The Basilisk X is a very popular mouse from Razer. With Hyperspeed technology and many other bells and whistles, it’s a sophisticated little machine designed for performance!
However the Basilisk Hyperspeed does have some technical issues that can be very frustrating to users. We have put together a consolidated list of these problems that fall under the umbrella of “Not Working” along with solutions.
Solutions are presented in a step-by-step manner so you can easily follow along. In some cases we have linked to a more detailed solution.
Hopefully this captures everything. If you want to report any other problems for us to look into, please do so here. We will make every attempt to respond.
Now without further ado, let’s get your mouse fixed!
Table of Contents
What does Not Working mean?
Here is a list of common problems with the Basilisk X. They can largely be grouped into two main categories:
Connectivity
Examples of connectivity issues are:
- Mouse freezing
- Not connecting to wireless
- Bluetooth not working
- Hyperspeed 2.4 GHz not working
- Not turning on at all
- Cutting out or intermittent loss of communication
Mechanical
Examples of mechanical problems are:
- Left Mouse Click not working
- Double Click issues
How to Solve Basilisk X Connectivity Problems
In the following set of troubleshooting steps we start with the basics (easy checks), a clean software and driver install. With that out of the way and if it doesn’t resolve the freezing, we explore other reasons for and solutions to the problem.
Basic Checks
Check the battery level
The Basilisk X uses one AA battery. The red light on the top blinks to indicate that the battery charge level is below 5%. Make sure that the battery is charged. Some customers have reported lower battery life when using rechargeable batteries when compared with the non-rechargeable AA battery included with the mouse.
Clean the mouse
The optical sensor is a key component of the mouse and needs to be kept clean for best performance. If the sensor’s view is obstructed, it will cause issues.
Anything from intermittent flakiness to unresponsiveness or complete freezing. Use these instructions to clean the sensor.
Software Updates and Settings
Re-install Synapse
- Download Synapse
- The video below shows the steps involved
If you still have a problem with the mouse freezing go to the next step
Install the latest Windows Mouse Drivers
One of the main reasons can be the mouse drivers. As all the operational information is loaded on the drivers. Follow these steps to update the drivers with the latest version
- Right-click on Device Manager in the Start Menu
- Click View – Show hidden devices
- Double click on mice and pointing devices
- Right-click the mouse driver and proceed to Uninstall
- Click OK
- Reboot the PC and Windows will re-install the latest drivers
- Check to see if the mouse is working efficiently
There is a possibility that Windows did not update the drivers. If that’s the case, the mouse will continue to freeze. In that case, proceed with the next few steps:
Set All Razer Services to Automatic
- On the keyboard, press the Windows + R key to open the Run dialogue box.
- Type in “services.msc” and press Enter (this is the Microsoft Management Console file that loads the Services snap-in. It is used to administer Windows services)
- Scroll down to the Razer Central Service from the drop-down menu.
- Right-click Razer SDK Server and select Properties
- You should now see a window associated with Razer Chroma SDK Service Properties
- In the Start-Up section, select Automatic.
- Click Apply and then OK.
Check to see if the freezing still exists. If it does, then go to the next step.
Reset Surface Calibration
This procedure optimizes the Razer Precision Sensor to any surface for improved tracking. Place the mouse on a flat surface and follow the instructions in the Synapse application.
Adjust the Power Management Settings for the USB Controllers
- Turn off the feature “Allow this computer to turn off this device” setting if it has been selected in the USB Controllers
- Right-click on the Start Button and select Device Manager.
- Click on the Universal Series Bus Controllers to open.
- Right-click on USB Controller to get Properties.
- Go to Power Management and de-select the function” Allow this computer to turn off this device to save power” if it is enabled.
- Click Ok.
- De-select the USB Controllers option for the rest.
Now check to see if the problems have been resolved.
Disable the Razer Game Scanner
It is known that the Razer Game Scanner uses considerable system resources, so it will be best to disable this function.
- On the keyboard, Press Windows Key + R keys to open the Run box
- Type in ‘services. msc’ and press Enter
- Double-click the Razer game Scanner to reveal its properties
- In the Start-Up Type section switch select Disabled
- Click on Apply then OK
Tests for Connectivity
Check the Wireless Link
The Basilisk X cannot be used in wired mode. Instead it relies on wireless. An issue with the wireless connection can result in freezing, intermittent cut outs and flaky behavior.
Basilisk X uses two different methods of wireless connectivity:
- Hyperspeed
- Bluetooth
The mouse uses one of the two at any given time. The user has to make the selection.
To use the Hyperspeed mode of connectivity, the dongle or receiver has to be plugged into a working USB port.
As a first step, re-establish the wireless connection by
- Unplugging the Hyperspeed USB wireless receiver
- Wait for 10 seconds
- Plug the wireless receiver back in.
Make sure that you’ve selected 2.4 under the mouse using the slider switch.
Follow the instructions here for connecting.
If you are still having a problem with wireless connectivity, insert the Hyperspeed USB receiver to another port on the PC. Then try connecting again. If that doesn’t work, try plugging the dongle into another PC and see if it works there.
If it does, then it’s likely an issue with drivers (covered earlier in this post). If the dongle doesn’t work on another PC then it will have to be replaced. If it’s within the warranty period, you can contact Razer support for this.
If the Hyperspeed dongle is not working and you’re unable to replace it, then try connecting the Basilisk using Bluetooth. Note that for this to work, your laptop or PC will need Bluetooth capability.
Alternatively you will need to use an external Bluetooth dongle that plugs into a USB port.
- Enable Bluetooth settings on your computer
- Make sure that the mode slider under the mouse is set to Bluetooth
- Press and hold the two side buttons and the Cycle DPI stage up button simultaneously for three seconds to activate pairing mode. The status indicator will blink twice in repeated intervals to show that the device is in pairing mode.
- Select the Basilisk X on your PC or laptop
- Once paired the status indicator will change to a static blue color for two seconds
- It will then turn Off
Now that it’s paired even when you turn the PC off and back on, it should reconnect to Bluetooth automatically.
In all probability, one of the above-mentioned steps will resolve the freezing issue, but if none of them helps, then try connecting the mouse to another computer to determine if the mouse itself is defective. You can always get a replacement within the warranty period.
Remove Sources of RF Interference
Your Basilisk Hyperspeed X might be disconnecting at random because there are other wireless devices in the vicinity that are operating at the same time. These devices will interfere with the smooth operation of the mouse.
Examples of such devices are Wi-Fi routers, Microwave Ovens and even your cell phone. Here is a more detailed post on how to solve interference issues.
How to Solve Basilisk X Mechanical Problems
Basilisk left-click not working or Double-Click Issues
As a first step, update the Synapse software to the latest version.
If the issue still persists, it’s likely a hardware issue.
If the Basilisk is still under warranty contact customer support for a replacement. The reason for this is that any mechanical issues get worse with time.
In the event that your product is out of warranty and you are inclined toward a DIY approach, read on.
For this repair you will need an Omron D2F-F-3-7
Since late 2020, Razer has replaced the Omron switches with Kailh switches. Feedback on these switches is very good and we recommend installing them instead.
Frequently Asked Questions about Basilisk X
Blue Light Blinking – What does it mean?
This indicates that the Bluetooth is pairing. It’s not a problem.
- When connecting using the Bluetooth Mode, slide the button below the mouse to the BT position
- A blue light starts blinking, suggesting it is ready to pair
- When a suitable compatible device is detected it automatically connects and the blue light goes off.
Basilisk X Blinking Red – What does it mean?
- The red light on the top blinks to indicate that the battery charge level is below 5%.
- This blinking will continue till the battery is drained out.
- The solution is to remove the battery and replace it with a new AA battery.
Basilisk not working after Windows 10 Update
As a first step we recommend uninstalling and reinstalling the Synapse application on your PC. If that doesn’t resolve the issue then try the following:
- The “Allow Computer to turn off this Device to save Power’ may be disabled for each Serial Bus Controller in the new update.
- Switch to a different USB 3.2 Gen 1 port.
- Unplug the 2.4G adapter,
- Remove the mouse with the Device manager
- Restart the PC and connect to the same port.
Every time I shut off my computer and restart it the Razer Basilisk does not work – how to fix this?
This normally happens when the Hibernation mode of the computer is enabled. This mode must be disabled and there are two phases involved.
- First through the Device Manager and
- Disabling the Hibernation support itself
Here is the procedure:
- Go to the Control panel and select “Hardware and Sound”
- Click on Device Manager in this section.
- Expand the “Universal Serial Bus” to see the “Root Hubs”.
- Right-Click on the root hub and select “Properties”.
- Go to the Power Management tab
- Disable the “Allow this computer to turn off to save power” function.
- Go to the Control Panel and select System and Security.
- Click on Power Options.
- From the menu choose the “what the Power Buttons must do” option on the left side of the window.
- Click on “change settings that are currently available”.
- Go to the bottom of the page and deselect the Hibernate button.
- Click “Save Changes”.
Why is my Basilisk X Charging Dock not Working?
The Basilisk X Hyperspeed is a wireless mouse that uses one AA battery. It cannot be charged using the charging dock.
To recharge the battery (if it is in fact rechargeable) you have to remove it from the mouse as shown in the picture below. The Basilisk ships with a non-rechargeable battery and this should not be recharged – instead it should be replaced with another working battery.
Why does the Basilisk keep Auto-shutting off?
This is a known issue with the Basilisk X. Update the Firmware to the latest version.
Why is the scroll wheel jumping?
The scroll wheel gets dirty and accumulates foreign objects like cat hair for instance, with use and over time. This can cause erratic behavior. A quick solution is to blow compressed air near the wheel zone to remove all the possible hidden dirt.
Basilisk X is Not Turning On – What to do?
Check the Mode Slider
Make sure that the mode slider under the mouse is set to either 2.4 or Bluetooth as shown in the picture below. If it’s set to the middle, the mouse is Off and won’t connect to your PC.
Ensure that your mouse battery is charged
The status indicator on the surface of the mouse will repeatedly blink red twice if the battery level is less than 5%. Once the battery dies however, it won’t blink. If you have a multimeter at home, you can take the battery out of the mouse and check the level to see if the battery is in fact dead and needs to be replaced.
Summary
In this post we have summarized the different reasons for which your Basilisk X may not be working and solutions:
- Check Battery Level
- Re-install Synapse
- Install the latest Windows Drivers
- Set All Razer Services to Automatic
- Clean the mouse
- Reset Surface Calibration
- Adjust the Power Management Settings for the USB Controllers
- Disable the Razer Game Scanner
- Check the Wireless Link