[ad_1]
A slightly less expensive, wired riff on last year’s Katar Pro, the $29.99 Katar Pro XT optimizes one of Corsair’s basic gaming mice for the competitive gaming crowd. It’s an incredibly basic design, so its claim to fame is simple and subtle: a chassis with symmetrical sides that tapers dramatically at its base. If you use an alternative grip, this ergonomically unfriendly design will work well for you—but it’ll prove problematic for everyone else. Still, a niche design isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Unlike smaller mice that wind up as “claw-only” mice because they’re too small and poorly shaped, the Katar Pro XT should satisfy anyone who uses their fingers to push a mouse.
Basically for Pros
The Katar Pro XT is a simple, right-handed gaming mouse. It has six buttons, all in the usual places. On top you have two click panels, a scroll wheel, and a DPI-cycle button in the center column. On the thumb side, you have back and forward buttons. The mouse is durable, featuring nondescript, molded, black plastic. It only has a few distinctive markings: a RGB, scroll-wheel element; raised, plastic side grips; and the name “// KTXT” printed in a small, thin font.
However, it has a notable size and shape. The Katar Pro XT’s chassis tapers on both sides to a fairly thin point. If you use a standard grip, you may find that the mouse lacks thumb support due to its narrow base. This causes you to tightly grip the mouse, which makes for uncomfortable use over long PC gaming sessions. A symmetrical design is normally reserved for an ambidextrous mouse, such as the Razer Viper, which sacrifices ergonomic considerations to accommodate right- and left-handed people.
In this case, the focus seems to be cutting down weight, while creating a platform for claw- and fingertip-style players to make contact with the mouse. The mouse is still fairly wide at its peak, which creates natural resting points for your thumb and pinky (in claw grip). While there’s a rise in smaller, lighter “mini” mice that are unofficially made for claw-and-fingertip-style players, this is one of the first I’ve seen with a design that actively caters to that audience. Frankly, I think you should avoid using these grips to prevent strain injuries, but if you’re committed to one, this mouse may feel like it has a more natural grip than most.
Similar Products
Cooler Master MM710 Gaming Mouse
See It
(Opens in a new window)
Read Our Cooler Master MM710 Gaming Mouse Review
HyperX Pulsefire Haste Gaming Mouse
See It
(Opens in a new window)
Read Our HyperX Pulsefire Haste Gaming Mouse Review
Razer Viper Ultimate Wireless Gaming Mouse
See It
(Opens in a new window)
Read Our Razer Viper Ultimate Wireless Gaming Mouse Review
Logitech G Pro Gaming Mouse
See It
(Opens in a new window)
Read Our Logitech G Pro Gaming Mouse Review
Cougar Revenger S Gaming Mouse
Check Stock
(Opens in a new window)
Read Our Cougar Revenger S Gaming Mouse Review
Glorious PC Gaming Race Model D Gaming Mouse
See It
(Opens in a new window)
Read Our Glorious PC Gaming Race Model D Gaming Mouse Review
Razer DeathAdder V2 Gaming Mouse
See It
(Opens in a new window)
Read Our Razer DeathAdder V2 Gaming Mouse Review
Razer Viper Gaming Mouse
See It
(Opens in a new window)
Read Our Razer Viper Gaming Mouse Review
SteelSeries Sensei Ten Gaming Mouse
See It
(Opens in a new window)
Read Our SteelSeries Sensei Ten Gaming Mouse Review
Thermaltake Tt eSports Ventus X Optical RGB Gaming Mouse
Check Stock
(Opens in a new window)
Read Our Thermaltake Tt eSports Ventus X Optical RGB Gaming Mouse Review
The Katar Pro XT is smaller than the average mouse, with a 1.5 by 2.5 by 4.5 inches (HWL) build. A quarter of an inch can make a big difference, though. I have fairly average-sized hands, and my mitt barely fits on the Katar Pro XT when holding it palm style. And, lest we forget, the Katar Pro XT’s significantly thinner at its base, so it feels even thinner.
The upside is that it’s much lighter than the competition. Weighing 2.7 ounces, the Katar Pro XT falls into the esports-centric, “ultralight” category. That’s especially important if you’re a claw-and-fingertip-style gamer who often maneuvers the mouse with your digits, rather than with the full force of your arm. Normally, I’d say this is yet another example of a mouse manufacturer going too far to drop a mouse’s weight for spec-obsessed, competitive players, but it makes a little more sense here, given the mouse’s strong affinity for alternate grips.
Internally, the Katar Pro XT features a Pixart PMW3391 sensor, the same sensor Corsair uses on other, more expensive mice. It tracks at up to 18,000 DPI and tracks at 400 inches per second. It’s a strong sensor, especially for a sub-$50 mouse.
Don’t Miss Your iCue
As with all Corsair products, the Katar Pro XT has customization options through the excellent iCue configuration app. The software offers a robust set of controls, and it’s easy to understand. You likely won’t use it much with the Katar Pro XT, given that the mouse only has six buttons and one, small RGB element. Still, you can rest assured that it’s easy to make changes.
Claw Season
While polarizing, the $29.99 Corsair Katar Pro XT is a budget-friendly mouse that houses a good sensor. Its claw-and-fingertip-grip design makes the mouse a niche option, but one that you should check out if you fancy that play style. However, if you’re looking for a more traditional gaming mouse, the $49.99 HyperX Pulsefire Haste is a lightweight, cost-friendly, Editors’ Choice pick that’s worth your time and money.
3.5
(Opens in a new window)
(Opens in a new window)
View More
In terms of features, the Corsair Katar Pro XT is an unadventurous gaming mouse, but it’ll prove attractive if you prefer a non-standard grip.
[ad_2]
Source link : https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/corsair-katar-pro-xt-gaming-mouse
