the left side of the V570 blackout, we find an outward bump at the front to house a pair of buttons, and five more buttons follow them along the side. The front of the thumb grip is made of plastic with rectangular grips. There is a sniper button and behind it is a large rubber section with grip to match that near the front.

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The back of the V570 Blackout is made of two parts, which the body line can easily be seen. Off to the left of center is a notch, which allows the rubberized adjustable weight cover to be removed. On the right of center, there is a Viper logo which is painted on over the plastic.

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The right side of the V570 is made of slightly textured plastic, and it is formed outward to give the ring and pinky fingers an ergonomic grip. We do wish this were rubberized in some fashion, as clean, dry hands will slide on this surface.

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The front of this mouse is aggressive looking, with the pair of headlights placed under the downward curved brows that are the main buttons. The center of the mouse is left open, where the cable connects, and in front of the scroll wheel.

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From this angle, we get a better look at the two buttons on the edge of the left click button, which we mentioned previously. Between the main buttons are the scroll wheel with its tire tread rubber cover, the profile and DPI buttons, and the lights there will change incrementally red for DPI and various colors depending on the selected profile.

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After removing the rubberized section that runs along the heel of the mouse, we find a deep groove with rubber inserts in it. Even though we are offered seven weights for the V570, only six can fit. However, they can be fit in various locations so that weight can be distributed to deliver a perfect fit for any user.

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The cable that is attached to the front of the V570 Blackout is a black braided cable which is 1.8 meters in length. Near the end of the cable Patriot installed a Ferrite choke to eliminate "noise," and when the cable is terminated, the USB 2.0 connection is gold plated.

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With much to appreciate on the top, many will overlook the use of ceramic pads instead of PTFE, but that will be a mistake to do so. With five small pads installed near the edges of the mouse, Patriot can offer a mouse that glides with nearly no effort involved, making this one of the smoothest moving mice we have tested. The eye of the laser is slightly offset from center, and has the product sticker surrounding it, and is flanked by six stripes added for a touch of style.

Inside the Viper V570 Blackout

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Under each ceramic pad is a screw, and once removed the V570 Blackout is open for business. We find a pair of PCBs used in the top section, connected to the single PCB in the lower section via ribbon cable. We also find a strip of tape on the lower section, and this is used to block the LEDs for the side stripe from glowing out through the top of the mouse.

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Backing what is labeled buttons 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 on the left side of the V570, Patriot uses this small green PCB with black pad style switches on it. The pressure required to actuate it is firm, but due to the button construction, the click reported from it sounds hollow.

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The second PCB which has wires soldered between this one and the one we just looked at, is found under the DPI and profile buttons, which are backed with taller pad switches. These switches are much softer and do not have much of an audible report. The rubber pad is used to surround the LEDs next to the buttons, and there are optic tubes taking light from here to the outside LED covers.

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Under buttons number one and two, we find another pair of pad switches, and like those we just saw, they are soft and near silent when used. Behind them is the switch for the left button, and it is a white Omron switch made to last for ten million clicks. The segmented scroll wheel motion is then tracked with the TTC assembly behind it all.

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On the main PCB is the Avago ADNS-9800, which is a laser sensor, and typically tops out at 8200 DPI. Much like optical mouse companies have been doing lately, Patriot uses software to match that height of 12,000 DPI that everyone is bragging about now.

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In control of communications, how the software coordinates with the mouse and is where the onboard storage is for profiles and settings is a Sonix MCU. The SN8F22E88BFG is an 8-bit processor, which has proved itself more than capable used in the original V570 as well as in a Bloody keyboard.

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The last pair of buttons can be seen from this angle. Of course, the right main buttons also comes backed by an Omron switch with ten million click capability. Used for the click function of the scroll wheel is a white TTC switch, which requires firm pressure to use, and has a solid sounding click when pressed.

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Just so that we can show off some of the RGB LED capabilities, we powered it up and allowed the rainbow mode to take effect. The band on the side is lit with various colors, as is the center of the scroll wheel, as well as the Viper name on the top. The front of the mouse is also sharing these color pallets, as the pair of panels are backlit there too.

The Software

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When the software is initially presented to you, this is the window that shows up first, the buttons tab. In this section you can remap, program, and do whatever you want with the thirteen buttons on the V570 Blackout. Using any of the five profile tabs across the top, all you need to do is to click on one of the boxes, and options will appear.

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A new menu is now showing, where is the mouse functions tab, allows the user to set any of the fourteen preset options to be chosen for any of the thirteen buttons.

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For those who want keyboard control via the mouse, move to the keyboard functions tab. Using this menu, all you need to do is click on whatever key on the keyboard you want to set. It couldn't be easier.

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Going back to functions that some mice offer, you have a tab called advanced functions. This allows you to set everything from no function at all to adjusting settings of DPI, LOD, and something called virtual touch.

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Had we imported or programmed any Macros, they would show in this window in lists of the names you have given them. Once you have the Macro you want in the software, you would select from the list here to set it to the button of choice.

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The last option for button programming is in what is called key cycle. Here you can select the way the keys are used with buttons on the left. The large window on the right allows you to insert keystrokes one by one until you have the pattern desired. While we cannot think of use for this, we are sure someone knows, or it would not be here. However, it seems the Macro Editor would do the same thing.

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Now back to the main window, and moving on to the next tab, we run into the sensor adjustments. Four settings are allowed for each level of DPI lights on the V570. The DPI can be split by axis, and there is an auto speed function too. Best we can guess, with no way to measure the results, we see you can set a high and low cap on the DPI, and we assume an algorithm adjusts DPI on-the-go to try to deliver better performance.

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Clicking on the next tab to the right opens the Macro Editor, and we see many options offered in it. In this menu, we see the total memory left on the mouse above the list of Macro names which will fall into the left column. The larger box to the right will display actions pressed during the recording process, and to the right are icons for all sorts of editing capabilities, after the programming has ended.

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The next to last tab offers a place to address the settings. The polling rate is adjusted by a slider at the top, and there are check boxes for the use of angle snapping, OSD display, and mouse acceleration. Near the bottom, we see information on the model, driver version, firmware version, and where to go for the newest. The last three buttons allow you to back up what you have programmed to PC storage, restore a previous save, or set the mouse back to factory defaults.

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The last thing we can change is the RGB LED lighting. Using any of the bottom four options, you get a preset pattern of LED light, but there is the option to customize them too. Clicking the customize button brings up another window, where all seven RGB LEDs are addressable one by one. There is the option to make them breathe or be always on, there are eight preset options, but there is also a chart to click on, or insert the RGB values to get the color desired.

Viper Gaming Mouse Pad

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The pad that Patriot simply calls the Viper Gaming Pad comes in a box which is mostly black, while the V570 Blackout and it are aglow from the RGB LED lights. Three icons at the bottom left corner explain to us the selectable backlit LED color, the Large Form Factor, and that it has a rigid polymer surface.

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The back of the box does not offer much more. We do get a better look at the pad in the image to the left though. The images at the right show the optional solid colors, but there are modes as well. Outside of that, we see social media references and explanations of features we already addressed.

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Inside of the box, you will find three things. The first part you find is the Viper Gaming Mouse Pad, which has been wrapped in a plastic sleeve to protect it. Under the mouse pad, there is a channel offered in the cardboard below and is where you find the cable to power the pad, as well as the way to cycle modes and colors. The last thing in the box is the user manual, but we will hit on that later.

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The cable provided for the Viper Gaming Mouse Pad is just shy of six feet in length and terminates at both ends with USB 2.0 and Micro-USB connections. What appears to be a choke in-line on the cable is actually the controller for the pad.

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When flipped over, the controller offers two buttons. Mode 2 at the top is used to select the various preset lighting modes. Mode 1 is then used to cycle through solid colors, and can even be used in some of Mode 2 button functions to change the way it is displayed.

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There is also a user manual for the Viper Gaming Mouse Pad. Inside of it is an introduction to the product, its features, and the package contents. Following that is a pair of images to show how to connect the pad to the PC. Beyond that, there is legal information, on the back, with a small notation to which button does what on the page before it.

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We added the Viper V570 Blackout to the top of the pad to give perspective. Upon measuring it, we find the pad is 352mm wide, it 244mm deep and is 6mm thick. All told, there is the plastic top, the foam bottom, as well as the trail of LED lights all in that 6mm thickness too.

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Right in the center of the bottom foam is the product sticker. Even here, we see the name is Gaming Mouse Pad, and nobody will be addressing it by the PP000240 model number. The rubberized foam used on the bottom is shaped in a chevron pattern, and grips enough to stay put on any surface.

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In the notch along the back edge of the Gaming Mouse Pad is where you insert the Micro-USB connection as we have here. There is also a hint of the plastic strip running around the entire edge, and it can be seen hiding just behind the polymer surface of the pad.

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After making the connection, we had to turn the lights way down to see the effect offered in the Viper Gaming Mouse Pad. This is only one way it displays color, but we felt using the gamut of RGB colors at once would save any questions of the capabilities that can be presented.

Gaming and General Impressions

DOOM & PUBG

Gaming was done in two stages, one with the mouse pad, and one without it. Using the V570 Blackout on top of the Viper Gaming mouse pad is hard to describe. Where most mice have a touch of drag, even on hard mouse pads, with the polymer used in conjunction with the ceramic pads on the mouse, the coefficient of friction between them is the least we have experienced, ever. Typically, we enjoy using the 5000 and 6000 DPI range on laser mice.

However, when using the Gaming Mouse Pad, we never found a need to go over 3200 DPI for gaming. To stay accurate, we traded off a lower DPI setting for more lifting of the mouse when we got too close to the edge of the pad. With the mouse on an ordinary cloth mat or two, we still feel that the Viper V570 has some of the slickest feet available. We could feel more drag than on the Viper pad, but it is nowhere near what we experience with PTFE day in and day out. Movement and control are not something that comes right away, but once we got used to the effortless moment, we were soon back in the saddle killing daemons or attempting to obtain a chicken dinner.

Windows and Productivity

Our daily grind was slowed at first, as we were trying the Viper V570 with our normal DPI settings, and were constantly overshooting icons and when trying to double click, we were jittering ever so slightly, enough to make programs not open. After a day of trying that and failing, we lowered the DPI, and accuracy for image editing was restored. It was not long after making that adjustment that productivity was again up to speed, and we were content with the product.

That being said, the Viper V570 is a large product. Even so, our hand was comfortable, and our wrist never felt the strain when using a relaxed grip. When it came time to sling the mouse around on the 4K screen for internet usage, we found 3200 DPI, to again, be the sweet spot for us, and we have no idea why there is 12,000 DPI, or who on the planet can use this product at that level.

Final Thoughts

Everything in, on, and built into the Viper V570 Blackout is as good as we expected I to be. Since this and the first V570 are almost identical twins, we expected as much. We like the murdered out look of the V570 Blackout, as the look is much more appealing, where the previous red buttons stood out and delivered a slightly cheap-ish appearance. This time around, Patriot delivered with the V570 Blackout. A stealthy looking gaming mouse with so many buttons, you could almost rid yourself of the keyboard altogether. No, there is not a 16 or 32-bit MCU used, but Patriot shows you don't need all of the power it offers. This 8-bit Sonix chip is up to the task and did everything we asked of it. The V570 Blackout along with the software enables this mouse to jump to the top of the list of features, capabilities, and functionality.

Sending us the Viper Gaming Mouse Pad is a brilliant move by Patriot. We have used other hard card style pads in the past, but when you have PTFE feet, the cards are slicker to use, but there is always that feeling of drag holding you back. Opting to match the solid polymer top surface with ceramic pads on the mouse delivers the slickest, near friction-free experience we have ever had with any mouse. We can only compare it to a well-soaped slip and slide. Eventually, gravity and friction will win out, but slick as snot until those forces take effect. The only downside to the Viper Gaming Mouser Pad is that it will cost you $59.99, and even with all of its RGB goodness and superior surface, it is hard to pay the same for the mouse and the pad.

If your packets are not all that deep, but you still desire one of the best mice on the planet, you need to give Patriot some love and have a look at what they are offering. Not only is the design solid and comfortable for endless usage, but Patriot is also the only company we know using ceramic for feet at this time. On top of everything the software adds, the extravagant level of DPI, programming, components, or the LED lighting options, if not for the ceramic feet, we would not be so happy with this mouse. Simply put, every once in a while, companies break trends for the betterment of the user, and the Viper V570 Blackout for just $59.99 is a tremendous deal. While we do lean towards customers also getting the Viper Gaming Pad to get the most from the purchase, we understand that price may be out of range. You still want to do yourself a favor though, and with whatever pad you do choose, make sure it is solid, not a soft cloth pad.

Chad's Peripherals Test System Specifications

TweakTown award
Performance 100%
Quality 96%
Features 100%
Value 93%
Overall 97%

The Bottom Line: Patriot's Viper V570 Blackout is all the original was, just with a murdered out appearance now! The price increase is a bit of a bummer, but adding in the Viper Gaming Mouse Pad has given us the most amazingly effortless time using such a well equipped mouse; ever.

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Chad joined the TweakTown team in 2009 and has since reviewed 100s of new techy items. After a year of gaming, Chad caught the OC bug. With overclocking comes the need for better cooling, and Chad has had many air and water setups. With a few years of abusing computer parts, he decided to take his chances and try to get a review job. As an avid overclocker, Chad is always looking for the next leg up in RAM and coolers.

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