Steelpad 5L Professional Gaming Mouse Pad

Reviewed by Jeb Haught
October 26, 2006

Manufacturer: Steel Series Platform(s): PC Website: Click Here Review Rating: 9 out of 10

Steelpad 5L mouse pad layers. Courtesy Steel Series. Click image to enlarge.

With video games becoming more and more complex, hardcore gamers are always looking for top-notch equipment that will give them an edge over other players. While most agree that having powerful computers and laser mice are essential, some overlook one of the most basic pieces of hardware that can make a big difference, the mouse pad.

The majority of mouse pads available are all variations of the same thing, a small, pad made of foam that offers a smooth surface. However, SteelSeries is one of the first companies to design and release a professional gaming pad, called the Steelpad 5L. Don't let the name fool you, as there is no metal to be found anywhere on the 5L, but it does have five layers of advanced material designed to woo your mouse away from any other mouse pad.

For starters, the top layer is made of a thin plastic coating that adds durability and helps to maintain the texture of the underlying cloth. The second layer is made up of a highly durable cloth that provides a smooth gliding surface that is unparalleled by any other mouse pad. In fact, it is so enjoyable that my friend announced that he is going to buy one after moving my laser mouse around only a few times. Personally, I find the 5L's surface to be extremely reactive, allowing for pinpoint accuracy in gaming. I would hate to go back to a regular mouse pad after using the 5L.

Underneath the cloth outer layer is a soft polyisoprene pad that is designed to be easy on the wrist. Anyone who uses their PC for extended periods of time will definitely appreciate any feature that alleviates or eliminates hand soreness. Below the foam layer is a hard plastic compound designed to maintain the shape of the pad, but I find that it isn't necessary. The least of my concerns is whether my mouse pad will maintain its rigidity. The last layer is a splatter paint design of rubber elements to provide a non-slippery surface so the pad won't move around. I find that it works pretty well, but my pad does tend to move an inch or so during gaming sessions.

At first glance, the Steelpad 5L is both awesome and…well…kind of large. Sporting 15 x 11 inch dimensions, it is definitely the biggest mouse pad that I have ever seen. However, it only takes a few minutes to get used to the size, and my mouse never, and I mean never, leaves the pad. The last thing a gamer needs when involved in a frantic gaming session is for their mouse to fall off the end of the pad during gunfights.

On the top of the Steelpad 5L is an awesome computer designed image that is befitting of such a high quality product. While only one image is available, it is much better than the generic pictures found on most mouse pads.

All in all, the SteelSeries SteelPad 5L professional gaming mouse pad is the best mouse pad available on the market, and at $40 new, it better be.

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