CONCLUSION

   Exactly like the original R.A.T. gaming mouse the PRO X model will take some getting used to especially if you’re using a typical shape gaming mouse like the Sensei by SteelSeries or the FK1 by Zowie. This of course shouldn’t discourage you since it shouldn’t take but a few hours for the PRO X to feel right at home in your hands. I was worried that the Magnesium frame wouldn’t be heavy enough (it’s roughly 30% lighter than aluminum but just as durable) and that along with the lack of a weight system could prove bad but I can’t say I felt the need for more weight during all 6 days of testing. That’s not to say that had Mad Catz implemented a weight adjustment system it would be useless since other users may had use for it but at least for me it’s not necessary. Moving on to the optical sensor this isn’t the first time we’ve used the PMW3310 by Pix Art (Avago) and although it’s the “slowest” one out of the three I can say with certainty that it’s very fast and accurate. Unfortunately it would be nice if Mad Catz was to provide reviewers with all 3 sensors so we could try and compare them but since that’s not the case I can only compare the PRO X with other gaming mice we’ve used in the past the majority of which used the ADNS-9800 laser sensor (faster but not really more accurate). Unfortunately I don’t recall testing a gaming mouse that featured the Philips PLN2037 twin-eye laser sensor so I can’t really make any kind of comparison with the PRO X and the PMW3310. As for the control software well I do believe Mad Catz could had designed it a little bit better (perhaps with less graphics) and easier to navigate but that aside it offers a large number of settings you can play around with to make the most out of the R.A.T. PRO X.

   The unique features of the R.A.T. line have always been reason enough for Mad Catz to ask quite a bit and since the PRO X is currently the flagship of the line it really couldn’t come cheap so as I type these lines it retails for USD190.29 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 200Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk). Granted this is a hefty price tag but since you can swap the bundled laser sensor for a new one down the road without spending much in the process (sensors cost roughly USD30/25Euros) things aren’t that bad. It would of course help if Mad Catz could drop the price a bit but for now I guess it is what it is. Bottom line if you’d like to have the world’s most adjustable and future-proof gaming mouse which also happens to be amongst the most durable ones thanks to its magnesium alloy frame the R.A.T. PRO X Ultimate Gaming Mouse winner of our Platinum Award is for you.

PROS

- Excellent Build Quality (Magnesium Alloy Frame)
- Very Fast & Accurate (PMW3310 Optical Sensor)
- Future-Proof (Swappable Laser/Optical Sensor)
- Advanced Scroll Wheel (Swappable Rings/Strafe Movement)
- 10 Programmable Buttons
- Swappable Parts
- Size Adjustable Frame
- Precision Aim Button
- 3 Available Versions (Philips PLN2037/Pix Art ADNS-9800/ Pix Art PMW3310)
- Control Software (Available Settings)
- Gold Plated USB Connector / Braided Cable

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- No Illumination System