I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the mousepad is
one of those things that many people take for granted or overlook actually.
It’s one of those things that people just don’t seem to care about. People have
come to understand that a good mouse and a good keyboard can enhance their
computing experience but then they’ll still use that cheap free mousepad. A
good mousepad is not only good for gaming but for also everyday use. I’ve
tested many pads in my time and the technology seems to be getting better and
better with new combinations of materials being used to create an excellent
mousing surface.
Mionix has sent me over their new gaming mousepad called the
Propus 380 and it’s big, I like big pads though so it’s a nice fit for me. The
pad is unique looking in both its shape and aesthetic looks with a flake
metallic surface. The pad is certainly one of the best I’ve come across and
it’s inexpensive as well.
Product Name: Mionix
Propus 380 Gaming Mousepad
Author: Kristofer Brozio
Sponsor: Mionix
Tech Specs,Features or the Basic Info:
A STAR HAS BEEN
BORN
The name Propus is
directly taken from the Greek word for”forward foot”. The star is located in
the constellation of Geminis. Propus is a red giant star, one of very few
bright cool stars visible from Earth. It shines about 2400 times stronger than
our sun and has become very famous for being the closest star to planet Uranus.
Propus is an ecliptic star and sometimes it hides behind our moon or any of the
closest planets in our solar system.
MODEL OVERVIEW:
Mionix Propus 380
is the physical answer to performance, design and innovation. The new developed
surface is treated with a special silver-metallic plastic coating. According to
test results, this special coating offers optimal tracking conditions and
improves the overall performance of the mouse movements. A thin base made of
PVC-plastic has been implemented to give the stability from a hard mousepad
without compromising the flexibility from a soft mousepad. The backside is made
of natural rubber to ensure a steady grip.
FEATURES:
-Optimal tracking
Unique silver-metallic
plastic coating ensures optimal tracking
-Unique surface
Fine textured
surface for a smoother glide and precise movements
-Extra wide
tracking area
For sweeping
movements without interruption
-Hard &
flexible
Unique material
combination for durability and feel
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATION:
Material:
PVC-plastic base
S.Q.A.T value: 9
Surface: Ultra-fine
texture
Dimensions: 380mm x
260mm
Thickness: 4mm
Back: Rubber based
backside for a steady grip
Compatibilty:
LED-optical & laser
WARRANTY INFORMATION:
Warranty for Mionix
products only covers defects caused by manufacturing. The warranty does not
cover defects caused by any kind of usage that is not attributable to the
manufacturing process.
All of our products
have 2 year warranty. Defect products will be replaced with a new product.
Price:
$24.99 (From Amazon at time of review)
A Better Look at Things
:
The Propus 380 comes in a stiff cardboard package to protect the pad and
make sure it stays flat. There’s a picture and information listed there as
well.
The surface of the pad has the Mionix logo in the bottom right corner
and the Propus 380 listed in the top left. The top surface of the pad is a PVC
or plastic material with silver specks or flakes in it. This is supposed to
allow the mouse to track better.
The bottom is padded non-slip rubber to make sure the Propus 380 stays
in place.
Installation, Testing and Comparison
So I tested the Propus 380 with a Mionix mouse, the Naos
3200 to be precise. I’ve been using it as my main mouse for quite some time
now; I like it quite a bit. I was also
testing out the Smartfish
Whirl Mini Laser notebook mouse with it as I had just gotten it for review
at the same time.
Here’s a picture of the mouse on the pad for size comparison:
So I’ve been using the Propus 380 everyday for both gaming and work and
found it to be just an excellent pad overall. The mice I used tracked perfectly
without any skipping or jumping, no matter how fast or slow I moved. The mice
just slid across the pad like they were on ice really.
I’ve been using a cloth pad for a while now and forgot how much I liked
hard surface style pads.
The build quality is exceptional; the rubber base really does keep it
where you put it. The pad is a little thick, but no thicker than the cloth pad
I was using.
It is large, but I like that, I don’t really care for small pads. I have
a nice big desk so I can accommodate big pads.
The cost is anywhere between $20 and $25 which I think is a fine price
for this pad, it is well worth the cost.
Summary and Comments
I can’t really find anything wrong with the Mionix Propus 380, it’s a
fine pad that anyone would be happy with, be you a gamer or not.
The pad is very well made and the surface is very slick, you mouse will
just glide right across it with little effort.
DragonSteelMods gives the Mionix
Propus 380 a 5 out of 5 score and our Recommended Award as well.
Pros:
+Durable and well made
+Looks great
+Nice large size
+Excellent tracking
+Like ice
Cons:
-None that I could find
review# 689
Disclosure: This product was given to DragonSteelMods for review
by the company for review purposes only, and is not considered by us as payment
for the review; we do not, never have, and never will, accept payment from
companies to review their products.
To learn more about our review policy, testing methods and ratings
please see this page.