It's softer and easier to apply than the vinyl tape you saw on every bike in the 1970's and 80's.
Cork tends to thin over time, though, and it's rather easy to tear during installation.
Our friends at Salsa have just introduced an alternative to cork with their Goma tape. It's a rubberized tape that keeps its suppleness over thousands of miles of usage. Your hands won't slip on it when they're sweaty, and you get the cool Salsa script logo and Salsa peppers subtly embossed on the tape. We're in love with the stuff. Comes in black, gray, yellow, red and blue .