Mousemats are perhaps the most subjective of gaming equipment, and at the end of the day, the most important is getting used to the feel of the mouse on the mat, and its relative sensitivity.

In their second series of mousemats, Mionix have produced the Sargas, which comes in three different sizes: 460mm x 390mm (Sargas 460), 360mm x 305mm (Sargas 360), 260mm x 220mm (Sargas 260), catering to anyone's measure of space on the desktop. My test sample is a Sargas 360, and as a medium-low sensitivity gamer, (hence more swerves of the mouse); I find it more than enough for any situation, be it to browse over the battlefield of an RTS game, or to pick off people's heads with a sniper rifle in an FPS.

The Sargas comes in a simple container with a transparent plastic cover displaying the surface of the product, whilst the back of the container provides information, as well as the basis behind the name of the product.

Specifications:

"MODEL OVERVIEW
Sargas 360 is made of a durable cloth material with slightly more friction than coated mousepads. A special micro fibre surface counteracts data loss and improves the sensor tracking performance. The underside is made of a rubber-based material offering a firm grip irrespective of the surface under the mousepad or extensive movements.

FEATURES
Micro fibre surface
Micro fibre surface to improve the sensor tracking performance
Optimized for control
Optimized friction to improve the control over the movements
Rubber-based underside
Rubber-based underside for a firm grip on all surfaces
Suited for normal desktops
Dimensions: 360mm x 305mm"

Like the Alioth, the Sargas is a cloth mousemat, yet lacks the non-friction coating. Whilst the micro-fibre surface allows for very smooth control, there is still an element of friction which allows for precise movements and greater control on the part of the user, particularly for those who prefer low sensitivity. The surface is compatible with both optical and laser peripherals. The underside of the mousemat has the same rubber make of the Alioth, sticking to surface and preventing the mousemat from being swept around.

The mousemat however lacks any proper design; the Alioth had an amazing texture featuring the Mionix logo in their household colours, yet the Sargas is plain black with a few words at the top left, and a small white logo on the bottom right - basically the Alioth, without the kinky design which gave it its killers looks, so that is definitely a downgrade.

I tested the mousemat with several mice, including a Razer Deathadder, a Razer Diamondback 3G, a common optical mouse, and a Steelseries Ikari Laser and all complied perfectly with the Sargas. I also tested numerous games from different genres, including some 3rd person gunfighting in GTA IV, mass unit mobilisation in Napoleon: Total War, as well as the point and click hack and slash game Torchlight, in which precise and rapid mouse movements are essential to survive. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy I got used to the mousemat, though it might have to do with the fact that my standard mousemat is an uncoated cloth mat as well - however the balance between smoothiness and friction is very well achieved, and the performance is excellent really.

All in all, its very recommendable, but at the end of the day, mousemats are all about what you become accustomed to - and the Sargas is a mat to look out for, if you're looking for something that will suit your needs.

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