Page 3 - Subjective Performance Tests
Testing of a mousepad is quite subjective in nature, since there are no true objective benchmarks to spit out quantitative numbers for us to compare results when done. In order to make this subjective analysis a little more objective, I will be using the previously reviewed SteelSeries Sensei 310. The tests will be completed in both graphics and gaming scenarios. These are two crucial areas where a good mouse in conjunction with a good mousepad really makes a difference. My intrinsic familiarity with the performance characteristics of the mouse will make it easy to determine differences between mousing surfaces, while also highlighting the benefits of using a mousepad. We will then break it down to the details and rate our mousepad based on the following categories:
Glide - For quick and effortless mouse movements across the mousing surface.
Control - For precise and accurate cursor/crosshair handling.
Grip - The mousepad's ability to stay in the same position on the desk without undesirably relocating itself.
Noise - Will this mousepad generate noise when the mouse is being used?
Starting with the category of glide, the Cooler Master MasterAccessory MP510-L was decent. While it did not feel as smooth in the hand, it held up well, especially against standard Teflon feet. To me it was pretty surprising, especially with how much rougher it felt in comparison to surfaces like the Fnatic Gear Focus G1 XL, a surface I had been using more recently. Sliding my Sensei 310 back and forth was done with ease. Obviously, there still was a bit more friction felt against the bottom compared to the Focus G1, but I did not see this as a huge difference. Movement in both horizontal and vertical directions felt similar, which made for an overall consistent use.
Moving to the next category, with the slightly higher friction, my Sensei 310 was easy to control on the MP510-L, though it took some time to get adjusted to. This was not a fault of the surface on or the mouse. Rather, because I was already used to a certain amount of glide from my previous mousepad, I knew how to control the mouse accordingly. Thus, I needed some time to adjust to the MasterAccessory MP510-L. After doing so, the consistent pattern of the top made handling the mouse easy, predictable, and accurate, without sacrificing too much in terms of speed. One problem with fabric pads is the fact they can be susceptible to liquids. However, the Cordura fabric held up to its claims in preventing liquids from absorbing into the fabric. I think Cooler Master made an excellent choice in this regard, even if it is not the smoothest texture I have tested. One caveat though is that the rougher surface also attracted more solid debris.
As for grip, the MP510-L is just like any other mousing surface we have seen recently, which is a good thing. I have not really seen a mousepad perform poorly in this area, even for more compact pads. When I used the MasterAccessory MP510-L, it stayed in place without sliding about. With its weight of 343g and the consistent pattern at the base, I really was only able to move the MasterAccessory MP510-L when I purposefully did so. Any motion from mouse movements did not affect the placement of the pad.
Finally for noise, because of the Cordura fabric and its more "resistant" surface, I did notice there was a bit more noise generated from this cloth pad, though this is still much less than compared to any hard surface. In general, cloth-based mousing surfaces are quite good at reducing noises, as they can absorb sounds much better than hard surfaces. Compared to any hard surface like my wood table, the difference was still quite noticeable, as there was a more audible scratching noise. I still think the Cooler Master MasterAccessory MP510-L is quiet enough for day to day use and should not bother people in general. In fact, you probably would find more noise from the cable dragging around on the table, rather than anything between the mouse and the top.
The three categories of glide, control, and noise are still reasons why people even use these products in the first place, so it is good to see that the Cooler Master MasterAccessory MP510-L provides good marks in these categories. The MP510-L may not necessarily be the smoothest or quietest surface to work on, but this was sacrificed slightly for better overall durability of the Cordura fabric. I am completely fine with this exchange in priorities, especially since the MasterAccessoryMP510-L still performs well in those categories. Whether or not you need a mousepad is still a question you will have to answer personally, but the MasterAccessory MP510-L is more than capable in our tests.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. A Closer Look
3. Subjective Performance Tests
4. Conclusion
