- Joined
- Nov 22, 2007
- Messages
- 1,554 (0.26/day)
- Location
- Annapolis, MD
| System Name | n.audBl |
|---|---|
| Processor | E8500 @ 3.80GHz |
| Motherboard | ASUS Striker Extreme |
| Cooling | Full liquid (everything except power supply) |
| Memory | 4Gb OCZ DDR2 PC9600 |
| Video Card(s) | Dual EVGA GTX 280 SSC Edition |
| Storage | Dual WD Raptor in RAID 0 (300Gb), Dual WD 1Tb Cavair in RAID 1 |
| Display(s) | Dell 2407 24" HD+ Widescreen |
| Case | Theraltake Tai-Chi |
| Audio Device(s) | X-Fi Fata1ty (bleh!) |
| Power Supply | Ultra X3 1000W |
| Software | Win 7 64bit |
RAT7 or RAT9... do it! You won't regret it.
I wasn't too impressed with previous Cyborg products (mainly the Cyborg joysticks), they always seemed a bit flimsy and "toyish"... but I have to say, the RAT mouse is in a league of its own. It's built on a thick aluminum frame and is very hefty and solid. You have an interchangeable and adjustable palm rest/pad, interchangeable right (pinky) pad, and two way adjustable thumb rack. You basically dink around with it until it fits your hand and grip style just right.
For the RAT9, battery life is acceptable and charge time is very fast, the only downside is that your computer needs to be on for the battery in the receiver to charge (unless you have an external self-powered USB hub). Mad Catz advertises zero lag on the RAT9 and although I can't positively confirm this, I can say that if there is any lag then I am incapable of detecting it.
I've never been too impressed with the Razor line of mouse(s)(?)... mice, hmm. I have only bought one Razor mouse and took it back within days of purchasing it. So, I can’t really offer much of an opinion on Razors… only that I tried one (I don’t even remember what model, it was one of the high end ones though, I do remember that much) and pretty much hated it. I can, however, offer my opinion on both the wired and wireless versions of the Microsoft Sidewinder as well as the Logitech G9.
For the longest time I used a Microsoft Sidewinder and absolutely loved it. The weight, programmability, and tactile response of the buttons was great. Although a bit superfluous, the LCD screen was a neat feature as well. I really don't have anything bad to say about the Sidewinder and really only moved on to a new mouse because I am a gluten for something new and different.
I bought my wife a Logitech G9 back when it first came out and she went absolutely nuts over it. She saw no value in "gaming" devices like a good mouse or keyboard and would always scoff at the idea of spending money on that stuff. But once she gripped G9 and actually started getting familiar with it was like something clicked in her mind and her whole outlook on "gaming" devices changed. She adored that G9... and later I came to understand why.
My wife and I are similar in far too many ways, one of those being glutens for something new. So one day I was on my way to Micro Center and she yells out "hey, get me a new mouse!" I didn't ask why and simply came home with a wireless Sidewinder for her since I was such a fan of my wired version. She cast the G9 aside like last Christmas' toys and went to town trying the SW out. Again she loved it... but I am personally not a fan of the "charge while you play" concept and especially do not like Microsoft's solution for minding the charging cable while not in use. The wireless SW has a desktop hub that serves as the wireless receiver and the charging cable minder. To charge the mouse you have to uncoil the cable from the receiver and although it isn't a complicate process, it is annoying and cumbersome. It is a plus in the sense that you don't have to cradle the mouse to charge it but it is just a bit of a mess. The cable snaps onto the mouse magnetically, which is actually pretty cool since you don’t have to fumble around with aligning and pushing in a tiny plug. When you are done charging you either have to wrap the cable back up or just shove it out of the way. In my opinion the wireless version doesn't really add anything over the wired version. I also prefer the older wired version's forward/back buttons over the new wireless version. It is a small change and it may just be that I got very accustomed to my wired SW, but the round metal forward/back buttons just feel higher quality than the new wireless version’s rectangular plastic ones. Other than that everything else seems fairly identical between the wired and wireless versions. Quality, weight, sensitivity, and tactile response were all spot on. The MS software and on-the-fly macro programmability were/are all great.
The G9... so when I got my wife her new wireless SW I decided to adopt her G9 for a while for no reason other than to have something different. I have to say that I have never adjusted to a mouse so quickly! It was just so perfect feeling. I couldn't imagine anything better than my SW, but honestly I think the G9 is a better responding product. I can't really pinpoint exactly what it is about it, but I noticed my quick aiming in BFBC2 started to improve instantly. Maybe the G9 is tuned slightly different in the DPI arena or something, I don't really know. I just know that it works better for me... and as far as tactile response it really feels about the same as the SW. The one thing I don't like about the G9 is that the DPI adjustment buttons are in a very awkward position. I can't adjust the DPI without looking at the mouse and really focusing on making the change to where I want it. Although it is nice having 5 DPI settings (vs. 3 with the SW) I did find myself longing for the simple one button switch of the SW. In all fairness, I had to look at the SW too to adjust DPI, but it was a quick one button push to jump to whatever setting I wanted to be at, whereas the G9 you have to tap through the modes to get to the one you want. I know this seems mundane, but I'm trying to pinpoint anything good/bad between the two since they are so similar.
So while I was at Micro Center looking for a new mouse for my wife, I picked up the box for the RAT7 and looked it over. I dismissed it as just another Cyborg product. I wasn't a fan of the Cyborg joysticks and didn't figure a Cyborg mouse would be any better. Later I decided to do some research on it and was surprised to find stunning reviews on the RAT7. Everyone was going on and on about how well built and solid the RAT was and I found myself really wanting to get my hands on one to try it out. Then I read some more on the new upcoming wireless RAT9 with swappable batteries. I almost pre-ordered one on the spot but decided not to. That night I tossed and turned for about an hour wondering how cool the RAT really is... or if it was just a bunch of hype (why I got sleepless over a mouse I don't know... I think I am a certified hardware junkie now). The next evening I did some more searching and reading and came across some high-res photos of the RAT. I couldn't help myself... it is so ugly that it is gorgeous! I went ahead and pre-ordered one. I actually wasn't expecting it until sometime in January and when it showed up around mid-December I savored every moment of opening the packaging. I can't even begin to convey the quality and heft of the RAT9. As far as Cyborg products go, this is in a league of its own.... in fact I think the Cyborg moniker really does the RAT an injustice, but whatever. I'm not going to go on and on about all the features, I think there are plenty of reviews that will cover that. What I can offer is a comparison to the SW and G9 as far as feel and response. The RAT9 beats both the SW and G9 hands down on comfort. I mean, how could it not!? The adjustability of the RAT is probably its best feature. Sure the SW has weight adjustment, and the G9 has interchangeable grips as well as weight adjustment... but neither has the degree of customization as the RAT. The fully articulating thumb rack, interchangeable pinky pad (one of which is more of a cradle for your ring finger and pinky), and interchangeable and adjustable palm pad make the RAT the most ergonomically accommodating mouse on the market (as long as you’re a righty anyways… sorry southpaws). Tactile response of the buttons is every bit as good as the SW and G9, but the "skeleton" design of the RAT means that the RMB and LMB buttons are very exposed and easy to inadvertently click while handling the mouse (most notably the LMB). This is more of an issue with the RAT9 while swapping out batteries since you really have to grab and handle the mouse to change out the battery. I really wish the designers had made the battery easier to get to. It is a bit of a hassle to pull the dead battery out, but gets easier with experience (and is still a heap easier than fumbling with the wireless SW charging cable). Something as simple as a tab to grip on to would have made battery swapping much easier. You also really have to use some force to snap the batteries into the mouse and charger. It is a very snug fit, but I guess that is better than it being a loose sloppy fit. It is possible that the fit loosens up with time after getting a couple hundred swaps done. As for usability compared to the SW and G9, the RAT does not have on-the-fly macro programming like the other two so that is a loss. I still think the G9 has the best tracking of any mouse I have ever used, but I am slowly getting used to the RAT. The RAT's DPI adjustability far surpasses the SW and G9 in that it is programmable in 25 DPI increments and the X and Y axis are programmable independently... which I have yet to take advantage of, but am amazed at having the option nonetheless. The aim (sniper) button on the RAT is a feature that neither the SW or G9 can match so that is a definite plus. The RAT's DPI adjustment button is in the best location of the three models. I can actually switch DPI modes on the RAT without having to look at the mouse. And the aim button significantly reduces how often I need to switch DPI. Another feature the RAT has that the SW and G9 can't compete with is the mode feature. You can switch between 3 modes to remap button functions. Although it is a nice feature I think just having a couple of extra buttons or a macro feature would be just as useful. It is a nice option and can be really useful depending on how you choose to take advantage of it.
So, now that I have written a book here (and successfully chipped away at a good portion of my shift here at work) I guess I'll wrap up. My final opinion is this:
Microsoft Sidewinder: A great gaming mouse! I don't really think the wireless version offers enough of a benefit over the wired version. I think the fumbling with the cord is more of an inconvenience than it is worth. The quality, feel, programmability, and response are all great. But after using the Logitech G9 for a while I now I think the SW is just a bit outclassed on response.
Logitech G9: So similar in almost every way to the Sidewinder... but better! I believe the Sidewinder is built to a bit higher quality than the G9, but the G9 wins hands-down in response. I have never owned a mouse that was so easy to master. Although it could just be that I nailed the DPI tuning to my preference very quickly, I can't help but feel that there is something just about perfect with this mouse. In my opinion the Sidewinder's forward/back buttons are in a better location, but it is really a very small difference. I wish I had bought the G9 a long time ago.
Mad Catz R.A.T. 9: When I am done with this mouse I am going to frame it in a shadow box and turn it into a piece of wall art in my computer room! I'll be short and sweet here... I love this mouse, but I wish it had the G9's response. All things considered, I think the RAT9 beats out the SW and G9 in features. The RAT9 isn't without its cons, but the pros make it all worth it. I still have some more fine tuning with the DPI settings before it feels as intuitive as the G9, but once I get it set I feel the ergonomics and adjustability of the RAT9 will make it the best mouse of the three. I wish it had a macro option and the programming software could definitely be more streamlined and user friendly. Look to the RAT7 if you don't care about wireless, but the battery swapping of the RAT9 is definitely a better setup vs. the wireless version of the Sidewinder. As far as build quality, I think the RAT outclasses both the SW and G9 by a long shot. Mad Catz has done a great job with this mouse and hopefully they will listen to consumer feedback and give us an even better version of the RATs in the future.
Keep in mind that this is all ENTIRELY opinion! MY opinion! I don't typically do reviews on products but I felt I was in a somewhat rare position to offer a layman's comparison between three very high end gaming mice models.
I wasn't too impressed with previous Cyborg products (mainly the Cyborg joysticks), they always seemed a bit flimsy and "toyish"... but I have to say, the RAT mouse is in a league of its own. It's built on a thick aluminum frame and is very hefty and solid. You have an interchangeable and adjustable palm rest/pad, interchangeable right (pinky) pad, and two way adjustable thumb rack. You basically dink around with it until it fits your hand and grip style just right.
For the RAT9, battery life is acceptable and charge time is very fast, the only downside is that your computer needs to be on for the battery in the receiver to charge (unless you have an external self-powered USB hub). Mad Catz advertises zero lag on the RAT9 and although I can't positively confirm this, I can say that if there is any lag then I am incapable of detecting it.
I've never been too impressed with the Razor line of mouse(s)(?)... mice, hmm. I have only bought one Razor mouse and took it back within days of purchasing it. So, I can’t really offer much of an opinion on Razors… only that I tried one (I don’t even remember what model, it was one of the high end ones though, I do remember that much) and pretty much hated it. I can, however, offer my opinion on both the wired and wireless versions of the Microsoft Sidewinder as well as the Logitech G9.
For the longest time I used a Microsoft Sidewinder and absolutely loved it. The weight, programmability, and tactile response of the buttons was great. Although a bit superfluous, the LCD screen was a neat feature as well. I really don't have anything bad to say about the Sidewinder and really only moved on to a new mouse because I am a gluten for something new and different.
I bought my wife a Logitech G9 back when it first came out and she went absolutely nuts over it. She saw no value in "gaming" devices like a good mouse or keyboard and would always scoff at the idea of spending money on that stuff. But once she gripped G9 and actually started getting familiar with it was like something clicked in her mind and her whole outlook on "gaming" devices changed. She adored that G9... and later I came to understand why.
My wife and I are similar in far too many ways, one of those being glutens for something new. So one day I was on my way to Micro Center and she yells out "hey, get me a new mouse!" I didn't ask why and simply came home with a wireless Sidewinder for her since I was such a fan of my wired version. She cast the G9 aside like last Christmas' toys and went to town trying the SW out. Again she loved it... but I am personally not a fan of the "charge while you play" concept and especially do not like Microsoft's solution for minding the charging cable while not in use. The wireless SW has a desktop hub that serves as the wireless receiver and the charging cable minder. To charge the mouse you have to uncoil the cable from the receiver and although it isn't a complicate process, it is annoying and cumbersome. It is a plus in the sense that you don't have to cradle the mouse to charge it but it is just a bit of a mess. The cable snaps onto the mouse magnetically, which is actually pretty cool since you don’t have to fumble around with aligning and pushing in a tiny plug. When you are done charging you either have to wrap the cable back up or just shove it out of the way. In my opinion the wireless version doesn't really add anything over the wired version. I also prefer the older wired version's forward/back buttons over the new wireless version. It is a small change and it may just be that I got very accustomed to my wired SW, but the round metal forward/back buttons just feel higher quality than the new wireless version’s rectangular plastic ones. Other than that everything else seems fairly identical between the wired and wireless versions. Quality, weight, sensitivity, and tactile response were all spot on. The MS software and on-the-fly macro programmability were/are all great.
The G9... so when I got my wife her new wireless SW I decided to adopt her G9 for a while for no reason other than to have something different. I have to say that I have never adjusted to a mouse so quickly! It was just so perfect feeling. I couldn't imagine anything better than my SW, but honestly I think the G9 is a better responding product. I can't really pinpoint exactly what it is about it, but I noticed my quick aiming in BFBC2 started to improve instantly. Maybe the G9 is tuned slightly different in the DPI arena or something, I don't really know. I just know that it works better for me... and as far as tactile response it really feels about the same as the SW. The one thing I don't like about the G9 is that the DPI adjustment buttons are in a very awkward position. I can't adjust the DPI without looking at the mouse and really focusing on making the change to where I want it. Although it is nice having 5 DPI settings (vs. 3 with the SW) I did find myself longing for the simple one button switch of the SW. In all fairness, I had to look at the SW too to adjust DPI, but it was a quick one button push to jump to whatever setting I wanted to be at, whereas the G9 you have to tap through the modes to get to the one you want. I know this seems mundane, but I'm trying to pinpoint anything good/bad between the two since they are so similar.
So while I was at Micro Center looking for a new mouse for my wife, I picked up the box for the RAT7 and looked it over. I dismissed it as just another Cyborg product. I wasn't a fan of the Cyborg joysticks and didn't figure a Cyborg mouse would be any better. Later I decided to do some research on it and was surprised to find stunning reviews on the RAT7. Everyone was going on and on about how well built and solid the RAT was and I found myself really wanting to get my hands on one to try it out. Then I read some more on the new upcoming wireless RAT9 with swappable batteries. I almost pre-ordered one on the spot but decided not to. That night I tossed and turned for about an hour wondering how cool the RAT really is... or if it was just a bunch of hype (why I got sleepless over a mouse I don't know... I think I am a certified hardware junkie now). The next evening I did some more searching and reading and came across some high-res photos of the RAT. I couldn't help myself... it is so ugly that it is gorgeous! I went ahead and pre-ordered one. I actually wasn't expecting it until sometime in January and when it showed up around mid-December I savored every moment of opening the packaging. I can't even begin to convey the quality and heft of the RAT9. As far as Cyborg products go, this is in a league of its own.... in fact I think the Cyborg moniker really does the RAT an injustice, but whatever. I'm not going to go on and on about all the features, I think there are plenty of reviews that will cover that. What I can offer is a comparison to the SW and G9 as far as feel and response. The RAT9 beats both the SW and G9 hands down on comfort. I mean, how could it not!? The adjustability of the RAT is probably its best feature. Sure the SW has weight adjustment, and the G9 has interchangeable grips as well as weight adjustment... but neither has the degree of customization as the RAT. The fully articulating thumb rack, interchangeable pinky pad (one of which is more of a cradle for your ring finger and pinky), and interchangeable and adjustable palm pad make the RAT the most ergonomically accommodating mouse on the market (as long as you’re a righty anyways… sorry southpaws). Tactile response of the buttons is every bit as good as the SW and G9, but the "skeleton" design of the RAT means that the RMB and LMB buttons are very exposed and easy to inadvertently click while handling the mouse (most notably the LMB). This is more of an issue with the RAT9 while swapping out batteries since you really have to grab and handle the mouse to change out the battery. I really wish the designers had made the battery easier to get to. It is a bit of a hassle to pull the dead battery out, but gets easier with experience (and is still a heap easier than fumbling with the wireless SW charging cable). Something as simple as a tab to grip on to would have made battery swapping much easier. You also really have to use some force to snap the batteries into the mouse and charger. It is a very snug fit, but I guess that is better than it being a loose sloppy fit. It is possible that the fit loosens up with time after getting a couple hundred swaps done. As for usability compared to the SW and G9, the RAT does not have on-the-fly macro programming like the other two so that is a loss. I still think the G9 has the best tracking of any mouse I have ever used, but I am slowly getting used to the RAT. The RAT's DPI adjustability far surpasses the SW and G9 in that it is programmable in 25 DPI increments and the X and Y axis are programmable independently... which I have yet to take advantage of, but am amazed at having the option nonetheless. The aim (sniper) button on the RAT is a feature that neither the SW or G9 can match so that is a definite plus. The RAT's DPI adjustment button is in the best location of the three models. I can actually switch DPI modes on the RAT without having to look at the mouse. And the aim button significantly reduces how often I need to switch DPI. Another feature the RAT has that the SW and G9 can't compete with is the mode feature. You can switch between 3 modes to remap button functions. Although it is a nice feature I think just having a couple of extra buttons or a macro feature would be just as useful. It is a nice option and can be really useful depending on how you choose to take advantage of it.
So, now that I have written a book here (and successfully chipped away at a good portion of my shift here at work) I guess I'll wrap up. My final opinion is this:
Microsoft Sidewinder: A great gaming mouse! I don't really think the wireless version offers enough of a benefit over the wired version. I think the fumbling with the cord is more of an inconvenience than it is worth. The quality, feel, programmability, and response are all great. But after using the Logitech G9 for a while I now I think the SW is just a bit outclassed on response.
Logitech G9: So similar in almost every way to the Sidewinder... but better! I believe the Sidewinder is built to a bit higher quality than the G9, but the G9 wins hands-down in response. I have never owned a mouse that was so easy to master. Although it could just be that I nailed the DPI tuning to my preference very quickly, I can't help but feel that there is something just about perfect with this mouse. In my opinion the Sidewinder's forward/back buttons are in a better location, but it is really a very small difference. I wish I had bought the G9 a long time ago.
Mad Catz R.A.T. 9: When I am done with this mouse I am going to frame it in a shadow box and turn it into a piece of wall art in my computer room! I'll be short and sweet here... I love this mouse, but I wish it had the G9's response. All things considered, I think the RAT9 beats out the SW and G9 in features. The RAT9 isn't without its cons, but the pros make it all worth it. I still have some more fine tuning with the DPI settings before it feels as intuitive as the G9, but once I get it set I feel the ergonomics and adjustability of the RAT9 will make it the best mouse of the three. I wish it had a macro option and the programming software could definitely be more streamlined and user friendly. Look to the RAT7 if you don't care about wireless, but the battery swapping of the RAT9 is definitely a better setup vs. the wireless version of the Sidewinder. As far as build quality, I think the RAT outclasses both the SW and G9 by a long shot. Mad Catz has done a great job with this mouse and hopefully they will listen to consumer feedback and give us an even better version of the RATs in the future.
Keep in mind that this is all ENTIRELY opinion! MY opinion! I don't typically do reviews on products but I felt I was in a somewhat rare position to offer a layman's comparison between three very high end gaming mice models.
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