SteelPad QcK
www.SteelPad.com
Price: Around $12

In today's world of high tech toys and expensive computer setups, people many times overlook the small details that can make a huge difference to their computing experience. One such category that is overlooked quite frequently is input devices. These devices, keyboards, mice, trackpads, etc, are what let you use your computer comfortably and easily. But many people just stick with whatever came with their computer or whatever freebie they picked up at some clearance sale. One such item that usually gets no attention is the Mouse Pad.

SteelPad is one of a small group of companies that has set out on a mission to make quality mouse pads that make your computing experience not only more enjoyable, but also more accurate. Today I am going to take a look at their SteelPad QcK which is a medium sized cloth pad that delivers good performance for all types of mice.

When looking at higher quality mouse pads there are usually two types, cloth (soft) and plastic (hard). I have always preferred cloth pads, but some like the smoother feel of plastic pads. The QcK is a cloth pad, but it is supposedly more durable and longer lasting than other "freebie" type cloth pads which always tend to wear out quickly.

The QcK comes in a nice looking cardboard box that is decked out with logos and a nice green color. Inside you will find the QcK rolled up and all ready to be used.

Once taken out of the box, I first noticed how thin the pad is compared to many other mouse pads out there. This is extremely nice as you do not have the edge rubbing against your arm when you rest your arm on your desk while you are using your mouse.

(Thickness comparison (QcK is on the left))

Another thing that will catch your eye right away is the size. At 12.6" x 11.2" the QcK is a bit larger than most normal mouse pads. This is great for those of us who always have felt that our mouse pad is too small, plus with my dual monitor setup it allows me to have ample scrolling room to move my mouse from screen to screen without having to pickup my mouse every few scrolls. The design of the pad itself is very appealing to the business professional and the hardcore gamer with its clean all black look and just a small SteelPad logo in the corner. Since my mouse, keyboard, and monitors are all black (like most peoples these days) the QcK fit in perfectly.

(My setup with the QcK, You've got to love how it blends in!)

(QcK with blue "freebie" mouse pad on top)

So what makes a professional (non freebie) mouse pad so great? Is it really worth the money? Well lets take a look!

My setup before consisted of my Logitech G7 Laser mouse and one of those standard freebie mouse pads that I (and most people) have always used. I also have a Microsoft Standard Optical Wired mouse that I used before my G7. With the normal mouse pad, the accuracy of the pointer on screen seemed to be much less and if you moved the mouse very fast across the pad, you could tell that the mouse skipped a bit. The friction with movement was not unbearable, but it was noticeably there and it felt as if you were pushing the mouse over the pad.

(Close up of QcK logo)

Now switching to the QcK the first thing I liked was the thinness of the pad. I use a wooden desk and compared to the normal pad the difference in height is very noticeable. While using the QcK I can barely tell it was there since it is so thin. The next extremely noticeable difference is the way the mouse felt while moving it around on the QcK. It almost feels like it is floating compared to the normal pad. On the QcK, both of my mice also felt more accurate. They do not skip around at all and that makes gaming and working with photos (the two main things I use my PC for) much easier.

(You can see the slight wear pattern, but this actually will clean off easily with the wipe of a damp cloth)

Overall I feel at around $12 the QcK is a must buy for any computer user. Providing a better feel, more space to work with, and a great look, the QcK add so much to your PC for so little as far as money goes. With its subtle logo it is also professional enough for a business environment, yet sporty enough for the hardcore gamer!

Pros:

• Extremely Thin
• Larger than the average mouse pad
• Smooth and Accurate Scrolling
• Low Price

Cons:

• Cloth will show dirt (but it is easy to clean off)

Thanks to SteelPad for the Review Sample!