Sound tuning through platter mat replacement! The interaction between the record and the surface can be tracked very easily by the sensitivity of a good pick up cartridge.

Common felt mats give a smooth contact between record and platter but have the disadvantage of static. This means that felt mats often collect a lot of dust which can be then transferred 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 static on the record - 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 also avoid static.

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