World-Exclusive Review: The R.A.T.7 is the Best Gaming Mouse Ever
It can be sort of hard to review gaming mice. Problem is, all the major brands pretty much have it down—they make mice with excellent sensors, responsive hardware, and a set of feature that’s rapidly becoming an industry standard. They might have a couple of extra buttons here or there, or a superfluous LCD screen tucked away somewhere, but it’s been a long time since we’ve seen something actually revolutionary. Well, here you go.
This is the Cyborg R.A.T.7 from MadCatz. We’d seen early pictures of the mouse, and we had our doubts—to say it looked “gimmicky” is a bit of an understatement. Well, we’re very pleased to have been proven wrong. The R.A.T.7‘s futuristic stylings aren’t just for show—they’re a product of a startling number of customization options and features. We’re going to walk you through these features, one by one. When we’re through, we think you’ll understand why this is our new favorite gaming mouse.
The Chassis
Normally, when reviewing a mouse, one of the make-or-break factors is feel. Does the mouse fit nicely in the hand? Does it get tiring to use after several hours? Are all the buttons easily accessible? It’s an incredibly important consideration, but it’s also one that’s hard to be objective about. After all, everyone’s hand is a different shape and size, and there are several different ways to hold a mouse. One person’s dream mouse could be another person’s last pick.
The R.A.T.7 turns all that on its head. Rather than trying to pick a single shape that pleases as many people as possible, the R.A.T.7 is completely customizable and adjustable, allowing you to swap out parts and adjust differences until it fits your hand perfectly.
The base of the mouse is a solid steel chassis, which makes the mouse feel incredibly solid, and lends it a not-inconsiderable amount of weight. The R.A.T.7 comes with additional weights, which can be slotted into the back of the mouse for some extra heft. We like ours heavy, so we used a couple of the weights, although the mouse is pretty weighty all by itself, so if you like a super-light mouse, you’re out of luck with the R.A.T.7
The replaceable elements of the R.A.T.7 are its palm-rest and pinky grip. The palm rest comes in three flavors—slick black, grippy rubber, and elevated slick black (giving a taller overall mouse). The distance between the palm rest and the buttons can be adjusted by holding down a small lever, allowing you to make the mouse as short as 4 ¼” or as long as 5”. The included pinky grips include two regular side-panels (one matte and one grippy) and an oversize wing-style grip that makes the mouse look a bit like some sort of futuristic hovercraft. The wing grip is our favorite, as it allows you to use your pinky for a little extra precision in controlling the mouse.
The left-side panel, which contains three of the mouse buttons, is also adjustable. By turning a knob using the R.A.T.7’s built-in Allen wrench, you can slide the whole panel forward and backward, allowing you to position the buttons perfectly under your thumb.
The R.A.T.7 is, then, tremendously customizable in height, width, length, weight and texture. Of the people who tried the mouse out here, only the person with the smallest hands found it unwieldy. We think anyone with at least average-sized hands will be able to find a configuration of the R.A.T. that works for them.
Features
Although the shape of a mouse is important, it’s far from the only thing that matters. The other huge consideration is functionality—what set of features does the mouse bring to the table. The R.A.T.7 manages to stand out here, as well, delivering all of the features we expect from a high-end gaming mouse, and a few very handy ones that we’ve never seen before.
First, the standard stuff: The R.A.T.7 has a 5600 DPI laser sensor that’s exactly as precise (or imprecise) as you need it to be. The sensitivity can be adjusted on the fly (cycling between four customizable sensitivity levels), using a two-way switch located behind the wheel, and a red LED meter next to the profile button shows the current sensitivity setting.
The profile button switches between up to three different profiles, allowing you to bind different buttons to different keystrokes for different games. All the buttons on the mouse are extra-clicky and responsive.
That’s all well and good, but we haven’t seen anything new yet. Here are our favorite two new features seen in the R.A.T.7:
First, there’s the thumbwheel. Although the R.A.T.7 isn’t the first mouse to integrate more than one scroll wheel, we think it is to do so in a way that’s as functional as this. The thumbwheel on the R.A.T.7 is a big, ridged steel affair, with just the right amount of tension. It can be configured in the profile manager (clockwise and counterclockwise rotation can each be bound to a key), though we found that it was an excellent choice for switching weapons in shooters, allowing us to cycle through our options without getting in the way of us clicking to fire.
The other new feature that we love is the “sniper button,” a non-configurable button on the thumb panel that reduces your mouse sensitivity (you can choose the amount) for as long as it’s being held down. This addresses our biggest gripe with the traditional DPI selector button: in most games, you’re not going to be sniping all the time, and in the middle of a heated firefight in Modern Warfare 2, you’re not going to want to fiddle with the DPI selector every time you stop running and gunning and go for a longshot.
The sniper button is an excellent solution to this problem. Rather than having to commit to “sniping mode” or “action mode,” you simply press the button whenever you want to virtually hold your breath and line up a delicate shot. We hope this one becomes standard on all gaming mice.
Models
The R.A.T.7 is part of a new line of gaming mice from MadCatz’ Cyborg brand. There will be 4 models total, the R.A.T.3, R.A.T.5, R.A.T.7, and R.A.T.9. At $50, the R.A.T.3 has a lesser 3200 DPI laser sensor, and lacks most of the features and customization that we like about the 7. The R.A.T.5 has a better sensor than the three, as well as the sniper button and thumbwheel, but lack the interchangeable palm and pinky surfaces. The R.A.T.9 will essentially be the same as the R.A.T.7, but will be wireless. Currently, only the R.A.T.5 and the R.A.T.7 are shipping, with the R.A.T.3 and the R.A.T.9 planned for later this summer.
In Conclusion...
This is a bad-ass mouse. The $100 price tag puts the R.A.T. at the higher end of the gaming mouse spectrum, but you're not going to find a mouse that's more feature-packed or customizable than this.
Cyborg R.A.T.7

Ratatat
Very solidly built with amazing customization options and a heavy duty featureset
Rattata
May be heavier than some prefer; doesn't come cheap
10
Comments
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brunopedreira
November 25, 2011 at 6:26pm
can someboy send me (brunopedreira@live.com) the drivers and software of cyborg rat 7 for windows 7 (64bits) to my mail? PLEASE, I CANT DONWLOAD FROM DE CYBORGGAMING.COM!
HELPPPPP!
THX
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banj0
November 06, 2011 at 3:16am
I had tracking problems on my mouse pad and my desk. I stuck it on a book and it works fine, great mouse.
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bonus45
October 06, 2011 at 4:56pm
Awesome mouse - at first. Now I'm getting the cursor drift and weird tracking. Back to Logitech or maybe I'll try a Mionix. I knew I should have known better pissing away money like that - there were just too many bad reviews on the 'egg with the same problem.
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supakeepa
September 20, 2011 at 11:51am
I've had this mouse for about 3 months now, and I almost love it. I went from my 5 year old Razer Diamondback to this mouse, and I still find myself missing my Razer. This mouse feels great, and I like the features, but there is just something so different with the lazer that it is killing me in my First Person Shooters. I've upped the sensitivity and it feels like I should be good to go, but I find that the mouse is not responding to my small movements like the Razer did. I will get a camper in my sights and try to move ever so slightly to get the headshot, but my reticle will refuse to move. Finally I give the mouse a stronger bump, and it moves too much. I've tried using the "sniper" button and get similar results. I'm even using a gaming mouse pad and just can't get the finer movements to register. So, it is time to recover the Razer from my office and use the R.A.T for my boring computing needs. Sigh. This mouse is so close to perfect, but it just can't match my Razer for responsiveness.
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bchanman11
April 13, 2011 at 8:49am
The main points for me is that this mouse is very comfortable, especially for your thumb. And it has 5600 DPI, which is absolutely amazing, especially if you use a typical 1000 DPI standard mouse or if you use a ball tracking mouse >.<
For more information you can also check out the page on Best Gaming Mouse
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mortalrage
February 24, 2011 at 10:48am
I bought this mouse, and I agree with the article. Have had no problems with it at all. Love the customization, making long gaming sessions less stressfull for my hands compared to my older mouses i've used in the past. The raised palm piece made a big difference with me.
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kowal
February 13, 2011 at 8:48am
I bought this RAT 7.............worked good for about a month.
Then the tracking went all to hell on it.....sent it back......same issues with the second one.....i even went as far as to reinstall windows (which is no fun).
Apparently i am not the only one having tracking issues from what i read here.
I am a Magazine subscriber and i bought this because of the maximum pc review and the kick ass 10 rating.
I am so sorry i bought this POS.....and will now be suspect of maximum pc's reviews.0
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Mighty BOB!
February 13, 2011 at 3:28pm
Have you tried blasting some compressed air into the little sensor hole? I've had to do that on my G5 when a little bit of dust/fuzz got in there.
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Vladislav_Draculva
January 22, 2011 at 3:43pm
Got my R.A.T. 7 Just today...Now then let me be frank...I LOVE THIS THING...zero complaints whatsoever...but to understand this you need to understand that this mouse marks my march into the world of non ball mice...
That's right people...up until now I have been pwning with a stock mouse with a ball in it...and you know what...when I lose a game I do not blame my mouse...cause it works fine...a tradesman never blames his tools...
It works great...It has a few programmable buttons that I have yet to program...because I have no need 4 em...I bought it mostly for asthetics...I am sure once I program it it will become even better...
I love it all the way around...It is great...It is wonderful...It works with my mousepad...and it also works on my smoked glass desktop...which came as a huge suprise to me...wonderful product...
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lemonchicken
October 29, 2010 at 11:20am
arrived today.. what can i say!
pros:
unmatched in terms of how it looks... [the pics here dont do it justice]
4 snazzy led colours to choose from
forward & back buttons - top notch
main scroll wheel is nice..
cons
secondary scroll wheel is bollocks [index finger almost covers it completely] cool tho
buttons are too loud
my 3rd finger feels like its being stretched over the right clicker, ill probably get used to that
precision aim is too much to think about when on teh pwn, again maybe ill get used to it
all in all, not worth £80 but tbh no other mouse on teh market @ teh moment comes close :)
ps. no tracking problems using a plastic wallet on my sofa
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Amee
November 14, 2010 at 8:22am
My G9X just died and at first I ordered the RAT 9 but after further investigation I found that the battery charger which is also the 2.4 GHz receiver must be connected via the USB. I use the M17X Alienware Laptop and don't need anymore wires. I cancelled the Rat 9 order and have ordered the RAT 7 think it is a better choice for me. If they come out with a truly wireless system I may switch.
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Folk
October 10, 2010 at 2:30pm
It works great on the surface of my wooden desk, but put it on an Icemat and it basically stops working. Use it on a Rocketfish pad (either side) and it skips all over the place. Did no one test this mouse on various surfaces? Cause it's a major FAIL on the two pads I mentioned.
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szore
June 02, 2011 at 2:57pm
I went through 2 of these in 2 DAYS and the tracking on both was a fcked up. I am using the razor pad and a wooden desk and neither work. Very Very SAD and unfortunate.
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f3honda4me
October 01, 2010 at 10:36am
Does the primary mouse wheel offer a tilt feature? Or does it only scroll up/down. I use the tilt feature on the primary mouse wheel of my current mouse, and would rather not lose that ability.
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Papaspud
October 06, 2010 at 10:52am
it doesn't do side to side tilt for scroll, it has a seperate scroll button for your thumb for side to side scrolling.
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BizSAR
October 05, 2010 at 10:45am
It does not offer the tilt feature, but the rest of the mouse is such a WIN for gaming, that it would be worth swapping mice out to game.
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BeVar
September 24, 2010 at 5:54am
Here's the deal. I've ditched the best feeling mouse I 've owned so far, the Logitech G7 because I in love with the magnify from Microsoft mice. I even talked to Logitech directly about writing this feature into their mouse... I was ignored, no surprise!
My question for the MaxPC staff... is there a way to make the Microsoft software work with the R.A.T. 7 or would Saitek, maybe with some nudging from you all write the magnify into there software?
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ceator3571
August 31, 2010 at 9:01am
This thing is GREAT!
It fits my hand great after only few adjustments. So far the best fitting mouse I have ever used. I will try more adjustments to experiment with the fit. I did notice I no longer need my wrist rest on my mouse pad.
I see no tracking issues for the surfaces I use it on. I used Paint I did multiple repeat clicking of the left mouse button with not tracking issues. I did this on my black cloth like mouse pad and my wood keyboard tray. Also I did not experience any sync issues after I picked up and put down the mouse. I was trying all different kinds of surfaces to see if I could find one it would not track on and the only one was the back of my iPhone’s clear case. So maybe it will not track on a clear surface.
I am using Windows 7 64 bit version and updated the Drivers and Software from the Cyborg website. I removed my old mouse software and drivers before I installed the RAT 7 software and drivers. I also made sure the surface I was using was clean.
So far I have to agree with MaximuPC and give it a 10 Kickass based on my usage so far. Of course I plan to test it much more and will report back if something significant comes up.
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ceator3571
September 04, 2010 at 10:48am
I was finally able to recreate the re-sync issue after I pick and put down the mouse. The re-sync issue occurs on the “speed” side of the “Rocketfish” mousepad (see Bestbuy.com). It does not occur every time on the “speed” side but enough to impact you if you are playing an intense game. It does not occur on the “control” side of this mousepad. I have tested this mouse on a thin black cloth like mousepad, thick black cloth like mouse pad, wood desk, white paper with no issues at all. So from my testing results I would suggest you change your mouse surface to get the best results.
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szore
June 02, 2011 at 2:58pm
I went through 2 of these in 2 DAYS and all surfaces are a FAIL had to return both, ARE THEIR ANY OUT THERE THAT WORK?
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dexcaliber
August 29, 2010 at 4:28am
I've owned Logitech's, Razer's (never own one again), Ideazon Reaper. The Reaper Edge was a good gaming mouse until Win 7 came out (software issues) and then I was in the market for a new mouse. When I saw the RAT 7, it caught me off guard but the more I looked the more I liked. With all of the adjustments that can be done, this is a very customizable piece of hardware. Top of the line contruction and the software works really well. Even though it retails for $99.99, I got a good deal on Amazon for $69.00 brand new w/ shipping of an extra $6.00. I'm definitly going to buy another one as a backup.
As for tracking issues on black surfaces....none what so ever. works just as well on or off mouse pad. I dont use a mouse pad anyway, their about as useless as screensavers nowadays.
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Couter
August 19, 2010 at 8:59pm
So I currently have a Razer Mamba, which I absolutely love, however I'm a sucker when it comes to new technology, especially computer peripherals.
So do you think it would be worth it to (upgrade?) to the R.A.T 9? Would that even be an upgrade? I'm curious to hear your thoughts on the matter
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FrigginPc
August 07, 2010 at 12:28pm
So I am very impressed with the packaging. And the mouse itself feels good after you set it up they way you like. I installed the drivers and they are intuitive with all the features you would think.
But then I put it on my HumanScale keyboard tray's mouse pad and the friggin thing doesn't track! No mouse movement what so ever! So I play around with different surfaces. If I go to the edge of my HumanScale pad it starts to track and then I lose it as I come to the center. I stick it on my white desk top and it tracks like a champ. I throw it on a CMS Stacker freebie mouse pad and I get tracking but poor tracking. What is the deal?!?!
I have recently tested 5 different mice and not a single one had a tracking issue on my black HumanScale pad. Ya it is smooth but at least it isn't glass. I googled the issue and don't see reference to it anywhere. Sorry to say coolness and all, crappy tracking lands it in the trash.
EDIT: Went out and bought a $9 white mouse pad and it seems to work well. Will keep you posted. Crazy I have to change the surface. I have had 5 different mice on this pad over the last month...
Enoch @ FrigginPC
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ceator3571
August 09, 2010 at 6:51am
This is the second time I read that you can't use a black mouse pad. Strange that this would be the case for a $100 mouse.
Yes please keep us posted as I was considering this mouse.
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XinX
August 18, 2010 at 11:40am
I have the exact same issue on by black desk.
I am NOT going to buy a mousepad for a 100€ Mouse! (since every Logitech Mouse so far managed to handle it without problems)I am going to phone SAITEK tommorow.. this is totally ridicolous!
I will let you know what comes out of it!
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XinX
August 19, 2010 at 7:56am
OK SAITEK (Germany) confirmed that the Mouse "does not run on some special black surfaces".
I have a standard, high priced, black office desk but meh..
Advice from SAITEK: use a 3$ MousePad..
Yeh Sure.. Iphone Users.. use a 4$ Cover..Back to the store you go!
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XinX
August 19, 2010 at 3:20pm
Doesn't even run on my IKEA Table.. FAIL!
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00104291
Of course I do not game there but so you have a reference!
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ceator3571
August 06, 2010 at 5:57am
After reading the bad reviews in the comments here and other places could there be a bad batch of these out there?
I also wonder if a fix is going on as this is not available in many places or it shows out of stock. it's strange that I don't see this at Newegg or CompUSA.
Anybody have feedback on these thoughts?
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FrigginPc
August 01, 2010 at 6:37pm
I just ordered my R.A.T. 7. Ever since my Razer Copperhead needed to be replaced I have been struggling to find a good mouse. I have been through the G9x, XAI, Lachesis and am struggling with the Imperator. I have a write up at frigginpc.com.
Once I get it I am going to write up a review. From what I see it looks like it could be fragile and not well balanced with a bummer of a sensor.
Enoch
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cipher_nemo
August 01, 2010 at 12:46pm
On a positive note, your dreammachine 2010 looked great. Everything was awesome... except this mouse.
The RAT 7 looks like it's still in a development stage with weird quirks. This movement when clicking coupled with the non-flush pinky rest is unacceptable in my book. Silly that MaximumPC gave it a 10/10 rating. I smell pay-off from MadCatz. This is the same company that owns Saitek, of which I hate their products. Cyborg name for MadCatz is all about bells and whistles.
I'll stick with my solid, reliable, and programmable Logitech G9x over this RAT 7 piece of crap. Shame on you MaximumPC... save your 10/10 rating for something that's not only groundbreaking but reliable in functionality as well. A flawed product should never have a 10/10 rating.
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Lanx
July 15, 2010 at 11:25pm
I have had MaximumPC since Boot 01, I'm such an old timer I think the number of 10/10 Kickass awarded is maybe 10 or less, I cannot under any clear conscience let this happen for this R.A.T. 7 Mouse.
Besides having driver issues that could only be remedied by reinstalling win7 and the laser not working on a frosted glass icemat (these can be averted by better drivers later on and getting a new mouse pad), the build design of this mouse is still in the beta phase.
1. the pinky option, if left use the one with the pinky holder, there is no teflon on the bottom of this accessory. So if you actually use this accessory option to hold and cradle your pinky it will tilt the mouse to the right because the mouse has now become UNplumb/UNflush and loose it's teflon feel and scrape the right side.
2. This mouse has z-axis tracking issue, mainly because of the sensor used, but this adds to number 3.
Video included http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbinkRoWrRY
3. If this mouse is used properly by tightening the thumb adjustment, the mouse then becomes UNplumb/UNflush. Once the thumb adjustment is made to tighten the mouse this creates pressure on the thumb side and causes the mouse to life 0.5mm on the left side, causing the mouse to be wobbly,
Video included http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkoeSFLy7Ak
I cannot let MaximumPC give a 10/10 Kickass award to one of the most expensive wired mice on the market. This should be a premium product that has gone through serious testing, why are these issues cropping up in the design of the mouse itself? I have called this mouse still in the beta phase, and MadCat is making the general public beta test this mouse.
My fustration with this mouse can be viewed starting on this page
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1484148&page=9
And yet, I still stand by this mouse, it is the best ergonomic mouse, BUT it has poor quality build/design/construction, poor driver/software support and a poor cheap sensor (that is recognized by thegaming community as a horrible sensor with z-axis problems).
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drunkalien6
July 11, 2010 at 5:12pm
This looks like it has extremely high build qaulity! Its a great time to be looking for a mouse so many great choices now! Razer Naga, Razer Mamba, R.A.T. 7/9 (9 is wireless 7 is wired). Then the G9x.
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ajax344
July 11, 2010 at 1:24am
Seriously, I have to know, when is the Rat 9 coming out? Any rumors or hints, because the review convinced me to buy the Rat 7, but the rat 9's wireless makes it easier for me to put down around $100 on a mouse, being that in the past, some pricy mice i've bought have died from shorted connections, even taking them apart and re-soldering the connection is usually only a temporary fix. So the wireless is appealing to me, if anyone knows anything about when it comes out i really want to know.
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SkykingUSA
July 10, 2010 at 9:17pm
Does anyone know what this mouse, and the RAT9 weighs in grams? I can't find it in the specs or any reviews and I'd like to be able to compare it with some other mice that provide the mouse weight in their specs.
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trojanmantony
September 05, 2010 at 5:57pm
all i know is it has 30 grams worth of weight you can take off or put on, the mouse itself i have no idea
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DRAGONWEEZEL
June 22, 2010 at 9:08am
(said in a Keanu Reeves Voice)
Buttons...
Lots of Buttons...
So what I want to know is what is the configurable button count?
That's why I was so pissed to see the MX Revolution discontinued.With the "thumb wheel" that thing had, I got 3+2 configurable buttons on the L side, 3+5 on the top! Configuring the keystrokes is a pita but damn... life goes smooth once you get it down.
2 scroll wheels is the only way to go, and 11 buttons are all used, even in games like TF2, and especially WoW, but I don't play it anymore. L4D2 as well as many others.
It's nice having the last disguise when you are a spy set on a mouse button, as well as engie buildings.
In UT3, setting a certain weapon to certain buttons had TONS of utillity. I allways had the link button and the AVRL bound on the thumbwheel, and the center button is a map key. The search button would be the rocket launcher, and L & R scrollwheel buttons would taunt & voice command.
THERE ARE ONLY 11 TYPES OF PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD. Those that think binary jokes are funny, those that don't, and those that don't know binary
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johnnyfoofee
July 03, 2010 at 6:03am
i just got this rat7 and my gut feeling is -not enough buttons! and if u have large hands i think u will be at odds with this mouse -i still may go back to my mx1100 ,so i will try this out and see.
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Frencho
June 17, 2010 at 1:57am
Thing is, my G5v2 wheel broke, so I'm looking for a replacement. Problem is, I still can't manage to decide which one is best. Razer mamba is sleek, and really comftywith wired or wireless mode and no lag. Yet, it hasn't all the features like the sniper button or the thumb wheel the RAT 9 has. however this review says nothing about the wireless mode, I know it's a RAT 7 review, but anyone knows if is the wireless system is as good as the mamba?
Also,the RAT 7, being so modular, looks a bit fragile at some places, that spring looks prone to breaking after much use customizing the mouse, same for the thumb area! If I’m going to cash 100-130$ with it last at least 2 years?
Lastly,the review say nothing about the software for the RAT 7, does it come bundled with software to create gaming profiles and tweak, I guess it does but it wouldbe nice to know if the software is great or if it just sucks.
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Shckr57
June 18, 2010 at 9:01pm
i read another review that said the rat 9 used the same wireless controller, and had the same 1 ms response time of the mamba, i just dont wana wait 2 months to get the wireless version, altho i will. it comes with 2 batteries, so one will charge while the other one is being used. but from what i understand, it cant be connected via wire like the mamba. would be sick if it did tho.
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ajax344
June 15, 2010 at 3:18pm
im not questioning the review, or at least not compleatly, im sure it is an amazing mouse, but I am however wondering if the 10 is more of a high 8 or 9 territory that was moved up a tad bit by the "exclusive review" that max pc got. I know that the staff on max pc are journalists and they are good at it, im not saying anyone knowingly increased the score because of the exclusivity, but i feel that the score may have been slightly influenced by the exclusivity
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f396426455
June 15, 2010 at 5:55am
em>
It is a very good Mouse.Based on this product testing and inspection
It is very strong. Especially Quality is stable .
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Number Six
June 11, 2010 at 8:55pm
The review doesn't mention whether it's an Autobot or a Deceptacon. Don't you think that's an important bit of information?
-Six
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