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Computer Specials |
Steelpad 4D Gaming Mouse PadProvided By: Steelpad Any gamer knows that a split second is the difference between fragging and getting fragged. A simple stutter with a mouse or not being able to move the mouse quick enough could be your death. What causes a mouse to stutter or not move freely? A mouse pad that does not perfectly reflect light or whose surface is not slick will cause a mouse to stutter. Steelpad has created the Steelpad 4D for gamers. This mouse pad promises a slick surface with strong reflecting ability. The pad also promotes a non-slippery base to protect against the pad sliding.
Packaging: There is not much you can do with the packaging of a mouse pad, but the Steelpad 4D comes in a professional looking box. Specifications: Steelpad 4D is made of special durable plastic compound. One side is very hard and slick and the other is softer and rougher. Both surfaces are easy to clean.
Tired of small mouse pads, the Steelpad is one of the largest I have seen. While this may not fit on a small desk or keyboard tray, the pad does allow for a lot of movement. The pad is 11 inches by 10 inches, 40 to 50 percent larger than a standard mouse pad. A mesh base is included to prevent against the pad slipping. When installed under the mouse pad, the pad will not move at all. I hate when a mouse pad starts to slide on me and suddenly the mouse is moving back and forth over the ridge.
Padsurfer: Included with the Steelpad 4D is Steelpad Padsurfer. Padsurfer is a Teflon tape with a very slick surface on one side. Apply the tape to the feet of your mouse to improve the slickness of the mouse. The mouse will now glide very easy over the mouse pad surface. Padsurfer is great for mice that have seen a lot of use. The pads on the mouse become worn over time and the mouse will not glide as easily. Padsurfer is the perfect product for restoring mouse feet.
Usage: I used the Steelpad 4D for a couple of days without Padsurfer. The mouse did glide easier on both surfaces than my cheap $5 mouse pad. At first the optical Logitech that I had did not work on the slick side. Then all of a sudden it started working, not sure if the surface was too reflective. While working on graphics and playing a games I found the pad to improve my performance a small amount. I am not a heavy gamer so my skills are a little shaky to begin with. Although, I found it easier to hit targets quickly by moving the mouse. I was able to draw straighter free hand lines and perform touch up jobs faster with less errors in PhotoShop. Padsurfer is the money. It takes effort to install but the effort is well worth it. I recommend using a razor blade. The tape must be cut, peeled from its backing and placed over the feet. Once installed, the mouse flies across the mouse pad. I could easily work on graphics and whip around to catch targets in games. I have only tested Padsurfer for a couple of days now, so I cannot say how long it will last. I have read on some sites that state under heavy use, the tape lasts about a month. The tape costs $3 to $4 by itself. Each piece of tape should do 4 to 5 mice. The material of the Steelpad 4D does not hold heat. If you have used gel wrist pads or let your wrist wrest on some mouse pads will notice after hours of use, your wrist is sweating. Of course, if you have the proper ergonomic setup your wrist should never wrest against the mouse pad. Conclusion: Now the question on everyone's mind, why should I pay $20 for a mouse pad? If you are an occasional gamer or even a moderate gamer, I would say stick with a simple mouse pad. I would also tell you, pick up the Teflon tape. I found that to be the biggest improvement over all. If you are a heavy gamer or into graphics design, this mouse pad will be worth the money. Pros:
Cons:
Rating: (Ratings Possible Terrible, Very Bad, Bad, Fair, Good, Very Good, Excellent) |
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