Mad Catz Cyborg RAT 9 Wireless Gaming Mouse

Gamers represent a dream demographic for computer and computer accessory vendors: they're the market segment that drives the development and sales of things like $400 cases, $500 video cards, and in this case, $150 mice. While they comprise a tiny fraction of the overall computer market, their influence is disproportionate to their numbers. Most computer users would doubtless roll their eyes at the thought of spending more money on a video card than most people spend on their entire systems, but innovations in hardware tend to trickle down, so the features in today's high-end product eventually show up in tomorrow's mass-market offering. 

Since the consumer computer mouse was introduced in the early 1980s, we've seen design innovations like the scroll wheel (1995), the wireless mouse and optical mouse sensor (2001), and the laser-based mouse sensor (2005). Various companies have added extra programmable buttons, internal LED lighting, and even built-in fans to cool your sweaty hands. Today's gamers have a plethora of high-performance gaming mice to choose from. Is there anything else left to innovate? Mad Catz thinks so, and Benchmark Reviews checks out their latest mouse, the Mad Catz Cyborg R.A.T. 9 wireless gaming mouse, to see if they're right.

 The original green-buttoned Microsoft Mouse of the early 1980s use a metal mouse ball, and metal bearings for support. It plugged into a serial (DB9) port, and made a lot of noise as you rolled it about your desk. The Macintosh mouse was considered much more advanced since it had a rubber-coated ball and Teflon feet, and internally it used optical-chopper encoders instead of the delicate copper feeler encoders of the Microsoft mouse.

Mad Catz' Cyborg R.A.T.-9 mouse is as different from these early mice as the Space Shuttle is from a Model T. Looking as if it were designed to be used by the company's namesake cyborgs, it's the top-end version of Mad Catz' "R.A.T." line, which comprises the R.A.T. 3, R.A.T. 5, R.A.T. 7, and R.A.T. 9. Aimed directly at hard-core gamers, the R.A.T. 9 boasts extremely high resolution, on-the-fly configuration, adjustable weights, and can be configured to fit almost any hand (as long as it's your right hand).

At a suggested retail price of $149.99 (direct from Mad Catz), the R.A.T. 9 is one of the most expensive consumer mice available. Fortunately, NewEgg offers the R.A.T. 9 at a pre-release price of $99.99. In this article, Benchmark Reviews will see if you get your money's worth.

Mad Catz Cyborg R.A.T. 9 Features

• Zero Latency 2.4Ghz Wireless Technology - A staggering 1ms response time ensures that your lightning fast reactions remain lightning fast.
• Wireless Receiver/Recharge Dock - Keeps gaming for as long as the gamer, the R.A.T. 9 is a 24/7 wireless beast, shipping with 2 custom built lithium-ion battery cells. One powers the R.A.T. while the other one charges in the dock, allowing the gamer to perform a ‘hot swap' whenever and wherever needed.. Up to 9 hours continuous gaming ,Up to 4 days normal use.
• Interchangeable Pinkie grips and Palm rests
• Perfect your grip - How do you hunt? Whether you ‘palm' the mouse or ‘claw' it, the R.A.T. can quickly and easily adapt by adjusting in length to suit your hand size and grip style. In addition, the Thumb Panel of the R.A.T. 9 moves forwards, backwards, and pivots outwards, giving you perfect positioning for effortless gaming.
• Custom Weight System - Like it light or heavy? Maybe you change the weight to suit your game? No matter, the R.A.T. has you covered. Five 6-gram weights can be added or subtracted in an instant, giving you the perfect weight for a perfect feel. When not in use, the weights can be safely stored in the supplied Weight Storage Container and kept safe in the supplied Charging Dock.
• Precision Aim Mode - Hit your target the first time every time. Use the ST Programming Software to set your desired Precision Aim speed (mouse sensitivity), then hold down the Precision Aim button to slow down mouse movement to a level that works for you. A deadly weapon that will hit your enemy where it hurts.
• 5600 DPI - Featuring a new generation 'twin eye' laser sensor that reads each axis separately for pinpoint accuracy, the R.A.T. 9 tracks up to a stunning 6 meters per second. Pro gamers who favor low sensitivity with high movement speed preferences will always experience correct tracking and precision.
• 4 Custom DPI Settings - Use the Rocker Switch to toggle between your custom DPI settings.
• 5 Programmable Buttons - Combine your Programmable Buttons with 2 regular left and right mouse buttons and give yourself a total of 7 buttons available to punish your competition. Assign your choice of key gaming actions to Programmable Buttons to create your own custom profiles.
• 3 Cyborg Modes - Toggle between three individual R.A.T. modes at the touch of a button. Change sensitivity or Programmable Button actions in an instant and gain immediate access to a mind-boggling 15 commands!
• Powerful ST Programming Software - Change your DPI, cursor sensitivity, create custom profiles for each game, and assign commands to your Programmable Buttons. Easy, quick and the power you need right on your desktop.
• Lightweight Metal Chassis - Strong yet nimble, the solid metal frame forms the core of the R.A.T. 9 for enhanced rigidity.

Specifications

• DPI range - 25-5600dpi (in 25dpi steps)
• Acceleration - 50G
• Polling Rate - Dynamic up to 1000Hz
• Tracking Speed - Up to 6m/sec
• Always On
• Up to 9 hours continuous gaming, up to 4 days normal use
• PTFE "Slick" Feet
• Gold plated connector
• Braided USB cable

from : benchmarkreviews.com