Mad Catz lets his new gaming mouse off the leash: The RAT Air works wirelessly, is powered by the included mouse pad and is remarkably light. You can find out in our test whether the purchase is worthwhile and what alternatives there are.
Mad Catz had to file for bankruptcy in 2017, and now the manufacturer is back with a new product: The Mad Catz RAT Air looks like a small spaceship – the striking look is familiar from the company’s previous gaming mice. Unlike its predecessors, the RAT Air can be operated wirelessly, the power supply works via the included mouse pad. A battery is not installed, so the gaming mouse is very light.
This is not new: the Razer Mamba Hyperlux uses a very similar technology. Logitech’s Powerplay mouse pad also includes a charging solution for its wireless gaming mice, even if they are equipped with a built-in battery. So what are the advantages of Mad Catz RAT Air?
The mouse itself is not special
Anyone who is looking forward to the countless customization options for which other RAT mice from Mad Catz are known will be disappointed: only the length of the palm rest can be changed in three stages by pulling them out. The plastic side parts of the RAT Air can be unscrewed with an Allen key, but there are no parts included to change the shape of the mouse. The mouse only weighs 100 grams, but the plastic feels less valuable than other models from the manufacturer.
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You can extend the palm rest area in three stages.
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Depending on the setting, the hand position can be influenced.
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The RAT Air has ten programmable buttons, at least one more than the Razer Mamba Hyperflux. There is also an additional 2-way scroll wheel for the thumb. Both mouse buttons are reliable Omron buttons, and a Pixart PMW3360 sensor ensures a resolution of up to 12,000 dpi. The configuration software for the Mad Catz RAT Air is simple and does what it should – in addition to the assignment of the mouse buttons, the LED color of the mouse and mouse pad can be set.
Carefree & wireless: the charging mat does it!
If desired, the mouse pad lights up in all colors, the charging mat can be turned and thus offers a textile or smooth surface, depending on your taste. The included micro USB cable establishes the connection between the mouse pad and PC and, if desired, can also be connected directly to the mouse, as an alternative to the 2.4 GHz radio connection between the pad and the gaming mouse.
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Lights up and runs while charging: The Mad Catz RAT Air.
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As with the Razer Mamba Hyperflux, the wireless principle works amazingly well with the charging mat. I can lift the Mad Catz RAT Air for about ten seconds, then it turns off. If I put it back on the mouse pad, it is immediately ready for use. Also at the corners and ends of the surface there is no fear of a break in the connection.
The Mad Catz mouse itself is nothing special, without the practical charging technology the price of around 170 euros for the lightweight would be clearly overpriced. Mainly because RAT mice usually offer a lot more customization options. However: A look at the direct competition shows that innovation has its price!
A little more expensive: Razer Mamba Hyperflux
The previously mentioned Razer Mamba Hyperflux is very similar to the Mad Catz RAT Air. The mouse pad looks almost identical and has similar LED effects and the same two-sided surface. In our test especially liked the sophisticated design and the more classic shape of the mouse. At 96 grams, the wireless Razer Mamba is four grams lighter than the Mad Catz RAT Air, and its sensor is somewhat more accurate at up to 16,000 dpi. The device can be integrated into the existing Razer light setup using software. The set of mouse and charging pad costs around 200 euros.
With battery: Logitech G Powerplay with gaming mouse G703, G903 or G502
The Logitech G Powerplay is a mouse pad with a charging function. It can be used with the Logitech G503, G703 or G903 mice. In contrast to the Mad Catz RAT Air and Razer Mamba Hyperflux, these models have an integrated battery, making them heavier and they can also be operated without the Powerplay mouse pad. They also have a more accurate sensor with up to 16,000 dpi and can be configured with additional weights.
The Logitech G Powerplay does not use colored LEDs, but the compatible mice have light effects. In our test the combination of Logitech made a very good impression. Around 100 euros will be charged for the charging mat. The G703 costs around 79 euros, the G903 around 100 euros and the G502 around 110 euros.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a very light gaming mouse without cables, you should take a look at the Mad Catz RAT Air. The design without a battery makes sense, the charging mat works perfectly without a long setup. Anyone who hopes for the versatility of other Mad Catz mice will be disappointed. As a slightly cheaper alternative to the competing products from Logitech and Razer, the RAT Air still cuts a fine figure.
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