Introduction
If you love to game, then you probably use a mouse. Some people use the old-style ball mice, while others go for an optical mouse (conventional / trackball) or even a laser mouse. I mostly use trackball mice so I don't need to move my hand around too much, but I have a few optical mice too. I need to have a good selection of mice at my house for those tasty LAN parties I host periodically. Anyway, Hank over at Performance-PCs (www.performance-pcs.com) was able to send us a good selection of Corepad mousing products to review. Today we're going to evaluate the EYEPAD S, the EYEPAD M, the EYEPAD XL, the DESKPAD XXXL, the MAGNA Safety Glass Gaming Pad (figure 1), and three sets of SKATEZ PRO mouse feet.
(click to enlarge) | | Figure 1 The Corepad MAGNA Gaming Pad has a very slick glass surface. |
As they say in just about every industry, one size doesn't fit all. That statement is especially true for mouse pads, because the proper size mouse pad depends on many things "" the amount of space next to the keyboard, how aggressive you are when moving the mouse, and even your mouse response settings for cursor speed and things of this nature. There are also different mouse pad surfaces available, and we have two types for this review, both cloth and glass. The one I liked best might surprise you. Perhaps we should go through the specifications for these items before addressing how they perform.
Take a Closer Look
The cloth mouse pads from Corepad come in several sizes, and we have a good selection (but not all of them) for this review. In figures 2 and 3, I have laid out the pads on a glass table for size comparison. All the smaller cloth pads are 0.06 inches thick, while the DESKPAD XXXL is 0.12 inches thick "" basically twice as thick as the smaller pads. You don't really notice the difference in thickness when using the pads, but I think the reason for the greater thickness in the DESKPAD XXXL has to do with long term durability.
(click to enlarge) | | Figure 2 The cloth Corepad mouse pads laid out for comparison. |
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(click to enlarge) | | Figure 3 The DESKPAD is 0.12 inches thick, the others are 0.06 inches. |
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Corepad EYEpad and DESKPAD series cloth mouse pad specifications from Corepad's web site:
The Corepad EYEpad is the result of a cooperation between Core Gaming Gear and Team EYEBALLERS (founded in Sweden in 1998). It's one of the thinnest cloth mouse pads on the market, and it's still comfortable for the wrist. The EYEpads are:
- Very durable, flexible and smooth cloth
- Great for high sensitivity mouse settings
- Compatible with all mice (laser, optical, and ball mice)
- Specifically designed non-slip rubber backing
- Washable with regular dish soap and a damp sponge
Measurements:
- 255 X 220 X 1.6 mm / 10 X 8.66 X 0.06 inches [EYEpad small]
- 325 X 290 X 1.6 mm / 12.8 X 11.4 X 0.06 inches [EYEpad medium]
- 455 X 40.5 X 1.6 mm / 17.9 X 15.9 X 0.06 inches [EYEpad XL]
- 900 X 450 X 3.0 mm / 35.4 X 17.7 X 0.12 inches [DESKPAD XXXL]
The MAGNA safety glass gaming pad is closer to something I was using already. On one of my machines I have a Thermaltake plastic mouse pad with an LED surrounding light strip. It works well enough, but I bought it for the light show. Anyway, the MAGNA is quite a bit heavier and shall I say 'much more stylish'? In figures 4 and 5, you can see how well protected the MAGNA is for shipping and UPS handling! You get a strip of Teflon tape, a nice anti-skid pad, and then the MAGNA itself, which is shown in figure 6.
(click to enlarge) | | Figure 4 Packaging for the MAGNA gaming pad. |
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(click to enlarge) | | Figure 5 Open up the box, and see how well protected the glass is. |
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(click to enlarge) | | Figure 6 The MAGNA gaming pad looks perfect "" no scratches. |
The Corepad MAGNA safety glass mouse pad specifications from Corepad's web site:
After years of research for a great gaming mouse pad that delivers both the precision needed by those with a passion for gaming, together with the durability required by the discerning computer user, we have developed the Corepad safety glass mouse pads.
Incorporating a unique branding feature, the Corepad safety glass mouse pads offer a super-responsive surface. Our construction methods ensure that the Corepad safety glass mouse pads will outlast our competitor's products which mean that you will never be let down again. The MAGNA :
- Fencing is branded into the glass so it's extremely hardwearing
- Offers precision and a smooth gaming surface
- For low and high sensitivity mouse settings
- The safety glass is impossible to bend or distort
- Inclusive non-slip rubber base
- Easy to clean
Measurements:
315 X 255 X 4.0 mm / 12.4 X 10.0 X 0.16 inches [MAGNA]
Lastly, we have the SKATEZ PRO mice feet. Three packages were sent, each one containing two sets of mice feet for either a specific mouse, or a range of mice models. The three sets we have are for the Logitech MX1000, the Razer Diamondback-Copperhead, and the Logitech models MX500, 510, 518, 700, and 900. Figure 7 shows you the packaging for these items, and in figure 8 you can see how the Teflon pads differ in shape.
(click to enlarge) | | Figure 7 Three packages of SKATEZ PRO mice feet. |
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(click to enlarge) | | Figure 8 Different pads to cover the wide range of mice designs. |
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The Corepad SKATEZ PRO mice feet specifications from Corepad's web site:
Corepad SKATEZ PRO are new and smoother mice feet and therefore increase accuracy while gaming. They reduce the amount of friction between the mouse and the mouse pad. Because Corepad SKATEZ PRO are made from pure untextured Teflon, it delivers premium glide across any surface. The Corepad SKATEZ PRO mice feet are able to provide the same 'feel' from the first day you use them until the day when they're worn thin after months of gaming. Each package contains two sets of mice feet.
Corepad SKATEZ PRO are available for 8 different mice designs. Also available are normal Corepad SKATEZ mice feet which are designed for all-around use. These are made of solid Teflon. Simply adjust the tape to the mouse feet to increase accuracy.
- PRO-1 Logitech G1, MX200, and Razer Viper
- PRO-2 Logitech MX500, MX510, MX518, MX700, and MX900
- PRO-3 Microsoft IE 3.0, Intellimouse 1.1, 1.1 special edition
- PRO-4 Logitech MX310
- PRO-5 Razer Diamondback "" Copperhead
- PRO-6 Logitech MX1000
- PRO-7 Microsoft IE 4.0 optical blue, Laser 6000
- PRO-8 Logitech G5, G7
- All around use "" 50 X 2 cm Teflon tape
Now that we've gone over the specs, let's put these pads to good use...
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