The Mice

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There are quite a few Steelpad reviews out on the web so we thought we would make things a bit more interesting.  We are going to really put these pads to the test!   Why do I say that?  Well, we will be throwing in a couple of modded blue optical LED mice into the mix.  These include our now “world famous” modded Logitech Dual Optical and another modded LED mouse that both have blue optical LED’s.   A major issue with using blue LED’s for optics is that the mouse will not track at all on most dark surfaces, especially black. 

Let’s first start with the un-modded Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical.  Tracking was greatly improved using the Steelpad 4S.  In fact, we had to even bring down the motion sensitivity in Windows.  We were completely satisfied with the results.  The Steelpad 4D, however, did not work quite as I expected.  The glossy side did not work at all with this mouse.   The rough side worked well but not quite as good as with the Steelpad 4S. 

Next, we threw in the blue optical LED mice in to see if we were able to use any of the two pads.   This was rather interesting.   Unfortunately, the Steelpad 4S did not workout with either of these mice.   No tracking at all.  Then we tested out the glossy side of the Steelpad 4D but again no luck.  Just when I'd lost all hope, I flipped the 4D over to the rough side.  Wow!  I was completely amazed!   Both of the mice worked flawlessly.  In fact, the rough side of the 4D offered the best tracking I've been able to achieve out of these two blue LED mice.  Like the Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical, we even had to go in and adjust the mouse motion sensitivity in Windows.   I was completely hooked on the 4D rather than the 4S at this point. 

Note: The smooth (glossy) side of the Steelpad 4D was designed for ball mice.  That explains why are optical mouse did not work with the pad.   The 4D was designed to be compatible with both types of mice.

Check out Xoxide.com's full line of Mouse Pads, including the Steelpad 4S and SteelPad 4D

Conclusion

There were obviously some mixed results with these two innovative mouse pads.  The Steelpad 4S is a highly attractive mouse pad that will allow you to unleash the full potential of your existing optical mouse.  While slightly more expensive, it offers superb tracking and with the included teflon pad, will make your mouse almost feel as if it where floating on the pad.  It's definitely a suitable mouse pad for hardcore gamers.  The Steelpad 4D, however, will be an excellent pad for those who have modded their mice with blue LED's.  As most already know, you'll have to sacrifice a bit of performance when you change your optical LED's to blue.  The red LED's increase the contrast of the surface it is lighting up, offering excellent responsiveness.  When you change them to blue, the mice just don't perform quiet as well.  Using the rough side of the 4D will work wonders on these mice.  They will practically bring them back to life.  Overall, we were quite impressed with these pads despite their minor flaws. 

Questions? Comments?  Discuss them here!