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 Fnatic Gear Flick G1 in addition to the Func MS-2. 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 Fnatic Gear Focus G1 XL was pretty good. The Flick G1 I tested the pad with has some Teflon feet already, but the Focus G1 XL helped even more so with the great glide. The material is closer to the fabric found on the XtracGear Carbonic lineup in terms of smoothness. Unlike traditional fabric mousing pads, the more recent ones have been displaying a bit less friction on the top. I will say it was not exactly the same as the Carbonic in the fact it is not as puck-on-ice like, and there still was a noticeable bit of friction. However one thing the Fnatic Gear Focus G1 had going for it is the consistency in movement. The Carbonic lineup exhibited a different feel in friction when moving horizontally versus vertically. This sort of characteristic was not present on the Focus G1 XL, which is good. All in all, the glide was pretty nice.
As for control, I was quite pleased. Overall handling of the Flick G1 on the Focus G1 was very precise. I ran the mousing surface through some lasso tests on Photoshop, and I was quite pleased with the experience. The slight friction between the mouse feet and the fabric surface meant I was able to control the mouse a bit better, as it was not too slippery to use. The black finish and consistent pattern made the movements predicable and accurate, providing for excellent handling while not sacrificing in speed. This being said, as it is not a hard pad, you still may not get the same glide or control feel, but it really comes down to preference. One problem with fabric pads is the fact it is easily susceptible to liquids. You will not really see much staining as this is a dark surface, but it would be nice to see some sort of liquid repulsion, even if it is just to prevent an accident. Smaller solids do not have the same problem, as dust or debris can easily be brushed off.
Moving to grip, I think Fnatic Gear has done an excellent job with its bottom surface. As the base is similar in consistency and pattern to other mousing surfaces, it too exhibits similar grippiness. Combined this with the overall weight of 227g, the Focus G1 XL was pretty hard to move accidentally. In addition, 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 Focus G1 XL did not affect the placement of the pad.
Finally for noise, the Fnatic Gear Focus G1 XL was superb in suppressing noises. Cloth mousepads are generally quite good at reducing noises, as they can absorb sounds much better than hard surfaces. In addition, as there was a low surface friction, even less noise was created from movement. Compared to any hard surface like my wood table, the difference was quite noticeable, as there was a more audible scratching noise. Honestly, Fnatic Gear has done a bang-up job in all four categories, and the Focus G1 is an excellent choice in performance. As we have mentioned already, if you do not want this specific size, Fnatic Gear has five sizes total available, so you can choose the right dimensions for your needs.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. A Closer Look
3. Subjective Performance Tests
4. Conclusion
