titleMad Catz Cyborg R.A.T series of gaming mice have made a splash on the pc peripheral market for two years now. Cyborg has released several versions of their R.A.T  design, with a little redundancy. The R.A.T 3, 5, 7,  7  Albino, 7 Contagion, 7 Infection,  7 M.M.O, and the wireless R.A.T 9 all have subtle differences. The original  flagship model for Mad Catz is the Cyborg R.A.T 7. The Mad Catz Cyborg R.A.T 7 was released in summer 2010,  so you might be wondering why someone would review this  product a full two years after its release date. The R.A.T 7 unusual design has begun to appear on other mice in its price range. The “precision aim” button, a  key feature of the R.A.T 7, is now available on the Corsair M60. The extendable palm rest plus  exchangeable thumb/pinky rest will be on the unreleased Razer Ourobroos. With this trend in mind, let’s take a  look back at  the Cyborg R.A.T 7, an innovative gaming mouse that still has much to offer the current hardware enthusiast.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

 

Product Name: Mad Catz Cyborg R.A.T 7

Review Sample Provided By: Mad Catz

Written By: Brock

Pictures By: Brock

 

 

Specifications

DPI Range

25-5600DPI (25DPI steps)

Acceleration

Up to 50g

Polling Rate

Dynamic up to a 1000Hz

Tracking Speed

Up to 6m/sec

Type

Wired

Tracking Method

Laser

Hand Orientation

Right

Buttons

7

Programmable Buttons

5

Modes

3

Braided Cable Length

6 feet

System Requirements

USB 2.0 Connectivity

Windows 7

Windows Vista

Windows XP

Mac OS X 10.6.6 or later (Intel Processor Required)

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The Cyborg R.A.T 7 is packaged in a white and dark-grey box. Taking a cue from the mouse contained inside, the box has three triangular angles on the top, side, and back changing the traditional rectangular box into something visually pleasing. The front cover flap is adorned with an image of the R.A.T 7, some accolades, and a statement about the mouse’s DPI. Wrapping from the front cover, across the side, and concluding on the back is an image of a cybernetic rat furthering the “cyborg” series theme. On the back of the package is a top and bottom images of the mouse.  Numbers have been placed on some of the mouse’s features that lead you to a corresponding description.


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Opening the front flap of the container you can see the Cyborg R.A.T 7 through a cutout window. Another image of the R.A.T is displayed on the inside flap. This shows a variety of the mouse’s accessories, and the accessories’ container. After removing the mouse you find three square booklets: an installation guide, a catalog of other mice in the Cyborg R.A.T series, and a technical support/warranty document. Digging further into Mad Catz’ bottomless box you find a silver metal box marked with a black Cyborg image. Inside the tin are a 30gram weight container, two palm rest, and two pinky options for the right side of the mouse. 

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The packaging for the Cyborg R.A.T 7 is unique all on its own, the product aside. With its unusual shape, futuristic imagery, and extensive feature explanation it seems Mad Catz didn’t want even their box to be ordinary. I was surprised that a driver disc was not included; although, downloading updated drivers from the products support page is always recommended. I could see an excited consumer possibly throwing away the box without realizing the silver accessory tin is still buried deep inside

 


The software for this mouse can be obtained from Mad Catz site, located under the Cyborg download page. It is important to use the software together with your mouse. Any modern gaming mouse cannot live up to its full potential without tweaking the software settings to mirror your likes and dislikes. Visually The Cyborg software is rather bland.  The displays plain grey background, having a minimalistic design, does little to impress compared with other gaming mice’s software. In the end, all that really matters is does the software effectively allow you to take advantage of the features the R.A.T 7 

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Your DPI can be set to any four cursor speeds you like, and are switchable in game by the toggle switch located behind your first mouse wheel. A led indicator light located next to the left mouse button allows you to know what preset is selected. On the bottom left of the display is the precision aim setting. This option allows the gamer not to shank those long-distance headshots. You activate precision aim by pressing the round red button by your thumb. At 50% it will cut your DPI in two, and at a 100% the curser will not move, even if the mouse does.

 

The programming screen lets you set your favorite macros. With three modes, you can set virtually any button configuration for your favorite games or programs. You can tell what mode you have selected by the color of a led lit cyborg symbol located beside your index finger. 

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Another unique software feature is the load profile option. Mad Catz has preprogrammed profile packs available to be mounted to your mouse. Most of us are kind of picky when it comes to our FPS settings, but there are profiles for all sorts of titles for example The Witcher 2, or Photoshop CS5. Although this option is not a necessity it is entertaining to see how they configured your favorite rpg.


 

The Cyborg R.A.T 7 really separates itself from the pack with its features. Some of the R.A.T 7 common features are the forward and backward thumb buttons and middle scroll wheel.  These all feel very responsive with a satisfying sensitivity. The R.A.T 7 has two innovative buttons, precision aim button and the thumb scroll wheel. The precision aim is a great feature; however, if you are not careful the act of pressing the button can make your crosshairs move off target.  It takes a little practice, but can be handy for long-distance headshots. The thumb scroll wheel requires a little getting used to. It feels awkward and stiff at first, but over time becomes more comfortable.

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The hardest part of reviewing mice is discussing comfort.  How comfortable a mouse is directly relates to the size of an individual’s hand; therefore, comfort levels change drastically from person to person. Mad Catz Cyborg R.A.T 7 is the first mouse to directly address this concern. The R.A.T 7 comes with two palm rests, a low profile and a high profile that are extendable. There are two options for the right side of the mouse as well. If you prefer a rubberized, feel the R.A.T 7 includes an additional palm rest and pinky attachment. If you are having difficulties with your thumb buttons, The R.A.T 7 includes an allen wrench stored in the back of the mouse. Simply unscrew and you can adjust the thumb rest position forward/backward or angle it in/out until it fits your liking. The weight is also adjustable with up to 30g. The Cyborg R.A.T 7 is unmatched in customizations for fit and comfort.

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Unfortunately nothing is perfect, and the R.A.T 7 is no exception. I have been testing this mouse on and off for six months. Least concerning is the finish is beginning to wear off the pinky rest, one would assume a mouse in this price range durability would last much longer than this. The most concerning aspect to the Cyborg R.A.T 7 is the sensor. The sensor is easy disrupted by anything that is over the eye.  This is not a big deal if you can see the obstruction, but other times this can take a few seconds to fix. Sometimes it experiences tracking issues where the cursor will skip around the screen. These occurrences are rare, but if accruing at an inopportune time, could be an all-out deal breaker for this mouse.


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 The Mad Catz Cyborg R.A.T 7 is a unique and innovative option for the pc gamer. The sensor issue is a serious flaw and could make a completive gamer overlook the R.A.T 7, feeling it’s not worth the risk. I am also disappointed in the finish breakdown however small the imperfection. The flaws are outweighed by the customization in this case though. The ability to change and tweak almost all the physical aspects of your mouse is an experience not available elsewhere. The Mad Catz Cyborg R.A.T 7 is still the most innovative gaming mouse on the market. A full two years after its release it is one of the top mice in its price range. If you are looking for something truly different, then give a R.A.T 7 a try. You will be glad you did!

 fv2

Author Bio
Author: Brock

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