Razer eXactMat
Razer eXactMat
The eXactMat, besides playing havoc with my grammar checker, is similar to the Ricochet 2.52 in that it’s another solid mat. But the eXactMat goes further than the Ricochet 2.52 in almost every way. For a start, the eXactMat is made from anodised aluminium giving it a quality weighty feel. Knocking it at a well proportioned 26.5cm by 33cm, the eXactMat is a fair bit larger than the Ricochet too.
Like the Ricochet, the eXactMat has rubber feet to stop it sliding about on a desktop and it too is double sided. But where the Ricochet sides are down to a matter of choice, the eXactMat’s sides are there for a reason. Handily etched on each side are the words ‘speed’ or ‘control’, letting you know what each surface has been designed for. The surfaces look and feel almost exactly the same as the Ricochet’s but Razer are claiming with the eXactMat that one side is better suited to different applications than the other.
The ‘speed’ surface is for high-performance, quick reaction games… Supposedly this smoother surface will improve your performance in FPS games giving you quicker more responsive movement. The rougher ‘control’ side is for RTS and RPG gaming (so it says here on the packet) or for professional 2D and 3D users. In practise, using optical mice, we couldn’t actually tell a difference between each side, regardless of mouse resolution. However, using our trusty Logitech ball mouse, there was a noticeable difference between the rough and smooth sides, but funnily enough, the ball mouse performed better on the rougher side regardless of whether I was trying to use PSP or CS:S.
Click for larger imageChoosing between the eXactMat and the Ricochet is a tough one. I personally prefer the Ricochet’s smaller footprint, but that’s because I like a clutter free desk. The eXactMat wins it for looks though with its stylish aluminium edging. I think I’d split the choice evenly and have both. The Ricochet for home and the eXactMat for LANs where I could show it off and worry about it being nicked when I went for pizza.
We like all metal techie things and given more deskspace, the Razer eXactMat would be our top choice but for us, it’s just a bit too big
