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Gaming Mouse Changes Shape For a Custom Fit

crookedvulture writes "Most of us spend a considerable amount of time with a mouse in our hand, but finding the right fit can be tricky. Mad Catz subsidiary Cyborg Gaming attempts to solve that problem with its adjustable Rat 7 mouse, which changes its size and shape to accommodate different hands. This review takes a closer look at the Rat's customization options, its myriad of programmable buttons, and an interesting scroll wheel for your thumb. Despite looking like a torture device, the Rat is said to be very comfortable for gaming and even better for general desktop use." Just look at the pictures. This is truly a wacky device. I want one.

156 comments

  1. Made by TROJAN ? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I want it now !!

    GoGr!

    1. Re:Made by TROJAN ? by 3chuck3 · · Score: 1

      I just got in one I ordered from the internet. It is awesome, satisfied my tech fix urges

  2. Setup by iONiUM · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Judging by the pictures, it looks like you have to manually set the "length" of the mouse. When I read the description, I was picturing an amorphous blob that transformed to your grip.

    I want the blob. Maybe I'll just wrap silly putty around my standard crappy mouse.

    1. Re:Setup by veganboyjosh · · Score: 1

      I don't remember the product, but there used to be some kind of ergonomic something that came custom. When you "bought" it at the store or via mailorder, you were actually given the kit that molds to your shape. I want to say it was some kind of orthopedic something. It came with some kind of resin that you mixed, and then put your feet onto, and let it harden. Then you sent this negative mold back to the company, and they would injection mold or use some other process to make their product that fit the contours of your body.

      That's what I first thought of when I saw this headline. I wonder if that's doable with some tweaking to the process.

    2. Re:Setup by vacarul · · Score: 1

      I put a lot of duct tape on mine.

      But I still want Rat 7.

    3. Re:Setup by clone53421 · · Score: 1

      Yeah, I was thinking a mouse made of memory foam like those beds or pillows. It actually seems like it’d be really comfortable and less trouble to mess with than trying to adjust this.

      --
      Alexander Peter Kristopeit bought his basement from his mommy for one dollar.
    4. Re:Setup by clone53421 · · Score: 1

      Um, I think I’ve heard of that... and I’m pretty sure that was a home-made dildo kit.

      I’d say it was for the girlfriend, but none of us has a girlfriend...

      --
      Alexander Peter Kristopeit bought his basement from his mommy for one dollar.
    5. Re:Setup by veganboyjosh · · Score: 1

      Yeah, i'd heard of that product, too, and was trying to avoid alluding to that one. I remember hearing about some kind of insole or glove or something that used the same concept.

    6. Re:Setup by djnforce9 · · Score: 1

      That's what I was thinking too actually. Nanotechnology applied to a mouse to reshape/mold based on the size and curves of your hand. The way it is now, if more than one person uses the computer, each would have to re-adjust it to suit their personal preference.

    7. Re:Setup by ToasterofDOOM · · Score: 1

      Best feature of this mouse appears to be the cord. I love all the razer mice I've used but with friends we've lost at least 3 to frayed cords. There's probably another issue there but honestly that detail really pleases me. As for the mouse as a whole ... I'll have to try it to pass judgment, until then it looks absolutely ridiculous.

      --
      I am Spartacus
    8. Re:Setup by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That company went bankrupt. Nobody wants penis-shaped gloves.

    9. Re:Setup by blair1q · · Score: 1

      Have a few more donuts and that silly putty will be built-in.

    10. Re:Setup by vlm · · Score: 1

      When I read the description, I was picturing an amorphous blob that transformed to your grip.

      Smear mouse with sugru, place hand in plastic bag, grip mouse, peel off bag. Personally I use a trackball. Three of them, actually, along with three monitors and one kvm switched keyboard. Well, I guess thats more of a "K" switch than a kvm...

      Sugru is, as near as I can tell, carefully marketed epoxy putty. You could probably use generic epoxy putty if you wanted.

      http://sugru.com/

      --
      "Science flies us to the moon. Religion flies us into buildings." - Victor Stenger
    11. Re:Setup by ToasterofDOOM · · Score: 1

      As a cyclist and a nerd, I ogle at shoes with heat moldable carbon fiber soles, etc, which would be a cool idea for this. I'd love to see a CF mouse - just not the pricetag. Also the logistics of popping a mouse in an oven might pose a slight problem...

      --
      I am Spartacus
    12. Re:Setup by RKThoadan · · Score: 1

      It's reasonably common in several pro-sports and especially in footwear. Professional ice-skaters and hockey players will certainly have injection mold based skates, and I'm guessing many athletes even get custom molded shoes.

    13. Re:Setup by Beale · · Score: 1

      It's silicone rather than epoxy based.

    14. Re:Setup by MichaelSmith · · Score: 1

      Better just to screw the cleats directly to the bone, don't you think?

    15. Re:Setup by EdZ · · Score: 1

      There are numerous companies that produce custom-fit In Ear Monitors. While you can take ear canal impressions at home if you're adventurous (and have someone to help you pour the resin in), they recommend you visit an Audiologist (and usually give you a coupon for a free impression).

    16. Re:Setup by ToasterofDOOM · · Score: 1

      Stiffer soles make for better power transfer, it's an efficiency thing. Then again your idea WOULD be super light and some people get a serious hard on for super low stack height.

      --
      I am Spartacus
    17. Re:Setup by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You've lost 3 friends to frayed cords? I'm going to start a movement to save the friends from frayed cords!

  3. Shoe fitting macheen by matty619 · · Score: 1

    looks like one of those shoe sizing machines they used when we were kids....

    1. Re:Shoe fitting macheen by srussia · · Score: 1

      looks like one of those shoe sizing machines they used when we were kids....

      Exactly. How much would it really cost to measure you on something like this and tailor a bespoke mouse?

      --
      Set your phasers on "funky"!
  4. How to make the ugliest mouse in the world by bbtom · · Score: 2, Funny

    1. Get article from TFA.
    2. Breed it with the OpenOffice Mouse.
    3. ???
    4. Profit, I guess. Or just stare at the combined ugliness.

    --
    catch (HumourFailureException e) { e.user.send("You, sir, are a humourless idiot."); }
    1. Re:How to make the ugliest mouse in the world by bbtom · · Score: 1

      1. Write Slashdot comments while working and make mistake.
      2. Notice afterwards.
      3. Get annoyed.

      "Get mouse from TFA" of course.

      --
      catch (HumourFailureException e) { e.user.send("You, sir, are a humourless idiot."); }
    2. Re:How to make the ugliest mouse in the world by Yvan256 · · Score: 1

      OpenOffice Mouse: You watched it... You can't UNWATCH it!

    3. Re:How to make the ugliest mouse in the world by TheKidWho · · Score: 1

      I think it reallys really cool actually. Very mechanical looking.

    4. Re:How to make the ugliest mouse in the world by MozeeToby · · Score: 1

      Odd, I like the industrial look. Like a steampunk mouse built out of modern materials, and the steampunk elements are actually functionally important to the device. It's not exactly the sleek modern look we've become accustomed to, but it is futuristic in it's own way.

    5. Re:How to make the ugliest mouse in the world by damien_kane · · Score: 1

      Brix were shat

    6. Re:How to make the ugliest mouse in the world by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yeah! put this mouse besides to a Thinkpad and see Macfags go away moaning in pain and confusion.

      I'm getting two! The antiMACfagtalisman FTW!

  5. Not good for lefties? by zerobeat · · Score: 5, Insightful

    This mouse is so configurable, yet can't be used naturally by left handers. This is fail for 10% of the population.

    --
    What other people think of me is none of my business
    1. Re:Not good for lefties? by IndustrialComplex · · Score: 4, Insightful

      This mouse is so configurable, yet can't be used naturally by left handers. This is fail for 10% of the population.

      This mouse IS very configurable, but it isn't THAT configurable. It sucks being a minority. Trust me, I know. I'm colorblind. At least you can still use your right hand.

      I get to wonder if an option is greyed out, or green and nothing can fix that short of altering my genetic code. My only advantage is that you can usually compensate for that via software. Hardware is going to be designed for 90-95% of the population, and it shouldn't be a surprise if in the announcement of a new product, it doesn't cover that last 5-10%.

      I've worked in an office where we used the mice with our left hands, it took a few days to get used to, but after a while you didn't notice it at all. So the people who CAN'T adapt are probably only 2% of the population.

      --
      Out of modpoints but really liked a post? 1BDkF6TtmmeZ3yqXbz9yhdYVqRYnwFoXDj
    2. Re:Not good for lefties? by Lord+Ender · · Score: 4, Funny

      There target market is people with souls.

      --
      A slashdotter who didn't build his own computer is like a Jedi who didn't build his own lightsaber.
    3. Re:Not good for lefties? by Lord+Ender · · Score: 1

      (please reply with all spelling corrections below this post)

      --
      A slashdotter who didn't build his own computer is like a Jedi who didn't build his own lightsaber.
    4. Re:Not good for lefties? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I question your percentage. Even if around 10% of people are left-handed with respect to writing, a substantially smaller percentage use mice left-handed.

    5. Re:Not good for lefties? by Saishuuheiki · · Score: 1

      It's sensible really. It's a niche product so you're only going to sell so many of them. Manufacturing and tooling costs will dictate that only one version be made. And given how it's supposed to fit the form of your hand, you can't really make it mirrored to be used with either hand.

      And I know personally, even though I'm left handed I use the mouse with my right hand. If you're gaming you're probably using both hands, and if you're doing something simple like browsing the web, either hand should do.

    6. Re:Not good for lefties? by clarkkent09 · · Score: 1

      This is fail for 10% of the population.

      Marketing a product to 90% of population might work out better for them than going through a lot of extra expense to get an extra 10%. What's wrong with that?

      --
      Negative moral value of force outweighs the positive value of good intentions.
    7. Re:Not good for lefties? by MozeeToby · · Score: 1

      nothing can fix that short of altering my genetic code.

      To be fair, you don't need to change all of your genetic code, just the code in the cells that make up retina. Nothing a little gene therapy can't take care of in a decade or so.

    8. Re:Not good for lefties? by rakuen · · Score: 4, Funny

      There target market is people with soles.

      There, fixed that for you.

    9. Re:Not good for lefties? by blair1q · · Score: 1

      s/souls/soles

    10. Re:Not good for lefties? by wjousts · · Score: 1

      Damn no good whinny lefties.

    11. Re:Not good for lefties? by Osgeld · · Score: 1

      yup, nice design, but like most other premium mouses, they will never get my money, I dont need extra buttons and wheels under my pinky

      FAIL

    12. Re:Not good for lefties? by Reilaos · · Score: 1

      I'll bite: Why did the office members use their mice with their left hands?

    13. Re:Not good for lefties? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No, the people who can't adapt are more like 95% of the population, luckily most of them don't have to.

    14. Re:Not good for lefties? by IndustrialComplex · · Score: 2, Interesting

      I'll bite: Why did the office members use their mice with their left hands?

      3-4 person branch office. The VP of that branch was left handed, and computers were shared. The secretary found it was easier to just learn how to use her left hand than to move the mouse to the right side, swap the buttons in software, and then set it back to normal when she was done with the computer.

      ie: The right handed people adapted to the left handed mice. It's why I pointed out that it isn't THAT big of a deal, only a minor annoyance which went away after they got used to it.

      Interestingly enough, the secretary (who also served as the accountant, preferred using the mouse in her left hand since she could use the numpad and arrow keys with her right when working in excel or other similar software.

      --
      Out of modpoints but really liked a post? 1BDkF6TtmmeZ3yqXbz9yhdYVqRYnwFoXDj
    15. Re:Not good for lefties? by silverglade00 · · Score: 1

      Right hand was busy. Do I really need to say why around here?

    16. Re:Not good for lefties? by noidentity · · Score: 1

      Somehow I don't think they are under any illusion that they're going to get 100% of the population using this mouse.

    17. Re:Not good for lefties? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It was an adult film office. Left hands didn't have the endurance.

    18. Re:Not good for lefties? by Wannabe+Code+Monkey · · Score: 1

      There target market is people with souls.

      If you had read the article, you'd know that the author rides a fixed-gear bike. So this is obviously usable by those lacking souls.

      --
      We always knew Comcast was corrupt, here's the proof: http://tech.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=1909890&cid=34545432
    19. Re:Not good for lefties? by Man+Eating+Duck · · Score: 1

      I'll bite: Why did the office members use their mice with their left hands?

      They might have a peripheral such as a production scanner on the right hand side. I was in that situation, and I quickly learned flipping the book with my right hand and cropping the scanned image with my left.

      I'm very close to ambidextrous and don't really care which side the mouse is on or whether the buttons are switched, I just adapt as needed. It's handy when you're the go-to-guy for all kinds of issues with workstations. A colleague of mine absolutely can't do it, I have no idea if this can be learned more or less easily by different people, or what the mechanisms behind it could be.

      --
      Are you a grammar Nazi? I'm trying to improve my English; please correct my errors! :)
    20. Re:Not good for lefties? by MobyDisk · · Score: 1

      Would you mind answering a question for me? Why don't color blind people keep a color filter in their pocket for just such cases? Based on your example I assume you are red-green color blind. So in that case, couldn't you hold a red filter up to your eye? If the control turns black, it was green. If it stays the same, it was red or gray.

      I'm not advocating that people should not consider color blindness in their system designs or anything insensitive. I'm just curious if this hack would help.

    21. Re:Not good for lefties? by Osgeld · · Score: 1

      I can use a mouse fine right handed, when clunking around windows and hitting boxes in excel ... pinpointing a noob a virtual mile away behind a log not so much

    22. Re:Not good for lefties? by meerling · · Score: 1

      Can't adapt, or is sick of the 19th century attitude that expects you to conform to an uncomfortable and unnatural way of usage?

    23. Re:Not good for lefties? by meerling · · Score: 1

      The exact percentage of left handedness varies from location and field, generally ranging from 10-15 percent.
      Some fields of endeavor, and computers are one of them, have a statistically higher number of lefties. (Statisticians apparently don't know why.)

      With a standard mouse, left and right is of no relevance, you just stick it on the side of the desk you are comfortable with.
      (Some lefties switch the button functions around, but most don't.)
      With 'ergonomic' mice and a large number of specialty mice (the rat included), have shapes and button placements that make it unfeasible for it to be used with the left hand.

      Additionally, being left handed isn't 'just with respect to writing'. A lefties primary hand is, obviously, the left. Everyone has greater facility and dexterity with their primary hand than their non-primary. This is one reason why it's very stupid and inefficient to try and force someone to use the wrong hand. And just to be clear, the wrong hand is the non-primary hand, right for lefties, left for righties.
      Any time you try to marginalize 10-15% of your population, you are screwing up.

    24. Re:Not good for lefties? by meerling · · Score: 1

      haha, go back to the dark ages dolt.

    25. Re:Not good for lefties? by IndustrialComplex · · Score: 1

      It's not like that. It's different for everyone really, and it isn't so much as an all or nothing thing. it's a bit hard to describe.

      --
      Out of modpoints but really liked a post? 1BDkF6TtmmeZ3yqXbz9yhdYVqRYnwFoXDj
    26. Re:Not good for lefties? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Thats your answer, 'Use your other hand'?
      Thats fine for office work, which isn't particularly demanding, however, its a bit different when your trying to be competitive with your mouse playing.
      There is NO way I could use my right hand anywhere near as smoothly as my left, even if i practised for a year or so. It would have to compete with a lifetime of left handed mouse work, which I dont think it could do.

      Since more than 10% of the population are left handed, I personally find it quite annoying that a minority this sizable are discriminated against. Thats why I support Razer, Steelseries, and Thrustmaster - not Logitech. Ambidextrous designs are fine with me.

      Actually, my Thrustmaster T16000m is really awesomely designed. The entire joystick comes with parts to swap it between left hand and right hand tailored. I wish more mouse manufacturers would take a cue from their book.

    27. Re:Not good for lefties? by The_mad_linguist · · Score: 1

      There target market. There castle.

    28. Re:Not good for lefties? by Stray7Xi · · Score: 1

      This mouse is so configurable, yet can't be used naturally by left handers. This is fail for 10% of the population.

      No most left handers still use right-handed mouses. There's a good reason: CTRL-C and CTRL-V are common operations when using a mouse to highlight. Using a mouse doesn't require a lot of coordination unless you need very fine control. I can't do the most basic life tasks with my offhand but I still can use a mouse in either hand.

      Dvorak is also great on your own computer, but eventually you'll have to use someone else's, so you better be prepared to cope with the standard setup.

    29. Re:Not good for lefties? by Tado · · Score: 1

      I honestly think they'll be ok with not getting a friendly version of this...I tried my friends out and still had an awkward grip.

      --
      A sandwich would be the correct anwser.
    30. Re:Not good for lefties? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You're not being discriminated agaist. You just can't expect more than 10% of the corporations to cater to your particular niche.

    31. Re:Not good for lefties? by clone53421 · · Score: 1

      I was actually going to ask the same thing but red-green colourblind people should still be able to tell the difference between green and gray, so I assumed he was fully colourblind (or at least some weird sort of colourblind) and figured he’d be the wrong person to ask anyway.

      --
      Alexander Peter Kristopeit bought his basement from his mommy for one dollar.
    32. Re:Not good for lefties? by Vexor · · Score: 1

      As a left hander I've always used the mouse with my right hand. I doubt a joystick used via right hand would bother me much. I'd be more irritated at the lack of GOOD (modern)flight sim game.

      --
      ~Vexed and loving it!
  6. That does look cool by BadAnalogyGuy · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I don't play video games now, but that mouse looks like a great everyday mouse. The ability to change various distances and sizes would be very helpful in alleviating hand strain. It's a shame it has a cord, but I imagine they are giving us something else to look forward to.

    The only question is build quality and reliability, and of course price.

    I would hope for other colors and better (less robot-y) industrial design, but for a first step, this thing looks good.

    1. Re:That does look cool by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

      There is a cordless version. It's the RAT 9.

    2. Re:That does look cool by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The only question is ... course price.

      From TFA: $100, though often retailing for $80

    3. Re:That does look cool by Kugala · · Score: 1

      RAT7 has a cord, RAT9 is wireless.

      The only thing I miss on it is the Logitec N7's freewheeling mode on the scroll wheel to get through large docs (Or more typically deal with incredibly insensitive camera zooming in games).

      That, and that silver wheel just above the thumb? That's a control, it rotates left/right. I have NO idea what to do with it.

    4. Re:That does look cool by Lord+Ender · · Score: 1

      The second page of the article states that the device shown costs $80, the wireless version is $130, and there are less-configurable models at lower price-points.

      If you spend a lot of time using your mouse (gamers and geeks), it makes sense to spend more money for getting the best-possible comfort and a higher degree of accuracy. Obviously it won't be "worth" $80 to casual computer users or dedicated command-liners, but those aren't the target market.

      --
      A slashdotter who didn't build his own computer is like a Jedi who didn't build his own lightsaber.
    5. Re:That does look cool by cgenman · · Score: 1

      High DPI mice start at $50, and are absolutely essential for gaming. This is just a $30 premium for complete physical configurability + extra wheel + sniper mode. That's not bad by gaming standards.

    6. Re:That does look cool by theqmann · · Score: 2, Informative

      I've had one of these RAT7 mice for a month or two now, and so far the build quality is very nice. The different pieces screw in with a little hex driver that actually lives in the bottom of the mouse, so you never have to go find it. There's a nice sensitivity rocker button to turn up or down the mouse sensitivity, the main scroll wheel is metal with a nice textured rubber grip band around it. Haven't used the thumb wheel much, and the big red button seems to be able to only be programmed as a modifier button (like to change the function of the other buttons), not as a regular key in of itself. Overall, I'm greatly satisfied with my purchase.

    7. Re:That does look cool by AuMatar · · Score: 1

      Depends on your definition of gaming. This won't help me in Civ 5, WoW, or Starcraft at all compared to much cheaper models. Sniping in an FPS maybe.

      --
      I still have more fans than freaks. WTF is wrong with you people?
    8. Re:That does look cool by jtownatpunk.net · · Score: 1

      I was in the same boat. I was very close to buying a RAT-7 then remembered my Cyborg joystick. It also is very configurable. You can move the hand-rest around, tilt the top forward or back, left or right, adjust the trigger angle, switch it around for lefty or righty, etc. But all those points of adjustment are just future points of failure. I never made a single adjustment after the first day I had it but now the head ratchets back and forth under anything but the lightest touch. And I'm hardly a power-gamer. It's got maybe a hundred hours of use over the course of 3 years.

      Once I remembered that joystick, I decided to pass on the mouse. No way was I going to spend a hundred bucks on a mouse that might start getting creaky and slip out of adjustment after a year or two. I bought a Mionix NAOS-5000 instead. It doesn't provide as much pinky support but it's a large, solid mouse that looks and feels like it'll hold up well for years.

    9. Re:That does look cool by Man+Eating+Duck · · Score: 2, Interesting

      That, and that silver wheel just above the thumb? That's a control, it rotates left/right. I have NO idea what to do with it.

      As a casual gamer I might find it convenient for lean if that's possible. In my usual setup (tfgh) I need to move one of my left hand fingers to do that.

      --
      Are you a grammar Nazi? I'm trying to improve my English; please correct my errors! :)
    10. Re:That does look cool by Man+Eating+Duck · · Score: 1

      There's a nice sensitivity rocker button to turn up or down the mouse sensitivity...

      Ok, that does it, I'm getting one :)
      Too many games doesn't allow me to set the sens *exactly* how I want it, or have ridiculous modifications to sensitivity when you switch to scope. This seems to do away with that problem.

      --
      Are you a grammar Nazi? I'm trying to improve my English; please correct my errors! :)
    11. Re:That does look cool by AlamedaStone · · Score: 1

      High DPI mice start at $50, and are absolutely essential for gaming. This is just a $30 premium for complete physical configurability + extra wheel + sniper mode. That's not bad by gaming standards.

      Except for the additional $50 for wireless.... I was so excited about this, but now I'll wait for the movie. $50 for wireless is just gouging.

      It's a cool mouse, and it's neat to have an "indie" hardware product, but it's not that cool if they're charging so much for standard features.

      On the shelf, I see wireless mice only ~$10-$15 above wired. Anyone have an idea what the real price difference in manufacturing wireless vs wired?

      --
      "All these years believing you're the signified monkey, only to find out you're just a big hunk of nobody cares."
  7. Fully customizable, except for left handed people by torrija · · Score: 0, Redundant

    You can change almost anything in this mouse, except you cannot turn it into a left-handed mouse. This mouse is for right-handed people only.

    I'm left handed and I use a left-handed mouse at home. My hand muscles are much more relaxed with my mouse.

    I have also tried symmetrical mouses, but I still feel a mouse shaped to the hand you are going to use it is much better.

    --
    I hate signatures
  8. If you want comfort by Pojut · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Just go with the classic Kensington Expert Mouse. Hard to beat.

    1. Re:If you want comfort by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I don't get it, why are they showing us the picture of the mouse upside down? And why are buttons underneath the mouse around the ball? I don't see how using that thing would be comfortable at all.

    2. Re:If you want comfort by SIR_Taco · · Score: 2, Interesting

      You know, I purchased one of these made by Kensington a few years ago for $0.75 at a retail store (not a garage sale), new in the box. Only because I thought it was the most ridiculous mouse I have ever seen.

      I had forgot all about it until I read your post..... I'm going to have to go look for it and hook it up for a good laugh

      --
      I say don't drink and drive, you might spill your drink. Before you get behind the wheel just stop and think.
    3. Re:If you want comfort by Ambiguous+Puzuma · · Score: 1

      Is that a touchpad on a mouse?!
      ("Yo dawg, I heard you like pointing devices...")

    4. Re:If you want comfort by brkello · · Score: 1

      That might be good for comfort, but I want to game. No way can I use that to game as well as even a cheap mouse.

      --
      Support a great indie game: http://www.abaddon360.com
  9. I don't have super big hands... by havokca · · Score: 1

    ... but I find all mice way too small; instead of holding them in my hand, I have to hold them in kind of a claw-like manner. So one of these will show up on my Christmas list, fo sho.

    1. Re:I don't have super big hands... by jgtg32a · · Score: 1

      Claw grip is better than palming it anyway

    2. Re:I don't have super big hands... by Red+Flayer · · Score: 1

      Strange. When I use a mouse, it doesn't touch my palm at all. The pad of my palm glides on the desk surface, as does the mouse, which is cradled entirely in my fingers and the pads of my fingers, no 'claw' action at all.

      For reference, my hand is about normal length for a 6' male, but very broad, and I have what may be called "sausage fingers".

      --
      "Trolls they were, but filled with the evil will of their master: a fell race..." -- J.R.R. Tolkien on Olog-hai
    3. Re:I don't have super big hands... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Ok, that's exactly how I hold my mouse. So I actually find big mice (like the G9x which I use now) a bit annoying. The smooth grip has a high profile and ends up stretching my fingers, which means you can't click quickly. Also harder to pick up when you need to reset after too much left- or right-turning. The rough/dry grip was easier. I also don't like mice which are this big. Ironically, the old dell default mouse you get is one of my favorites for blind precision (without having to micro-adjust near the target/icon).

      I also think the wood-veneer desk is better than any mousepad I've ever used.

      So - what mouse do you use?

    4. Re:I don't have super big hands... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Oh, and I almost don't move my palm's pad-area much. All movements pivot on the base of my palm. My fingers (the first knuckle from the palm) are not "clawed" up, so I don't think it's a claw grip either.

    5. Re:I don't have super big hands... by Red+Flayer · · Score: 1

      So - what mouse do you use?

      Just a standard $40 Microsoft wireless optical I bought a couple years ago... needed it in a hurry, and there's a cap on how much my employer will reimburse me for purchase of a mouse. :)

      I don't do a lot of gaming, nor do I need a very precise mouse... most of the time I just use the touchpad on my laptop anyway. The mouse is for occasionally editing pictures or playing games, or when I've burnt my fingertips on the grill.

      --
      "Trolls they were, but filled with the evil will of their master: a fell race..." -- J.R.R. Tolkien on Olog-hai
  10. RAT5 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

    I actually own a RAT5 (a downgraded version of the RAT7) and I can't say I'm disappointed. It feels great, looks great, and is totally customizable. I would recommend it to most people, if it wasn't for the price.

    1. Re:RAT5 by clone53421 · · Score: 4, Funny

      Just don’t let the CAT5 near it, and you’ll be fine...

      --
      Alexander Peter Kristopeit bought his basement from his mommy for one dollar.
    2. Re:RAT5 by clone53421 · · Score: 1

      Pff, spoken by someone who has obviously never had their CAT5 catch their mouse by the tail. It’s quite irritating.

      --
      Alexander Peter Kristopeit bought his basement from his mommy for one dollar.
  11. Oh, look, it's a... by macraig · · Score: 2, Insightful

    ... dust magnet!

    1. Re:Oh, look, it's a... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Dude has a non-trollish point. That thing will collect skin oil, grime, dust in places no normal mouse could. It will be annoying to clean. Ergo, "dust magnet".

    2. Re:Oh, look, it's a... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      This is a gamer product - I think you mean "cheeto and dandruff magnet" (lifted from TFA)

  12. Today ACTA has been released... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    ...and this is the news we get on Slashdot?? I am disappoint.

  13. Re:Hooray another Mad Catz product by RyuuzakiTetsuya · · Score: 1

    Champion Umehara Daigo uses a MadCatz joystick for street fighter.

    They do produce excellent peripherals these days(I argue the Hori Real Arcade Pro series is slightly superior, but WTF ever.)

    --
    Non impediti ratione cogitationus.
  14. Looks like a transformer by Drakkenmensch · · Score: 1

    Mad Katz... ROLL OUT!

  15. You know... by rakuen · · Score: 1

    I'd be a little concerned about something getting caught in that mouse trap.

  16. RAT model 9 by macraig · · Score: 2, Informative

    The model 9 was reviewed by ARSTechnica way back in January. It looks virtually the same to me.

    1. Re:RAT model 9 by Peeteriz · · Score: 3, Informative

      rat7 is wired, rat9 wireless.

    2. Re:RAT model 9 by flowwolf · · Score: 1

      Back in January I was shopping for a new gaming mouse. the Rat9 was a contender because of the adjustments, but the wireless made me reconsider. I could not find the wired model. I can't stand when I'm in the heat of a game and my cell phone kills my mouse connectivity for 30 seconds while it transmits.

    3. Re:RAT model 9 by Overzeetop · · Score: 1

      Well, the 9 isn't out, and may not be out for another 3 months. I can't stand cords, so I'll have to wait to get this uber-cool mouse. I do CAD work, and it would be nice to have the precision-aiming function for picking on models in tight quarters without having to zoom in/out.

      --
      Is it just my observation, or are there way too many stupid people in the world?
    4. Re:RAT model 9 by IICV · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Sweet, so the better version is cheaper? I love it when they do that.

  17. Nothing like the real mouse... by Ecuador · · Score: 2, Funny

    All these years there has been so much development in mice, but still we are nowhere near the feel of a real mouse. I mean the warm furry feeling of a live mouse, the little squeaks when you squeeze it just can't be substituted with any shape shifting, high-dpi laser mouse.

    --
    Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent. Polar Scope Align for iOS
    1. Re:Nothing like the real mouse... by Yvan256 · · Score: 1

      If we ever get shape-shifting computer mouses that can imitate a real live mouse, I'll call mine Odo.

    2. Re:Nothing like the real mouse... by CyberDragon777 · · Score: 1

      http://www.instructables.com/id/Mouse-Mouse!/

      Not alive, but it's a start.

      --
      We both said a lot of things that you are going to regret.
    3. Re:Nothing like the real mouse... by SwordsmanLuke · · Score: 1

      I take it you haven't seen this then. :)

      --
      Any plan which depends on a fundamental change in human behavior is doomed from the start.
    4. Re:Nothing like the real mouse... by aquila.solo · · Score: 1

      Yeah... I think I'd name mine OHellNo.

  18. But how comfortable is it? by js3 · · Score: 1

    Biggest thing when getting a mouse is the comfort level. Fitting is part of the comfort but not if it comes at the cost of a jagged surface or things poking you in awkward places.

    Also how is the durability? The more moving parts anything has the more likely it wont last very long.

    --
    did you forget to take your meds?
  19. Too much metal there by gmuslera · · Score: 1

    is that a stainless steel RAT?

  20. Hide it, or buy one for everyone in your house? by XxtraLarGe · · Score: 1

    My main computer is used by the entire family. It would get highly annoying to have to adjust it every time I wanted to use it, assuming others adjusted it as well. I'm a Mac user, but I've found the best mouse for my money has always been the Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer. It has always had a better contour (at least for right-handers) than any mouse from Apple, Logitech or any other I've tried, all for a much better price. The regular Intellimouse has buttons on both sides making it ambidextrous, but I find having both buttons on the thumb side is much more convenient & accessible.

    --
    Taking guns away from the 99% gives the 1% 100% of the power.
  21. NOT a good gaming mouse by CobaltBlueDW · · Score: 1

    With all the big metal parts and solid chunks of plastic, that must be the heaviest mouse I've ever seen. The heft probably feels nice in the hand, but it is definitely not ideal for gaming, where mouse inertia is your enemy.

    1. Re:NOT a good gaming mouse by CyberDragon777 · · Score: 1

      Fool!

      You are not a real g4m3r unless your mouse has at least a dozen removable weights to tune its feel!

      --
      We both said a lot of things that you are going to regret.
    2. Re:NOT a good gaming mouse by Wyatt+Earp · · Score: 1

      The R.A.T. 7 and 9 at least have removable weights.

      My 7 is lighter than either of the wireless Logitechs I have.

    3. Re:NOT a good gaming mouse by Trailwalker · · Score: 1

      The weight is nice when you are playing at 3000 dpi or better. It prevents inadvertent vibration from spoiling aim or movement. I can play my Rat 7 at a much higher dpi than any other mouse I've owned. Once you get used to the weight, a lighter mouse feels like a balloon, all shape and no mass. The easy dpi shift allows me to sufficiently lower the sensitivity so that my wife can use my computer without having a fit. She never got used to my Logitech G9.

      The main issue to me is that this is really the Ferrari of computer mice. A small change in configuration can cause a large change in sensitivity or handling. A N D . . . since the Rat7 is almost infinitely configurable, the urge to make a "small" change now and then is considerable. For FPS games, it is a real asset. The sniper button is a masterstroke, which I expect to see copied by other manufacturers. I usually play between 3 and 4000 dpi and the sniper button is set to lower this to just 10%, making scope shots almost unmissable. The first time I went online to one of my haunts, I was warned off by the server for using an aimbot. Had to explain my new toy to a mod. It is truly said that once you get used to a gaming mouse, regular ones feel like a piece of inert whatever, and you will not want to go back to a regular mouse. I have agreed with this for years, though I usually stuck with Logitech products.

      I gave more than a bit of thought to the purchase of my Rat7, but I realized I'd spent almost as much on my Cyborg Steel Series Merc Stealth hybrid gaming keyboard. I play enough online FPS games to make them worth my while. They don't really give me a large competitive advantage. Afterward though, I can still feel my fingers, wrist and move them freely.

  22. I have one... by Wyatt+Earp · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I have arthritis in my right hand (thanks to chemo) and in the last six months or so I found that all my Logitech mouse hurt my hand. My fiancée said "we need to get a mouse that doesn't hurt your hand so we can game."

    I picked out the R.A.T. 7, bought it off Amazon and so far it's been a really good mouse. I switched out the palm and pinkie rests, adjusted the size and use it about 6-12 hours a day.

    I really like the long bradded USB cable, they got the details down.

    1. Re:I have one... by js3 · · Score: 1

      I can tell you're lying because Wyatt Earp is dead.

      --
      did you forget to take your meds?
    2. Re:I have one... by GodfatherofSoul · · Score: 2, Funny

      What tipped me off was the 1029 UID combined with "fiancee" who wants to game.

      --
      I swear to God...I swear to God! That is NOT how you treat your human!
    3. Re:I have one... by Wyatt+Earp · · Score: 2, Interesting

      The fiancé is mostly an RPG/MMO gamer that does some console gaming, and a science teacher.

  23. hipster douchebag alert by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    From TFA:

    pedal my fixed-gear bike around town

    I stopped reading right there.

    1. Re:hipster douchebag alert by binarylarry · · Score: 0, Troll

      Why does exercise offend you, pale fatty?

      --
      Mod me down, my New Earth Global Warmingist friends!
    2. Re:hipster douchebag alert by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      riding a fixed gear bike while sipping a orange-mocha frappachino is most certainly not exercise.

  24. I've tried one of these... by thatbloke83 · · Score: 2, Interesting

    ... at the i-series LAN events in the UK.

    I have to say I didn't like it. Even the lowest setting that the rear part of the mouse could be set to was too high, and a few other people who tried it felt the same way. I'll stick with my ROCCAT Kone :)

  25. Claw grip? by MaWeiTao · · Score: 1

    From an industrial design standpoint, I love the mouse. It's not nearly as expensive as I expected either and it seems to have decent reviews on Amazon. I do have concerns about long-term reliability, about the various parts loosening up over time, and cleaning out dust.

    Another issue I see is that despite all the adjustment the mouse seems designed around the palm grip. It would be neat if it's range of adjustment allowed it to transition from a craw grip to palm. I'm also curious to know how much it weighs, although I assume can't be much worse than a mouse loaded with 2 AA batteries.

    It's definitely a neat mouse otherwise but my inclination, if you're shopping for a new mouse, to do a bit of research and find something that fits how you use mice. I spent a few weeks before I settled on mine, a Logitech Anywhere MX. I was tired of dealing with Apple's Mighty Mouse and it's failing trackballs. The Magic Mouse was out of the question, sharp edges and too low a profile; as far as I was concerned it was a step backwards regardless of the fancy features. Initially I had considered some of the bulkier Logitech mice. Eventually I found some useful information regarding the claw grip vs palm grip, realized (more like reminded of the fact) that I use the claw grip and decided to avoid desktop mice. For some reason the vast majority of those are designed for the palm grip. Plenty of fondling of mice in stores confirmed this and helped narrow down my selection.

    I suppose some will consider that overkill. But I use the mouse all day long. I'm quite happy with this one, about the only complaint I have is that it's a bit heavy. I guess a good reason to get a Rat 7 would be to have an interesting conversation piece.

    1. Re:Claw grip? by CodeNameSly · · Score: 1

      The Logitech G9 is an excellent claw grip mouse.

  26. Well shit by Flipao · · Score: 1

    You just sold me a mouse. And there I was thinking I was inmune to online advertising... ohhh look free emoticons!

  27. Not as configurable as you think by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I bought one of these, but that red button under the your thumb is not actually configurable; it is hard-coded to change the sensitivity while you hold it down. I took back the product the next day, and they tried to tell me "all sales are final, sucks to be you", so I ended up just reversing the charge on my amex. Would not do business with this company again.

  28. Confirmed as amazing mouse by madwheel · · Score: 1

    This mouse has been out for a while now. Maximum PC gave it a "kick-ass" review in their September issue. It seems to be the best mouse for the money if comfort and fit is a priority. If I were a computer gamer, this would be the mouse hands down.

  29. meh by SpinningCone · · Score: 1

    looks interesting but i've never found overall ergonomics to be a problem. i have a logitech mx revolution and it feels great actually for me its dam near the perfect mouse if only i could refine it slightly.

    but even the average bean shaped mouse is usually ok. what i want is more buttons. its hard to find a good mouse with more than the two thumb buttons with maybe left and right tilt. i wish Logitech had refined the revolution instead of abandoning it, a few tweaks and i would have bought 10 of em and be done with mice forever :-p

    1. Re:meh by Gubbe · · Score: 1

      You might be interested in the Logitech G700 then.

  30. bull oney by eyenot · · Score: 1

    bullshit. this mouse doesn't change "itself", as soon as i read the summary i knew what the model was, and this one is just slightly more accessible-looking than what i had in mind, which was a nasty machine-shop-prototype looking mouse that claimed ultimate 'adjustability' and so on, probably just the earlier version from the same company. this mouse looks nasty and freaked-out, too. and it doesn't adjust "itself". you have to adjust and prod at all this shit to get it into the dimensions you require. slashdot shouldn't be an advertising clearinghouse.

    --
    "Stratigraphically the origin of agriculture and thermonuclear destruction will appear essentially simultaneous" -- Lee
  31. Re:I can tell you're lying... by Cyko_01 · · Score: 1

    I can tell he's lying because he said he had a fiancée

  32. I have one, I love it. by Sarusa · · Score: 2, Informative

    Bought one of these when they first came out. It's great - it looks like it would eat your hand, but it's so smooth and comfy, especially the thumb and little finger rests - talk about debauched hedonism.

    Three caveats:
        - Be prepared to spend a couple days tweaking it till it fits perfectly. You can dial it in coarsely pretty fast of course. If you are a compulsive adjuster this mouse may not be for you.
        - If you like to rest the base of your hand (the meaty bit) on the mouse, no go - it supports the front and middle. This is like most mice, but if you're used to one of those big tall Logitech brick mice it may take some getting used to.
        - I still haven't found any use for that horizontal spinner control.

    Pondering getting one for work, even though the DPI doesn't matter so much there.

    1. Re:I have one, I love it. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

      The DPI doesn't matter much in most games either. Seriously, who needs 5600DPI?? It's just a marketing gimmick to get clueless folk to spend $$$ on overpriced bits of plastic.
      Plus it's a laser sensor, so it's bound to have loads of negative acceleration and other defects, which means it's basically useless in FPS games.
      Just buy a Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical 1.1a and overclock it to 500Hz, that's all you need and it costs next to nothing.

    2. Re:I have one, I love it. by Fatalis · · Score: 1

      Laser sensors tend to get negative acceleration only if you use something close to the maximum resolution, and if you have other problems with them, it might just mean your USB polling rate is too high or that you need to get a different mousepad.

      --
      Deus est fatalis
  33. ideal! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I have big hands and 99% of mice get uncomfortable, so anything that can adjust to fill my hand is a bonus.

  34. Shill slinging shit on unsuspecting slashdotters by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

    These fucker's PR firm has been spamming 4chan with this shit every day for the past few months. The general consensus at 4chan is that it's a piece of shit gimmick built with the cheapest components possible and those that have purchased the various incarnations of the Saitek Rat have been very disappointed with its jumpiness, cheap build quality and odd shape. Someone even went so far as to look up the optical sensor and compare it to other bargain basement pieces of shit using the same crap component. I now wish I had saved that post. Anyways, it's disheartening to see taco foisting this shit on his community but I suppose that's par for the course for the ghost town slashdot has become. I don't even know why I still visit this site.

  35. Re:Shill slinging shit on unsuspecting slashdotter by Trailwalker · · Score: 1

    Always nice to hear from those marvels of technological information and advanced reviewing over at 4 Chan. It is informative to see them doing something more useful than posting pix of their penises and of women they'll never get near to. I suspect they think a hex key is something to photograph after it has been inserted into someone's pooper. Right next to the sharpie. There are dozens of reviews available, both tech sites and in blogs from users for those who seek reliable information. The main drawback is price. This thing is built like a tank. It is durable, and has more adjustments than a 4 chan b/tard has perversions. If you don't really know why you continue to visit slashdot, you can spend more time at /b/ until something occurs to you, or whats left of your brains finish rotting away.

  36. Yeah but, by hellop2 · · Score: 1

    Does it run on Linux?

    --
    How many more years will slashdot have an off-by-one error on your Score in your profile?
  37. Re:Hooray another Mad Catz product by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    WTF...who cares about that shit?

  38. Try play Girl dress up: Pink Doll Star Dress Up by blackdkh · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Try play Girl dress up: Pink Doll Star Dress Up They are classmates, playmates, best friends and despite their age their share the same great taste for super clothes. Are you ready for some kids fashion tips? Than get the Andreeea and Tony dress up game started! The 2 friends have agreed to star a fashion show for you. The background they have chosen is much more friendly than a standard one. What's even cooler is that they have even brought their cute pets to help them with the clothes and accessories. The Andreea and Tony dress up game is definitely something else! Imagine that in order to get them dressed up, you just have to give a few click on the cue animals' ears, paws, nose. Funny isn't it? Well, let's star with the chic demoiselle. You can make her look even prettier choosing a colorful polka dot dress, a cute hair bow and some adorable ballet flats. If you want to give her a little lady look, you could as well go for a chic hat and there, she is so super cute. Now, Tony cannot look any less fashionable than her, it woul: http://www.dressup9x.com/game/2671/Andrea-and-Tony-Dress-Up.html

    --
    http://www.dressup9x.com
  39. Re:Shill slinging shit on unsuspecting slashdotter by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    4chan is composed of far more than /b/. For example the discussion at http://dis.4chan.org/prog/ blows slashdot out of the water in terms of technical content, accuracy and most especially humor.

  40. lotsa chrome but only two regular buttons by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    equals fail.

    Please, please, before my 12 year old mouse finally dies, can someone deliver a mouse with more than two usable buttons? Pair that with a keyboard where they haven't deformed the Enter, Pipe and Backspace keys - what, I need an enter key I can see from space? - and I'll pay for it.

    Sit DOWN too, Roccat.

  41. Why bother? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Seen it, Its just to much. No one ever uses that much configuration, and it actually looses productivity fiddling with it. Also it has a fairly hefty pricetag.

    1. Re:Why bother? by brkello · · Score: 1

      Once it is configured, then it can be more comfortable than any other mouse and be better for you ergonomically. If you game seriously, it is nice to have a lot of options. Plus it looks cool.
       
      And learn the difference between lose and loose.

      --
      Support a great indie game: http://www.abaddon360.com
  42. Weight? by Asm-Coder · · Score: 1

    This would address one of my complaints about mice, (lack of length) but I didn't see anything about adjusting the weight. I use a Logitech mouse that has since been discontinued, and I have yet to find a suitable replacement. Most of the mice I've tried are either to short or too light. My current mouse is slowly wearing out (I've already replaced one button), but I've started using the keyboard more, so that is less of an issue now than it was 3 years ago.

  43. AI by themerky1 · · Score: 0

    I've always wondered what it'd be like to have a userinterface that just pretends to give you control, when really it just arbitarily decides what moives you want to watch, what games you want to paly etc .. then when you're in it .. maybe it could just read your brain waves and guess what you'd like to do.

  44. If you play games that much... by YoshiDan · · Score: 1

    that you need to spend that much money on a mouse like that then you need to get out and get a fucking life.

  45. Ars did a review of this. by xclr8r · · Score: 1

    Ars did a review of this at least a month or two ago. They were missing the the screen shots of the configure utility. Also I think the company is pushing hard to get the 7s out before the 9s come out (wireless).

    --
    Beware of those who profit off the docile and persecute the unbelievers.
  46. How much would one cost? by Abdul+Jakul · · Score: 1

    I think I could use these mouse as well. Though my current mouse is really cool and with superb speed, reaction and refresh times, it would be better if everything could be customized according to your hand's contours. Laptop Troubleshoot Videos

  47. CAN I GET A GAMING TRACKBALL ALREADY?! by BigMeanBear · · Score: 1

    My kingdom for just one trackball with scroll wheel and a finer tracking resolution than those I had in the 80's. Please just one?! Hasn't it been long enough?

    --
    += E