CORSAIR KATAR PRO XT and MM700 RGB Review

👤by Tim Harmer Comments 📅25-02-21
KATAR PRO XT Performance & Software
Final Testing performed in Windows 10 with iCUE Software version 3.37.140

The KATAR XT PRO utilises CORSAIR’s iCUE software for buttons and illumination customisation, which acts as a single unified app for all their proprietary peripheral functionality. Button remapping functionality is identical to that of the PRO Wireless variant, while illumination control is also present.



Keybindings are only stored in software, so transitioning from one PC to the next won’t retain your settings.

The iCUE software also allows customisation of three DPI preset levels which can be cycled between. When selected the mouse wheel will briefly pulse the colour of that DPI level before reverting back to the active illumination mode. A fourth ‘Sniper’ preset can be used as a sensitivity toggle, and the buttons can be remapped to give access to this functionality.



With only one discrete Lighting Zone the hardware lighting effects available aren’t quite as broad as an entire keyboard. Lighting Link effects add a synchronised lighting layer to all connected peripherals, with the software placing the mouse in a virtual location to the right of the keyboard. Effects that transition across the keyboard from left to right will therefore continue to the mouse as if it were part of the same physical chain.

As with all iCUE RGB peripherals, additional layers can be added to the overall lighting effect to account for transparencies or gaps in a particular preset. For example: the COLOR PULSE effect cycles between off and fully illuminated, but adding a static colour layer underneath this Lighting Link effect will mean it transitions between this and the pulsed colour instead.



The last major feature of the software is a surface calibration tool. Once applied the sensor should more accurately track on the mousing surface; the mouse itself is pre-calibrated to CORSAIR’s mouse mat range, but we saw no difference in generally excellent pointer dynamics on other surfaces available.

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It will be unsurprising to learn that the most noticeable aspect of the mouse when first picked up is its low weight. The design isn’t the lightest on the market, some models marketed as ultralightweight near 53g rather than the PRO XT’s 73g, but that makes it a little easier to adapt to when transitioning from heavier designs. It’s also well balanced both horizontally and vertically with a vertical centre of mass between the thumb buttons, helping it feel a little lighter than expected.

Complementing the low weight is the mouse’s USB cable. We were sceptical but the soft braiding and low tension definitely makes a difference in how easy the mouse feels to move and hold in place.

The mouse profile is subjectively good for both claw and palm grips. It’s relatively short and has a lowish cross-section, but by widening at the top it feels more stable in the hand than might otherwise be the case.

The scroll wheel has a medium to low resistance and clear but not aggressive delineation between each notch. It’s audible but not harsh, and has a consistent on-screen response rather than sometimes scrolling multiple times for each ‘notch’. The middle mouse button is stiff but functional, and enough resistance is present in the wheel to top it from accidentally scrolling when pressed.

To test performance we once again broke out DOOM 2016 for some high paced FPS gameplay, Hades for Roguelite action, and for the first time in a while World of Warcraft to more thoroughly assess the two thumb buttons.

Although we didn’t necessarily notice any clear difference in minute by minute gameplay in transitioning to this new light-weight design, longer gaming sessions were markedly easier on the arm and shoulder than our usual more heavy-weight (103g) gaming mouse. The PRO XT’s better overall weight balance was almost certainly a factor in medium-term comfort, and pointer accuracy, too.

We found the main buttons to be excellent for responsiveness and consistency. Both feel like they’re sitting directly on the switch with no travel distance to actuate, keeping reaction times as low as possible. Hades and DOOM gameplay were both enjoyable and it didn’t take as long to adapt to the shape and weight as expected.

The PMW3391 sensor tracks exceptionally well, with no apparent acceleration or angle snapping. You can turn these on in software but we wouldn’t recommend it for gaming. The effective lift-off distance is lower than 2mm.

Although the main buttons and scroll wheel were just as responsive in WoW as DOOM, we were pulled up short by the thumb/browser buttons. WoW, like many MMOs, leverages the thumb buttons as additional hotkeys for second-by-second gameplay, so it helps for them to offer the same consistent responsiveness as the main buttons. That wasn’t in evidence when using the PRO XT.

Each side button has a slight amount of play where you can push them in some distance before you feel the resistance of the switch it’s intended to actuate. Furthermore, pushing one very slightly moves the other, indicating that both are anchored to the same piece of plastic that isn’t quite as stationary as desired.

This makes them feel spongy and slow to respond rather than sharp, which is suboptimal for both MMOs and MOBAs. Early on in our testing what felt like a button press during gameplay failed to register in-game, which could be critical in competitive and stressful group play. It’s possible to compensate by being more deliberate, slowing down your actions when you’d otherwise be more reactive.

More generally, the textured and angled sides offer plenty of purchase with even a relatively light grip, and make lift-off and repositioning trivial matters. The overall construction too is solid and of good quality, with only those side buttons letting the team down a little. It certainly doesn’t have the same issues we experience with the PRO Wireless. The soft braided cable is a subtly excellent inclusion that we’d love to see adopted more widely, including it’s smart rubber reusable cable tie.



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