As a reminder, the American brand Mad Catz had to close its doors in 2017 for economic reasons. The good news is that it made a big comeback in 2018, this time in Great Britain. While the brand developed a new catalog from its launch, it also reintroduced updated versions of older models to meet the tastes of an increasingly demanding clientele.
On this site, we provide comprehensive reviews of products from specialized high-tech brands. The RAT 8+ is no exception. This model, designed by Mad Catz, is an improved version of the RAT 8. Is it worth considering? Discover our detailed and unbiased review now.
Packaging and unpacking
Upon unboxing the Mad Catz RAT 8+ gaming mouse, we immediately noticed that the packaging differs from that of its predecessor, the MAT 8. The packaging is transparent, allowing you to see the product even before you pick it up. Inside, you'll find a user guide, perfect for beginners. Even professional gamers can find it useful, though some aspects might be overlooked. Stickers, two attachments for the right side of the mouse, and two wrist rests are also included.
However, it's disappointing that there's no carrying case or box to store the product and its main accessories. The product is priced at €99.99, and at that price, Mad Catz could have made more of an effort with the presentation instead of opting for plastic wrap, which we find unprofessional and lacking in quality.
Design and design
In terms of design, the brand hasn't brought anything new to the table. It has stuck with the same design as the previous generation RAT 8. The RAT 8+ sports an original and decidedly futuristic design, just like the RAT 8 gaming mouse. While the model we tested is black, it's worth noting that it's also available in several other variations, namely red and white. Regardless of the color chosen, the build quality is remarkable.
With its modular design, you can customize this gaming mouse for a more comfortable grip, making it perfect for both large and small hands. Clad entirely in black metal, the chassis is finished with a combination of glossy and matte plastic, a finish that breaks with the Mat Catz's usual Soft Touch coating. This is actually a positive point, as this type of coating is outdated and no longer fashionable. Nevertheless, the brand has set a high standard in terms of material quality. The plastics are soft to the touch, yet quite robust, and you won't see any fingerprints on them.
The M.AT. 8+ is undeniably eccentric with its adjustable RGB lighting. One thing is certain: its unique, futuristic look is sure to turn heads. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gamer looking for flexibility and multiple buttons, this M.AT. Catz gaming mouse will do the trick.
Handling and ergonomics
For the Mad Catz RAT8+, the brand simply reused its RAT8 model. Thanks to its numerous buttons, the mouse is extra-large. Although its size is undeniably unusual, you'll have no trouble handling it. The good news is that you can adjust several things, including the length. Like some of the brand's other products, the RAT8+ allows you to retract the palm rest up to 5 notches.
This feature is certainly welcome for people with larger hands. Those more comfortable with compact mice will feel more at home with the current shape. With the RAT8+, you can also change the palm rest to one of three variations. The standard material is plastic; you can switch to the second option, which maintains the same shape but offers a rubberized surface with excellent grip. The final variation is also plastic, but the contour is much more pronounced and will perfectly fill the palm of your hand.
Just as it's possible to change the palm rest, it will also be possible to change the right side panel of the mouse. Furthermore, regarding weight, unlike the RAT8 which offered up to 3 removable weights, the product we tested only offers 3 weights of 6 grams each.
Buttons and features
Like its predecessor, the RAT8+ features a total of 11 programmable buttons. The forward/back navigation buttons are, of course, included, along with a sniper button for temporarily adjusting sensitivity. A notched scroll wheel is also present and is programmable with the thumb.
This button is a worthwhile addition, as it's versatile and allows you to adjust the audio volume, scroll horizontally, and change audio tracks. The button placement is excellent; they're well-positioned and very easy to use. There's also a Profile button on the side next to the left click. This allows you to switch between four profiles, which illuminate the button in red, blue, purple, or remain off depending on the selected profile. While the buttons are undeniably high-quality, they also promise a more tactile feel.
Precision
When it comes to gaming mice, optical sensors are the latest trend. Despite this, Mad Catz has designed a model equipped with a Pixart DNA laser sensor. This technology is popular, undoubtedly because it can track on multiple surfaces simultaneously. Many demanding gamers will appreciate the various features offered by this sensor.
This mouse can support speeds up to 3.81 m/s and acceleration of 30g. This feature is invaluable, allowing you to play more demanding games without the risk of tracking issues. Lift Off is the low lift-off height, designed to minimize cursor movement when the mouse is lifted.
Furthermore, the maximum sensitivity of 8200 DPI proves more than sufficient for any gaming profile. This will remain true even if you use very high-definition screens or play with increased sensitivity. It's also worth noting that the polling rate with the PC can vary from 250 to 1000 Hz, as is typical for a gaming mouse.
Sensor and glide
As mentioned above, the Mad Catz RAT8+ gaming mouse's sensor has been updated compared to the previous model. With a new Pixart PWN 3389 sensor, the mouse offers improved performance. Having proven itself time and again against numerous models we've had the opportunity to test, such as the HyperX Pulsefire Surge, this mouse ticks all the boxes in this regard. However, the glide is the same as its predecessor.
Software
In its quest to design a model superior to the Mat Catz RAT8, the brand decided to revise its software, which, since its initial setup, is available in French. The new version offers a streamlined interface and is significantly less feature-rich than the previous version.
And since it has all the features you could want in a gaming mouse, you'll be able to make several adjustments, such as modifying button options, managing profiles, creating macros, and controlling various sensitivity levels. You'll also be able to customize the backlighting by choosing the effect that suits you best from the four available options. The software will only allow you to do the essentials.
It's a shame that managing profiles is such a chore with this software. Furthermore, nothing about profile management is intuitive. Also, to adjust the backlighting, you have to use rainbow mode. The other modes don't offer this option.
If you want to learn more about the Mad Catz RAT 8+ gaming mouse, we invite you to watch the Cowcotland video!
