Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse | Mad Catz Cyborg R.A.T. 7,Review,Laser Gaming Mouse,Mad Catz Cyborg R.A.T. 7 Laser Gaming Mouse Performance Review

Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse

Reviews - Featured Reviews: Input Devices
Written by Vito Cassisi - Edited by Olin Coles
Tuesday, 03 August 2010
Mad Catz Cyborg R.A.T. 7 Laser Gaming Mouse Review Precision is a trait that gamers from all walks of life strive to achieve. Having quick reflexes is vital when proving your worth online; your mouse becomes your weapon, and your virtual existence is held in place by the reliability of its performance. When there’s a thirst for pixelated blood that needs to be quenched, there’s no substitution for quality. Ergonomics, precision, endurance; it all screams one thing: fancy gaming mouse. Mad Catz has provided just the thing in their Cyborg R.A.T. 7! The humble mouse which revolutionised personal computer interaction has long evolved from the beige beasts of yesteryear. No longer are our mouses designed for the single purpose of moving a cursor - we have expectations from our hardware - many of which have only spawned in recent times. One of those expectations is pin-point accuracy, for tasks such as gaming. Having our movements directly translated to on-screen actions is crucial during high action games, and also less intensive tasks such as tedious image editing. Furthermore, we expect ergonomics to be taken seriously. It's an important consideration in a world where computer work (and play) is the norm. It must also be pretty and affordable! The R.A.T. 7 mouse is part of Mad Catz spin-off brand Cyborg, which specialise in enthusiast PC gaming gear. 'R.A.T.' is their second range of gaming mouses, the successor to the ‘V.x' range. Other models in the range include the R.A.T. 3 and R.A.T. 9. The former is a cut down version of the 7 with reduced DPI sensitivity, and the latter is a wireless version of the 7. Interestingly, this new range is completely different to the previous, in both style and technical specifications. What Mad Catz offers with the R.A.T. 7 isn't just another run-of-the-mill gaming device, it's a serious attempt at creating something unique, innovative and very exciting! Most mouse devices on the market aim to cater for different people by producing different models of their product, or replaceable covers. This isn't the case with the R.A.T. 7; you get a one size fits all device, because this little peripheral is physically adjustable! The thumb panel has two degrees of freedom, the pinky rest is interchangeable, and the palm rest can be shifted to increase the length of the mouse. It also includes a set of weights to tweak its total mass. Mad Catz boasts a native 5600 DPI laser, and dynamic 1000Hz polling rate, to pull it ahead of its competitors. In case you're wondering, 5600 DPI is quite large (5600 pixels of cursor movement per inch of physical movement). Adjustable sensitivity without degrading tracking quality is also important for graphics artists and 3D modellers. Yes, gaming mice can be used for productive tasks! You've probably already noticed the intriguing pose of the R.A.T. 7 in the image above. Looks can be deceiving; what appears to be an unforgiving jagged compilation of bionic parts may well prove to have a heart of gold, and a comfort level of a million fluffy cushions stacked atop a heavenly cloud. Juggling expectations to produce a perfect product is something of a dark art. Pleasing keyboard warriors isn't an easy feat, and anything short of perfection is often tossed aside to rabid fanboys. Can Mad Catz win the ultimate gaming crown, or will they suffer the fate of many before them? Fellow gamers and gadget fanatics, follow our lead as we walk you through the craziest mouse to date! Manufacturer: Mad Catz Product Name:Cyborg R.A.T. 7 Model Number: Saitek CCB437080002/04/1 Price As Tested:$79.99 at NewEgg Full Disclosure:The product sample used in this article has been provided by Mad Catz. Mad Catz Cyborg R.A.T. 7 Features *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. 7 moves forwards, backwards, and pivots outwards, giving you perfect positioning for effortless gaming. *Interchangeable Pinkie grips and Palm rests* 3 Interchangeable* palm rests* One featuring the same soft-touch finish as found on the body of the R.A.T. One with a rubber inlay for enhanced grip. One that is 4mm thicker to increase the height of the R.A.T. 3 Interchangeable* pinkie grips* One featuring the same soft-touch finish as found on the body of the R.A.T. One with a rubber inlay for enhanced grip. One that offers a ‘wing shaped’ design, allowing you to rest your pinkie finger during play for increased grip. *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. *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. 7 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, set Precision Aim cursor sensitivity, create custom profiles for each game, and assign commands to your Programmable Buttons and Modes. 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. 7 for enhanced rigidity. Source: Features provided by Mad Catz. CCB437080002 Specifications DPI range – 25-5600dpi (in 25dpi steps) Acceleration- 50G Polling Rate - Dynamic up to 1000Hz Tracking Speed - Up to 6m/sec Always On PTFE "Slick" Feet Gold plated connector Braided USB cable Source: Specifications provided by Mad Catz. Closer Look: Mad Catz Cyborg R.A.T. 7 Unique in style, class The Cyborg R.A.T. 7 certainly lives up to its name with its componentised layout, menacing sharp edges, and array of precisely placed buttons. The matte black surface feels soft to the touch, and looks excellent to boot. It also provides the necessary grip and perceived cleanliness which glossy alternatives tend to lack. They say that pictures speak louder than words, but in the case of the R.A.T. 7, the true elegance of the device can only be appreciated whilst gracing its presence. Much like the Logitech G9, the jury is divided over the style of this peripheral. In fact, it makes the G9 look quite tame in comparison. If you’re into quirky designs, you won’t be disappointed. Build and ergonomic qualities A mouse is a tool; one which is regularly used for hours at a time. Ergonomics and reliability are important in this regard. If a device feels flimsy or uncomfortable, the consequences may range from disruptive warranty claims to issues such as repetitive strain injury (RSI). Here at Benchmark Reviews, we take these problems seriously. Unique to the R.A.T 7 is the extensive customisation of its physical components. The thumb panel can tilted on the horizontal plane to produce differing angles and widths. It can also be moved up and down the mouse via adjustment by the included hex key. The palm rest can extend outward to increase the length of the mouse by pressing down a small latch on its side. Like a true cyborg, parts can be interchanged, and the palm rest can be swapped between three different types – the standard deal, a rubber grip alternative, and a higher version of the standard rest (by about 4mm). When set to be as thin and short as possible, the mouse measures approximately 105x70mm, and 120x80mm when set to maximum width and length (using the standard set up, and disregarding the thumb panel lip). A spring loaded compartment at the rear enables the user to add included weights, for people who enjoy a heavier mouse. Speaking of weight, the R.A.T. 7 is heavy, regardless of the weight set up. At a smidgen under 150g sans-cable (with the default palm/pinkie grip and no weights), this monstrosity is 50% heavier than a weight-less G9! To the right of the mouse is an interchangeable ‘pinkie grip’. The engineers at Mad Catz identified ‘pinkie drag’ as a concern worth tackling, and have thus given the end user a choice between the standard offering, one with a rubber inlay for enhanced grip, and an extended version to shield your finger. The latter gives your pinkie a surface to rest on, thus stopping it dragging along your mouse pad. The rounded metal part at the rear of the mouse is where the hex key lives. Unscrewing it reveals the tool, which is used to adjust the components of the mouse. Handy! The scroll wheel is nothing fancy. The mechanism is solid, but not stiff, and the mechanical click of each angular increment is soft and accurate. But despite these wonderful traits, there’s no option for frictionless-scrolling. For the uninitiated, this is when the scroll wheel can spin freely. This isn’t beneficial for gaming purposes, but it does assist with everyday tasks such as web browsing. It’s a small setback, but one worth mentioning. As with most modern mouses, pressing down on the scroll wheel is equivalent to a ‘middle click’. A thumb scroll is also provided, for those who find them useful. This particular wheel has no button aspect, but it is programmable. The left and right click buttons behave as you’d expect, a firm touch will activate them with no problem at all. Similar are the middle click and customisable buttons on thumb panel. Each button is solid, with no sign of flimsiness. The mode selection button is a bit awkward to use. The incline that it sits at leads to the left click, so there’s a good chance you’ll hit both at once. This could be an issue for gamers who wish to switch modes in-game. The DPI rocker switch is situated directly beneath the scroll wheel. Again, this is slightly awkward to use in-game. Adjustability is the main attraction of this intriguing rodent, and it definitely doesn’t disappoint. It didn’t take long to find a comfortable set up to accommodate the ‘claw’ grip technique. Our final set-up consisted of no weights, the standard pinkie/palm rests, and the thumb panel at its inner/lower-most position. This is the thinnest the mouse could get, and yet it’s still slightly wider than the precision grip on the G9. Nonetheless, the comfort level is top-notch, even if it does feel bulkier. Build quality as a whole is surprisingly good. The materials are high quality, and it feels solid in the hand. Any device with moving parts is going to have a risk of mechanical failure, and when you’re allowing the kind of customisation that the R.A.T. 7 does, it makes you wonder just how reliable it really is. After inspecting the mouse, it’s difficult to find any flaws in terms of physical quality. The only concern is a slight ‘wobble’ when the thumb panel is set to a wide angle. Even so, this doesn’t appear to have any negative effect when using the mouse. Probably the most important aspect of a gaming mouse is the tracking quality. The R.A.T. 7 employs a native 5600 DPI Twin-Eye laser to do its thing. Mad Catz Cyborg R.A.T. 7 Detailed Features Precision and DPI You can view the DPI (Dots Per Inch) setting you have activated by looking at the LED panel on the upper left corner of the mouse. A higher DPI will result in the cursor moving further per unit of mouse travel. Red lights indicate the current setting, from one to four. These DPI settings can be adjusted via the included software. Directly above the LED panel is the illuminated 'mode' switching button, which alternates between purple, red, and blue depending on the current active mode. Modes contain information about button actions, which is useful if you're into customising your mouse's behaviour. A temporary 'precision aim' mode can be activated by holding down the red button on the thumb panel. This lowers the DPI of the mouse, allowing the user to make fine movements. Snipers rejoice! Software and Drivers The included ‘Cyborg Smart Technology’ software provides the required facilities to adjust DPI settings (including that of the ‘precision aim’ button), and options to reprogram the buttons on the mouse. On the ‘settings’ page, up to four DPI settings can be tweaked and saved onto the mouse. DPI can range from 25 - 5600 in increments of 25. Switching between these can be performed on the fly using the dedicated DPI rocker switch. The precision aim setting is software dependant, thus you cannot use it unless Cyborg ST is installed. The ‘programming’ page allows the reprogramming of the thumb buttons, thumb scroll (clockwise and anti-clockwise), and the middle click of the main scroll wheel. Options for programming include: Latched – Instead of holding down the button to repeat a macro, latched will loop the macro until you hit the button again, or press another. Unprogrammed – The button behaves as per defaults Fall Back – Constrains mouse actions to the window directly beneath the mouse cursor. New Key Presses… – Program the button to imitate a key press New Macro… – Program the button to perform a macro consisting of keyboard and/or mouse actions. New Advanced Command… – Similar to Macro, but you can quantize time (set the time between all steps in a macro), individually define macros for ‘press’, ‘repeat’ and ‘release’ states, and set a delay (similar to quantize time, but only affects the timing of a single step).The others options are settings you’ve used previously on other programmed buttons, in this case ‘Left’, ‘Page Down’, etc. Clicking the first of the three circular buttons to the right reveals an image of the rear of the mouse, with the ability to adjust individual tracking sensitivity for both x and y axis. Interestingly, there’s no scale to guide you, only two arbitrary sliders. You can customise each of the three different modes by clicking on their respective button and assigning the actions as described above. There’s also the ability to save your custom profile as a .pr0 file to load at a later date. A profile consists of all three modes, so clicking ‘new’, ‘open’, ‘save’ or ‘save as’ will act on the overall profile, not individual modes. Keep in mind that profiles are not saved onto the mouse, so you can’t expect them to work without the Cyborg ST software installed. If you use the mouse on a different system, you must import your profiles from wherever you saved them. To make use of a profile, hit the large ‘Activate Profile’ button, and away you go. Testing & Results Testing Methodology The method for testing the R.A.T. 7 is quite simple - we're just going to use it. Because computer mouses are highly subjective devices, it's difficult to quantitatively analyse it. Thus, the aim is to find the good and bad aspects via everyday usage. Your mileage may vary. Test System Motherboard: Gigabyte X58-DS4 System Memory: 6GB Patriot Viper DDR3 @ 1600MHz 8-8-6-18 Processor: Intel i7 920 @ 4GHz Video: HIS 2GB 4870x2 Monitor: BenQ G2400W Operating System: Windows 7 Professional x64 Note: Saitek, another Mad Catz company, offer a little application to remove unwanted cursor effects such as acceleration. The application be found here, and was used during testing. Weight and Physical Adjustment Similar to most high-end offerings, the R.A.T. 7 allows the user to add metal weights to adjust handling. Up to 30g of weight can be added in 6g increments. With the bare mouse weighing in at approximately 150g, the added weights bring the total up to 180g. That's one hefty rodent! The weights are inserted at the rear of the mouse. When the hex key is removed, the spring-loaded weight section is revealed. Adding and removing the weights is simple, and the spring does its job in keeping them still. With all removable parts detached, the mouse looks as it does below. Notice the increments where the palm rest usually lies. These little slots facilitate the ability to adjust the position of the rest. Directly under this is the metal rod which holds the weights. The hole-ridden metal to the right secures the included pinkie attachments. Usage Results - Tracking and accuracy The quality of the R.A.T. 7's Philips Twin-Eye 5600 DPI sensor was tested both in and out of game environments. Through ordinary use, a couple of interesting phenomenon became apparent. The first involves physically lifting the mouse. Raising the mouse and lowering it again incurs a short delay in responsiveness. When the mouse is placed onto a surface, it will can take up to one second before it’ll respond to movement. Gamers who depend on lifting their mouse to reposition it aren't going to be impressed. Testing revealed that this delay was dependant on the surface used. The worst case was on a Razer eXactMat, followed by a wood veneer desk. The former would delay for close to a second, the latter approximately half a second. On a white melamine desk, the mouse appeared to respond instantly. Furthermore, there’s no known fix for this issue, and the most that could be found on this matter were gamers dissing the quality of ‘Twin-Eye’ lasers. The second is also lifting related, except it takes effect when the laser is still in range with the surface. Lifting the mouse slowly, then placing it back onto the ground causes the cursor to flick in a south-east direction. This is a known issue, often attributed to devices with ‘Twin-Eye’ lasers. Traction between the R.A.T. 7 and a Razer eXactMat was underwhelming. Although the mouse has a small coefficient of friction compared to the G9, it feels clingy at times, such that moving the mouse at slow speeds would make it difficult to precisely navigate the cursor. This was the case on both the ‘control’ and ‘speed’ surfaces of the eXactMat. On a bare wood veneer desk, the mouse performed well. It’s difficult to tell why the difference between the surfaces was so vast, our suspicions lie with the mouse’s many small PTFE (think Teflon) feet compared to the two larger PTFE feet of the G9. It’s possible that this situation may change after a bit of wear-in. During gaming, the mouse performs as you’d expect. Playing Just Cause 2 with ‘enhance pointer precision’ disabled in control panel, the accuracy was spot on. It didn’t take long for the weight of the device is become irritating, and at points when the mouse had to be lifted, the aforementioned tracking anomalies wreaked havoc. Gaming Hardware Final Thoughts Anything aimed at a gaming audience is going to come under an intensive amount of scrutiny. When the difference between your insane skills and a headshot lies with the interface of which the mouse facilitates, you expect that it'll do exactly as you've instructed. There's no room for a margin of error, a delay, or even an awkward weight balance - it needs to be perfect. But, perfection isn't easily defined. A mouse which one gamer claims to be excellent, may be openly mocked by another. It's a matter of personal preference, as well as personal skill. Yes, a gaming mouse may be the difference between a good game and an ok one, but it won't fix an unskilled gamer. A mouse should be chosen for comfort and accuracy, not because of claims of pwnage from a gaming champion. In the end, a talented gamer is able to do their deeds on the cheapest of hardware. High-end kit makes the process less intensive, and more comfortable. As they say, a good tradesman never blames his tools. Mad Catz Cyborg R.A.T. 7 Conclusion Using the Cyborg R.A.T. 7 was an interesting experience. The innovation that was conjured to produce this device is tremendously impressive. However, like any product brought to our attention, the final recommendation lies with the overall impression of the product. To put it bluntly, the performance of the R.A.T. 7 leaves a lot to be desired. Despite the 5600 DPI Twin-Eye sensor working very well on a smooth surface, it falls from grace when lifted due to oddities such as tracking delay and erroneous cursor translation. If you're a gamer who lifts their mouse during play, you may want to do some research before parting with your hard earned cash. It'd be interesting to see if these issues can be fixed in a future update, but there's no guarantee, and we can only work with what we've got. Aesthetics of this quirky peripheral will have people divided. Its soft matte black coating and complex beauty make it a treat to look at - if you're into that kind of thing. The bare-metal bottom can be seen between the gaps of the modular upper components, which gives it an awesome industrial look. If the pictures on the previous pages aren't convincing, it may be worth your while to locate one in a brick-and-mortar store for inspection. It terms of build quality, the R.A.T. 7 is surprisingly solid. The metal frame and quality plastic parts work well together to produce a solid product. Each component of the mouse fits tightly and rigidly, with no identifiable point of failure. Wearing of the moving parts shouldn't be a problem unless you're doing an insane amount of adjusting. The buttons and scroll wheels feel solid and durable. Regarding overall functionality, the R.A.T. 7 offers many features which make it attractive. The adjustable pinkie/palm rests, thumb scroll, DPI/mode buttons, and the dedicated precision aim button are handy, as is the software which gives the user a convenient way to micro-manage their new toy. However, the main function of a mouse is to move a cursor, and in this case, to do it with great precision. The seemingly picky surface compatibility of the R.A.T. 7 leads to the frustrating task of finding a suitable tabletop/mousepad, when it should be expected that a device of this caliber work without issue on almost any smooth opaque surface. It's also quite heavy for users who prefer a lighter mouse. The overall value of the mouse is a little disappointing. Priced for $79.99 at NewEgg, you'd be right to expect a near perfect device. Unfortunately, the tracking issues and exuberant weight make the asking price a bit rich. The visuals scream high-end, but it falls short when it comes down to the nitty gritty. All in all, the Cyborg R.A.T. 7 is a promising device, which given a few tweaks, could very well be the next 'must have' gaming peripheral. But as it stands, the few shortfalls it has affect the most critical aspects of a gaming mouse - the tracking - and thus, it's difficult to recommend this device. Pros: + Customisable ergonomic qualities, comfortable + Native 5600 DPI sensor + Soft matte black coating + Precision aim and thumb scroll + Programmable buttons + Replaceable grips Cons: - Heavy regardless of weight set up - Twin-Eye laser tracking has quirks - No frictionless-scrolling option - Small PTFE feet feel slightly clingy - Button/macro profiles are not stored on the mouse - Not suitable for left-handed users Ratings: Performance: 7.00 Appearance: 8.00 Construction: 8.00 Functionality: 7.00 Value: 6.50 Final Score: 7.3 out of 10. Questions? Comments? Benchmark Reviews really wants your feedback. We invite you to leave your remarks in our Discussion Forum. 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Comments

# RE: Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse — David Ramsey 2010-08-03 20:26

That long re-sync time (or whatever) when you pick it up and put it down again seems a game-killer. My Logitech Performance MX wireless mouse has no problem with this...

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# RE: RE: Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse — Olin Coles 2010-08-03 20:28

I thought the whole purpose to high-resolution laser pointing devices was to remove the need for lifting. At 5600 DPI, there's no way to slide off the mousepad before hitting the edge of the screen.

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# RE: RE: RE: Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse — Servando Silva 2010-08-03 20:43

Right! I use a 4000dpi mouse and I don't use the whole mouse-pad to move around 3840 pixels width between 2 monitors.

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# RE: RE: RE: Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse — Vito Cassisi 2010-08-03 23:07

Well, not really. High DPI means the mouse becomes too responsive (thus twitchy), and some people really don't like that. It also depends on how and where you use it. Some games emulate difficult to move objects by making you move the mouse a larger distance. For example, helicopters in Just Cause 2.

I don't lift my mouse very often, but when I do, I expect it to work flawlessly.

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# Different color mouse pad — Rob 2010-08-09 05:55

Have you tried using a different color mouse pad? I have read in a few places that this does not work well with black mouse pads.

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# RE: Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse — David Ramsey 2010-08-03 20:43

Yeah, but: (1) You won't always be running at 5600 dpi, and (2) somehow I manage to end up against the end of my mousing surface more often than I'd like...

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# RE: RE: Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse — scott passmore 2010-08-03 21:16

Pretty unique design I like the thought behind the mouse, I agree it should be darn hard to run out of mouse pad, I know I am kind of extreme when it comes to mouse sensitivity, (have never seen anyone run w/as sensitive mouse as mine). It would quite neat to test out the mouse w/the upcoming Mechwarrior game if it ever really does come out, the dual scrolling would be helpful, or ever for that matter w/Mechwarrior Living Legends based off the Crysis engine once it gets more refined.

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# RE: Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse — Jim Burns 2010-08-06 05:56

This product uses the same tracking engines as other high end gaming mice that also exhibit the same tracking issues. I believe it is because of the dual eye sensor. This sensor is used in Raser brand mice also. I have this mouse and I think this reveiw was a little overly critical of this resync issue. I don't lift the mouse and if you had the mouse and actually used it yourself you would see that lifting this mouse is not needed 99.9% of the time.

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# RE: RE: Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse — Vito Cassisi 2010-08-06 06:04

I used the mouse for a week or so, and it was definitely an issue which caused problems. In the end, a score of 7.3 is still respectable. It's up to the reader to determine if these issues are a problem for them. In my case, the mouse wasn't good enough to get a recommendation. It'd be irresponsible of me to rate a product high, just because other high-end devices have problems too.

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# RE: RE: RE: Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse — Rick 2010-08-19 08:47

This is a major issue, and is something I took into consideration when I perchasec this mouse. It is too frustrating for me, I am taking it back. You don't even have to lift it and it stutters, looses track and sometimes takes OVER a second to resync. My 4 year old wireless Logitech G7 had no such issues. It should be advertised as "R.A.T. 7, the wired mouse that responds like a Targus Wireless mouse." Sorry, but this resyncing and tracking issue is the killer for me. Very disapointed. I was hoping I would not have this issue, but it is almost impossible to use this mouse with a text editor, it just stutters too much, then stops, and it has to resync, and I have not even lifted it.

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# RE: RE: RE: RE: Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse — Rick 2010-08-19 21:38

OK, I forgot that this mouse is very picky on the mouse pads on which it sits on. After removing my beloved ridgid mouse pad (yes it has a black surface) and using it on my black lamenated keyboard shelf, it tracks much better, no more stutters, stops and long resyncs. the only problem is it is now noisy going across the surface. So I think I'll keep it a little longer. I wonder what is the best surface for this mouse to be on. Probably something really smooth, but not shinny?

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# confirmed — Lamini 2011-11-27 13:39

i played at hotels for weeks; worked fine; the tables were not glossy, shiny. I came back home and tried on finished table, and i thought i was going to return it... not thinking of the deltas. I recently got a mousepad thinking it would resolve issues... wrong, it was a very smooth mousepad and was almost as bad as the table. I cleaned it, thought my internet connection was causing it (issues seemed to amplify on online games), just about everything.

I then placed it on a home made table, and it worked as it did when i got it, and used it on regular wood...

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# RE: Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse — K 2010-08-06 22:18

Kudos BMR for noting the Z-Axis issue on the Twin-Eye. How about doing a follow up article to the mice you have reviewed putting the issue of Z-Axis tracking in heavy critique. That would probably help the world. Also, a friend of mine asked Razersupport about the Z-Axis tracking as it did make the mouse unusable.

This is Razer's reply:
"Any mouse will cause the cursor to move when you lift it off the mouse pad. The Mamba does it in a more predictable fashion, always down and to the right. With higher DPI setting you will notice the affect more, but of course the higher the setting the less likely you are to lift the mouse. You should be able to lessen the affect you are seeing by using a lower DPI setting"

It doesnt answer much, but gives off the simple message of "The defect you speak of is a feature" where in this statement Razer "deliberately" included it with the mouse but the data stands that all Philips Twin-Eye mice have the same occurring defect.

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# RE: Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse — s 2010-08-09 07:37

You people who believe that lifting the mouse is a normal part of using a mouse have lost touch with what the mouse was for. Z-axis tracking, really? Since when, that a limitation of the ball and optical mouse era becomes a benchmark for future technologies? Are you going to compare the neural impulse actuator to a mouse because they both can be used in games? These gaming mice are so precise and advanced that they don't even compare to other mice. If you are concerned with the z-axis get a Wii remote or the NES power glove. If you need to lift the mouse to play games then get a mouse with lower resolution or get a ball mouse. BMR making a big deal out of this reminds me of the fall out from the jmicron controller for the SSD reviews, now they seem to kitchen sink everything.

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# BmR, or just one person? — Olin Coles 2010-08-09 07:39

Do some research 's' and you'll find that BmR is more than one person, in fact it's more than a dozen people at the moment. You'll also find that I own this website, and that I have already weighed in on this topic.

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# Maybe..., just one person. — s 2010-08-09 08:00

It may have been a broad brush, but I think this review was very heavy handed. Yes, I know you own this website, and that you have others do some of you reviews ( which is not a negative by any means ). But when a reviewer starts to make claims that a defect exists because people on the Internet are complaining, that seems to lack journalistic integrity. Could I have written a better review, probably not, but I am not a writer nor a journalist.

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# We're enthusiasts, just like you. — Olin Coles 2010-08-09 08:53

Just to be clear, nearly 99% of all hardware review websites (including Benchmark Reviews) are driven by enthusiasts. None of our staff are paid journalists, or have any formal training in this profession that I am aware of.

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# RE: Maybe..., just one person. — Vito Cassisi 2010-08-10 00:32

No, the defect exists because _I_ witnessed and was affected by the issue. It's not about Z-axis tracking, in fact, this wasn't mentioned at all in the review. The issue lies with how the x and y tracking behaves when lifted and replaced. Other people "on the Internet" having similar problems only strengthens the claim.

The fact of the matter is, many people lift their mouse during use, and if it's going to lag or act in quirky ways upon laying it back down, then there's a very real problem with its functionality.

A review isn't supposed to tell you what to think, it's to facilitate your own reasoning process. If you feel that it's a non-issue, then you're free to purchase the device.

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# RE: Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse — s 2010-08-10 06:49

I already own the RAT7 and a Razer Lachesis both of which have this duel eye sensor. I have seen ridiculous Youtube videos where people basically clap on the bottom of the mouse to show this "effect". It seems that people are inventing test methods that would never exist in gaming or in real world use, to create a stir or upset, at Mad Catz / Razer's cost. I bought this Rat7 the day it became available on Game shark and have been using it since. And before that I had a Razer lachesis, Which I used for weeks before. Never once did I ever have a 1 second lag if I picked up the mouse. Also I would never fault a mouse if it did act erratically while in the AIR above the desktop because the air above the desktop is not the area for which a mouse was designed to operate! That is like faulting a laptop for not working properly after someone spilled coffee into the keyboard area.

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# RE: RE: Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse — Vito Cassisi 2010-08-10 22:55

Again, this has nothing to do with how it acts in the air, but how it responds to being (re)placed on a surface. As I mentioned in the review, the effects differ between surfaces, so it's very possible that you're fortunate enough to have a compatible mouse pad/desk.

The mouse was tested like it were my daily device, to see how it behaves when under normal conditions such as productivity and gaming. The review reflects my findings.

FTR, I have no reason to "create a stir". I (and I'm sure, the rest of the Benchmark Reviews crew) always strive to remain objective.

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# Twin Eye Mice — Karthe Megara 2010-08-12 10:55

Hello. I was very impressed that a review site finally noticed that Z-Axis tracking issue with the Philips Twin eye. As you know, this issue is not only present on the latest one, where your reviewer cited the issue in brief explanation, but in all the mice that come equipped with the Philips Twin-Eye.

I hope that sometime in the future, BMR is able to revisit the other mice which utilize the same sensor as the most recent. A number of known victims come from Razer: Mamba and the Imperator to cite a couple of examples, both CM Storm mice, the Inferno and Sentinel and a whole lot more. It's actually easy to tell if a mouse is with the Philips Twin Eye. It's always a yellow colored sensor.

I hope that by this, BMR will bring to light and instigate awareness about the tracking issues, Z-axis issues, and the incompatibilities with Cloth surfaces that the Philips Twin-Eye brings to all consumers.

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# RE: Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse — Matt 2010-08-19 08:17

I just purchased a RAT 7 and find that there is no appreciable "tracking delay" when the mouse is lifted off a surface and then returned (when used with a Cyborg X.3 mouse pad or on my wooden desk or on a sheet of white paper for that matter).

Though it does exhibit the pointer move "down and to the right" when the mouse is removed from the surface I rarely find myself needing to lift the mouse with my 11x15 gaming pad and moderate DPI settings (800 or above).

The fit was pretty good on my relatively large right hand after the mouse was adjusted. The weight was good for me when I removed all the internal weights and the adjustment tool. I guess I like it light.

I do agree that the "small PTFE feet feel a bit clingy". I'll be looking for a way to resolve this issue.

If you can live with the issues its a pretty cool mouse.

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# Love it — Justin 2010-08-28 11:08

I just bought the RAT 7 and love it! I have found no tracking delay at all when I lift and put it down. And I don't lift my mouse very often (never when gaming) I do everyday tasks at 1800dpi, and game at 2500dpi so i don't need to lift the mouse. Although when I do lift the mouse it does go down and to the right, but not very much, and nothing that would affect game play and other things. Only thing I wish it had but I don;t really need is the frictionless scrolling. The Precision aim mode button makes up for it.

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# GREAT mouse! I love this thing! — Rob 2010-08-31 11:11

The RAT 7 fits my hand great after only few adjustments. So far the best fitting mouse I have ever used. 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 and did multiple repeat clicking of the left mouse button with no tracking issues. I tried these tests on my black cloth like mouse pad and my wood keyboard tray. I also 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 clear case plastic 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.

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# RE: Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse — Matt 2010-09-01 17:24

FYI for those intrepid few who use linux. Note this mouse currently has linux compatibility issues. Apparently the issue has been fixed in later versions of the x-org server but has not been released in any distributions as of yet. However there is a workaround that might work for you. When you log in and start noticing the pointer focus problems, hit Ctrl-Alt-Backspace and then log back in again. The problems will usually go away. It worked for me.

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# RE: RE: Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse — Roy 2011-08-18 21:11

@Matt: Your a GREAT guy for mentioning your experience with this mouse and Linux.

Note to Olin:
I wish the Reviews here tested using Debian (based) Linux (and WinXP) and not just Win7, case in point: OCZ RevoDrive3 X2 SuperScale PCI-E SSD Review /index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=800&Itemid=60 . Obviously that Card demands a Linux Driver test (and ##iozone.org/ but I digress).

Knowing how well ANY Hardware works with Linux is useful info; you don't want us to look elsewhere as your Site has great reviews.

Thanks!,
Roy

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# Dissapointed — Mark 2010-09-03 17:55

Problem with this mouse is that you can lift it up ever to re adjust it on your mouse pad. sometimes i dont even lift it and it just doesnt read properly? maybe mine is defective but from what i see above this seems to be a common issue

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# RE: Dissapointed — Rob 2010-09-03 18:04

I have not see this issue yet. I have been using this mouse for about 4 days now. Make sure you clear out you old mouse drivers and that your desk is clean.

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# RE: Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse — Mark 2010-09-04 08:37

Well im assuming that something is wrong with my set up because there is no way they can sell a mouse and have it wait a second every time you lift it up and place it back down. It just kills my First person shooter games. i uninstalled the razer software through program uninstal but now im afraid that maybe i didnt get rid of the driver. i when into device manager and it says the only driver is the one for the R.A.T. im going to test everything i can even a hard reformat before i give up because like i mentioned above there is no way they gave this optical eye a 10/10 if it has such a fundamental flaw.

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# It's not you, it's the mouse. — Olin Coles 2010-09-04 08:42

Mark: It's not your system, it's the mouse. You'll notice that we rated this mouse considerably low as a result of this flaw. 7/10 here... far from 10/10.

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# RE: RE: Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse — Rob 2010-09-04 09:45

Mark, 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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# Fixed THe issue — Mark 2010-09-08 09:56

ALright so i found out that the mouse will not track on black surfaces. WOrks great on my white text book or anything that is white. It also works on my roomates Cutting pad that is turquoise. DOesnt work on my black desk black mousepad black books. so now im going to order myself the only white mousepad i can find on the net from razer.

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# RE: Fixed THe issue — Rob 2010-09-08 10:06

Mark, but it does work on black surfaces (or at least for me, see my post above). It only did not work on one black surface. Maybe shinny black surfaces it has issues, I am not really sure.

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# RE: Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse — Dan 2010-09-20 19:27

I have the mouse myself and I do not have most of these problems that others seem to have. For me it tracks on pretty much all surfaces except glass. When I pick up the mouse and put it back down it only moves 1 inch at most and does not have a noticeable resync time. I did have problems with an oversensitive(?) mouse. The cursor would move while the mouse was not in use and jitter whenever clicked. It might have been my mouse pad or rather lack of (using a paper on my desk). But after I changed the sensitivity through Microsoft's settings and jacked up the sensitivity through the Rat software, it's smooth and as I could had ever hoped. I guess this is another case of Madcatz's horrible quality/quality control.

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# Recommend a Pad for the Rat 7 — Rafi 2010-09-22 08:47

Hello, I bought this mouse to replace my storm sentinel advance and so I am using it on a black gaming grade coolermaster mousepad and I am having the tracking problem even without lifting the mouse (moving it form the silver section of the pad to the black one causes my cross-hair to freeze for a few seconds) so could any of you please recommend a gaming pad that you are already using with this mouse and that is not causing any problems??

thanks

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# RE: Recommend a Pad for the Rat 7 — Rob 2010-09-22 12:45

I am using the "Rocketfish" mousepad (see Bestbuy.com). I have no issues with the "control" side of this mousepad at all actually it works great. The "speed" side does have issues. (see my comment above)

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# RE: RE: Recommend a Pad for the Rat 7 — Scott 2010-10-10 13:22

Let me assure you, this mouse tracks poorly on BOTH sides of the Rocketfish, and is almost useless on an Icemat. Until they fix these issues, I would recommend strongly against it.

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# RE: RE: RE: Recommend a Pad for the Rat 7 — Rob 2010-10-10 14:47

I have no issues at at all on the "Control" side of the Rocketfish mouse pad. Please explain.

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# RE: RE: RE: RE: Recommend a Pad for the Rat 7 — Scott 2010-10-10 14:54

What part of "this mouse tracks poorly on both sides of the Rocketfish" do you need for me to explain? Maybe my Rat 7 is more screwed up than your Rat 7, but if it fails on *one* side of your Rocketfish, and it fails totally on the Icemat (Google it), then it's basically a failure of a mouse. It shouldn't be screwing up on *either* of these surfaces, should it?

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# RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: Recommend a Pad for the Rat 7 — Rob 2010-10-10 17:25

The part where "I have no issues" and you do and a lot of people do not. I am trying to understand the issues you are having. What type of tracking issues do you have? Is it the same experience on both sides of the mousepad? Have you done anything to correct the problem? (i.e removed old drivers, have a clean mouse surface, followed the trouble shooting tips on the manufacturer website, etc.). I have tried to recreated the issues on many different surfaces and I have not had the same negative experiences as some on most surfaces. The mouse has been working great for me.

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# RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: Recommend a Pad for the Rat 7 — Rafi 2011-03-03 14:25

thanks for the reply but i already got another mousepad that works i got the razer goliathus and it works perfect

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# RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: Recommend a Pad for the Rat 7 — Chibi 2011-12-11 13:38

My RAT9 is optically dead on the black Rocketfish BestBuy metal plate gaming mouse, the cursor doesn't move at all on either side, but works well on my black fabric rubberized pad. Note that it does work on non-black metallic edge (ie. I can accurately draw little circles on the less than 1 cm silver edge area). I really like thyis mouse, but it is highly surface dependent.

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# same mouse pad, but I have problems — Doug 2011-03-03 09:35

I have the same rocketfish mousepad and neither side works well with this mouse. I didn't really notice it at first, but make some circles on the screen with the pointer, you will see that every 4th or 5th circle the mouse jumps. I am using a picture mouse pad that was really cheap and it works great but it is too small, I ordered a new gaming surface from madcatz, should be here in a couple of days.

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# RE: same mouse pad, but I have problems — Rob 2011-03-03 10:51

I tried to re-create your experience with small and large circles as well as fast and slow movements and was not able to re-create the issue you are seeing. One thing I have noticed that occurs every once in a while (weeks) is the mouse will lag when I move it around. In order to fix this I use compressed air to blow the mouse pad as well as under the mouse. This fixes the issue until the dust (I guess) builds up again.

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# RE: RE: same mouse pad, but I have problems — Doug 2011-03-03 11:33

I've made sure the mouse and the pad is clean. It even works better on my desktop with out a pad than it does with the black rocketfish mouse pad. I had to extend the usb cable, could that be the problem?

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# RE: RE: RE: same mouse pad, but I have problems — Rob 2011-03-03 12:59

I have mine plugged into my G19 keyboard then an extension cable from my keyboard to the computer so I don't think that would be the issue. You could always try and remove the extension cable briefly to see if you get any change. One more idea make sure your mouse is flat on the surface when you are moving it around. I have read that if you over adjust it it may not sit flat and then of course not perform well.

As far a cleaning when my lags (or gets stuck) I don't see ANY dirt/dust at all but after the compressed air blow all is fine.

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# RE: RE: RE: RE: same mouse pad, but I have problems — Doug 2011-03-03 13:21

Thanks for your help, I will give it a try

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# RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: same mouse pad, but I have problems — Scott 2011-03-03 14:05

Save yourself some headaches and just RMA it. How good is a mouse that will only work on a small number of surfaces? Mine was a total fail on an Icemat and poor tracking on the Rocketfish. How many surfaces does it have to fail on before you call it a "fail"? Two was enough for me.

BTW, it worked fine on my desk (wooden) too.

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# RE: Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse — Scott 2010-10-10 19:23

On the Rocketfish, the cursor skips as I move the mouse across my desktop. It happens on both sides but happens more frequently on the "speed" side.

When I first installed the mouse, I thought it was DOA. I was using my Icemat that I've used for the last five years, and on that surface the Rat 7 doesn't work at all (except for the mouse buttons) for a full 30 seconds or so after boot, and when it finally does respond, it tracks poorly.

I tried uninstalling/reinstalling both the drivers and the software. No joy.

From the complete failure most see on the Icemat, to the "it doesn't work on shiny black surfaces" seen by others, it's clear the problem lies with the laser. Yours works on one side and not on the other. That just means yours sucks less than mine, but it's still defective if it doesn't work on both sides of a mouse that vitually every other mouse on the market works just fine with.

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# RAT7 Sensitivity Issue — Brandon 2010-11-05 05:46

Why I haven't heard of anybody complaining about this issue is beyond me...
I'm using a gray mouse pad, but it doesn't matter what I use because it does it on any surface.
The issue is that the cursor moves by itself when there is sound being played. Especially bass, and especially the louder it gets. I am not talking about extremes here, just moderate levels. The higher the DPI setting, the worse it gets. It even does it when I double click the mouse WITHOUT moving the mouse. Try double clicking a folder while the cursor moves a bit and you'll see how annoying that is. I've never had a mouse do any of this! It is not me. It is the mouse.

I've noticed it works a bit better with the double click issue when the mouse is on my black desk, but still horrible when any sound is causing minor vibration. The desk is not moving, the mouse is not moving. But the cursor is.. WTF?

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# RE: RAT7 Sensitivity Issue — Rob 2010-11-05 06:09

I have had the mouse for months and I don't have this issue (and I have a big Sub woofer under my desk.) Perhaps the mouse is not sitting perfectly flat. Check to see that you did not make a maniacal adjustment where the mouse is not flat on the desk. I did see a video a while ago where this could happen if the an adjust is made to the extreme.

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# RE: RAT7 Sensitivity Issue — kristoffach 2012-02-05 10:23

I've had the same problem as Brandon, even went as far as using tape to fixate the laser at a static point to test it. It seems as the laser unit itself is poorly attached on some units causing sound vibrations to resonate in the sensor unit causing unwanted cursor movement.

I love this mouse though so that's why I'm going to see if the shop I bought it from can either fix it or let me get a new one.

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# It isn't 100$ plus mouse pads issues — Begrudged buyer 2010-11-08 13:05

Ok for one it is only 80$ not 100$. and why people seem to be complaining about some mouse mats not working here but like nowhere else except for some rare cases were people say not to use with a black or shiny black pad or surface. This confuses me because i would seriuosly like to buy it. and i have a white hard surface mouse pad from razer that was 30$ and i really like.

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# RE: It isn't 100$ plus mouse pads issues — Olin Coles 2010-11-08 13:09

Don't you think it's possible the price dropped a few dollars in the last three months since this review was published? Also, what reason would some many of our readers have to begin claiming this product has issues? Sometimes the answer is right in front of you.

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# RE: Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse — zhemis 2010-12-18 15:33

Alot of complaints about the mouse behaving erratically have to do with the surface! Plain and simple. I don't have this mouse but have been the frustrated owner of laser mice in the past. The frustration ends with the right surface. My correct surface is currently a 5$ black plastic pad (the kind you peel the back and stick somewhere) which is permanently glued to a flat piece of plastic. It's about 7x7" and is the only thing in my household that I found worked with my current mouse. I spent over a month hating my mouse until I found the proper surface. Note, as well lighting onto the surface can affect it. I have a desklamp I never use, but occasionally I will turn it on and when I do my mouse has a delayed sync if I lift it. Again, this isn't the mouse, it's the surface and in those cases, light reflecting off it. 99.9% of problems can be resolved upon finding the right surface for the mouse. I didn't listen to 'laser mouse reviews' which told me which surface to use because they all contradicted each other. Experiment with the mouse on different surfaces and for the love of all that is holy MAKE SURE IT"S 100% FLAT!! NO EXCEPTIONS!

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# andy — andrew buckland 2010-12-27 06:57

we can't not rating this mouse based on how it reacts with the surface it acts the worst with. it may be inconvenient, but finding a compatible mouse pad WILL fix the skipping issue....i have had the rat7 for a couple of weeks and after buying a white pad from razer it works like a charm. just sit back and enjoy the new design, half the point of this mouse.

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# Double click when clicking once. — VESR 2010-12-28 11:16

First off, let me say that I really like this mouse. I'm a casual gamer, nothing too serious, but I do spend a lot of time using the mouse. This is the first mouse I've found that is comfortable to hold, the adjustments are probably wasted for many - I for one really like them.

What bothers me is that lately (mouse is about 2-3 months old) any single click with the left mouse button results in a double click. This is often bad. Marking text is next to impossible (manually possible, so no biggie). Some games got different abilities on one or two clicks (mark/attack). Rotating camera angel ingame result in losing target. Most of all, it's annoying as it shouldn't be like this.

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# RE: Double click when clicking once. — Mat 2011-01-08 19:52

It might be a driver issue, or yours may be defective. This is not a sensor related problem. I had a friend who had one of those cheap mouses that come with computers, and his mouse was doing the same thing.

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# RE: RE: Double click when clicking once. — VESR 2011-01-09 01:51

It may very well be software related. I am also unable to use the program function (can't recall the correct name) in the setup part. I have never used that before so I do not miss it. I have read a review where they stated that this was a problem with one of their test machines (PC Gamer - RAT-5).

It seems that it works properly if I click slow enough. Holding the mouse button down for a moment "skips" the second click.

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# Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse — Csaba 2010-12-29 11:21

I own this mouse for work, not for gaming, as my hands are on the larger side and I was experiencing wrist pains with most regular mice. When I saw the RAT7 and how adjustable it was I knew I had to have it. I will say that I no longer have the wrist issues and after adjusting the mouse it fits perfectly in my hand. It worked fine for about 2-3 months and then I started having the tracking issues, *without* picking it up off the desk. It's acting like the mice of old (ball mice) when dust and dirt would get stuck on the ball and the ball would no longer roll. It is extremely frustrating and am wondering how a mouse that costs this much can become defective in less than 3 months? As I mentioned, it worked fine for about 2 months and then it started having the tracking issues, so it's not the surface. But just to be sure I've tried white, dark, glossy, non glossy and the issue still persists. I would say a 7/10 is a valid rating because of the normal tracking issues, not because of the z-axis problems.

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# Mad Catz fixing this? — Mat 2011-01-08 20:55

This is the Engadget review.
##engadget.com/2010/10/21/exclusive-mad-catz-cyborg-rat-9-review/

They mentioned that RAT 9 has a filter which fixes the z-tracking problem, and they said that Mad Catz said that(sorry for bad wording) new RAT 7's will also have this fix. That review was posted in October, so I think the new RAT 7's should be out by now. I noticed that RAT 7, 9 and 3 are all unavailable on newegg, does that mean they are switching to the new batch?

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# RE: Mad Catz fixing this? — Scott 2011-01-09 11:30

" I noticed that RAT 7, 9 and 3 are all unavailable on newegg, does that mean they are switching to the new batch?"

It probably means they are tired of issuing RMAs.

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# Tracking issues — Enalung 2011-08-03 11:04

I make use of a rocketfish mousepad. It's a dual surface rigid mouse pad with an aluminum core and a black anodised aluminum surface. On the speed side, the mouse is completly unable to track mouvement. On the controll side, it can read the surface, but it will often skip in unpredictable ways.

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# RE: Tracking issues — Enalung 2011-08-03 11:07

Just a quick sidenote, this is a different problem then the reported mouse lifting. I do not lift the mouse during the course of normal gameplay, the only exeption to that being to change battery or reposition once in a blue moon.

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# RE: Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse — Andy9999 2012-01-27 02:06

Well, I have a RAT9 and now I was so stupid to buy a RAT7 (in white). I somehow thought the new RAT7 would perform better without the tracking issues but it is the same. As soon as there is some minor vibration the cursor starts moving all over the place. They should spend more money on the product itself than on the marketing (getting people to write about it, ads and such). If this twin eye sensor is known to be such a crappy # load why do the companies all use them??? I don*t get it. Am really disappointed. I think the hype they created will eventually turn back on them in the form of people never buying RATs again (at least me).

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# RE: Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse — Andy9999 2012-01-27 02:08

By the way. I forgot to mention one thing. The new and white RAT7 has a stuck thumbwheel right away. I did read that I am not the only one having that problem with a new mouse. This seems to be really a cheap piece of plastic (bad manfufacturered, bad QA).

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# Negative Review — Brandon 2012-02-16 05:09

I've read what others have said. This is what I say and I've had the RAT 7 since it came out. I don't care what people say about bragging how they don't have to lift their mouse because they're so perfect, the fact is. I don't ever want to move my mouse more than an inch of the center of my comfort zone. If I have to lift it slightly to get it back to the center, especially after doing a 360 turn, I expect not to have a delay or shaky response.
The fact that I had to go out and buy a special super thin black mouse pad for the mouse to work BETTER, not properly, was annoying.
The fact that I can't have my Logitech gaming speakers up too loud or else my mouse will wiggle everywhere on things like explosions, hello FRAGs!
The fact that when I use any of my Logitech laser mice I have much better results in every department except for the design quality.
I realize that this mouse is nice, but seriously, it's the damn laser on it that is way too sensitive and delayed after returning from a lift.
There is no reason so argue with anyone, there's no reason why I should change anything I'm doing to resolve it, it should just work. If I put a Logitech laser inside the RAT 7. IT WOULD BE PROBLEM SOLVED!
I will guarantee that the people from Mad Catz will all agree that their device has issues, whether they would tell you that or not. It's a fact.
Anyone wanna buy a RAT 7? Best mouse out there!

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# Mode button LED remain RED. — Alex 2013-03-01 04:10

Hi guys.
Any days ago I've bought the Contagion edition of Rat 7.
When I've connected at my Pc, all works good up to the shutdown.
The day after, I've turned on my Pc and the LED of the mode button, start in red, but at first press, remain red, second press, turns off and third press return to red.
I remember that first day, start in red, then become blue and then purple.
I've tryed to install the drivers, then to unistall them, to format my Pc and reinstall only the necessary to try the mouse but nothing...the led remain RED. :|
Does anyone know how can I solve this problem ?
This mouse is enough expensive and I want that all the option working good.
I've tryed to write to the support of MadCatz/Cyborg but I haven't received one answer about.
Hope that you can help me.
Thanks in advance.

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# Duranility? — Tannor 2013-03-03 18:43

This mouse does not last long, the red precision button on the side is worn out after 2 weeks no matter how soft or hard you hold it in, it releases on its own causing unexpected increas and decrease in cursor speed (dpi), making a jumpy mouse for fps and a useless shift click for for games such as diablo3. Thumb rest on the side just keeps swiveling inwards now when ever you press one of the 3 buttons on the side, it does not lock properly when tightend. This mouse was good and i had great fun with it...for 2 weeks which turned out to be its effective life span :( not impressed at all

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# Mad Catz Rat 7 gaming mouse — Dan 2013-06-07 13:45

As I read in many reviews the Rat 7 was supposed to be a good gaming mouse. Not long after buying it I noticed that the tracking well was a little off. I wrote that up to being a new mouse and I was not used to it.

Two month's later and still the same. Sometimes the X axis or the y axis would not work at all or it would just freeze.

I contacted Mad Catz and they asked how old my mouse was I said 2 months and they said they could fix it but because it was out of WARRANTY I would have to assume all the costs,including shipping....oh and yeah I would be without a mouse for about two weeks.

This issue is well known to Catz and is in fact a design issue.Dealing with their customer service was a nightmare. Two tickets later and still no satisfactory service.I asked for an exchange as it is a design problem but I as told very politely no as it would establish that the fault is on their end then they would have to exchange all same types of mouse with said problem.

I will never ever buy another product of theirs again..They make a lot of high end junk..

Sorry I nothing good to say...wait yes I do,it was well packaged. Thats it.

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# RE: Mad Catz Cyborg RAT-7 Laser Gaming Mouse — lost faith in Rat 2013-11-13 18:42

3 different RAT7's 3 different problems...

1st one (gen 1, 5600 dpi) had y-axis tracking issues regardless of surface, and resync problems, sensor eventually died.
2nd one (next gen 6400 DPI) mouse buttons always double-clicked on single press, returned for replacement.

3rd one worked fine for 2 minutes, then would disconnect from USB every 30 seconds (lights on mouse go out, system beep, reconnect, disconnect)
Got so fustrated, I unplugged the mouse and ripped out the usb cord.

It now sits on my bookshelf as a reminder to never buy one again.

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved the design and feel of the mouse. The customizations were exquisite, and the drivers never presented a problem for me, it was the lack of quality parts that has soured me to this product.

A prime example of when good designs meet bad accounting/manufacturing.

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