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Mad Catz R.A.T.TE (Hardware) Review

 
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RATTE_matteBlack_top
RATTE_matteBlack_top

 
Overview
 

Platforms: PC, Mac
 
Application:
 
Platform: ,
 
Manufacturer:
 
Year Of Manufacture:
 
Final Score
9.0
9/ 10


User Rating
2 total ratings

 

We liked?


A lightweight frame and lightning fast tracking makes for a killer advantage for serious gamers.

Not so Much?


The lighter construction naturally feels less sturdy than a chunkier mouse, and the cord does bunch up at times.


Final Fiendish Findings?

Everyone loves a great gaming mouse. It makes getting the most accurate and timely shots as easy as the click of a button. However, the needs of the average gamer are simply not the same as the needs of a pro gamer. For those who take their gaming very seriously, all the bells and whistles […]

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Posted September 15, 2014 by

 
Full Fiendish Findings...
 
 

Everyone loves a great gaming mouse. It makes getting the most accurate and timely shots as easy as the click of a button. However, the needs of the average gamer are simply not the same as the needs of a pro gamer. For those who take their gaming very seriously, all the bells and whistles just aren’t as important as a super lightweight mouse with loads of power and lightning fast moves. In order to meet the needs of people who want less flash and way more substance, Mad Catz has consulted with pro gamers to create a mouse that can keep up with everything they dish out – the R.A.T.TE.

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So what’s in the box? Like the mouse itself, the packaging holds only what you need – the mouse and quick start guide, as well as a sheet of Mad Catz stickers thrown in for fun. As you check out the Mad Catz R.A.T.TE, you’ll find a mouse that is, if nothing else, wholly impressive at first sight ( a nice touch when given as a gift). We reviewed the black model, which has bold blue accents on a matte black background – but if black and blue isn’t your thing, you can opt for other models in red or white. The R.A.T.TE has the same signature look of previous R.A.T. mouses, with segmented pieces rather than an all-in-one shell providing a cool look and near unprecedented ergonomics (although it should be noted that due to this, it’s definitely a right handed mouse only, with the right thumb designed to rest comfortably on a side panel).

The R.A.T.TE joins the already well respected R.A.T. line, long credited with providing quality gaming mice that provide quality and performance under the intense pressure hardcore gamers dish out. The “TE” stands for “Tournament Edition” and it’s specifically designed for gamers who are involved in competitive events. If you’re familiar with other gaming mice in the line, you’re probably expecting the adjustable weights feature that allowed you to make the mouse as heavy or as light as you wanted. In the Tournament Edition, this has been completely eliminated in favor of a design that is surprisingly lightweight – a feature that competitive gamers will surely appreciate. Weighing in at just 90 grams, this mouse feels like a feather compared to the more bulky gaming mice most of us are used to – and that lighter weight translates to a faster response. The difference in weight is noticeable immediately, and also translates to less fatigue later on as you play longer sessions.

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The matte surface on the R.A.T.TE reduces slippage and feels velvety soft to the touch. The wrapped cord is meant to keep tangles at a minimum (although it does bunch up on occasion), and has plenty of length to make sure you have the needed range, no matter how heated your gaming sessions may be. Mad Catz has also addressed the issue of lift-off height by making it adjustable for the R.A.T.TE. The mouse can detect and adjust itself based on the gaming surface you use, determining surface conditions and calibrate readings based on them. Gamers can also adjust this themselves, with settings ranging from 200μm to 1 mm available, giving users maximum control over their gameplay. And with laser sensors that track up to 8200 dpi, you’d be hard pressed to match the accuracy of this mouse.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a gaming mouse without customization. The R.A.T.TE software works with both Mac and PC. To install the software, you simply go to the website specified in your manual and follow the instructions given. It’s quite simple to do, regardless of computer type. Once the software is installed, you can then start to tweak your mouse to make it the perfect partner in your gaming endeavors. The software is simple to install and easy to use, and allows you to create three sets of macro profiles,  as well functions for sensor dampening, power usage, and precision aim. It’s everything a serious gamer needs, without a bunch of extras to get in the way.

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The  Mad Catz R.A.T.TE is a great option for hardcore players looking to up their game. This featherlight mouse is lightning fast and dead accurate – a must for pro gamers. With unprecedented calibration options and a simple to use customization software, it’s a solid choice for competitive gamers, who have a different set of needs than the average player. Though the lightweight plastic frame makes it less sturdy than previous iterations of the R.A.T. line, the speed advantage its lighter weight provides is worth the extra care needed.


Amy

 
U.S. Senior Editor & Deputy EIC, @averyzoe on Twitter, mother of 5, gamer, reader, wife to @macanthony, and all-around bad-ass (no, not really)


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