SteelSeries SP
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Each mouse ran as well as the last. The surface of the SP is very easy to use, gliding the mice effortlessly but not allowing them to slip or be uncontrollable. We were very impressed with the performance of these mice on the pad, and with only one small snag along the way, the SP has been one of the bestmousepads we've ever seen.
For whatever reason, which we haven't yet identified explicitly, the Razer Lachesis had very poor performance on the SP. We've researched and found this problem not uncommon for the Lachesis and other laser mice, and theorize that it occurs because the Lachesis' highly-sensitive laser just doesn't like the bumpy surface of the SP.
That's right, the surface of the SP is actually extremely bumpy, though you can't see it well with the naked eye. But you can feel it, and while that very small bumpy texture does well with most mice on the market, some will refuse to run efficiently. The Lachesis pronounced it's distaste clearly by barely working and being very jumpy during testing with it. Suffice to say, it was unusable with the Lachesis.
We were also impressed by the thin form factor, which is not as common today in gaming mousepads. The small curve on the bottom of the SP gave added comfort. The texture on the backside of the SP held it firmly in place on nearly all tested surfaces, and unless you're playing on a tabletop covered in olive oil (and maybe even then) it will stay in place.
Final Thoughts
The SP performed marvelously in most of our tests, and it's unfortunate that there's so little to say about mousepads in general. It's low profile and enhanced control and surface put nothing but smiles on our faces, though the bumpy surface was unfortunate because the Lachesis didn't work on it, which means that future mice may find the same problem.
For now, however, the SP makes for an excellent addition to your gaming hardware. At $40, it isn't cheap, but the good stuff rarely is.
Highs
Excellent feel, comfortable, durable, great for travelers.
Lows
Not compatible with all mice, may not be future proof.
Final verdict
A solid mousepad that is our choice for mousepads, but it's incompatibility with some mice is disheartening. A respectable pad.
85%
Apr 3, 2008
Review by James Pikover.
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Home : Hardware : Reviews : SteelSeries SP
Performance
As stated earlier, we tested the SP with four different mice and used a variety of different games and applications. We pit each mouse on the SP and let it do whatever job/game was at hand, meaning everything from internet browsing to photo editing to gaming. This entire review was written while the SP in use.
Don't try to focus on the SP, it's texture makes it close to impossible. Unless you want a headache, of course.
Each mouse ran as well as the last. The surface of the SP is very easy to use, gliding the mice effortlessly but not allowing them to slip or be uncontrollable. We were very impressed with the performance of these mice on the pad, and with only one small snag along the way, the SP has been one of the bestmousepads we've ever seen.
For whatever reason, which we haven't yet identified explicitly, the Razer Lachesis had very poor performance on the SP. We've researched and found this problem not uncommon for the Lachesis and other laser mice, and theorize that it occurs because the Lachesis' highly-sensitive laser just doesn't like the bumpy surface of the SP.
The rubber on the back, textured so it would never leave while in use.
That's right, the surface of the SP is actually extremely bumpy, though you can't see it well with the naked eye. But you can feel it, and while that very small bumpy texture does well with most mice on the market, some will refuse to run efficiently. The Lachesis pronounced it's distaste clearly by barely working and being very jumpy during testing with it. Suffice to say, it was unusable with the Lachesis.
A closer look at the Macroscopic texture at first glance seems normal enough, but with a little lighting...
...we can see just how bumpy the surface really is. Like you're little brother's face.
We were also impressed by the thin form factor, which is not as common today in gaming mousepads. The small curve on the bottom of the SP gave added comfort. The texture on the backside of the SP held it firmly in place on nearly all tested surfaces, and unless you're playing on a tabletop covered in olive oil (and maybe even then) it will stay in place.
Final Thoughts
The SP performed marvelously in most of our tests, and it's unfortunate that there's so little to say about mousepads in general. It's low profile and enhanced control and surface put nothing but smiles on our faces, though the bumpy surface was unfortunate because the Lachesis didn't work on it, which means that future mice may find the same problem.
For now, however, the SP makes for an excellent addition to your gaming hardware. At $40, it isn't cheap, but the good stuff rarely is.
Highs
Excellent feel, comfortable, durable, great for travelers.
Lows
Not compatible with all mice, may not be future proof.
Final verdict
A solid mousepad that is our choice for mousepads, but it's incompatibility with some mice is disheartening. A respectable pad.
85%
Apr 3, 2008
Review by James Pikover.
Send this review to a friend.
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