This is the first time I’ve tried out a Corsair gaming mouse. I was sent the Katar Pro XT for review by Corsair but it won’t impact my thoughts about the mouse itself. It seems that Corsair is attempting to revamp and add new gaming mice to their line that focus on some of the features and design elements that gamers are looking for in 2021. The Katar Pro XT has a shape that brings to mind the egg-shaped staple from Logitech, the G305. It’s targeted to smaller handed gamers who want a lighter option without holes at a reasonable price point. This review will explore whether the Katar Pro XT is worth the $30 price of entry.
Measurements (LxWxH)
116x64x38mm
Weight
73g
Unboxing and Extras
The mouse was securely packaged in cardboard but did not come with any extras aside from the usual documentation.
Design and Build Quality
The Katar Pro XT is quite a comfortable weight for its size at 73g but the weight does feel a bit backheavy. The matte coating has a slight graininess that feels like PBT plastic and try dry feeling it provides makes different grip styles quite comfortable. There is a triangular rubber grip on the sides, the raised texture of it does help with grip but it isn’t as comfortable as aftermarket lizardskins or something along those lines.
Build quality feels decent all around with no creaking or flexing. The mouse feels light but it doesn’t seem like that has made the actual shell any less durable.
Buttons & Scroll Wheel
The main clicks use a set of Omron 50Ms which are a very common switch. The click implantation itself feels familiar. M1 and M2 feel light, click with a low level of tactility. These aren’t the crispiest clicks but they do provide a satisfying light response. There is minimal pre-travel but post-travel is notable as there’s a bit of button wobble and mushiness at the end of the click. Overall these clicks won’t blow you away but are quite serviceable and the gives the mouse a predictable feeling of quality.
The side buttons on the other hand are mushy and unsatisfying. There’s a weird glossy coating that feels out of place and the click themselves have some pre-travel which makes them feel pretty underwhelming. DPI button is nicely tucked away as it’s placed very low to the shell so you won’t be activating it by accident. It’s decent enough that you could bind it in-game if you wanted.
The scroll wheel is decent. Scrolling is a bit on the louder side but the individual steps are nicely separated with a decent amount of tactility. The middle click requires requires more force than usual mice but nothing out of the ordinary. There’s something about the wheel that feels a bit loose with use that doesn’t inspire the most confidence in it’s longevity but everything else about it was quite decent.
Shape, Performance and Software
If you are used to egg shaped mice like the G203 this mouse will be quite familiar to you. It’s got flatter sides and doesn’t bulge out as much which is a plus. The mouse is also flatter once you reach the middle hump which makes it slightly better for fingertip grip in my opinion. The shape was easy to get used to but I wouldn’t say it’s better for me than the traditional G203 shape. For small handed users, I think this will work quite well in either claw or fingertip grip. It’s also a bit shorter than the G203 but I do wish that it had the nicer finger grooves featured on that design. The front AND back of the mouse just feel flatter and less rounded than it’s main competitor.
I found myself performing quite well with the mouse. The weight was comfortable for tactical shooters but I don’t see myself achieving my full potential with this mouse either. It’s an easy mouse to get used to but I don’t see myself excelling with it either. The Katar Pro XT has but a single lighting zone which is only on the scroll wheel. RGB lovers won’t be satisfied with one lighting zone but it’s there for those who want it. The software is a bit prone to issues over time but it does offer a lot of customization for those who want it. iCue is a love it or hate it piece of software but it works better for those who already have a lot of Corsair gear they want to sync up.
Sensor, Cable and Skates