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MAD Catz R A T DWS Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£110
Connectivity: wireless
Maximum polling rate: 1000 Hz
Maximum DPI: 16000 DPI
Weight: 113 g

MAD Catz R A T DWS review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among mice and if it is worth buying.

6.8

Good

6.8

Good

6.8

Good

6.6
Gaming
Score components:
28.0%
3.7
Maximum polling rate
24.0%
10
N. of programmable buttons
20.0%
8.2
Onboard memory profiles
16.0%
6.4
Maximum tracking speed
12.0%
4.3
Weight

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Verdict

The Mad Catz R.A.T. DWS is a highly modular, dual-mode wireless gaming mouse featuring a 16,000 DPI PixArt PAW3335DB optical sensor and 14 programmable buttons, including a unique barrel side scroll wheel. Its primary characteristics include an adjustable palm rest and swappable pinky rests that accommodate various hand sizes and grip styles, supported by a 100g aluminum alloy chassis for durability. Key pros include its versatile connectivity (2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.0), low-latency Dakota switches with a 60-million click lifespan, and impressive battery life of up to 300 hours on a single AA battery. However, significant cons include its heavy weight (approximately 113g without battery), the lack of internal rechargeable power, and the absence of RGB lighting.

Technical Specifications of MAD Catz R A T DWS

Overall score

6.8

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the mouse.

When it matters: When you prefer a mouse that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Performance & Sensor

5.4

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

MAD

Maximum polling rate

What it is: The maximum number of position reports the mouse can send to the computer each second, measured in Hertz (Hz).

When it matters: When you are chasing the lowest possible input delay for competitive play and want the mouse reporting as often as possible.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1000 Hz

Wired polling rate

What it is: The polling rate the mouse reaches when it is connected with a cable.

When it matters: When you mainly use the mouse wired and want maximum responsiveness.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1000 Hz

N/A

2.4 GHz polling rate

What it is: The polling rate available when the mouse is used over a 2.4 GHz wireless connection.

When it matters: When you use the 2.4 GHz receiver and want near-wired performance.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1000 Hz

Bluetooth polling rate

What it is: The polling rate available when the mouse is connected through Bluetooth.

When it matters: When you use Bluetooth and want to understand the trade-off in responsiveness.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=125 Hz

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Connectivity

9.7

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Connectivity

What it is: The mouse's high-level connectivity class: wired only, wireless only, or both wired and wireless.

When it matters: When you need to know at a glance whether the mouse is wired, wireless, or flexible enough to support both.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth support

What it is: Shows whether the mouse can connect over Bluetooth instead of relying only on a wired link or proprietary USB receiver.

When it matters: When you want a dongle-free connection option for laptops, tablets, or devices with limited USB ports.

Importance: MEDIUM

Bluetooth version

What it is: The Bluetooth standard version supported by the mouse for wireless connectivity and compatibility.

When it matters: When you care about Bluetooth compatibility, efficiency, and connection quality.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5.1

Proprietary 2.4 GHz support

What it is: Shows whether the mouse supports the brand's dedicated 2.4 GHz wireless system rather than relying only on Bluetooth.

When it matters: When you want the brand's fast low-latency wireless mode instead of depending only on Bluetooth performance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Receiver included

What it is: Shows whether a compatible wireless receiver is included in the box instead of needing to be bought separately.

When it matters: When you expect full wireless use immediately and do not want to buy extra accessories just to get started.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Battery & Charging

6.6

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Battery life

What it is: The operating time the mouse can deliver on a full charge or a fresh set of batteries under normal use.

When it matters: When the mouse needs to last through workdays, travel, or repeated gaming sessions without constant charging.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >400 hours

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: The amount of energy the built-in battery can store, measured in milliampere-hours (mAh).

When it matters: When you want rough battery context behind the runtime claim instead of judging endurance from marketing hours alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=500 mAh

N/A

Battery form factor

What it is: The battery format used by the mouse, such as AA, AAA, integrated rechargeable cell, or another form.

When it matters: When you care whether the mouse uses easy-to-replace AA or AAA cells or a sealed rechargeable pack.

Importance: LOW

AA

Rechargeable battery

What it is: Shows whether the mouse uses a rechargeable battery instead of relying only on disposable cells.

When it matters: When you prefer topping the mouse up over USB or a dock instead of buying disposable batteries repeatedly.

Importance: HIGH

Removable battery

What it is: Shows whether the battery can be removed and replaced by the user instead of being sealed inside the mouse.

When it matters: When long-term serviceability matters and you would rather replace the battery than replace the whole mouse later.

Importance: LOW

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Controls

7.9

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N. of buttons

What it is: The total number of physical buttons available on the mouse body.

When it matters: When you need enough physical controls for shortcuts, MMO binds, browser actions, or productivity commands.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=7

N. of side buttons

What it is: The number of buttons placed on the side of the mouse, typically for thumb access.

When it matters: When thumb-access buttons matter for browser navigation, MMOs, or productivity shortcuts.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=2

N. of programmable buttons

What it is: The number of mouse buttons that can be customized or reassigned through software or onboard settings.

When it matters: When remapping flexibility matters and you want more actions moved off the keyboard.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=7

DPI switching button

What it is: Shows whether the mouse includes a dedicated control for changing DPI levels on the fly.

When it matters: When you want to swap sensitivity instantly for sniping, browsing, editing, or different game genres.

Importance: MEDIUM

Profile switching button

What it is: Shows whether the mouse includes a dedicated control for changing onboard or saved profiles during use.

When it matters: When you switch between saved profiles for different games or work routines.

Importance: LOW

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Design

5.1

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Orientation

What it is: The hand orientation the mouse is designed for, such as right-handed, left-handed, or ambidextrous use.

When it matters: When hand comfort matters and you need a shape that fits your grip and dominant hand.

Importance: HIGH

right-handed

Weight

What it is: The overall weight of the mouse itself, which influences portability, comfort, and movement feel.

When it matters: When you care about how light or substantial the mouse feels during long sessions.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <100 g

Extra weights

What it is: The total weight of removable extra weights included for tuning the balance or feel of the mouse.

When it matters: When you care about tuning balance and overall heft instead of being locked into the stock feel.

Importance: LOW

Cable length

What it is: The length of the supplied cable used for wired operation or charging, usually measured in meters.

When it matters: When you need enough cable reach across your desk or charging setup.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=1.8 m

N/A

Cable type

What it is: The construction style of the cable, such as braided, rubber, or paracord, which affects flexibility and durability.

When it matters: When cable drag, flexibility, and durability affect how the mouse feels in use.

Importance: LOW

N/A

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Features

8.9

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Onboard memory profiles

What it is: The number of user profiles that can be stored directly in the mouse memory for use without reconfiguring software each time.

When it matters: When you use different games, apps, or devices and want settings saved directly on the mouse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=3

Onboard memory size

What it is: The amount of onboard memory available inside the mouse for storing settings, macros, or profiles.

When it matters: When you store complex macros, settings, or several onboard profiles.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=512 KB

?

Software name

What it is: The name of the official software used to configure the mouse, update firmware, or customize features.

When it matters: When software ecosystem and customization tools influence your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

?

Firmware upgradable

What it is: Shows whether the mouse can receive firmware updates for fixes, compatibility improvements, or feature changes.

When it matters: When you want the option for later fixes, stability improvements, or performance tweaks after purchase.

Importance: LOW

Suitable for gaming

What it is: Shows whether the mouse is positioned or tuned around gaming-focused speed, latency, and control features.

When it matters: When fast clicks, low latency, and gaming-oriented features are priorities.

Importance: MEDIUM

MAD Catz R A T DWS vs the average mouse

Why is MAD Catz R A T DWS better than the average mouse?

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8 more programmable buttons
MAD Catz R A T DWS has 14 programmable buttons, while the average mouse has 6 programmable buttons.
What it is: The number of mouse buttons that can be customized or reassigned through software or onboard settings.
When it matters: When remapping flexibility matters and you want more actions moved off the keyboard.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >=7
MAD Catz R A T DWS has 14 programmable buttons, while the average mouse has 6 programmable buttons.14 vs 6
3 more onboard profiles
MAD Catz R A T DWS stores 4 onboard profiles, while the average mouse stores 1 onboard profiles.
What it is: The number of user profiles that can be stored directly in the mouse memory for use without reconfiguring software each time.
When it matters: When you use different games, apps, or devices and want settings saved directly on the mouse.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=3
MAD Catz R A T DWS stores 4 onboard profiles, while the average mouse stores 1 onboard profiles.4 vs 1
30 million clicks longer switch lifespan
MAD Catz R A T DWS offers switch durability of 60 million clicks, while the average mouse offers switch durability of 30 million clicks.
What it is: The rated click lifespan of the primary switches, usually expressed in millions of clicks.
When it matters: When heavy clicking, long-term reliability, and avoiding early switch failure are part of the buying decision.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=70 million clicks
MAD Catz R A T DWS offers switch durability of 60 million clicks, while the average mouse offers switch durability of 30 million clicks.60 million clicks vs 30 million clicks
Adjustable lift-off distance
MAD Catz R A T DWS supports adjustable lift-off distance, while the average mouse does not. 46.5% of mice support adjustable lift-off distance.
What it is: Shows whether you can tune how high the mouse can be lifted before the sensor stops tracking movement.
When it matters: When you lift and reposition the mouse often and want tighter cursor control.
Importance: MEDIUM
MAD Catz R A T DWS supports adjustable lift-off distance, while the average mouse does not. 46.5% of mice support adjustable lift-off distance.
60% higher maximum DPI
MAD Catz R A T DWS has a maximum DPI of 16,000 DPI, while the average mouse has a maximum DPI of 10,000 DPI.
What it is: The highest sensitivity setting supported by the mouse sensor, measured in dots per inch (DPI).
When it matters: When extremely high sensitivity is part of your setup, even if it matters less than sensor quality for most users.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >=18000 DPI
MAD Catz R A T DWS has a maximum DPI of 16,000 DPI, while the average mouse has a maximum DPI of 10,000 DPI.16000 DPI vs 10000 DPI
1 more side buttons
MAD Catz R A T DWS has 3 side buttons, while the average mouse has 2 side buttons.
What it is: The number of buttons placed on the side of the mouse, typically for thumb access.
When it matters: When thumb-access buttons matter for browser navigation, MMOs, or productivity shortcuts.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=2
MAD Catz R A T DWS has 3 side buttons, while the average mouse has 2 side buttons.3 vs 2
Thumb scroll wheel
MAD Catz R A T DWS includes a thumb scroll wheel, while the average mouse does not. 2% of mice include a thumb scroll wheel.
Dedicated side scroll wheel.
What it is: Shows whether the mouse includes a secondary scroll wheel positioned for thumb use.
When it matters: When side scrolling, timeline control, or spreadsheet work would benefit from a wheel under your thumb.
Importance: LOW
MAD Catz R A T DWS includes a thumb scroll wheel, while the average mouse does not. 2% of mice include a thumb scroll wheel.
Profile switch button
MAD Catz R A T DWS includes a profile switching button, while the average mouse does not. 16.8% of mice include a profile switching button.
What it is: Shows whether the mouse includes a dedicated control for changing onboard or saved profiles during use.
When it matters: When you switch between saved profiles for different games or work routines.
Importance: LOW
MAD Catz R A T DWS includes a profile switching button, while the average mouse does not. 16.8% of mice include a profile switching button.
Adjustable lift-off distance
MAD Catz R A T DWS supports adjustable lift-off distance, while the average mouse does not. 46.5% of mice support adjustable lift-off distance.
60% higher maximum DPI
MAD Catz R A T DWS has a maximum DPI of 16,000 DPI, while the average mouse has a maximum DPI of 10,000 DPI.
100 DPI lower minimum setting
MAD Catz R A T DWS goes as low as 100 DPI DPI, while the average mouse goes as low as 200 DPI DPI.
Bluetooth support
MAD Catz R A T DWS supports Bluetooth, while the average mouse does not. 35.5% of mice support Bluetooth.
Receiver storage inside mouse
MAD Catz R A T DWS has receiver storage inside the mouse, while the average mouse does not. 45.9% of mice have receiver storage inside the mouse.
Removable battery
MAD Catz R A T DWS uses a removable battery, while the average mouse does not. 22.3% of mice use a removable battery.
8 more programmable buttons
MAD Catz R A T DWS has 14 programmable buttons, while the average mouse has 6 programmable buttons.
30 million clicks longer switch lifespan
MAD Catz R A T DWS offers switch durability of 60 million clicks, while the average mouse offers switch durability of 30 million clicks.
1 more side buttons
MAD Catz R A T DWS has 3 side buttons, while the average mouse has 2 side buttons.
Thumb scroll wheel
MAD Catz R A T DWS includes a thumb scroll wheel, while the average mouse does not. 2% of mice include a thumb scroll wheel.
Profile switch button
MAD Catz R A T DWS includes a profile switching button, while the average mouse does not. 16.8% of mice include a profile switching button.
8 more buttons
MAD Catz R A T DWS has 14 buttons, while the average mouse has 6 buttons.
3 more onboard profiles
MAD Catz R A T DWS stores 4 onboard profiles, while the average mouse stores 1 onboard profiles.

Performance & Sensor

Battery & Charging

Why is MAD Catz R A T DWS worse than the average mouse?

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Poor default DPI tuning
MAD Catz R A T DWS uses a default DPI of 800 DPI, while the average mouse uses a default DPI of 1,000 DPI.
1 fewer stored DPI steps
MAD Catz R A T DWS stores 4 DPI steps, while the average mouse stores 5 DPI steps.
36.6% higher mouse weight
MAD Catz R A T DWS weighs 113 g, while the average mouse weighs 82.745 g.
Without battery.
No RGB lighting
MAD Catz R A T DWS does not have RGB lighting, while the average mouse does. 56.3% of mice have RGB lighting.
21 mm wider mouse width
MAD Catz R A T DWS has a width of 87 mm, while the average mouse has a width of 66 mm.
Thin glide feet
MAD Catz R A T DWS uses 0.7 mm thick mouse feet, while the average mouse uses 0.8 mm thick mouse feet.
36.6% higher mouse weight
MAD Catz R A T DWS weighs 113 g, while the average mouse weighs 82.745 g.
Without battery.
What it is: The overall weight of the mouse itself, which influences portability, comfort, and movement feel.
When it matters: When you care about how light or substantial the mouse feels during long sessions.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: <100 g
MAD Catz R A T DWS weighs 113 g, while the average mouse weighs 82.745 g.113 g vs 82.745 g
3.14x more expensive
MAD Catz R A T DWS is more expensive than the average mouse (£110 vs £35).
MAD Catz R A T DWS is more expensive than the average mouse (£110 vs £35).£110 vs £35
No RGB lighting
MAD Catz R A T DWS does not have RGB lighting, while the average mouse does. 56.3% of mice have RGB lighting.
What it is: Shows whether the mouse includes RGB lighting for visual effects or ecosystem syncing.
When it matters: When visual customization, ecosystem sync, or a specific desk aesthetic matters as much as raw function.
Importance: LOW
MAD Catz R A T DWS does not have RGB lighting, while the average mouse does. 56.3% of mice have RGB lighting.
21 mm wider mouse width
MAD Catz R A T DWS has a width of 87 mm, while the average mouse has a width of 66 mm.
What it is: The total side-to-side width of the mouse body.
When it matters: When side support and grip width matter for control and comfort.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <64 mm
MAD Catz R A T DWS has a width of 87 mm, while the average mouse has a width of 66 mm.87 mm vs 66 mm
17.3% lower user score
MAD Catz R A T DWS has a lower user score than the average mouse (6.82 vs 8.000).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the mouse.
When it matters: When you want to understand how a mouse performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of comfort, button feel, tracking accuracy, and long-term durability.
MAD Catz R A T DWS has a lower user score than the average mouse (6.82 vs 8.000).6.82 vs 8
Thin glide feet
MAD Catz R A T DWS uses 0.7 mm thick mouse feet, while the average mouse uses 0.8 mm thick mouse feet.
What it is: The thickness of the glide feet material attached to the bottom of the mouse.
When it matters: When you care about glide feel and how long the feet will last before replacement.
Importance: LOW
MAD Catz R A T DWS uses 0.7 mm thick mouse feet, while the average mouse uses 0.8 mm thick mouse feet.0.7 mm vs 0.8 mm
Poor default DPI tuning
MAD Catz R A T DWS uses a default DPI of 800 DPI, while the average mouse uses a default DPI of 1,000 DPI.
What it is: The DPI sensitivity preset the mouse uses by default out of the box.
When it matters: When first-impression feel matters and you do not want the mouse to be unusably fast or slow before changing settings.
Importance: LOW
MAD Catz R A T DWS uses a default DPI of 800 DPI, while the average mouse uses a default DPI of 1,000 DPI.800 DPI vs 1000 DPI
1 fewer stored DPI steps
MAD Catz R A T DWS stores 4 DPI steps, while the average mouse stores 5 DPI steps.
What it is: The number of different DPI levels that can be saved and recalled on the mouse.
When it matters: When you switch sensitivity often and want several presets ready without opening software every time.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=5
MAD Catz R A T DWS stores 4 DPI steps, while the average mouse stores 5 DPI steps.4 vs 5

Performance & Sensor

Graphic comparison of MAD Catz R A T DWS and

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about MAD Catz R A T DWS?

Highly modular design with swappable side panels and an adjustable palm rest to fit various hand sizes
Dual wireless connectivity supporting both 2.4 GHz (low latency) and Bluetooth 5.0
Excellent battery life of up to 200 hours on 2.4 GHz and 300 hours on Bluetooth via a single AA battery
Responsive 'DAKOTA' mechanical switches rated for 60 million clicks with a 2ms response time
Features a secondary thumb-operated 'barrel scroll' wheel and a dedicated precision aim (sniper) button
Onboard memory allows for storing up to four user profiles directly on the device

What customers dislike about MAD Catz R A T DWS?

Notably heavy compared to modern ultra-light gaming mice, which may hinder competitive performance
Lacks a wired connection mode; it is strictly wireless and requires AA batteries rather than being rechargeable
Customisation process can be fiddly, requiring a screwdriver for some parts rather than using tool-less magnets
No built-in storage for the required hex adjustment tool, making small parts easy to lose
Configuration software is often described as basic, unintuitive, or unpolished compared to competitors
Thin mouse feet that can feel cheap and may not glide as smoothly as higher-end options
Limited functionality on macOS, with some buttons and software features not working correctly

Video reviews

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