Gaming Mouse Changes Shape For a Custom Fit 156
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.
Setup (Score:3, 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.
If you want comfort (Score:4, Interesting)
Just go with the classic Kensington Expert Mouse [newegg.com]. Hard to beat.
RAT5 (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.
I have one... (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.
I've tried one of these... (Score:2, Interesting)
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
Re:If you want comfort (Score:3, Interesting)
You know, I purchased one of these [streettech.com] 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
Re:Not good for lefties? (Score:3, 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.
Re:I have one... (Score:2, Interesting)
The fiancé is mostly an RPG/MMO gamer that does some console gaming, and a science teacher.
Re:That does look cool (Score:3, 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.
Shill slinging shit on unsuspecting slashdotters (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.
Re:RAT model 9 (Score:3, Interesting)
Sweet, so the better version is cheaper? I love it when they do that.