It’s hard to believe, but the transparent and translucent tech craze of the early 2000s, which gave us classics like the original iMac, the clear Nintendo GameCube, and the Xbox Crystal, is making a comeback. Two and a half decades later, Razer is leading this retro revival with not one, but two new collections of gaming peripherals. While they recently unveiled a white translucent line, my focus today is on the bold new Razer Phantom Green Collection.
Both the Razer Phantom white and green collections offer a complete overhaul for your gaming station, featuring a matching keyboard, mouse, mouse pad, and headset. Each item is also available individually, giving you the flexibility to personalize your setup or simply add a single translucent piece to your existing gear. Let’s dive into the specifics of each component.
Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K Phantom Green Edition
Out of the entire collection, the decision to give the Basilisk V3 Pro 35K the translucent treatment stands out. While it’s a superb mouse, as noted in previous reviews, it’s not Razer’s most iconic design. Imagine a Phantom Green Deathadder or Viper – now *that* would be something!
Despite that, the Basilisk is arguably my favorite piece here, purely for how much its translucent green casing reveals. The RGB lighting strip along its base and around the scroll wheel truly shines through, offering glimpses of the internal switches and components. I especially appreciate that even the side buttons are translucent.
Functionally, it’s identical to the standard Basilisk V3 Pro 35K. This means it boasts a versatile scroll wheel that smoothly transitions between quick, free-spinning, and precise, notched modes. It also includes several additional programmable buttons, with two behind the scroll wheel and another convenient one near your thumb. This combination makes it a highly practical mouse for both everyday tasks and intense gaming sessions.
The Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K Phantom Green Edition is priced at $169.99 in the US and £169.99 in the UK, a slight increase of $10 over the standard black or white models.
Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K Phantom Green Edition: Available from Razer.com for £169.99 (UK) / $169.99 (US).
Razer Firefly V2 Pro Phantom Green Edition
The Firefly V2 Pro, Razer’s RGB-illuminated mouse pad, might initially seem like an unusual concept, but it’s surprisingly effective. For those who prefer a hard mouse mat, it’s an excellent choice. The integrated RGB lighting, which wraps around the edges and subtly diffuses through the surface, creates a visually appealing effect.
A notable feature is its connectivity. When plugged into your PC, the Firefly V2 Pro not only synchronizes its lighting with your other Razer peripherals but also offers a convenient USB-A port on its rear edge. This means you can plug your mouse’s USB dongle directly into the mousepad, reducing desk clutter and freeing up a USB port on your computer.
However, the transparent green element is confined to just the back edge of the mat, which feels somewhat underutilized, especially since the lighting doesn’t really illuminate this section effectively. Nevertheless, if you’re committed to the full trans-green aesthetic, it makes a fitting companion to your Basilisk mouse.
The Razer Firefly V2 Pro Phantom Green Edition is available for $109.99 in the US and £109.99 in the UK, priced $10 higher than its standard black or white counterparts.
Razer Firefly V2 Pro Phantom Edition: Available from Razer.com for £109.99 (UK) / $109.99 (US).
Razer BlackWidow V4 75% Phantom Green Edition
The BlackWidow V4 75% truly stands out as the most striking component in the Phantom Green collection. From its transparent green keyboard case and magnetically attached, padded wrist rest to each individual keycap, this keyboard fully embraces the translucent aesthetic.
While personal preference will dictate if you appreciate the look, the visible keycap cross mounts create an almost “medical corps” aesthetic. It’s a unique visual!
Performance-wise, this compact 75% design remains a top contender in the best gaming keyboard category, lauded for its easy switch customization and stellar overall performance. Though it lacks analog input and is wired-only, it’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking a dependable and robust mechanical gaming keyboard.
Interestingly, the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% Phantom Green Edition is priced at $199.99 in the US and £199.99 in the UK, matching the cost of the standard black or white versions.
Razer BlackWidow V4 75% Phantom Green Edition: Available from Razer.com for £199.99 (UK) / $199.99 (US).
Razer Barracuda X Chroma Phantom Green Edition
For streamers aiming to make an immediate visual statement, the Barracuda X Chroma is your go-to Phantom Green accessory. Much like the BlackWidow V4 75%, this headset features a significant amount of transparent green plastic, ensuring it will be a prominent feature on your webcam.
Adding to its appeal is the RGB lighting ring on the exterior of each earcup—the ‘Chroma’ in its name. This lighting can even be customized through Razer’s mobile app, which is handy for turning it off when you’re on the move.
Beyond its striking appearance, it’s the same excellent Barracuda Chroma headset we’ve come to appreciate. It’s a compact, stylish headset offering superb sound quality, and despite the translucent green plastic, its design is practical for both PC gaming and travel.
The Razer Barracuda X Chroma Phantom Green Edition is priced at $139.99 in the US and £139.99 in the UK, making it $10 more than the standard black or white versions.
Razer Barracuda X Chroma Phantom Green Edition: Available from Razer.com for £139.99 (UK) / $139.99 (US).
To be completely frank, this collection isn’t my personal favorite among Razer’s recent offerings. I found the Razer Pokémon and Razer Minecraft kits to be significantly more charming and enjoyable. Furthermore, the Phantom White version of this translucent series seems to offer a clearer view of the internal components and avoids potential clashes between RGB lighting and the casing color, a problem that surfaces with the green edition.
While the Phantom Green line certainly delivers a fun retro vibe, I would have preferred a more streamlined mouse design. The Firefly mousepad features only a minimal amount of green, and the keyboard’s keycaps allow an excessive amount of light to escape. Additionally, the overall transparency isn’t as clear as one might expect from a translucent plastic. Nevertheless, the underlying quality of the hardware remains undisputed, making it a solid choice if the aesthetic appeals to you.
What are your thoughts on Razer’s Phantom Green Edition lineup? Does this retro look appeal to you, and are there any other products you’d like to see receive this unique treatment? Share your opinions with us!