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Product:
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SteelPad S&S Pro Gaming Mouse Pad |
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Price:
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$45 (CDN) / $40 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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SteelSeries
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Author:
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clsGrinder
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Date:
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August 1st, 2006
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Rating:
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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With the nylon carry case opened, we see the SteelPad S&S inside with bundled S&S pad surfers. While the SteelPad website
classifies the S&S as a "medium" mouse pad, the size of this item is massive. True to the design of the carry case, the
SteelPad logo is featured on the bottom left corner of the mouse pad.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The surface texture looks to be quite effective. This is the "secret ingredient" for mouse surfaces of this type. The
peaks and valleys work to reduce the overall contact surface area of the mouse and the mouse pad. This reduced surface
area causes the mouse to glide over the surface with very little effort. If the surface is too smooth, the mouse will
not glide as well, if the surface is too textured, the mouse pad will feel too rough. For comparison purposes, the ever
popular RatPadz rests side by side with the SteelPad S&S. No matter how you use this SteelPad, bigger IS better.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The bottom of the SteelPad S&S has a mirror finish. Being perfectly flat and smooth it will sit flush on your table top or desk. Soft rubber is lightly
sprayed on the bottom to ensure non slip performance. It grips the bottom of the pad very well and I predict that wear
and tear will be a non issue even after long term use.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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To illustrate how thin this mouse pad is, I rested it on top of my RatPadz. I must say, that being used to the raised
older pad, the thin profile of the SteelPad is a nice difference. The bundled Pad Surfers appear to be oval shaped
pieces of nylon backed with a strong adhesive. You use the Pad Surfers to replace the existing feet on your mouse, if
the old ones are worn or damaged. Worn or damaged mouse feet can wear out the texture of the SteelPad over time. I
think the idea of bundling replacement mouse feet is excellent, it keeps the SteelPad working like new, and it even
gives a new feel to your old gaming mouse as well.
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Conclusion:
The SteelPad S&S Pro Gaming Mouse Pad arrived for review on the eve of a big 4 day summer LAN party. Needless to say,
the SteelPad S&S received extensive marathon testing, and I am very pleased with this product. The surface texture picks
up violent and subtle movements of the mouse with deadly precision. The added size ensures you spend less time playing
on the edge of the mouse surface, and more in the middle. I also like the added comfort of a low profile mouse pad, and
once the rubber sprayed backing digs into your gaming desk or table, the pad doesn’t slip, period. I totally recommend
the SteelPad S&S to any gamer, as it totally blew my old RatPadz out of the water. One thing to note is that this is a
solid plastic mouse surface; gamers used to the softness of neoprene style surfaces may have a hard time adjusting. If
that is the case I would probably recommend you take a look at the SteelPad QcK series, it is also less expensive. Aside
from that, this is an excellent product, and I award the SteelPad S&S Pro Gaming Mouse Pad MTB's Seal of Approval and a
final rating of 9.5 out of 10. If you have any
questions regarding this review, be sure to visit the SteelSeries
website for more information or discuss them in our forums.
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Pros:
- Perfect size
- Precise surface
- Durable plastic
- Non-slip coating on the back
- Thin and comfortable
- Bundled Pad Surfers
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Cons:
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