Where the thumb area is more important than the pinkie area (as it has forward and back buttons and the precision aim button), this side of the mouse gets the royal treatment. The only thing missing was a fourth option that combined the size of the large pinkie rest with the ultra grip of the diamond tread-patterned second option. It has the same rubberized feel as the standard grip but dwarfs the other two in terms of size. If you are more a claw grip kind of guy, the third is the one you most likely want as it affords the RAT 7 much more support. If you prefer a palm grip, either of these pinkie rests will be good choices and it will come down to which feels better. It is the same standard size but has a more aggressive tread like pattern to it. If this “standard” size fits your hand nicely and you want even more secure grip, the second pinkie rest is for you. It has a nice tacky rubberized feel to it, which does provide a very good grip.
The pinkie rests consist of the stock “smooth” rubberized grip that should fit most, but not be perfect for everyone. The RAT 7 literally can be used comfortably by “palm” and “claw” users alike with equal comfort. Not only does Mad Catz include three different palm rests, three different pinkie rests, a weight system but also manages to cram in X and Y adjustment for the thumb and the palm area. While the Logitech G9x does succeed to a certain extent, its interchangeable “skin” pales in its abilities to this mouse. In the past, other manufacturers have tried various techniques to broaden the comfort level as much as possible. To say that the mouse is highly customizable and configurable is an understatement of epic proportions. This mouse isn’t a form over function design, rather its function takes precedence over its aesthetics.
Just as you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, both of these impressions were completely and totally wrong. My second thought was that it was more like a Borg-inspired mouse. My first impression was that it was crafted by a Steam Punk aficionado. At first glance, the RAT 7 looks only slightly different from what your typical gaming mouse.