Intro:

    Here in the second of three X-ray mouse pad reviews, we have the Thunder9. While it inherits both the awesome surfaces of the Thunder8, though, you have to pick either the smooth, or the rough, because there are technically two different pads. However, the larger surface that gamers demand is here, which should be the major selling point for the Thunder9. Continue on if you'd like to find out more...


Company info:

    X-ray Technology LTD was founded in 2003 and specializes in developing and manufacturing excellent mouse pads and accessories for the professional computer user. We've acquired plenty of experience with experimentation, management, and quality control. Sincerity, warmth, honesty, renovation, and high efficiency are our principals, and we believe firmly in offering better quality products and brand names you can trust.


Features of the BK1/BL1:(Smooth) and BK2/BL2: (Rough):

  * Giant surface size guarantees freedom of borderless movement.
  * Unique award-winning surface of THUNDER8 is inherited.
  * Best support for optical mice meets the highest industrial standard.
  * ABS base is enduring, distortion-free and anti-erosion.
  * Silicon rubber feet enable firm grasp to your desk
  * Back surface in beehive shape ensures best flatness and firmness.
  * Dimensions: 350mm×280mm×4mm
 

The Packaging:

    Unlike the Thunder8, the Thunder9 is just enclosed in cardboard. The back has the features as seen above. Tossing it around in my head for quite a while, the one color printing of the Thunder9 really doesn't portray the treat you'll get when you get your pad out. The tin with the Thunder8 was a great idea, and functional even, but you get another little bonus with the Thunder9 too. It's really not as grand though, this time, it's a mesh carrying case/protector for your pad. That of course is looked at below.

(1) Top of packaging	(2) Back of packaging

Mesh is good, mesh is good, and stuff:

    After carefully cutting the tape that holds the cardboard around the mesh carrying case, and the pad of course, we have what you see below. Pull the two Velcro straps, and you can remove your pad. The pad also comes with some Zerofriction mouseskates. It also has a nice sewn in logo on the back right of the carrier. I'd think the logo would be better served on the front, but who cares really. We'll get back to the mouseskates a bit later...

(3) Front of mesh carrying case	(4) Back of carrying case	(5) Stitched in logo

The pad and a closer look:

    If you didn't catch it above, the pad measures 350mm×280mm×4mm. In inches, for the only presence in the world that doesn't use the metric system is, 13.7" x  11" x .16". It's barely much higher than any plain old cloth generic mouse pad. So those that like your mouse pads low, you'll dig this one...

(6) The pad

    Taking a look at picture 7, you'd probably think the pad won't move in use. Yes, you are right. The eleven soft silicone pads, should hold your pad on just about any surface. I say just about, because it probably won't work on a carpet. But who uses a mouse pad on a carpet? And I have no idea where that came from in my mind. I guess I'll leave it at that.

(7) Bottom of the pad	(8) Close up of rubber pad

The mouseskates:

    A 10 pack of oval Zerofriction mouseskates is included as aforementioned. Consider it a trial, since the (TP5A) pack comes in a 30 pack. It's welcome though, if you are one that likes to receive a bit more for your purchase. It's also a good marketing idea, since you'll probably like them, and want to get more in the future. The 30 pack retails for around $5 USD, so your future potential purchase isn't going to break the bank at all.

(9) ZeroFriction Mouse Skates

Hey! There is the pad:

    Even though the Razer Viper, as pictured below, is a smaller mouse, the below comparison to the Thunder8, the Thunder9, and of course the mouse, should give you a better interpretation of the size of the Thunder9.

(10) T8, T9, and Razer Viper

Another color?:

    There is purportedly another color frame for the T9, if you will. It's only on the X-ray Technology LTD website at this time of writing. I think it looks quite neat, but to each is own I guess. Enjoy the picture, it's courtesy of X-Ray...

(11) Blue border variation

Pictures of the surfaces of each (smooth and rough):

    More accurately, I should say attempted pictures of the surfaces. I guess you could gauge it by the flash though. I tried many, many times, to try and show you the difference in surfaces, but my camera didn't agree as much as my eyes did. You can think of it as this, if you need to choose a surface for the T9. Smooth, you like it well, smooth. Rough, you like a bit more feedback, or like other hard plastic pads. Keep in mind that the mouseskates will improve smoothness on each surface, I personally prefer the smooth one. One with an old ball mouse should probably choose the rough surface, but really, both of the surfaces are very good.

(12) Smooth	(13) Rough

Summary:

    To keep this one somewhat short, a read of the T8 is almost needed. But only if you feel you need more commentary on the surfaces worded differently. Both of the T9 pads are very good. Especially good for those who want a larger mousing surface. I, myself, don't use much, so in all actuality, the T9 pad is a bit big for me. But it is nice to have that extra space available if need be. Your biggest choice would be smooth, or rough. You already probably know what surface you would prefer, so, I have no doubt you'd enjoy your pad if purchased. Less than 25 dollars USD isn't a big bank roll breaker, and you'll enjoy this pad much more than a cheap cloth pad. I'll give you my word on that.


Pros:

  • Good price
  • Both surfaces are very good
  • Larger surface than the T8
  • Sample of mouseskates included


Cons:

  • Maybe too large for some

"Another Great Mouse Pad From X-Ray!"

Closing:

    I'd like to thank X-ray Technology LTD for sending over both surfaces of the Thunder9 for review. The price is very good for a pad of this nature, below some competitors even. So you want to buy some X-ray products? A simple search will reveal all you want to know, and where. I hope you enjoyed this write up! Thanks for coming by! Until next time...


Related links:

 Thunder9 Product Page: http://www.xraypad.com/products_4.htm

 Zerofriction Mouseskates Product Page: http://www.xraypad.com/products_2.html


 

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