Review: Mad Catz M.O.U.S.9

Designed For Everyday Use

The mouse functions as a plug-and-play device as soon as it's paired, but in order to make the most of the available features, users need to install the associated software utility. As is often the case, the software isn't included in the box and must be retrieved in the form of a couple of small downloads (5MB for the driver package, 15MB for the software utility).

With the everyday consumer in mind, Mad Catz's software takes a drag-and-drop approach, through which the user can easily assign various functions to each of the 10 programmable buttons. There are a dozen buttons in total, but the function of the left- and right-mouse clicks can't be changed.

The utility works well and is easy to use, although the accuracy of the battery meter might be called in to question. Mad Catz claims the M.O.U.S.9 will run for a year using a single AA battery, but after only a couple of days' use, our sample is already down to 86 per cent. Elsewhere, there is deeper functionality for those willing to invest the time. Macros can be assigned to individual buttons - albeit without more intricate settings such as time delays - and multiple profiles are also supported.

What's handy is that profiles can be linked to specific programs; your Office profile can load automatically when you're using Word, and the mouse can switch to a game profile when you load up your favourite title. Setup again is straightforward enough, and we like the fact that a couple of profile packs are available to download from the Mad Catz website.

On the whole, the software is limited in scope compared to high-end gaming mice, but it still adds value to the overall package and is for the most part user friendly. If there's a criticism it's that the M.O.U.S.9 doesn't offer any integrated memory, so your programmed settings and profiles aren't easily transferable between computers.

Mad Catz's software enhancements are a helpful addition, but when it comes to look and feel we've mixed feelings about the hardware. The sci-fi aesthetics, as you can imagine, are an acquired taste and though our sample arrived in our favourite colour - race-car red (the M.O.U.S.9 is also available in black or white) - we aren't falling in love with it.

The mouse would look impressive alongside a similarly-outlandish gaming rig, however in an office environment it looks somewhat out of place. And of course it doesn't necessarily encourage the user to work - we only have to look at the mouse and we feel a sudden urge to load up Diablo.

Aesthetically, you're either going to love it or hate it, and you'll probably have a mixed reaction to the way the mouse feels in the hand. We appreciate the thumb rest (though it's a shame the pinkie grip hasn't been transferred over from the R.A.T.), all the buttons are easily reachable, and the 138g weight is just right. The mouse itself measures 105mm x 65mm x 38mm, and users with larger hands can pull out the extendable palm rest to increase the overall length to 125mm.

Although many of the R.A.T.9's elaborate features have fallen by the wayside, some that remain have been revised for the target audience. The second scroll wheel is now pre-configured to zoom in and out, the primary scroll wheel is smoother and favours fluid web browsing as opposed to precise weapon switching, and the old 'sniper trigger' on left? That's now dubbed Precision Control but it serves the same function; holding it pressed slows the movement of the cursor. Of course, in this case, the extra precision isn't for pinpoint headshots, it's for when you need finer control - such as drawing around objects in Photoshop, says Mad Catz.

The overall size and shape is good, but there's no sign of a left-handed version (sorry, lefties) and the glossy plastic material leaves a lot to be desired. Build quality isn't a concern - the mouse is well put together - however the plastic body feels far too slippery and becomes uncomfortable during extended use. It attracts fingerprints in next to no time, and is crying out for a couple of rubber/textured areas that would provide some much-needed grip.

Bottom line: The M.O.U.S.9 is confused. At its heart it's a PC gaming peripheral whose high-performance components have been swapped out in favour of extra versatility and the promise of compatibility with a host of smart devices. The addition of Bluetooth Smart is an interesting development, and one that provides an element of future-proofing, but hey, unless you're absolutely intent on pairing your mouse with tablets and smartphones, there are more comfortable, better-performing PC mice available for considerably less.

The Good

Good build quality
Easily customisable buttons
Program-linked profiles
Works on most surfaces
Precision Control is handy

The Bad

Low 990 DPI
Not the most comfortable
Bluetooth limited to Smart Ready devices
Pricey at £100

HEXUS Rating

Mad Catz M.O.U.S.9

HEXUS Where2Buy

The Mad Catz M.O.U.S.9 wireless mouse is available to purchase from GameShark.

HEXUS Right2Reply

At HEXUS, we invite the companies whose products we test to comment on our articles. If any company representatives for the products reviewed choose to respond, we'll publish their commentary here verbatim.