Common felt mats give a smooth contact between record and platter but has the disadvantage with static. That means that felt mats often collect a lot of dust which can be then transfered to the record. Also the damping ability is very limited which can be a problem with metal platters. Thick rubber mats overdamp the record and have an isolation effect which leaves the static on the record and hearable noise clicks are the result.  

Leather and Cork are 2 different but very interesting options to upgrade the sound quality. Resonances Are damped more effectively than felt, they keep dust away and they have also enough contactivity to avoid static.  

What is better depends on taste and the actual platter design.A very cost effective way to improve the sound and have less noise by static and dust. You can hear a difference!  

This 12" cork mat is designed to fit all Pro-Ject series turntable platters (except the Debut Series). The use of cork gives the mat special sonic qualities, well-suited to certain deck/cartridge combinations, and also different room-types.

• Alternative platter mats with special sound characteristics
• Substitutes felt mats
• Damping of resonances from metal turntable platters
• Less noise
• Avoids static load
• Suitable for all turntables
• Perfect combined with Clamp it