Mice & Keyboards by stefan @ 2013-07-02
The R.A.T.M. mouse from Mad Catz is a fresh iteration of the previously released versions but with a more portable, compact revision. The use of Bluetooth 4.0 LE allows a battery life of about an year and for customizing the product we get software for both Windows and Mac OSX platforms.
At first we would like to thank Mad Catz for offering me a sample of their R.A.T.M. Gaming Mouse for testing and reviewing.
"Mad Catz is a leading global provider of innovative products for the interactive entertainment industry. Mad Catz develops and markets accessories for videogame systems and PCs under its Mad Catz (casual gaming), Saitek (simulation), Eclipse (home and office) and TRITTON (gaming audio) brands. Mad Catz also operates e-commerce and content websites for videogame and PC products under its GameShark brand, develops, manufactures and markets proprietary earphones under its AirDrives brand and publishes and distributes video/PC games. Mad Catz distributes its products through most of the leading retailers offering interactive entertainment products and has offices in North America, Europe and Asia."
The Next Step in the Evolution of the Mouse
Sleek, versatile, and decidedly next-gen, Mad Catz' R.A.T. M Wireless Mobile Gaming Mouse gives you the performance you would expect from a R.A.T. and combines it with the portability of a notebook mouse. Featuring the latest Bluetooth technology – as well as a nano dongle for devices lacking Bluetooth connectivity – the R.A.T. M is just as comfortable at home as it is in the office. With programmable action buttons and an intuitive drag-and-drop software interface for button customization, this is the premiere mouse for the gamer on-the-go.
GameSmart Multi-platform Compatible via Bluetooth Smart Technology
Bluetooth Smart, featuring Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy (BLE), is a new, power-efficient version of Bluetooth wireless technology, already integrated into many modern computing devices. When paired with a Bluetooth Smart-compatible device, setup for the R.A.T. M is ultra-quick and very easy. Seamlessly connect to PCs, Macs, tablets, smartphones and laptops in a matter of minutes.
USB Nano Dongle for Devices without Bluetooth
No Bluetooth in your device? No problem! Just use the included USB nano dongle – which is conveniently stored within the underside of the R.A.T. M – and get connected. Its minute size won't add any bulk to your device, and it's nearly invisible once installed.
Up to 1 Year of Use from 2 AAA Batteries
Thanks to integrated Bluetooth Smart technology and a power-efficient, 'twin-eye' sensor, the R.A.T. M is a champion of power conservation. The included AAA batteries provide up to one year's worth of energy, more than twice that of the previous generation of Bluetooth mice.
Powerful GameSmart Technology
Products featuring GameSmart technology operate seamlessly with a variety of different mobile devices. GameSmart enables near-universal compatibility for PCs and Macs, as well as the latest generation of tablets such as the Microsoft Surface. By utilizing Bluetooth Smart, GameSmart wireless devices also feature simplified setup and extended battery life.
When one product functions with a multitude of devices, you'll find comfort in knowing that a new device won't require yet another purchase. Whether gaming on your laptop, creating spreadsheets on your desktop, or editing photos on your tablet, the R.A.T. M is your go-to mouse.
Perfect Your Grip
To improve comfort and provide a custom fit, the palm rest on the R.A.T. M adapts to your hand. Easily adjust the overall length to suit your grip style; four different settings range from 0-15mm in 5mm increments.
True 6400 DPI Laser Sensor with 2 Custom Settings
The Mad Catz R.A.T. M Wireless Mobile Gaming Mouse's power-efficient, 'twin-eye' laser sensor reads each axis separately and tracks up to a stunning 6 meters per second with pinpoint accuracy. Pro-gamers who prefer low sensitivity with high movement speed will always experience correct tracking and precision. Two user-definable DPI settings range from 25 to 6400 and the DPI button lets you easily cycle through custom settings.
Unique 5D Button Enables 5 Commands with a Single Control
Use the 5D Button to click up and down, left and right, and press in. Gain the competitive advantage by always knowing exactly where each and every mouse button resides – without the hassles of training aids or the need to actually look at the mouse to locate a feature. Perfect positioning under your thumb provides lightning-fast access to your most important gaming commands.
Custom Travel Pouch Included
When the need for a great mouse finds you on the road, the included travel pouch provides convenient storage while helping to protect your device from the elements.
• Low Energy Phillips 2034 laser sensor with up to 6400 DPI
• Bluetooth Smart technology; connect direct to your device, or via USB nano-dongle. Connecting without the dongle is only supported in Windows 8 at the moment. The host device must have Bluetooth 4.0 LE hardware.
• 10 metre wireless range
• 120Hz polling rate.
• Powered by 2 x AAA batteries for up to 1 year battery life depending on use.
• Ultra smooth PTFE feet
• Extendable palm rest with 0mm, 5mm, 10mm and 15mm options
• Size: Length - 95 mm (min) 105 mm (max) x Width – 75 mm x Height – 40 mm
• Weight: 105 g (with batteries)
• 10 programmable buttons
• Travel pouch
• Blue LED for connection status
• Two user-defined DPI levels indicated by RED LED (Default Mode 1 = 800 DPI, Mode 2 = 2400 DPI)
In this review we will try to take a look on a new product from the GameSmart multi-platform products of Mad Catz, which is the R.A.T.M. Right from the start, we can see that the enclosure is different compared to all the products we have tested from them so far, since it is made completely from transparent plastic. Because of this, we can see how the mouse looks right from the start, without the need of unsealing the box. On all sides we will find extra info regarding the product itself:
The sides come with listings in multiple languages of the main product features, but also with specifications:
On the back side of the box, the main components of the mouse are detailed, along with the removal of the battery compartment:
After the removal of the first set of seals, we will be able to split the enclosure in two, one which will still contain the mouse and the other one which houses a cardboard box with accessories:
The bundle is composed from a small carry-bag and the documentation, supplied in a separate transparent bag:
The carry bag is very useful when traveling, to avoid scratches on the plastic surface, but also for storage purposes:
Regarding the documentation, we will get some warning messages, leaflets for the Damage Inc and Combat Pilot, a set of very nice Mad Catz stickers with different dimensions, the manual and some info regarding technical support and warranty:
The mouse is also supplied with a set of batteries:
The R.A.T.M. design resembles the previous generation and the top is completely made from shiny plastic (in different colors):
The left and right click buttons have OMRON switches and near the left click we have a separate Wing Button. The scroll wheel is made completely from aluminum and near it we have the DPI switch button:
On the back side we have the battery compartment of the mouse, which is easy to remove if we follow the instructions inside the manual:
The left side of the mouse unveils the 5D Button, the pre-programmed Internet Back/Forward buttons and to the right we also have a small button which needs to be pressed in order to remove the batteries:
On the top side of the programmable buttons we have two activity LEDs (one for Bluetooth connectivity and the other one for DPI switching):
On the back side of the mouse we can see the most of the surface covered with a sticker, which lets us know of the next installation steps we need to follow:
On the sides we will be able to see the ultra-smooth PTFE feet and in the center zone we have the docked Bluetooth 4.0 LE dongle, the Power On/Off switch, but also the laser sensor lens:
Near the small Mad Catz logo, we also have a product logo:
Let’s go ahead and install the batteries in order to be able to operate the mouse:
The mouse has shipped with two GP Alkaline AAA 1.5V batteries:
On the battery compartment we also have drawings of the battery polarities:
The Bluetooth 4.0 dongle is really tiny and should not be an issue if we leave it connected during travel:
On the metallic connector we have the model number, power rating, FCC ID and some serial numbers laser-etched:
After powering up the mouse, it will automatically enter in search mode for detecting the connected dongle. If we want, however, to use a native Bluetooth connection, the manufacturer guides us to hold the Precision Aim button and the Wing Button for 5 seconds:
The mouse is supplied with software which sports a redesigned GUI; the drag-and-drop capabilities make the configurability really easy when assigning different functions to the mouse buttons:
Besides the pre-defined shortcuts tab, we also have the Keys tab, Favorites and Custom:
When defining a custom macro, besides the key presses we can also set an icon for it:
The newly defined Macro will appear in the Custom tab:
Inside the Settings tab, we will be able to see the current battery capacity, adjust the DPI LED sleep timer, set up Precision Aim, adjust D.P.I. steps for both levels or enable/disable DPI Cycle:
Finally, we have the Support tab, where we can access for download the latest drivers and software, download extra profiles, access the knowledge base or contact Mad Catz:
The R.A.T.M. mouse from Mad Catz has a smaller footprint compared to its wired, older brothers and it succeeds to maintain a decent level of comfort thanks to the customizable body which allows the extension of the back plastic panel. The installation is easy when using the supplied dongle, but it can be also operated without it on Windows 8, if we have a Bluetooth 4.0 LE compatible adapter.
If we keep the mouse within range, it performs admirably; after some IDLE time it will automatically enter in a suspend mode for battery saving and the BT connection will be interrupted. When the connectivity is restored, we have found that not all the mouse functions are restored at once, but first the buttons will respond and after some seconds we will be able to move the mouse cursor too.
While testing the previous mice, we were used to having more DPI steps compared to the R.A.T.M. which only has two. We think that this can be fixed in the future software updates if the mouse has enough internal memory storage. We are happy to see the revised software interface for the product, which is easier to use than the previous iterations.
For added value, we also get a small carry bag, which is handy when going at LAN parties or for simply keeping the mouse in storage when not in use.
The battery life of the mouse is also impressive, the manufacturer advertising about a full year without the need of replacing the battery. The software application has reported about one year and 5 days of availability when we first installed it. Speaking of the software, Mad Catz have also available a version for Mac OSX, with the same customization options as on PC; not a lot of peripheral manufacturers offer the same support.
The mouse can be ordered from the GameShark Store for about 129.99 Euros, a price which not a lot of us have available to pay for a peripheral, but it comes with premium quality materials, a good sensor, a compact shape and an outstanding battery life.
We would like to thank again to Mad Catz for making this review possible!