Razer Acari is a super slick, low-friction mouse mat for high-level gamers
Gamers looking to gain a speed advantage may want to consider Razer’s brand-new super slick (literally) Acari gaming mouse.
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What you need to know
One of the most exciting aspects of the rise of pro gaming is the increase of more specialized PC gear. That is the case for Razer’s new Acari gaming mouse mat, which shockingly doesn’t glow with RGB.
So, what makes this $60 mouse pad so unique? Glad you asked.
Razer Acari: What it is
The Acari is unusually large 420 x 320 x 1.95mm mouse mat built for gamers who want the lowest friction, slickest, and something durable and easy to clean.
The concept is simple: in first-person shooters, or any game that requires fast reflexes, the quality of the mouse’s sensorplusa low-friction mat can result in “ultra-fast reaction times and pixel-perfect accuracy.” It’s the reason why gamers pay hundreds for elite mice and keyboards.
To deliver that slick surface, Razer uses an “ultraviolet activated nano-bead surface” that is waterproof, thin, and resilient. Razer says it surveyed pro gamers and enthusiasts and found many of them complained that their current mouse mat lost slickness over time and also wasn’t large enough (versus the price paid and expectations).
Razer explains more about the materials behind Acari:
To deliver accurate, smooth mouse tracking and ensure consistent, drag-free swipes, the Razer Acari uses an oleophobic surface on top of the nano-bead layer to reduce the build-up of binding agents such as natural skin oils and dust. This is bonded to a polycarbonate core, with a textured rubber backing, to create a slick, smooth gliding surface with a secure non-slip base, just 1.95mm thick.
Thus, Acari was created as an option for gamers who want a vast but low-friction gaming experience.
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Razer Acari: Should you get it?
More significant than your typical medium-sized mouse pad, the Acari has an elegant shimmer to it, which is not an added effect, but the result of the nano-bead textures.
The mat itself is clean and minimalist with grippy feet on the bottom, so it does not slide when being used aggressively. It’s a bit disappointing that a $60 mouse mat from Razer doesn’t feature RGB lighting (I’m currently using the super radRazer Firefly V2, which is smaller and $10 cheaper), but the real question is, does it feel different? Absolutely. The Acari’s low-friction surface is very noticeable, like using a mouse on a greased table. The effect is almost disconcerting at first just how slick it is compared to even traditional hard plastic mouse mats (and forget rubber or cloth mats, which has so much more drag). My only issue was sometimes the pad could stick to my hand and raise slightly, but it didn’t interfere with my gaming session.
I’d say the Acari is excellent for anyone concerned with “ultra-fast reaction times and pixel-perfect accuracy” and goes out of their way to get the most premium, high-performant equipment. There’s such a dramatic difference between this mouse mat and others that it’s not hard to imagine an advantage gained.
Conversely, if you’re just a casual gamer, don’t compete online, or are already doing well in your games, then Acari is probably not a great investment. It’s more of pro-level gaming gear than more affordable options.
The Razer Acari is available starting today for $60 fromRazer.com.
The Razer Acari brings low-friction gaming action thanks to its beaded, textured surface and large footprint. The result is a mouse pad that will help with your reaction times and accuracy.
Daniel Rubino is the Editor-in-chief of Windows Central. He is also the head reviewer,podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft since 2007, when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, laptops, next-gen computing, and watches. He has been reviewing laptops since 2015 and is particularly fond of 2-in-1 convertibles, ARM processors, new form factors, and thin-and-light PCs. Before all this tech stuff, he worked on a Ph.D. in linguistics, watched people sleep (for medical purposes!), and ran the projectors at movie theaters because it was fun.
