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 my daily driver and the previously reviewed Fnatic Gear Flick G1. I should note I am quite used to cloth mousing surfaces, which made the transition to the Corsair MM800 RGB Polaris take a bit more time and adjustment. 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. 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 Corsair MM800 RGB Polaris was good, but it had a few drawbacks. Moving the mouse was definitely easier compared to mousepads I have used in the past, as I found the Fnatic Gear Flick G1 to require less effort to get it moving. The Flick G1 I tested the MM800 with has Teflon feet already, and thus I felt like the glide was pretty good compared to what I have seen in past mousepads. The past few surfaces I have used, including the Fnatic Gear Focus G1 XL and XTracGear Carbonic XXL, are pretty smooth, but they still generate more friction. However, one thing I found troubling was, despite the effortlessness of movement, a noticeable amount of scratches developed on the feet of my mouse due to the top surface of the MM800. While the surface is rougher, I never would have expected this from hard surface pads, as I have used other ones with a less abrasive aftereffect on my mice feet. I think the glide performance is good, but the gritty feedback was felt and left its mark on my mouse.
As for control, I was quite pleased. Once I got used to the harder surface, I was practically able to do everything I expected in both my daily use and in gaming situations. Overall handling of the Flick G1 on the Corsair MM800 RGB Polaris was mostly precise. I ran through some lasso tests on Photoshop, and I was happy with the experience. The faster glide did mean controlling my cursor was not as easy in terms of handling, since there was less friction. Even so, this was not a huge issue. Personally, I still think cloth pads will do better in this area, but a lot of this comes down to preference. One issue I ran into constantly during the use of this mousing surface was actually the USB hub located in the center at the top of the MM800 RGB Polaris. As it sticks out in the middle, I often found the wire of my Fnatic Gear Flick G1 catching on it. I would have preferred if they moved this hub off to one side or another or make it flatter to accommodate the cable sliding over it.
Moving to grip, I think the Lego like bottom on the Corsair MM800 RGB Polaris is more than effective for holding the mousepad in place. As the base is similar in consistency and pattern, there is no weak spot. Combined this with the overall weight of approximately 480g, the Corsair MM800 RGB Polaris is quite difficult to move accidentally. In addition, as there was much less surface resistance in comparison to the friction between the table and the backing, I would only expect the pad to stay in place. Thus, motion on top of the MM800 RGB Polaris did not affect the placement of the pad.
Finally, for noise, this is one area all hard surface pads will suffer more with in comparison to the fabric surface counterpart, and the Corsair MM800 RGB Polaris is no different. Since cloth mousepads can absorb sounds, they are much better in the noise department. The gritty feedback could be heard and felt whenever the mouse was moved, which was unfortunate. Even so, this is not really a fault specific to the MM800, but rather hard surfaces in general. Overall, I think Corsair has done a pretty good job in all four categories, but there can be some minor changes done in both glide and control aspects to make for an even better experience.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. A Closer Look
3. Subjective Performance Tests
4. Conclusion
