[nextpage title=”Introduction”]
There’s no point on putting down the money for some (expensive) gaming-grade mice like the ones we test here if you’re gonna use it on some cheap mousepad. Those peripherals are great, but they truly excell when sliding over a gaming-grade mousepad that offers optimal tracking conditions. We received two models with the same goal of improving the performance of gaming mice but with different approaches to it: one is flexible and made from a cloth weave surface (the Themaltake Dasher) and the other one is rigid with a silver-metallic plastic coating (Mionix Propus 380). We made an ensemble test which you are gonna read after we describe each mousepad separately.
Figure 1: The Themaltake Dasher vs. the Mionix Propus 380
The Dasher is the biggest of both mousepads with an overall area of 15.8 x 12.6 inches (400 x 320 mm) and 0.2 inch (4 mm) thick. The rubber base allows for a firm grip over the table and the surface is made of cloth weave. Notice the stylish design with the rounded left upper corner. The mousepad comes rolled up and fastened with a Velcro strap with the Thermaltake logo and the package also includes a carrying bag made of cloth.
Figure 2: Thermaltake Dasher
The Propus 380 has a smaller area of 15 x 10.2 inches (380 x 260 mm) with the same 0.2 inch (4 mm) thick. It’s a sandwich composed of a rubber base, a greenish PVC layer and a rigid silver-metallic plastic surface.
Figure 3: The Mionix Propus 380
[nextpage title=” Comparing The Mousepads”]
First, to have a better understanding of the dimensions of both products, we placed them over each other along a traditional model, the World of Warcraft: Cataclysm exclusive collector’s edition mousepad. Seeing the resulting image, it becomes clear that a lot of table room is required for any of the models tested. Both are great in terms of space for tracking: there is no “running out of mousepad” during long movements, be it gaming or even plain work. The mouse will not go over the edges, that’s for sure.
Figure 4: Mousepads size comparison
Both the Dasher and the Propus 380 are even when it comes to firmness: due to their rubber bases, they seemed to be glued on the glass surface of our table and even on the little plastic sidetable. They endured several hours of sudden and frantic movements over gaming sessions without moving a millimeter.
Despite coming rolled up, the Dasher quickly assumes a flat form without humps except one on the right upper corner – which quite frankly it’s a tough spot to reach. We took the mouse over there and the peripheral’s own weight flattened the hump, which didn’t hampered the movement in any way. Being made of cloth, the Dasher got a litte dirty due to the friction with the base of our right wrist. This whitening came out with some humid cloth.
The Dasher, even though it is flexible and soft to the touch, looks like some smooth asphalt where the mouse slides on with grace and precision, responding to the higher sensitivities of professional gaming models. It performed with honors during hours of playing World of Warcraft and Call of Duty: Black Ops.
Figure 5: Rolled up Dasher with carry bag
The Propus 380 felt like having a metal plate over the table – and the little bright dots twikling over the black surface made it look like outerspace (Propus is, after all, the name of a star in the Geminis constellation). The PVC layer absobs impacts and makes the mousepad less rigid. Performance was slightly superior to the Dasher’s: the Propus allowed for an even smoother and more precise tracking.
Figure 6: Propus 380 PVC layer
[nextpage title=”Main Specifications”]
The main specifications for the Thermaltake Dasher mouse pad include:
- Cloth weave surface
- Rubber base
- Dimensions: 15.8 x 12.6 x 0.2 inches (400 x 320 x 4 mm)
- Made for gaming-grade mice with laser and optical sensor technologies
- Can be rolled up, comes with Velcro strap and carry bag
- More information: https://www.ttesports.com
- Average price in the US*: USD 18.00
The main specifications for the Mionix Propus 380 mouse pad include:
- Silver-metallic plastic surface
- Rubber base
- Dimensions: 15 x 10.2 x 0.2 inches (380 x 260 x 4 mm)
- Made for gaming-grade mice with laser and optical sensor technologies
- More information: https://www.mionix.net
- Average price in the US**: USD 19.00
* Reseached at Google Shopping on the day we published this review.
** Researched at Newegg.com on the day we published this review.
[nextpage title=”Conclusions: Thermaltake Dasher”]
In a straight comparison, the Propus performed better by a small margin. In the subject matter of comfort/experience of use, the mousepad from Mionix also ended up being better. If the user usually takes trips to game in other PCs (friend’s houses, lan houses, lan parties, e-sports championships), the Dasher is the one to go to because the performance is very similar to the Propus 380 and is easier to transport. Both are excellent products and deserve our "Golden Award". But remember: both models require great table room.
Below we give a summary of our impressions about the Thermaltake Dasher.
Strong points:
- Excellent precision and tracking
- Transportable
- Although flexible, it gets flat after being unrolled
- Perfect stability over the table
- Easy to clean
- Mouse doesn’t go over the edge due to great size
Weak Points:
- A little oversized
Below you see a summary of our impressions about the Mionix Propus 380.
Strong Points:
- Exceptional precision and tracking
- Perfect stability over the table
- Big but rightly so
- PVC layer makes it less rigid
Weak Points:
- We didn’t find any
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