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fUnc sUrface 1030 review


Introduction and Product Specifications

Introduction:

Steelpad has improved upon the design of the 3s by listening to enthusiasts and increasing the overall size of the pad. The larger Steelpad 4s is geared towards Professional Gamers and dedicated gamers alike.

Price:
Price: DKK 299,00 (EUR 40,24 / USD 46,28 ) + shipping

Steelpad 4s Product Description:

Steelpad is a new way to demand more from your mose. A new surface based on the durabiliity and smooth surface that metal brings you. Steelpad offers a unique surface treatment, so you get optimal performance, whether you use a ballmouse or an optical mouse.

Specifications:
*/  3.5mm Aluminum Plate
*/  Treated, to ensure both comfortability and traction
*/  Hardened to ensure durability under all conditions
*/  Fiber Polished
*/  8 feet to prevent the Steelpad from sliding
*/  Extra-Large Surface Area
*/  Dimensions:  Length 290 mm - Width 257 mm - Thickness 3.5 mm (feet included)

NOTE: Does not work with Logitech Optical mice other than the MX Series

Steel PadSurfer:
Our product came with Steel Padsurfer teflon tape to allow less friction between the Steelpad 4s and the mouse itself.


Packaging

- The packing for the product is adequate for shipping. Our review sample was shipped internationally and made it without any damage. No frills or whistles here, just a Steelpad 4s and some cardboard.

Construction and Features

Construction:

The Steelpad 4s is a very sturdy and durable pad. However it's aluminum composition makes it much lighter than you'd expect. Unlike some metal mousepads the Steelpad feel sturdy and is definitely not flimsy.

The downside to using metal however, especially when it is black is that it can and most likely will scratch over prolonged use.

The pad is the extra large version and the increased surface area allows for greater movement of the mouse. While the extra space can greatly aid those with a lower sensitivity it will take up a large portion of your desk since it is nearly the size of two standard mousepads.

The eight feet on the bottom of the mousepad prevent it from sliding. I never had a problem with the pad moving during testing. This is usually a problem with regular mousepads, or pads that do not include proper anti-sliding measures.

When you buy a pad you are hoping it will last a long time. When you buy a premium mousepad such as the Steelpad 4s you'd probably expect it to last even longer. After over a month of use I can attest to the fact that this mousepad definitely holds its own. Cleaning is very easy in general and the amount of dirt and dust on the pad is considerably less when compared to other surfaces such as cloth.

Overall, the construction of the Steelpad 4s is superb. It was definitely made with durability in mind. Its aluminum body makes it lightweight so that you can take it wherever you go while still withstanding the test of time. The quality of this pad is self-evident, a lot of care went into making this pad just right for Professional use.


Mouse Pad Impressions and Conclusion

Impressions:

Although the Steelpad 4s is geared exlusively towards Professional Gamers I found that it worked well under all tasks. The Steelpad is definitely a contender for the top gaming mousepad. It really depends on what your style is though. For hard mousepads, the Steelpad 4s is one of, if not the best.

The surface is a lot harder than rubber or cloth mousepads. Whether or not this is a factor to you depends on how you hold the mouse and where you place your mouse at on your desk. I prefer "soft" pads since a portion of my wrist is resting on the pad at all times. However, this does not detract from the performance or operation when competing with the pad, it's merely a personal opinion.

I highly recommend using the Teflon Tape in conjunction with this product. Metal tends to produce a slight scraping sound. If you don't use the Teflon Tape on your mouse feet that noise is too irritating for words. When using the tape you reduce the friction, thus improving the glide of the mouse, and improve overall accuracy.

I used the Steelpad in professional Quake III Arena matches and can testify first hand that it is well suited for the professional gaming market. However, I would do some research based on your playing style to see whether or not this mouse is best suited for you.

Conclusion:

Professional Gamers and non-Professionals alike will enjoy the Steelpad 4s. If you are in the market for a metal mousepad then look no further than the Steelpad 4s. Since it is geared towards Pros is price tag may be out of the reach for some. I highly recommend testing driving one out to see if it is right for you since picking a mousepad for profesional gaming is a lot like picking your mouse. It takes a lot of time to get used to it, and even more time to perfect your play while using it in competition.

The Steelpad 4s is available for DKK 299,00 (EUR 40,24 / USD 46,28 ) + shipping at Steelpad.com

Product provided by SteelPad.

Final Score:
Style: 9.8/10
Performance: 9.8/10
Durability: 9.9/10
Value: 8.0/10
Overall: 9.4
 
 
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