Corsair Katar Pro XT Gaming Mouse
Feature
Ultralight gaming mouse for those on a budget
Corsair Katar Pro XT Gaming Mouse
Corsair Gaming has been around for decades, and in that time has become a leading brand in PC components and gaming peripherals. With a large range of gaming mice in their catalogue, we had the opportunity to take a look at the Katar Pro XT Gaming Mouse, the budget device in the Corsair collection.
Styling and Design
The Katar Pro XT is a six-button mouse with a somewhat symmetrical design. In terms of style, it would have to be one of the most ordinary looking mice in the Corsair range. The symmetrical design however does not mean that it is suitable for both left and right-handed gamers, as two additional buttons on the left side mean that the mouse is only suitable for right-handed use. The mouse features the two standard mouse buttons as well as one on the scroll-wheel. But there is also one placed just under the scroll-wheel which by default is used as an on-the-fly DPI adjustment (with three settings).
Then, as mentioned, there are the two thumb buttons, which for me are optimally placed. For other gamers, this will largely be determined by the size or your hands and how you normally handle a mouse. I like to have it snug in my palm with my ring and little finger tucked into the side, and so the placement of the two thumb buttons fits my positioning. I did however find that although the Katar Pro XT is reasonably wide across the middle, my little finger was left dangling to the side, as the mouse has a lower profile than other models. The mouse also tapers towards the rear, which have been an attempt to reduce some weight.
By default, the two side buttons are used as forward and back buttons, handy for when surfing the net. But these (and indeed all the buttons) can be allocated to a range of other options in the Corsair iCue software (more on this later). The centre scroll wheel also has RGB functionality, allowing gamers to tailor the colour to their particular setup design, whilst the left and right sides of the mouse feature a raised triangular pattern design to aid with grip.
Features
Apart from the 18,000 DPI optical sensor, the Katar Pro XT has several other important features. The six programmable buttons all feature OMRON switches, which are guaranteed for 50 million clicks – enough to fire off a few rounds in your favourite FPS. The Corsair Quickstrike buttons also offer precision and responsiveness.
It is an ultra-lightweight mouse weighing in at just 73g. Although it won’t suit everyone, this lightness allows the mouse to be moved quickly across a surface. The paracord cable is also quite lengthy, further enabling gamers to move feverishly across their gaming surface. I did find that the mouse moved smoothly across my mouse mat and that the lengthy cable didn’t get tangled at all. Having said that, the movement allowed by wireless gaming mice such as the Steelseries Rival 3 provides for a touch more freedom.
Software
The mouse is plug and play, but to get the most out of it, gamers will need to download the Corsair iCue software. The iCue software works similarly to many other gaming device applications. The software allows for macro creation, DPI Adjustment, lighting effects and even surface calibration (essentially setting up the mouse for various surfaces). If you have used any other mouse software, the layout will likely be familiar. As such, navigating through the various menus and features will be quite simple.
Macros are simple to create, and buttons can even be assigned to open particular software. For example, if you often use Microsoft Excel, one of the side buttons can be used as a one-touch opening shortcut. It is a handy function that can increase productivity. Of course, the macro features also allow for shortcuts for your favourite FPS or MOBA game.
Verdict
At a RRP of 69AUD (29.99USD), the Corsair Katar Pro XT Gaming Mouse falls into the budget price category. But, for such a reasonably priced mouse, it still has many of the features that will satisfy most gamers. It is a smooth scrolling mouse, and with a max 18,00DPI (adjustable on the fly). The iCue software makes it simple to create macros, adjust the RGB lighting effects to suit your style and essentially configure the mouse to you. And although it doesn’t have the untethered freedom of a wireless mouse, the paracord cable glides across the surface, which is no doubt helped by the lightweight nature of the Katar Pro XT. It is a quality mouse for those gamers on a budget. But for those with a bit more to spend, you could always splurge on the Corsair MM700 RBG Extended Cloth Gaming Mouse Pad, which pairs perfectly with the Katar Pro XT.
Follow us on Instagram for reviews, news and more.