[Gear] Mionix Mouse Pads Review

[Ghostbear]

Mionix Mouse Pads Review

Product: Mionix Ensis 320, Ensis 320 Luna and Sargas 320, 400 and 900
Developer: Mionix
MSRP Ensis 320 and Ensis 320 Luna $39.99, Sargas 320 $14.99, Sargas 400 $19.99, Sargas 900 $29.99
Editor: Jeremy 'Ghostbear' Spurlock

What's Hot: Quality mouse pads for smooth gaming.

What's Not: A little on the pricey end for the Ensis

I'm of the opinion that a quality mouse pad can make a real difference. No, it's not going to make you play any better, but it will give you a better experience overall when using a computer. The mouse pads from Mionix certainly make a difference, but is it good or bad? Let's dive in and see.

First up are the aluminum models, the Ensis 320 and Ensis 320 Luna (the brushed aluminum version). I'll admit I was a bit skeptical about using a mouse pad made of aluminum, but after using these guys for the last week or so, I am a believer. The Ensis 320s have a coated surface that facilitates quick, smooth movements without the mouse ever losing tracking.

Both Ensis 320s are about 320mm by 260mm and are only 2mm thick. With a rubberized base they stayed exactly where I set them. No mouse pad slip and slide for me. I've used both of the Ensis 320s for about a week now and I have to say that I am pretty pleased with them both and plan on continuing to use one of them for the foreseeable future.

Score: 4 out of 5 CoGs


Jeremy says, "If you want a quality gaming mouse pad, with effortless movement the Ensis 320 is for you."

The second set of mouse pads is the Sargas line. Since these are all basically the same with the exception of size, you'll indulge me if I don't go into them individually.

These models are covered with a microfiber cloth that has a bit more friction than the coated aluminum mouse pads. They are by no means too resistive, instead this adds a bit of fine control that is better suited to lower resolution work; such as working on images or even making that sniper shot in a shooter. This is a much higher quality fabric than what you see on those two dollar mouse pads that you see everywhere. These provide a smooth comfortable surface to work.

If you're one of those folks who tend to swing your mouse all over your desk you're in good hands here, especially with the 400 (15.748 inches) and the 900 (35.4331 inches). A note on the 900, this is clearly intended to sit underneath your keyboard as well as just the mouse. I found having the surface under my keyboard made for a decent place to rest my wrists while typing.

When I got the press kit for all of these mousepads, they mentioned they used something called the Surface Quality Analyser Tool (S.Q.A.T.) to test the mice for data loss. I can't independently verify their results, but I can say that I never lost tracking or felt like I had to pick up my mouse and place it back down to do anything.

Score: 4 out of 5 CoGs


Jeremy says, "If you want a great mouse pad with just the right amount of resistance, the Sargas line is for you."


So, four of you lucky readers are going to get a chance to win a mousepad. I am giving away the Ensis 320, the Sargas 320, 400, and 900. All you have to do is respond in this thread. I will randomly choose the winners this Wednesday. You have to have been a member of CoG before today in order to qualify.

[National Kato]

Great review! As a soon-to-be recidivist PC gamer, I opted for the standard mouse pad that came with my build knowing full well I'd be looking into precision pads soon.

[Wilkz07]

did not know people still used mouse pads. i've been using a darkfield mouse since they came out and just use my glass desk surface. also didn't know a mouse pad cost $40.

[Codicier]

I definitely agree on a good pad providing a better play experience, I've got a small Steel Series pad and it's much nicer than the desk surface I was using before it. These sound like a luxury upgrade though.

[TheKeck]

I like me a good mousepad.

I have actually been disappointed with how modern mice work on most surfaces. I remember when claims about working great on your lap or any other surface were all the rage. It just hasn't been my experience.

[Exodus]

I use a graphite mouse pad and it is fucking AWESOME. If you're a gamer you MUST have a mousepad because you wear the crap out of your table's finish. Trust me. I moe.

[cassiusregicide]

Nice reviews. I tend to buy super cheap mousepads then keep them way past the point of them being any good to me.

[Jackel]

Thanks for the review. I've been meaning to upgrade my mousepad. Might take a look at the Ensis. Side note: Does anyone have suggestions for those gel packs to rest your wrist on? I recently re-arranged my desk and find my wrist is starting to get sore more because of the angle on my desk.

[Ghostbear]

Originally Posted by Jackel

Thanks for the review. I've been meaning to upgrade my mousepad. Might take a look at the Ensis. Side note: Does anyone have suggestions for those gel packs to rest your wrist on? I recently re-arranged my desk and find my wrist is starting to get sore more because of the angle on my desk.

I use those little 5 or 6 dollar wrist rests. Been using them for years.

[Deimos]

When I still used my desktop pc on an actual desk I usually ran without a mouse pad but now that I do most of my work and gaming on a laptop / kitchen table I find the mice need a good mouse pad because they certainty don't seem to track well on granite.

As for wrist recommendations I don't have a specific one in mind but I do recommend them as a general rule. Don't ruin your favorite hobby by developing wrist problems.

[Grifter]

While I whole heartedly agree that a good mouse pad is essential I have a very hard time believing that the Ensis... or any mouse pad for that matter, can give you $40 worth of performance over your typical hard surface pads that can be found for $15-$25.

[Wackman3000]

Great review again Ghostbear. As Someone who uses a cheap mousepad, I'd be curious to see how a quality Mouse pad works.

[Crittias]

My keyboard/mouse tray's surface is slowly failing, so a mouse pad might soon become a necessity. Sounds like an interesting solution, especially the aluminum ones.

[Crittias]

Originally Posted by Jackel

Thanks for the review. I've been meaning to upgrade my mousepad. Might take a look at the Ensis. Side note: Does anyone have suggestions for those gel packs to rest your wrist on? I recently re-arranged my desk and find my wrist is starting to get sore more because of the angle on my desk.

Originally Posted by Ghostbear

I use those little 5 or 6 dollar wrist rests. Been using them for years.

This is a bit more expensive ($12 instead of $6), but I've been liking it: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VBLF7K/

[rifter]

Nice review. I'd like a new one, since mine are getting a little long in the tooth. Using an old Ratpadz at work, now. :-)

[tacitus]

Thanks for the review. I have been thinking of replacing my current really crappy one that I got from an employer a number of years ago.

[biosc1]

Since I moved from a smooth desk to an antique table, I've had to resort to a mousepad. Grabbed an Alienware one that came with a work system and it is actually nice having a mousepad.

The one I have (which I wish was a little larger) is nice and smooth...really enjoyable to use (minus the size issue).

[Zigballistic]

I've found that it isn't the mousepad that makes a difference but the wrist support. Nothing wrong with being stylish though!

[Ghostbear]

Oh, I neglected to mention it, but if you're outside the United States or Canada and still want the mouse pad, gonna need you to pick up the shipping costs.

[CappinCanuck]

Awesome review Jeremy. Would love to get my hands on an aluminum pad. Been on a Steelseries Qck+ for many many years that has seen better days. It would be an interesting comparison going from a 6mm pad!