Mionix Alioth 400

Testing

Test Rig

Methodology

Mouse mats and other peripherals fall into an interesting category for testing, as your opinion on them tends to be very personal, as the mat, mouse or keyboard has to be right for you, beyond having the specifications to do what you want with it. Therefore these reviews can be highly subjective so as always, please make sure to test a peripheral for yourself before you buy it.

However with that said, our testing methods involve using the mat over prolonged gaming and general usage periods to test it’s gaming ability and comfort.

The games used for testing were as follows:

• Dawn of War 2
• Peggle Nights
• Assorted Flash Games

Results

Games

Dawn of War 2

Dawn of War 2 is a game that’s pace is much faster than most RTS titles, thanks to it’s heavy doses of micromanagement. Therefore, a slick mousing surface is a necessity when it comes to this title. Thankfully, the Alioth performed beautifully with no hickups whatsoever. The mat is so large, you’ll have no problems performing big sweeping movements with you mouse; no need to pickup and readjust at all. Also, the surface is probably the smoothest I’ve ever used and it doesn’t matter what mouse you’re using, it glides across the surface; just tapping the mouse gently will have it sliding from one side to the other with barely a check.

Peggle

Peggle is more of an accuracy based title, with slight movements of the mouse adjusting your shot from peg to peg by a single degree; you have to have pin point accuracy. Once again the Alioth did me proud with no tracking issues on the mouse, no jumps, no problems what so ever. The amazingly smooth movement of the mouse also allows you to really fine tune your movements; especially when combined with a high DPI gaming mouse.

Flash Games

Flash games wise I checked out different titles, shooters, strategy, puzzlers; different genres of gaming providing different play styles. Once again, the Mionix Alioth came up trumps causing no problems whatsoever and performed beautifully.

During all gaming tests, the Alioth didn’t move at all. The rubbery backing material did a top notch job in holding the pad in it’s place.

Comfort

Thanks to the smooth surface, and the perfectly thick base mateial the comfort of this mat is shockingly impressive. There’s no clamminess as it’s a cloth mat allowing your skin to breathe; even a sweaty ass like me had no wetness issues; nappy advert? Mionix really nailed the thickness of the mat as well. It’s not too thick to seem bulky and over the top, but it’s not so thin that you can feel the desk through the it; it’s just monunmentally comfortable. I want a sofa made out of this stuff.

Cost

Gaming mouse mats can often head into the mid 20s when it comes to their price tag, which can be a big put off for most people. With that in mind, the Mionix Alioth costs only £16.50. Not too shabby.

Peripherals