A few years ago, I tried out MysteryVibe’s unique Tenuto vibrator and found it somewhat wanting. Creating a vibrator that helps its user maintain an erection, stimulates neglected parts of the body, and is mutually beneficial for both the user and their partner was a noble goal, but one the company struggled to achieve. The Tenuto Mini is a much more successful attempt at the concept.

The Tenuto Mini is most similar to a vibrating cock ring, the kind that wraps around the base of a penis and has a small vibrating motor at the top and, sometimes, the bottom. But while those devices are a dime a dozen and typically flimsy, the Tenuto Mini is rigid, with a small gap at the bottom.

Embedded throughout the small device are three separate vibration motors, two in the base and one larger module at the top. In addition to motors, the two sides of the bottom half of the Tenuto Mini house flexible joints that allow you to rotate the nubs to sit comfortably snug on your penis.

The most stark difference between the Tenuto Mini and its predecessor is that it lacks the large, mound-like base that was designed to sit underneath its wearer’s perineum. This area is extremely sensitive and a prime spot to invest a little more attention, but the previous Tenuto’s solution was … less than ideal. It added a substantial amount of weight and was awkward to put on.

By making this sacrifice, the Tenuto Mini becomes much more comfortable. It’s easy to slip on and off, whether you’re erect or just on the way there. Two buttons along either side of the top are easily accessible to turn the device on and off without removing it or fumbling for the controls, which is crucial. The last thing anyone wants to do during sex is troubleshoot gadgets.

The rotating nubs at the bottom are also cleverly designed to press against the base of the penis, right where it meets the scrotum. They’re flexible enough to position easily, yet they hold their position wherever you leave them.

I found the Tenuto Mini most comfortable during solo use, but it’s great with a partner, too. Using a vibrator with a partner, especially during penetration, can sometimes be a challenging (if satisfying) logistical problem. For example, one of my partners and I often use a Magic Wand. While it feels great for both of us, someone generally has to hold it in place. That means one less hand to balance ourselves or touch each other.

The Tenuto Mini sort of solves this problem. Since it has a strong grip on me, it stays in place whether I’m on top of my partner or the other way around. On the other hand … it stays in place. If it would be more satisfying for my partner an inch or two higher, our bodies have to move, because the vibrator can’t.

This is a pretty big “your mileage may vary” issue. And by “mileage” I mean “anatomy.” Every person’s body is different. To wit, my other partner finds it much easier to keep a vibrator in the right spot, so how much you enjoy the Tenuto Mini can truly vary from person to person.

One important thing to keep in mind is how much penetration itself is enjoyable for your partner. Part of what makes the Tenuto Mini appealing is that it can provide vibration during penetration, but if that’s something that’s already difficult for your partner, then a more versatile vibrator might be better for them.

As an addition to penetrative sex, however, it’s one of the better ways I’ve found to add new sensations without requiring much extra work or attention. You can put it on, turn it on, and largely forget about it. Or at least, as much as you can forget about a powerful motor vibrating directly on your genitals.

Even if you’re not using it with a partner, I found the motors pleasantly stimulating enough to be worth occasionally breaking it out for solo play. While it’s not my favorite masturbation toy, it provides vibrations in a way that I don’t think most people with penises are accustomed to experiencing.

MysteryVibe has a long history of thinking a bit outside the box with sex toys. The Tenuto Mini is perhaps more traditional than some of its other devices, but it’s designed thoughtfully enough that it can help you and/or a partner explore a pretty wide array of new sensations.