9 that was gifted to me was perfect out of the box. Loved it! Loved it so much that they gifted me a R.A.T. 7 as a gift for someone else that had their heart set on it. I never followed through with that purchase for myself, but I did buy a R.A.T. 7 because it won't have a power issue or any of the connectivity issues that concerned me with having a wireless mouse. I was disappointed, but still considered the R.A.T.
I returned the device without problem for a full refund. I did not feel comfortable spending that kind of money on what I thought may be overpriced, under-crafted junk to fuel my game gear addiction. After spending $150 on my first wireless mouse, (for gaming), and experiencing a faulty power switch, I had buyers remorse. Upon unboxing, it was immediately obvious the power switch on the bottom was malfunctioning. However, I rarely use the Precision Aim button, so perhaps other reviewers will offer feedback on that feature.The Bad NewsWith all the love I have for this mouse, it hasn't been without issue.
The bundled software gives you the ability to adjust the Precision Aim setting. I have used it, and it works exactly as described in Cyborg's marketing material. The Precision Aim button requires more pressure to trigger it, which is probably a good thing considering that the placement is directly ahead of the tip of my thumb. All the buttons seem to require the same force to trigger them, except for the Precision Aim button. Additionally, each button is calibrated perfectly for the amount of force need be applied to click the button. Made even more comfortable with the extensive customization of the "thumb wing", the palm rest, and the pinkie rest. 9 performs every bit as good as my previous Razer wired mouse.ButtonsAll the mouse buttons are in a comfortable position.
(Yes, Im a sucker for PC gaming gear.) My fears of poor performance due to the use of wireless technology was unwarranted. In fact, the smooth off-white surface of my computer desk has always outperformed all the fancy, gamer mouse pads that I have tried out. Not a problem for me, as I have my expectations set according to the limitations of the technology.PrecisionThe RAT 9 is just as precise as any mouse I have used previously. Its a great design, but obviously proprietary, and because of that I will probably choose to order replacement batteries if I plan to get two or more years out of this mouse.
The two Lithium-ion batteries that come with the mouse are about the size of a AAA housed in a rectangular plastic shell. For me, that is no problem and completely acceptable. On a very heavy day, it's possible I will swap batteries twice. It does auto-hibernate when I leave it sit. I enjoy swapping batteries out it feels like reloading :-) There is a power switch in the bottom, but my mouse is never powered off. At $130, you could probably find better ways to spend your gaming dollars, but for me, it's the cherry on top of my gaming monsterpiece.BatteryI love the form and function of the USB/wireless receiver/Battery charger/Spare weight container thingy. Little graphics and logos adorn the thing as enhancements that tell me the folks that designed this device had a passion, and vision for it. However, it feels well built and highly engineered. 9 is a better fit to accommodate a more natural position for my hand.The R.A.T.
Previously, I was in the habit of clutching the mouse and lifting, it in addition to pushing it. 9, I rest my hand on the mouse and push it around. I have noticed, over time, I have changed my mousing behavior. For even more grip you could swap out the pinkie rest and/or palm rest with the rubberized versions that come with the mouse.
9 has a very slight grippy feel to it, which is common in many gaming mice these days.
And that is a very good thing.The skin of the R.A.T. It looks and feels bottom-wide and stable. In other words, there is no rocking if I apply more weight from my hand to one side of the mouse or the other, which could negatively impact the movement sensor. It is very flat and balanced on it's bottom. In fact the base (or chassis) is metal with small plastic feet that it glides on. It doesn't feel like any mouse I have used before. In my periphery vision, the mouse evokes the stealth motif of the bat-mobile from Batman Begins. 9 wireless gaming mouse is the best mouse I have owned.