Gaming mousepads!

[phillip]

I dunno if ripster is fascinated with them or not.

And "ah, I see" to the latter part of your post

[.XL]

I dunno if ripster is fascinated with them or not.

And "ah, I see" to the latter part of your post

This is what I'm referring to. It's actually pretty slick, I'd steal the idea if my desk wasn't too thick.

[hfcobra]

This is what I'm referring to. It's actually pretty slick, I'd steal the idea if my desk wasn't too thick.

I started doing that ever since he posted that pic.  Freaking awesome idea!

BTW: first thread i have made that made it over 100 posts!  WOOT!

[phillip]

Oh.  Something along those lines, but not the same.  My desk is too thick, so I have something clipped to my monitor stand.

[Atranox]

My requirements are probably easy to prioritize.

1) Video Card: I'd say first and foremost for gaming, a video card. If you can't run the game, there's nothing doing.

2) Mouse: If your mouse isn't capable of moving as quickly as you can, it's your next bottleneck, and for most competitive gaming, a mouse is required and is one of your most important tools to play the game.

3) Mouse Pad: If you could benefit from a mouse, you can benefit from a pad. It changes and further allows you to tweak the feel of your favorite mouse.

4)Headphones: Despite having a headphone fetish, headphones come dead last because most often users cannot benefit from them. They don't hear things correctly or listen correctly. This is so often the case that there's actually a market for "gaming headsets", which often times are just garbage with a mic... and people are so bad at listening they actually think these devices are good.


Some of you may notice that the keyboard isn't on the list. It doesn't fit in anywhere unless you have a keyboard that has issues with the cluster of keys you use. Other than that, it's just a feel thing.

Definitely can agree with this list - though any performance components can be put at #1.  This includes video card, CPU, and amount of RAM.  If you can't run games well, then you're certainly in some trouble.  You can have a great GPU...but if you're stuck with a Pentium and 2GB of DDR2 RAM, most of your video card is going completely unused.

I also feel that a good mouse pad is overrated - though it's a personal preference.  I have tons of mouse pads, and honestly the difference between a $40 pad and a $5 pad from Walmart is quite minimal in some cases, depending on your mouse & sensor.

[phillip]

When it comes to mousepads, not a single one of those generic $5 ones are big enough so the size difference alone is a big deal for me.

[.XL]

When it comes to mousepads, not a single one of those generic $5 ones are big enough so the size difference alone is a big deal for me.

I've tried playing games with the $5 ones (money in pocket > pretty mousepad) but I've found they just don't hold up well at all, and suck for actual games. I had gone through 5 or 6 mousepads over a few months looking for one I liked, when I finally settled on a decent belkin with wrist wrest that was juuuuuust the size I could use (almost too small). It was fine for a few months...and then started fraying everywhere. Not good. The wrist pad also split in the middle, exposing the gel. Not very well built really.

Gaming mouse pads are larger, much better made, and are better able to withstand the pressure and friction exerted on them when playing games, especially over long hours.

You actually save money buying a good mousepad. If you get a year out of it, and you play about 2 hours a day, you've saved yourself buying 5 or 6 cheap mousepads over the year.

However, I'll agree with you for wrist wrests...there's no reason to spend more than $10 on one of those.

[Surly73]

For decades I used cloth covered neoprene.  When I got a little more serious with gaming I wanted to simply get a larger one of the same thing.  Then I started looking at hard mouse pads....

Just for kicks I nabbed a double sided "Rocketfish" (OE relabelled) pad which had a "speed" and "control" side bonded to an aluminum plate.  This particular pad was a travesty but it gave me an introduction to rigid pads with less friction.  The rocketfish pad had rubber feet at the edges of the mousing surface which started to peel and get in the way.  The aluminum core also had enough flex that it interfered with the surface staying flat when I rested my hand on it.

I returned the Rocketfish and talked the sales guy down on an "open box" Razer Destructor.  Rediculously expensive, but I got it for almost half price, which just made it "expensive" instead.  I loved this pad.  Fast, smooth, large, fairly low friction, no feet, flat against your desk surface.  The problem was that after about 9 months of "average guy" wear (not all gaming, not hardcore, I have a job and kids and I'm not at my home PC all day) I found that the friction was changing across the surface due to wear.  Where the pad texture was starting to get smooth the mouse would drag more.  Great surface (for me) but low durability.

During this time I tried an Icemat I-2 I got a good deal on.  I have a problem with the may most sites, stores and manufacturers describe mouse pad properties.  They'll call a pad "flat" with "good glide" and "smooth".  Is the pad smooth?  Or is it low friction?  There were lots of good words about the glass Icemat so I thought I'd give it a try.  This was indeed nice and smooth, and was very easy to make very small precise movements with (i.e. CAD, design, Photoshop) but I didn't enjoy it for regular use.  There was too much friction and the mouse feet made a dragging noise that you could hear all over the main floor of the house when I moused around.  It would resonate in the area under the pad enclosed by the feet and get amplified.  A quality product but not for me.

I ended up with a Ratpadz XT.  Dirt cheap, rigid, thick, strong, and rough texture but low friction.  The rough texture was key for me in retaining some kind of feedback about how you were moving the mouse.  You can feel the texture of the pad creating vibrations in the mouse but the material is low friction with most mouse feet so there isn't a lot of drag created while providing the feedback.  This is completely opposite to the glass Icemat, where the frosted glass is smooth but has a fair bit of drag.  

Going back to cloth coated neoprene feels like moving my mouse through mud now.  At one point I was considering pads like the Steelseries Qck I think - large and simple cloth pads.  I was also curious about the Steelseries anodized aluminum one but it was kind of pricey and I didn't want another Icemat fiasco.

[.XL]

Just got the Artisan Kai g3 Hien (Value Edition) pad today. Definitely higher quality than my Goliathus, I like it. It's the soft one, but it's a bit harder than the Goliathus. Build quality is better, as well as the mousing speed. I like the feel of it. I think I'll spring for the Artisan Kai g3 Hien Hard in a few weeks and pass this to a friend. Definitely a good mat, it's worth the $17.  

I got the Naos 3200 as well, and I must say I'm a bit surprised. My old razer slides much easier than the Naos, though I'm assuming this has to do with the fact that the Razer's sliders are more worn than the brand new Naos. We'll have to see.

With this in mind, the Goliathus and Artisan Kai seem almost the same when using the Naos. The Razer just fliiiies without anyeffort. I suspect once the Naos gets broken in it'll feel the same.

[manfaux]

im thinking of buying a Razer Ironclad...who's got one?

[.XL]

im thinking of buying a Razer Ironclad...who's got one?

My brother ordered a razor scarab, it should be coming today or tomorrow so I'll let you know. He did some research and found the scarab is the best one of the razor hardmats

[manfaux]

My brother ordered a razor scarab, it should be coming today or tomorrow so I'll let you know. He did some research and found the scarab is the best one of the razor hardmats

the scarab is $35.. why not just get a 4HD for $20?

[.XL]

the scarab is $35.. why not just get a 4HD for $20?

Why get any razer product (other than deathadder/imperator)? They're either overpriced, not as good, or A rebrand that costs more. My brother likes razer (he doesn't want to buy stuff from other companies unless he has no other option), so he sticks with them no matter what. I'm slowly trying to offload what's left of my razer products and try out new brands, but he maintAins razer is the bet. And they are...at marketing.

And thAt, my friend, is why my brother is buying a $39.99 mousepad when he could get arguAbly the best hardhat (mionix props, I think it's called) for $25. Then again, he also makes so much money. He's a hustler...he trades stuff he has for better stuff, then sells the better stuff for more money than it's worth

[aynjell]

Why get any razer product (other than deathadder/imperator)? They're either overpriced, not as good, or A rebrand that costs more. My brother likes razer (he doesn't want to buy stuff from other companies unless he has no other option), so he sticks with them no matter what. I'm slowly trying to offload what's left of my razer products and try out new brands, but he maintAins razer is the bet. And they are...at marketing.

And thAt, my friend, is why my brother is buying a $39.99 mousepad when he could get arguAbly the best hardhat (mionix props, I think it's called) for $25. Then again, he also makes so much money. He's a hustler...he trades stuff he has for better stuff, then sells the better stuff for more money than it's worth

Some of their gear is in fact the best. The Lachesis is the best I've ever used for quake.

It's terrible for desktop use.

The best mouse between the two was the logitech G5. I just wish there was a proper successor.

[fingers of death]

The best mouse between the two was the logitech G5. I just wish there was a proper successor.

I thought the g500 was the 'proper' successor. It's the least crapped upon mouse that I've come across and mostly rated in the high 9's when it's not a 10.

[JelinaNU]

Gaming mousepads are a polarizing issue -- as we've seen in this thread, surely. I hadn't actually used a mousepad since high school, thinking them almost all marketing hype. When I recently discovered Ratpadz's guarantee, though, I ponied up for their XT model. I'm satisfied on all counts: 1.) it's a hard pad; 2.) it's fast; 3.) it's simple; and 4.) it's unbranded. My control just feels better, and I am a creature who values feel above most things. Instinctual by nature perhaps. Whatever the case, if you're curious about gaming mousepads and whether or not they're worth the cost, I recommend looking at the Ratpadz XT; if you don't like it, they'll buy it back (incl. shipping). Risk-free FTW.

[.XL]

Just played around with my brother's Razer Scarab...it's pretty awesome. Very slick, looks strong, and comes with it's own carrying case.

But I have to say...I'm quite impressed by the Artisan Hien, next mouse pad I get is going to be an Artisan Kai g3 Hien Hard mat!

[kill will]

an old wooden table is the best mousepad

[.XL]

an old wooden table is the best mousepad

Until you try to play a game you need to have reliable tracking for haha

[manfaux]

Just played around with my brother's Razer Scarab...it's pretty awesome. Very slick, looks strong, and comes with it's own carrying case.

But I have to say...I'm quite impressed by the Artisan Hien, next mouse pad I get is going to be an Artisan Kai g3 Hien Hard mat!

I wish they can make a smaller version and cut the price in half. something like the 4HD's size would be perfect.

[.XL]

I wish they can make a smaller version and cut the price in half. something like the 4HD's size would be perfect.

For which type of mousepad?

If you want a great hard mousepad, get that mionix propus or w/e it's called. Supposedly best hard mousepad on the market. The artisan kai g3 hien has a value edition that costs $17 (that's the one I got), it's quite good.

[manfaux]

For which type of mousepad?

If you want a great hard mousepad, get that mionix propus or w/e it's called. Supposedly best hard mousepad on the market. The artisan kai g3 hien has a value edition that costs $17 (that's the one I got), it's quite good.

a mini-Scarab is what I want.

2/3 of its size, throw out the carrying case nonsense, and voila! perfect!

[HaiiYaa]

a mini-Scarab is what I want.

2/3 of its size, throw out the carrying case nonsense, and voila! perfect!

It exist... its called steelseries 4hd

[manfaux]

It exist... its called steelseries 4hd

that's what I said 10 posts ago, I already got a 4HD, along with 3 other  SS pads., kinda want something new you know.

[Arc'xer]

a mini-Scarab is what I want.

2/3 of its size, throw out the carrying case nonsense, and voila! perfect!

So basically you want a mousepad about 9-10 inches by 6-8 inches. i.e. 20-25cm/360 is your sensitivity unless your a high sens and just want a small but roomy pad. And maybe with a white color to it instead of the usual colors used.

The only other mousepad that looks remotely like the scarab is the artisan shiden. Seems like the shiden is using a medium middle layer not a soft nor hard unless they haven't updated their site. Though it's not plastic it's cloth but it apparently it has a glass coating on it.

Not exactly sure why they say glass coating because it sounds like something sprayed on. But from what I read that some have translated it apparently uses glass beads or something to that nature. It's not a sheet of glass like the icemat or magna.

[.XL]

Not exactly sure why they say glass coating because it sounds like something sprayed on. But from what I read that some have translated it apparently uses glass beads or something to that nature. It's not a sheet of glass like the icemat or magna.

If it's anything like the coating on the Hien, it's quite nice. You can barely tell it's there, but it works well.

[blueslobster]

[...]
The only other mousepad that looks remotely like the scarab is the artisan shiden. Seems like the shiden is using a medium middle layer not a soft nor hard unless they haven't updated their site. Though it's not plastic it's cloth but it apparently it has a glass coating on it.

Not exactly sure why they say glass coating because it sounds like something sprayed on. But from what I read that some have translated it apparently uses glass beads or something to that nature. It's not a sheet of glass like the icemat or magna.

This mousepad indeed sounds interesting. I wonder how durable the glass coating is going to be ...

[hfcobra]

This mousepad indeed sounds interesting. I wonder how durable the glass coating is going to be ...

considering the quality that Artisan mousepads have brought to the table so far i would expect it to be nothing under spectacular

[Canada]

I don't use a mouse pad.  
I used to use a plain-black woven cloth pad, but it broke a couple years back.  Procrastination has since prevented me from buying a new pad.

[gloria9mathews]

Artisan Kai 3G is not up to the mark, I expected much more from it. You can get more reviews from the following link
http://www.esreality.com/?a=post&id=1994230

[speakeasy]

Has anyone compared how well the value editions compare to the regular artisan pads?

[.XL]

Artisan Kai 3G is not up to the mark, I expected much more from it. You can get more reviews from the following link
http://www.esreality.com/?a=post&id=1994230

Nice try, Razer guy...

Has anyone compared how well the value editions compare to the regular artisan pads?

I have the value edition and its quite good...nicer than either of my goliathus mats. I'll definitely be picking up a Shiden or regular Artisan Kai Hien in a couple months for sure.

[killy]

Artisan Kai 3G is not up to the mark, I expected much more from it. You can get more reviews from the following link
http://www.esreality.com/?a=post&id=1994230

Few questions:

- Do your mouse have teflon feet?
- Do you press your mouse down hard, or perform fast slashing motions across the pad?

[hfcobra]

Few questions:

- Do your mouse have teflon feet?
- Do you press your mouse down hard, or perform fast slashing motions across the pad?

the link he posted gave the kai a 9.8/10, he is hoping that you do not read the link and just take his word for it lol.

[Half-Saint]

Anyone here experiencing any problems when using a Logitech G5 with KAI g3.HIEN?

[jnsjr]

Another ratpadz xt user here.  I was not a believer in hard pads until I tried this one.  I previously owned a few QCK+, which were ok.  The ratpadz is pretty big, sturdy, and easy to clean.  It doesn't move at all (9 or so rubber feet and I have a wooden desk.)  The surface is fast and is just as slick as when I got it a little over one year ago.  I'm using a G9 mouse and love it.

[db_Iodine]

Anyone here experiencing any problems when using a Logitech G5 with KAI g3.HIEN?

The brief period I used my old G5 on it, no, didn't experience any problems whatsoever. Mind explaining what problems you're having with it?

[Arc'xer]

The brief period I used my old G5 on it, no, didn't experience any problems whatsoever. Mind explaining what problems you're having with it?

One of the criticism about the G5 is that it looks a MX518 except it's using 1st or 2nd gen laser engine. With less capability than the MX518 optical engine and so for low sensitivity depending on how low you are he is most likely hitting the physical max tracking speed. And raising the DPI makes the problem worse by lowering the threshold for control. For medium-to-high sensitivity the G5 is actually pretty good but it's low sens that's the problem.

[snowball]

Artisan KAI g3.HIEN Hard
Zowie spawn G-TF
Steelseries QCK+
Steelseries 9HD
Steelseries I-2
Steelseries SX
Ratpadz XT

The Zowie has been my go to pad as of late. Thinking about picking up a puretrak talent or some more Artisan pads.

[Howie]

I've had the same Roccat Taito for almost two years now. Still feels awesome. Looks pretty much brand new as well. I like it alot.

[BucklingSpring]

Razer Destructor.

Low profile, lot  of surface and very good mouse response.

Really pleased with it.

[Surly73]

Razer Destructor.

Low profile, lot  of surface and very good mouse response.

Really pleased with it.

I really liked my Destructor too.  It's biggest downfall in my eyes is rapid wear, especially considering its cost.  I'm not a really hardcore user  and have never "worn out" any kind of mouse pad in 25 years of mousing but at the 6-9 month mark my Destructor was worn enough to have different friction/glide properties in different areas of the pad.  I've got about a year on my Ratpadz XT and I haven't noticed any change.

[Carefoot]

Got my HD9 for free, can't say I like how big it is but its smooth with my Xai so I approve.

[MF_]

I have the Razer megasoma. It is awesome.

[Jerri]

Razer Ironclad, i really like that for low mouse sensitivity gaming .

[snowball]

I have the Razer megasoma. It is awesome.

How much time do you have on the Megasoma? I've heard some issues about wear that stopped me from getting one.

[snowball]

Got my HD9 for free, can't say I like how big it is but its smooth with my Xai so I approve.

You can get the smaller 4HD. Funny that I found the 9HD to be too small as I need to cross it almost 1.5X to do a 360 degree turn.

[noodles256]

I just purchased a Noppoo mousepad from Taobao for about $10. Perfect mousepad for me (it is cloth).

[Azuremen]

You can get the smaller 4HD. Funny that I found the 9HD to be too small as I need to cross it almost 1.5X to do a 360 degree turn.

RTS players tend to use a higher sens than FPS players, I've found. I have a 13 inch square pad and I use less than half of it on average. FPS games I tend to play a bit lower, but it is still only a couple of inches maybe to do a 360 - likely the product of player UT GOTY when I was 15 a lot.

[Arc'xer]

Anyone test the shiden yet?

Seems like they got a few new mousepads out(shiden varieties) and or planning on releasing new ones plus more colors. Based on the roadmap(hayate, hayabusa, and colors) they have at their site.