| MAD CATZ R.A.T. M Wireless Mobile Gaming Mouse |
| Reviews - Featured Reviews: Input Devices | |
| Written by Tom Jaskulka | |
| Sunday, 12 May 2013 | |
MAD CATZ R.A.T. M Wireless Mouse Review
Manufacturer: Mad Catz Interactive Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by Mad Catz. Mad Catz arguably changed the gaming mouse market when they released their R.A.T. into the wild. With an unusual appearance and a previously unapproachable level of customization, the subsequent R.A.T. series of mice went on to win multiple awards and generate a lot of interest. In this article Benchmark Reviews takes a closer look at MAD CATZ R.A.T. M Wireless Mobile Gaming Mouse. Does this rodent have what it takes to back up its heritage? From the beginning, one of the features lauded by users was the extensive amount of customization offered by the R.A.T. series. While a moveable palm rest still makes an appearance, the only other choices you get with the R.A.T. M are the various colors offered: Gloss Black, Red, White, and Matte Black. There aren't many dedicated mobile gaming peripherals on the market, so let's take a look and see what the R.A.T. M offers. The R.A.T. M is a result of a new category of devices launched by Mad Catz, the "GameSmart" series. Primarily designed for mobile gaming, this product line currently contains the R.AT. M, M.O.U.S. 9, C.T.RL. R, and F.R.E.Q. M. From the GameSmart Technology website: "Designed to work seamlessly and wirelessly with a wide array of devices and platforms, GameSmart technology is the next generation for gamers wanting controller- and console-like accessory functionality for their tablets and mobile/smart devices."
R.A.T. M FeaturesGameSmart 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. R.A.T. M Specifications
DPI range - 25-6400dpi (in 25dpi steps) Features and specifications taken from the manufacturer's product page. Closer Look: R.A.T. MAs is common for a $129 peripheral, the R.A.T. M is displayed encased in an acrylic shell. Thankfully, this case does not double as a puzzle, and it is easy to extract the mouse.
A series of stickers helps you along, and after separating the shell you gain access to the R.A.T. M itself. You can see the included AAA batteries below the mouse, and the information booklet and fliers (don't forget the stickers!) are contained in the blue box.
Mad Catz also includes a simple drawstring carrying pouch for the R.A.T. M, which is a nice addition (and almost mandatory for a mobile mouse in my opinion). I couldn't help but get the feeling this was more of an afterthought though - given the price this thing retails for, I feel that Mad Catz is really missing out on an opportunity to get fancy on the case. If you're going to ask for $129 for a mobile mouse, you might as well do what you can to cement in that "wow" factor. A hard-sided molded case would have made me feel better as a consumer. I only say this because I have a Logitech NX80 mobile mouse that has similar mesh material for a carrying case but uses a zipper and is just nicer overall; all that included with a $20 mouse. Something to consider... A mouse this expensive almost needs to deliver on every front, and the included accessories are no exception.
Of course, the case is secondary to the main event anyway: the R.A.T. M itself. Promising a year of battery life, Mad Catz includes two AAA size batteries to get you started. They fit snugly in this battery sled, and are secured nicely in the rear of the mouse. I didn't experience any issues with fit here - in fact, once snapped in, this part does NOT move until you press the release button. There is no doubt this particular rodent is well built, and the overall fit and build quality is impressive.
Much of that build quality and solid feel stems from the foundation - in this case (as well as other R.A.T.s) a solid piece of metal. This is more of a base than a skeleton, as it doesn't appear to extend up into the body of the mouse like other R.A.T.s. Still, it provides a stable platform for the rest of the R.A.T. M, and results in a sturdy mouse that feels lighter in hand than even the Razer Orochi (with its two AA batteries). You can also see the Bluetooth 4.0 dongle embedded underneath the Phillips Twin-Eye laser sensor and power switch. This is a nice addition from Mad Catz, and pairing using the included dongle is simple (and in my experience, automatic - just plug it in and the mouse will find and pair with its own receiver). One of the benefits of Bluetooth is its ability to operate with a large number of different devices, and there I ran into some issues. I was simply unable to get the R.A.T. M to pair with anything other than its own receiver. Mad Catz states on the R.A.T. M product page that it is compatible with all Bluetooth Smart Ready devices, which means it uses the Bluetooth "Low Energy" specification. Synonymous with "Bluetooth Smart", Low Energy devices are not backwards compatible with previous Bluetooth generations. It is possible to have a dual-mode device that works in Classic or Low Energy modes, but the R.A.T. M apparently is not one of those devices. If you're expecting to free up a USB port on your laptop with on-board Bluetooth, make sure it's Bluetooth Smart Ready!
The left side of the R.A.T. M shows the 5D button, along with the customary forward/back buttons above. These two have a nice ridge built into them, making them easy to locate and press without pressing additional buttons along the way; an important quality in a small mouse. Just forward of that button cluster is where the "wing" button is located, giving the user access to an additional button. Mad Catz has managed to fit an impressive total number of buttons on such a small device (twelve total, including the DPI switch - ten of which are programmable).
The right side of the R.A.T. is comparatively bare, but the textured hard plastic on the side provides a solid gripping surface and really rounds out the overall solid feel of the R.A.T. M which is something these series of mice are known for. It's nice to see the tradition continued in this smaller, more mobile version. R.A.T. M Detailed FeaturesLet's take a closer look at some of the main features of the R.A.T. M.
This is the "5D" button, arguably the best innovation on the R.A.T. M. Allowing for four directional buttons and a button press, this "thumb-stick" manages to cram five buttons into a very small place. I want to applaud Mad Catz for this feature alone, even though I feel it can still use some improvement. When dealing with mobile devices, it gets increasingly difficult to include a large number of features due to the simple lack of space. This 5D button elegantly mitigates most of that issue - the problem I have with this button is it's just too small! Personally, I think they should switch to a rubber covered pointing stick as one would find in some laptops. At the very least, rotate that button face 45 degrees; then the thumb can press against the larger raised surface rather than the portion that is split in the very direction you are trying to press! Using a larger or more textured surface would help in activating this button in the intended direction - as it is, the up and down motions are difficult to use fluently, as you'll probably run into either the thumb rest or the back/forward buttons. However, as we'll see later, this button seems to be designed more for productivity than for quick and precise gaming functions.
One of the other features of the R.A.T. line has been the ability to customize certain dimensions. With the smaller R.A.T. M, the only adjustable dimension available is the palm rest, which can extend up to 15mm in 5mm increments (for a total of four positions - 0, 5, 10, and 15mm). Again, a nice touch as many mobile peripherals are far smaller than their desktop counterparts. The ability to adjust a component to better match your personal grip is a great option. Moving parts always make for a possible tradeoff though, as it is easy to compromise structural integrity when integrating a portion that isn't solidly attached. There is a slight wiggle in this palm rest in its fully extended position which is the only part that doesn't share in the rest of the R.A.T.'s solid feel. However, a greater concern is it starts to act too much like a lever in that position, making it simple to lift the front of the R.A.T. when resting your hand on the device. This could be somewhat accounted for by adding a tilt adjustment to this portion, a feature which might be difficult to implement but would make a wonderful addition.
The palm rest has a positive tactile click for each 5mm position. A locking mechanism would have been appreciated - at the fully extended position, you may find yourself squeezing the grip to the point of "collapse" during a hectic game or other fast motion. Again, like the 5D button, it isn't an issue in a productivity setting. The R.A.T. series has always been (and still is, according to the R.A.T. M packaging) marketed to gamers, and in that context this feature could be a little more secure.
Sometimes one of the best ways to highlight features or gain a little perspective on a product is to compare it to similar products. Since the R.A.T. M is labeled as a "Wireless Mobile Gaming Mouse" I thought it would be interesting to compare to another Bluetooth mobile gaming mouse; the Razer Orochi (the first edition is pictured, not the 2013 version out this year). While this isn't a "head to head" article, nor will there be a winner (the market is better at deciding such things than I am), these are two of the most prominent mobile gaming devices you can spend your money on. As such, I thought it would be helpful to show them side by side.
I always find it fascinating to see different design approaches to the same problem. In this case, it appears mobile gaming mice end up with very similar dimensions. Of course, being mobile devices, this makes sense, but the Orochi takes the ambidextrous approach while the R.A.T. M uses a right-hand design. Both are admirably comfortable to use for such small peripherals. The R.A.T. M has that additional adjustability, but Razer's Orochi is one of the most comfortable mobile mice I've used. Still, I grew to appreciate the "wing" on the R.A.T. M, as it made for a surface to easily lift and reposition the mouse. This action was harder to perform with the Orochi's slippery gloss sides.
Both mice provide easy access to the buttons, with the R.A.T. getting a slight nod here with the larger back/forward switches which prevent accidental button presses (an increasingly difficult job on smaller mice). The scroll wheel on the R.A.T. M is unlike any other mouse I've used; the metal wheel with hard edges feels great on your finger and the button action is beautifully executed with a firm, tactile click (the Orochi's familiar scroll wheel is also done well). Those curves on the Orochi feel great on your fingertips, along with that soft-touch rubber finish... While the high-gloss paint job on the R.A.T. M looks great and seems like it'll put up with some use, it's just too slippery for me. Honestly, I would have preferred more matte finishes on both mice, as glossy surfaces are easy to clean but just don't have the same feel or grip. This is one of those things that is mostly user preference; Mad Catz accommodates for that by offering the R.A.T. M in many different colors including a matte black finish. R.A.T. M SoftwareThe R.A.T. doesn't include a driver disk, so you'll need to head to the Mad Catz website. This might be the only time you'll see me write this, but I almost wish Mad Catz would have included the software in the box. Like many enthusiasts, I'm in the habit of downloading the latest and greatest drivers for my devices, but due to the many different brands and changes under the Mad Catz line the current website can be very frustrating to find what you are looking for. The R.A.T. M is listed as a Cyborg AND a GameSmart peripheral, but only the Cyborg website lists detailed features and contains the download link for the software. If you spend some time in the manual, you'll see the link there as well.
With both the driver and settings software packages downloaded and installed, the R.A.T. is ready to program. As with most gaming peripherals, the R.A.T. M can be used as a mouse without the driver, but you will not be able to change or adjust any of the features. In this case, you will want the driver and settings software installed - the productivity features of the 5D button will not work without it. The Mad Catz settings software uses a unique drag-and-drop interface to assign functions to each button, making it simple to assign functions to the ten programmable buttons (left and right click cannot be reassigned). A number of common shortcuts are contained in a list of icons to the right, but curiously absent are any gaming-related functions (DPI / profile switch, precision aim, on-the-fly sensitivity, etc.). It is apparent this interface was designed more for office and productivity functions rather than a gaming focus.
The included macro editor is decently powerful, even allowing you to edit out single commands if you make a mistake. Mouse buttons and scroll wheel movements are all usable as well, so this allows you to get pretty creative with commands if you'd like to.
This control panel must be duplicated across the newer R.A.T. models, because the Precision Aim section doesn't seem to have a counterpart in the R.A.T. M (this ability is not listed in the drag and drop commands). It was confusing to see this option without any apparent way to activate it. In any case, DPI settings, battery life, and the DPI LED sleep timer are all set in this section.
The final section contains links to tutorials, manuals and the Mad Catz resources such as support and official game profiles. Overall, the Mad Catz settings software was simple to use and the drag 'n drop interface contributed greatly to the ease of use. It isn't as polished yet as some other manufacturer's software, but that is easily changed with software updates. That last part worries me slightly - I've owned Saitek and Cyborg gaming peripherals in the past, and each time it seems I have to find drivers in a different place. This does not make me supremely confident going forward, but it appears efforts to reduce their product line segmentation are underway. Hopefully the release of the R.A.T. M and M.O.U.S. 9 products are the first step in that direction. R.A.T. M Final ThoughtsThis review was difficult for me. Over the two weeks I used the R.A.T. M for normal computing tasks, my opinion would seem to switch daily. I would start out frustrated at the 120Hz polling rate (as it introduced a delay I wasn't accustomed to) then begin to enjoy the tactile buttons and solid construction - only to become frustrated again while trying to play a game or edit a photo. I know there are some that have the opinion humans can't tell the difference between 8ms and 1ms, but I beg to differ. Your brain is a vastly powerful organ. While your eyes may not be able to perceive the difference between similar frames (that part is important!) running at 60 plus frames per second, your hands and fingertips have a far higher "resolution." Imagine swinging a bat to hit a ball, then imagine trying the same motion using something like a Kinect sensor for the XBOX. Introducing an extra layer of latency WILL change your experience in most cases, just spend some time reading up on why people are excited for the Oculus Rift and why VR attempts have failed in the past. Sure, your brain quickly learns to adapt and compensate for the difference, but the closer you can get to "real-time" feedback, the more transparent the experience becomes. Perhaps this is why my opinion fluctuated so much - these sorts of things don't really matter to the non-gamer (at least not to the same level). In casual use, you just need something that puts the cursor where you point it - the R.A.T. M will do that. I struggled even editing photos with the R.A.T. M though, the perceived latency made small precise movements difficult for me to perform. Removing every last millisecond layer between you and the result you see on screen is something a certain demographic will pay lots of money for. I think my opinion changed so much because I assumed that was the demographic that this mouse was marketed to and intended for. It became obvious through use that this isn't a gaming focused device. The R.A.T. M is certainly capable, but there's other devices that perform this task far better at a much lower price point. Where the R.A.T. M really shines is its build quality, first and foremost. This is just a solid peripheral. The 5D button is great for packing in lots of functions in a small space - just don't expect to easily activate them in a hectic setting. The default settings are set up great for web browsing, and with a little customization one could easily get this mouse to fly around a desktop. I would suggest this button would be great for gaming macros as well, but it is just too difficult to ensure the right direction is pressed in the middle of a fast paced game. It isn't a bad mouse, but it should have targeted a different user (or price point). They may have similar dimensions, but the Orochi is a far more focused gaming peripheral. I just don't see anyone other than those that prioritize the R.A.T. "look" over everything else paying almost twice as much for a barely comparable device.
R.A.T. M ConclusionThe R.A.T. M was a confusing performer. Sure, it tracked well on every surface I tried it on, and all of the buttons have a satisfying tactile action to them. The main "mouse things" are in place. The polling rate leaves a little to be desired though when trying to perform quick, precise motions. Whether you can tell the difference or not, an 8ms polling rate is too low for a mouse that retails over $100 - and marketed as a gaming device at that. The battery life may or may not live up to the advertised claims (in two weeks of typical mobile usage the settings software reports my R.A.T.'s battery to be at 93%, with 335 days remaining), but I would gladly trade battery life for even a 500Hz/5ms polling rate. Not to mention, how about an option to go wired and forgo the battery altogether if desired? Appearance-wise, the R.A.T. M looks every bit of its price tag. I received the "Racing Red" version, and it looks like a sports car. My three-year old nephew picked it up and began making "vroom vroom" and "fwoosh" sounds with it, so you may find others mistaking it for a miniature Ferrari. Personally, I like the R.A.T. aesthetic. It's unique, angular, and unapologetic. I'm not convinced shrinking a full-size R.A.T. was the best approach to creating a mobile version, but it certainly looks just as aggressive as its bigger siblings. Construction is where the R.A.T. M really makes its mark. The comparatively extensive use of metal results in a product that feels solid and sturdy beneath your fingertips. The only weak point is the movable palm rest with a slight wiggle, but this is only made noticeable because the rest of the mouse is built so well. It was probably worth the tradeoff to provide a point of adjustability. The R.A.T. M packs a surprising amount of functionality into a small package. I'll talk up that 5D button again - what a great way to fit lots of functions into a small space. I'd like to see this become even more usable though, it needs to be a little larger or "grippier" to make it easier to actuate. There are ten programmable buttons on this thing, and the Bluetooth 4.0 makes it usable with a range of devices... Or perhaps not, as I couldn't pair it with any current Bluetooth devices I have (Bluetooth Low Energy is not backwards compatible). USB adapters, built-in laptop Bluetooth, even Android phones and tablets - all incompatible with Bluetooth Smart devices. It's certainly a good thing a Bluetooth adapter is included. While I wavered in my opinions, there was one area that was pretty constant: there just isn't enough value here. It can't be cheap to use premium materials, that is understandable. I'd even be willing to pay that premium for a solidly built device if the rest of the device lives up to that price premium. Construction and appearance? It looks and feels the part. Performance and functionality? Not as much. Forcing consumers to trade performance and backwards compatibility for battery life was the wrong direction to go in my opinion, especially when other manufacturers are producing devices that give you both options for almost half the price. At the time of this review, the R.A.T. M was available online for $122.99 (Amazon | Newegg). This places the R.A.T. M in the precarious position of needing to overcome every peripheral at every price point along the way. Spending over $100 can get you some pretty nice gaming devices, and there isn't a must-have feature on the R.A.T. M that isn't offset by some other anomaly. I think the R.A.T. M is a victim of unfortunate marketing. I felt confused using it - from the packaging, price, looks, and labels it should be a gaming device. The features, software, performance, Bluetooth LE/Smart and battery life place it square into the "general productivity" area. If you can forget about gaming, there's a lot of good things to discover about the R.A.T. M. If Mad Catz would have presented the R.A.T. M as a premium mobile peripheral, added some Bluetooth backwards compatibility and focused on the 5D button and metal construction, they'd be on to something. Even if that were the case though, they'd still have to find a way to add more value and functionality to the R.A.T. M - remember, almost every other gaming peripheral out there is an option at this price point. It's really too bad, as the R.A.T. M is a well built and very functional mobile mouse for general use. The enthusiastic pricing places it too far out of range and right in the thick of better options. Pros:
+ Solid construction Cons:
- Too expensive Ratings:
Final Score: 7.6 out of 10.COMMENT QUESTION: How would you rate the R.A.T. M Wireless Mobile Gaming Mouse?
Related Articles:
|
|
