Intro:

    Steelpad? Yes, but technically, it really isn't steel, it is aluminum that has been specially treated and anodized for comfort, traction, and durability. Measuring 9.84" x 9.45" x .14" thick, is this the mouse pad of your dreams? Sometimes we forget how important a good mouse and pad can be to productivity, and even getting your frag on. Join me as I put the Steelpad through the paces...

The packaging:

    My Steelpad arrived all the way from Denmark to the US without a hitch. With it being only in the cardboard packaging, as you can see in Picture 2 and 3, and in the envelope, Picture 1, in about about a weeks time, undamaged from its ride. The cardboard box struck me as being very professional. It has some nice quotes on it, but there really should be some instructions on how to use the Teflon tape (Mouse skates) on there. More on that later...

 

(1) That's a lot of stamps!

 

(2) Package top	(3) Package bottom

The Pad:

    As you can see in Picture 4, eight rubber feet adorn the bottom of the mouse pad, and should keep a grip on most surfaces. On my desk, it doesn't want to move at all during normal mouse use. Also of note, the logo is laser etched into the pad. We all like lasers don't we?

 

(4) Rubber feet	(5) The pad

    Looking to the bottom of the pad, you can see some Teflon tape that is 4" long. One, the Teflon tape greatly reduces friction. Two, it also reduces noise. Trust me, you'll want to use your Teflon tape on your mouse if you are going to be using the Steelpad.

 

(6) Bottom of pad with Teflon tape	(7) Close up

Mounting the Teflon:

    I basically eyeballed a couple strips to cut out to completely cover the feet of my mouse. The Teflon tape is going to stick better than you think. And let me add it does stick to the backing very well. I got a cotton ball and some rubbing alcohol out first, and wiped down the mouse feet to make sure I had a clean surface to adhere to. I cut mine to shape, and I actually had to insert a pin between the backing and the Teflon to get it apart. I then had to use a pair of tweezers so I could get enough pull, to get the backing and the tape separated. Even if you have sharp fingernails, I seriously doubt you will be able to budge the tape and the backing apart. Once I was able to separate the two, the Teflon has a tendency to curl up, but without having to handle it too much, I was able to get it over the mouse feet, and secure it very nicely. In picture 10, that is dust on the pad, it is not scratched at all. I thought I'd clear that up in case you couldn't tell.

 

(8) Before Teflon tape	(9) After Teflon tape	(10) There she is

The sound byte:

    MP3 format, 9 seconds long. First you'll hear a Microsoft Intellimouse without Teflon, then the Razer Boomslang with Teflon, and back again. This really speaks for itself. Enough Teflon tape is given for maybe two, or three mice, so you had better keep some around for your pad...

Note: Please right click, Save Target As to the sound byte for local listening pleasure...

 

(11) Teflon sheets in action! You have got to hear this!

The missing instructions:

    After I noticed the Teflon tape stuck under the Steelpad, I realized what it was. So I looked around for a manual, or some instructions what to do with it. Nope, nothing. Of course they are on the USA Distributor's webpage, (Team3D Pro Shop) but that doesn't do much good if you didn't see that, or know what to do with it. I'll add that they have the nice 4" Teflon sheets available for only $3.00 USD... A good price! Get some even if you don't have a Steelpad. :) In terms of slipperiness, and quieting down your mouse, it really does wonders... Without further ado, below are the instructions.

"What to do with your Teflon tape:

1. Size the Teflon tape to the mouse feet.
2. Cut one skate for each foot of the mouse
2. Pull the red tape off of the backing. (Make sure your hands are dry so the glue doesn't rub off)
3. Press the adhesive side onto the feet of the mouse to completely cover the existing foot.
4. Make sure to seal the edges with your finger nail."

"Skates typically need to be replaced every two to three weeks."

    I've been using mine for about a week or so, and they are holding up fine. I'm sure your mileage will vary. I'd just be kind of scared if you actually ran out of Teflon tape. Again, listen to the sound byte... If you care to do the math then, the Teflon tape for your new Steelpad will cost you maybe $1.50 a month in maintenance for the Teflon. Too high for the normal user? I'd hate to think that this would be a special occasion mouse pad, but maybe there is a cheaper alternative, or something similar to the Teflon tape to cut down on the noise. Without the tape, the pad works good too, but with added noise.

Summary:

    The lack of instructions on what to do with the Teflon tape, is just a bit odd. With the professional looking packaging, and a great looking mouse pad, the lack of inclusion on the packaging, or just a simple page of printed instructions what to do with the Teflon tape is truly needed to finish off the package. Like I said, before, it is not steel, but a specially coated aluminum sheet. The process makes the pad look great, and is very tough. I don't see why this pad wouldn't last a very, very long time with the quality construction, and thought that went into making the Steelpad.

Pros:

• Smooth and accurate mouse tracking with (tested by me) optical or ball mice.

• Comes with Teflon tape for added smoothness of mouse movement and noise control.

• Durable. (It's very hard to scratch) I tried scratching the back of the pad with a key, it barely left a mark.

• Very easily to clean with just about any cleaner like glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol.

    As per usual, I sent the sponsor the review before I post it on ExtensionTech.net. Of course one bad grammatical sentence was caught because I didn't give it the final look over. But more importantly, the instructions that I griped so much about are already in the works. They will be added next month! In general, the manual or instructions being missing, or clearly inadequate, really gets my goat. I would have probably scored this review 5%-10% higher if there were instructions included...

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