| Introduction
Now-a-days more emphasis is being put into the design and manufacture
of mouse pads, unlike a few years ago when there were only those
floppy rubber/foam (whatever material it is, but you know what
I mean) mouse pads. With the introduction of more advanced pc
games and optical mice, more detail has gone into the development
of today’s mouse pads. They now range from plastic to
aluminum and even glass. This just shows you that the manufacturers
are putting a lot of thought into making the best mouse pad
to put on the market. Now for the gamers out there or anyone
who needs extreme accuracy you know that the right mouse pad
is essential or it can cost you your game or add unnecessary
time to your work.
Well today I have the privilege of being able
to review another great product from SteelPad. The great people
over there were kind enough to send us their latest mouse pad;
the SteelPad 4D. As you may recall we recently did a review
on their SteelPad 4S, which was made of aluminum (Read
More). Well now they have developed their newest mouse pad
from plastic, and might I add a very tough and durable plastic.
Anyway once again they used their new worldwide
shipping service with DHL and the SteelPad 4D was in my hands
within two (2), yes, two business days. Anyway here is what
we got:
(1) SteelPad 4D
(1) Super Non-Slip Base
(1) Strip Padsurfer
(1) Padsurfer Instruction Guide
Now as soon as you remove this mouse pad from
its package, the first thing you will realize about it, is that
it is different to any other. It has two completely different
mousing surfaces. On one side there is a rough surface, and
on the other side there is an extremely smooth surface. Each
of which is there to facilitate you with whatever you may be
doing.
Features
• The 4D is made of plastic
• It has two different sides, a smooth and a rough
• It Measures 11” x 10” x 2.5mm
• Retail Price $19.95 USD
• It is made with assistance from Schroet Kommando.
Image showing how thing the SteelPad 4D actually is
Now during development of the 4D, SteelPad consulted
with Schroet Kommando, one of the best gaming clans in the world.
Now this is my idea of real R & D (for those who don't know
that's: research and development), actually going to the persons
who use the product, and getting their input on what they want
or would like to see with a new version of a product. Well done
SteelPad!
Seeing as though both sides of the 4D are for
mousing you may wonder, will the pad slide around, well I will
answer that question with one word, NEVER! The 4D includes a
“Super Non-Slip Base”, essentially what it is, is
a fairly thin almost rubber or maybe foam pad. I have seen this
exact material used in bars and restaurants as either placemats
or coasters. It is made into the same shape as the 4D and when
centred on the 4D it has around 5mm (0.5 cm) of space between
it and the edge of the 4D. So there is no chance of it getting
in your way, while still holding the 4D secure.
Super Non-Slip Base
Close up of the Non-Slip Base
Unlike the previous SteelPad 4S, the 4D is compatible
with ALL mice. With the new dual surface, depending on what
you may be doing, one side may work better for that particular
task. During testing both sides worked perfectly. The accuracy
was impeccable to say the least. Another nice feature of the
4D seeing as it is so thin and made of plastic it can be easily
stored and transported just about anywhere. It is extremely
flexible, which adds even more to its appeal.
Smooth side of SteelPad 4D
Rough side of SteelPad 4D
Now the only set-up that was required was the
application of the padsurfers on the feet of the mouse. The
padsurfers is just a strip of Teflon tape. A small strip of
Padsurfer is applied to the feet of the mouse which reduces
much of the friction between the mouse and the SteelPad; or
any mousing surface. They also help to improve the accuracy
of mouse tracking.
To apply the Padsurfer, measure and cut a piece
of the tape a bit larger than the size of the feet of the mouse.
Next remove the backing from the tape, and adhere it to the
mouse. Ensure to seal the edges with your finger nail, to avoid
having the tape rise up and peel off.
(Note: Enough Padsurfer tape is included to apply it to roughly
three (3) mice.)
 
Now while the SteelPad 4D worked great without
the Padsurfers, it worked even better with them on.
Conclusion
SteelPad has done it again! This is a wild mouse
pad. The fact that it is a dual surface mouse pad is great,
for those who rather a faster surface, the smooth side is for
you. The rough surface would be a little slower, but works just
as great, one may say that the rough surface may be a little
more accurate.
Again I must mention SteelPad's use of DHL Worldwide
Express delivery service. Once your ordered is shipped it will
be in your hands within 5 business days.
Once again, this is a great as is its sibling
the SteelPad 4S except this one upped the ante! If you are looking
for a mouse pad that is accurate, and will work with any mouse,
both optical AND the standard roller ball mice, the SteedPad
4D is the answer for you. At $19.95 how can you go wrong?
After carefully thinking about the SteelPad
4D, I am happy to give SteelPad their second Wild 10 Rating
and the WildReviews.com Seal of Approval!
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