Date: October 11th, 2007
Article by: Jackie Mueller (Hardware Reviewer)
Edited by: Nathan Glentworth (Owner / Head Editor)
Product was submitted by: Razer
<--SHOP FOR A RAZER MANTIS CONTROL & MANTIS SPEED MOUSEPADS HERE
PRODUCT PICTORIAL AND WALKTHROUGH
The real difference in these pads is evident when checking out the surface texture. Here is a closer look at the Speed version with a very slick, smooth feel to it with very little texture. Obviously this is the pad of choice for those who enjoy gaming at a higher sensitivity level.
Looking at the surface of the Control version, we see a more textured, ever so slightly raised surface that looks a bit like mesh. This provides a bit less sensitivity resulting in more precise movements.
PRODUCT USE AND IMPRESSIONS
For starters, make sure there is plenty of room on your desk for the Mantis since it takes up quite a large space. The good part about this though is it's next to impossible to run out of surface area. It doesn't look half bad either, and if a large portion of your desk is going to be taken up by a mouse pad it might as well look good!
I'm first going to focus on the Control version of the Mantis. Armed with a Saitek GM3200 laser mouse, I set out to play some Unreal Tournament 2004. Movements were fluid and precise, and my wrist never got uncomfortable since I was resting it on a soft surface. The mouse never once got away from me during the course of play – I had complete control over every movement I made. Of course, running out of space to move the mouse around on was the least of my worries due to the size of the Mantis.
I then tried out the Speed version, again with UT 2004. I was eager to see how much of a difference it would be in comparison to the Control version and admittedly it was not a huge change, but it was definitely noticeable. True to the name of this pad I found it to be a bit easier to make split-second movements since the surface is slicker and requires less of an effort to move the mouse around.
Overall I am enjoying both versions of the Mantis quite a bit. If I had to choose one, for me it would have to be Control. The texture provided just the right amount of sensitivity that I prefer in a mouse pad. Everyone is different however, and for those who like a smoother, slicker surface, the Speed version will not disappoint. Choices are good.
