Frederik S
12-18-2007, 07:27 PM
[page=Introduction & Specifications]
Introduction
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/steelseries.jpg
SteelSeries is one of the most recognized companies when it comes to gaming grade mouse mats. The mat I will be taking a look at today is dubbed the SP and is the natural successor to the SteelSeries S&S mat. Much like the SteelSeries S&S the new SP is a hard plastic mat which offers quite a lot of new innovations, right from the surface to the rubber base. The surface technology employed by the SP is a market first. It's called a macroscopic surface which doesn't look anything like a mouse mat surface at first glance. Besides the all new surface SteelSeries has made a wise choice when it came to deciding on the base of the pad. Instead of the art stucco sprayed rubber that we saw on the S&S, the SP features the same solid rubber bottom that was first introduced with the SteelSeries SX metal mouse mat.
Specifications
Extremely durable hard plastic mouse pad
Macroscopic texture offers minimal friction
Medium-sized, optimized for optical and laser
Two component mouse pad; plastic surface with rubber bottom
Material: Textured hard plastic
Dimensions: 320mm*270mm (12,6 x 10,6in) - thickness 3mm (0,1in)
Size: Medium
Glide: Smooth
Compatibility: Optical, ball, laser
[page=The Package & Closer Examination]
The Package
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/package_1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/package_1.jpg)
The new SteelSeries SP comes in a smart zip tie bag that protects the mat from scratches and dirt during transportation. Unlike the S&S the SP seems far more durable mainly because it's thicker, but also because it still retains a certain amount of flexibility.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/zip_bag_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/zip_bag.jpg)
The zip tie bag is made of quite thick plastic and is the perfect way to keep the mat safe during transport.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/bundle_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/bundle.jpg)
The bundle that comes with the SP is actually pretty nice and usable unlike that from many other mouse mat companies. Beside some information about other SteelSeries products and a sticker you get five patches of high quality Teflon precut to fit Microsoft mice. The Teflon is some of the best I have ever tried because it features the correct balance between glide and durability.
Closer Examination
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/the_mat_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/the_mat.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/the_mat_2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/the_mat_2.jpg)
The SteelSeries SP looks really nice, it's held mainly in three tones of gray with various gradients. The graphics look really cool without being too flashy. Since the surface has a really strange holographic effect depending on what angle you look at it you get different perception of the surface's looks. The SP is exactly the same shape and size as both the SteelSeries S&S and the SX. The only aspect of its design that differs is the height of the mat. The SP is 3mm high whereas the S&S is only 2mm high. The difference in height isn't all that noticeable because the edges of the SP are rounded and are very easy on the wrist.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/logo_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/logo.jpg)
The only part of the graphics on this mat that is easily seen from a distance is the SteelSeries logo at the bottom left corner of the mat. Unlike the logo on the SX the SteelSeries logo on the SP isn't a sticker which means that you can use the logo area just like the rest of the mat. Since the background of the SP isn't a solid color I was a bit scared that the tracking with optical mice might differ a bit across the mat, but to my surprise the tracking remained the same even though the color of the surface changed. I guess this is a result of the unique dotted surface.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/back_of_mat_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/back_of_mat.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/edge_shot_1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/edge_shot_1.jpg)
One of the things you got to appreciate about this new mat is the fact that SteelSeries has reused their base design from the SX on it. The brilliant rubber base that we first saw on the SX is now featured on the SP as well meaning that the mat will stay in place almost regardless of what surface you have placed it on. The rubber base is by far the best mouse pad base I have ever seen used on any kind of hard mat. Not only does it stay in place it's also very durable which is more than you can say about the old art stucco sprayed rubber base of the SteelSeries S&S.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/edge_shot_2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/edge_shot_2.jpg)
With this mat it seems that SteelSeries have been very through in the way they shaped it. The edges of the pad have a uniform round profile which means that it is very comfortable to use and that combined with the height of only 3mm you are looking at a very comfortable hard plastic gaming surface.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/edge_shot_3_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/edge_shot_3.jpg)
On the picture above you can see how the mat is created. From the bottom up we have the following components: rubber base, plastic layer, gray and black dotted paint layer, approximately 1.5mm of solid plastic, macroscopic surface. The whole construction of the mat is somewhat complicated, but each layer has its own properties. All that added up should create one awesome mat. The dotted middle layer I think is made so that traditional optical mice can easily establish the directional movement. And the surface of course is what provides the glide and control.
[page=Performance, Comfort & Durability]
Performance
To test the performance of a mouse mat I try to use it in a large variety of circumstances with a lot of different mice. I will be testing the SP at various sensitivities and with the following mice: Razer DeathAdder, Razer Diamondback 3G, Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0, Razer Lachesis, OCZ Equalizer gaming mouse.
To begin with I started CounterStrike:Source which is a fast paced first-person-shooter game. And the transition from my SteelSeries S&S to the SP was very fast because they both have a good balance between glide and control. When it came to low and medium sensitivity gaming this mat is a bit edgier than the S&S because the surface is a bit faster, but after a very short acclimatization period I began to reap the benefits of a faster surface. Tracking was spot on every time and the lift off distance with the DeathAdder was at a minimum throughout my tests. I think the SP is near perfect for low and medium sensitivity because the surface is fast and has a good balance between glide and control. The surface's finish was perfect and the glide was the same all over it. Another important aspect of its performance is that the colors and gradients in its graphics didn't affect the tracking performance of the mouse.
Both the optical and infrared mice performed brilliantly on this surface there is just one problem. Laser mice exhibit extremely erratic tracking on this surface. I have never seen anything like it. Even the Razer Lachesis which features a third generation laser sensor couldn’t make sense of the surface. So if you have a laser mouse you should look elsewhere. I think that the dotted surface along with the obscure surface upsets the laser sensor and makes it unable to get a coherent reflection from the surface.
The performance of the surface sets the benchmark for all other hard plastic mats and along with the rubber base makes it the perfect mat for low and medium sensitivity gamers. When it comes to high sensitivity this mat does alright, but is a bit too fast in my opinion even though I tried playing with a relatively high sensitivity I just couldn't keep up with the mat and I was constantly over shooting stuff.
I think that the surface has the perfect balance between glide and control and it's definitely the best mat I have ever tried.
The fact that this particular mat doesn't work with laser mice is a con, but since most people with laser mice generally prefer to use a high sensitivity it isn't really that big a loss for them. Since SteelSeries has focused all of their attention on producing the best mat for optical mice it's a truly extraordinary experience using this mat with one. It's superior to the SteelSeries S&S in all aspects except the lack of support for laser mice.
Comfort
Initially I thought that this mat would be a little bit less comfortable to use than my other slimmer hard mats, but I was in for a pleasant surprise. The SP is roughly 1-1.5mm higher than what I'm used to, but because of its rounded edges and ergonomically correct arched wrist line it's actually a pleasant experience using this mat for an extended period of time. I wasn't bothered with it being higher at all.
Durability
This mat is probably one of the most durable hard plastic mats on the market today. Both the surface and the rubber base are constructed in a very tough way. The thick rubber base is not only good at keeping the mat in place it's also way more durable than the sprayed rubber underneath a SteelSeries S&S mouse mat. Since the hard plastic used is quite thick I can't imagine how one could break it in the course of normal use or when traveling with it. The fact that you get a rubber bag to carry it around in means that it's less likely to be scratched when you are not using it. Besides that the surface seems to be nail scratch proof which is a definitive plus. Because the mat is made from hard plastic it can be cleaned with alcohol in case of spillage.
[page=Value & Conclusion]
Value & Conclusion
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The SteelSeries SP is available at SteelSeries (http://www.steelseries.com) for € 34.99.
</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
The best mouse mat for optical and infrared mice at the moment
Looks the business
Build quality
Performance
Comfortable to use
Durability
Stays in place on almost any kind of surface
Best design from the ground up
Balance between glide and control is superb!
Near perfect surface
Worth every penny
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>
Does not work with all laser mice
Size, probably too small for some low sensitivity gamers
</td></tr>
<tr><th>9.8</th>
<td>
As an overall performer this mat is in my opinion the best mat on the market. The fact that the surface works flawlessly and has a superb balance between glide and control makes it perfect for most gamers. Combined with the best working rubber base on the market this mat is something truly unique in terms of performance and usability. During my tests the mat stayed in place on my normal hard wood desk which is more than I can say about the majority of mats on the market today.
This mat is one of the best constructed ones I have ever come across. The solid rubber base is adhered to the plastic part of the mat in such a way that I can't see how you can ruin it through normal use. Besides being well built the surface is also a bit harder than that of the S&S and seems more scratch proof.
I think it's safe to say that this mat is a pretty good deal considering that you not only get a top of the line performer, but also a mat that will last for ages. Compared to the old SteelSeries S&S this mat is miles ahead in all terms plus it’s way more durable. When you buy a SteelSeries SP mat you also get some Teflon pads for your mouse which I think is a nice touch because it means that you can get the very best glide right from the start without having to invest in aftermarket mouse skates.
Even though the price of €34.99 is a bit steep I definitely think that this mat is worth every penny and then some. In the bang for the buck category I would definitely place this at the very top because it’s extremely good both from a performance and a durability point of view.
Only users of laser based mice should stay away from this mat because laser sensors seem to be unable to pick up the surface of the SteelSeries SP.
</td></tr><tr><th></th><td>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/editorschoice.gif</td></tr>
</table>
Introduction
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/steelseries.jpg
SteelSeries is one of the most recognized companies when it comes to gaming grade mouse mats. The mat I will be taking a look at today is dubbed the SP and is the natural successor to the SteelSeries S&S mat. Much like the SteelSeries S&S the new SP is a hard plastic mat which offers quite a lot of new innovations, right from the surface to the rubber base. The surface technology employed by the SP is a market first. It's called a macroscopic surface which doesn't look anything like a mouse mat surface at first glance. Besides the all new surface SteelSeries has made a wise choice when it came to deciding on the base of the pad. Instead of the art stucco sprayed rubber that we saw on the S&S, the SP features the same solid rubber bottom that was first introduced with the SteelSeries SX metal mouse mat.
Specifications
Extremely durable hard plastic mouse pad
Macroscopic texture offers minimal friction
Medium-sized, optimized for optical and laser
Two component mouse pad; plastic surface with rubber bottom
Material: Textured hard plastic
Dimensions: 320mm*270mm (12,6 x 10,6in) - thickness 3mm (0,1in)
Size: Medium
Glide: Smooth
Compatibility: Optical, ball, laser
[page=The Package & Closer Examination]
The Package
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/package_1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/package_1.jpg)
The new SteelSeries SP comes in a smart zip tie bag that protects the mat from scratches and dirt during transportation. Unlike the S&S the SP seems far more durable mainly because it's thicker, but also because it still retains a certain amount of flexibility.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/zip_bag_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/zip_bag.jpg)
The zip tie bag is made of quite thick plastic and is the perfect way to keep the mat safe during transport.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/bundle_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/bundle.jpg)
The bundle that comes with the SP is actually pretty nice and usable unlike that from many other mouse mat companies. Beside some information about other SteelSeries products and a sticker you get five patches of high quality Teflon precut to fit Microsoft mice. The Teflon is some of the best I have ever tried because it features the correct balance between glide and durability.
Closer Examination
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/the_mat_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/the_mat.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/the_mat_2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/the_mat_2.jpg)
The SteelSeries SP looks really nice, it's held mainly in three tones of gray with various gradients. The graphics look really cool without being too flashy. Since the surface has a really strange holographic effect depending on what angle you look at it you get different perception of the surface's looks. The SP is exactly the same shape and size as both the SteelSeries S&S and the SX. The only aspect of its design that differs is the height of the mat. The SP is 3mm high whereas the S&S is only 2mm high. The difference in height isn't all that noticeable because the edges of the SP are rounded and are very easy on the wrist.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/logo_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/logo.jpg)
The only part of the graphics on this mat that is easily seen from a distance is the SteelSeries logo at the bottom left corner of the mat. Unlike the logo on the SX the SteelSeries logo on the SP isn't a sticker which means that you can use the logo area just like the rest of the mat. Since the background of the SP isn't a solid color I was a bit scared that the tracking with optical mice might differ a bit across the mat, but to my surprise the tracking remained the same even though the color of the surface changed. I guess this is a result of the unique dotted surface.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/back_of_mat_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/back_of_mat.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/edge_shot_1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/edge_shot_1.jpg)
One of the things you got to appreciate about this new mat is the fact that SteelSeries has reused their base design from the SX on it. The brilliant rubber base that we first saw on the SX is now featured on the SP as well meaning that the mat will stay in place almost regardless of what surface you have placed it on. The rubber base is by far the best mouse pad base I have ever seen used on any kind of hard mat. Not only does it stay in place it's also very durable which is more than you can say about the old art stucco sprayed rubber base of the SteelSeries S&S.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/edge_shot_2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/edge_shot_2.jpg)
With this mat it seems that SteelSeries have been very through in the way they shaped it. The edges of the pad have a uniform round profile which means that it is very comfortable to use and that combined with the height of only 3mm you are looking at a very comfortable hard plastic gaming surface.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/edge_shot_3_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/SteelSeries/SP/images/edge_shot_3.jpg)
On the picture above you can see how the mat is created. From the bottom up we have the following components: rubber base, plastic layer, gray and black dotted paint layer, approximately 1.5mm of solid plastic, macroscopic surface. The whole construction of the mat is somewhat complicated, but each layer has its own properties. All that added up should create one awesome mat. The dotted middle layer I think is made so that traditional optical mice can easily establish the directional movement. And the surface of course is what provides the glide and control.
[page=Performance, Comfort & Durability]
Performance
To test the performance of a mouse mat I try to use it in a large variety of circumstances with a lot of different mice. I will be testing the SP at various sensitivities and with the following mice: Razer DeathAdder, Razer Diamondback 3G, Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0, Razer Lachesis, OCZ Equalizer gaming mouse.
To begin with I started CounterStrike:Source which is a fast paced first-person-shooter game. And the transition from my SteelSeries S&S to the SP was very fast because they both have a good balance between glide and control. When it came to low and medium sensitivity gaming this mat is a bit edgier than the S&S because the surface is a bit faster, but after a very short acclimatization period I began to reap the benefits of a faster surface. Tracking was spot on every time and the lift off distance with the DeathAdder was at a minimum throughout my tests. I think the SP is near perfect for low and medium sensitivity because the surface is fast and has a good balance between glide and control. The surface's finish was perfect and the glide was the same all over it. Another important aspect of its performance is that the colors and gradients in its graphics didn't affect the tracking performance of the mouse.
Both the optical and infrared mice performed brilliantly on this surface there is just one problem. Laser mice exhibit extremely erratic tracking on this surface. I have never seen anything like it. Even the Razer Lachesis which features a third generation laser sensor couldn’t make sense of the surface. So if you have a laser mouse you should look elsewhere. I think that the dotted surface along with the obscure surface upsets the laser sensor and makes it unable to get a coherent reflection from the surface.
The performance of the surface sets the benchmark for all other hard plastic mats and along with the rubber base makes it the perfect mat for low and medium sensitivity gamers. When it comes to high sensitivity this mat does alright, but is a bit too fast in my opinion even though I tried playing with a relatively high sensitivity I just couldn't keep up with the mat and I was constantly over shooting stuff.
I think that the surface has the perfect balance between glide and control and it's definitely the best mat I have ever tried.
The fact that this particular mat doesn't work with laser mice is a con, but since most people with laser mice generally prefer to use a high sensitivity it isn't really that big a loss for them. Since SteelSeries has focused all of their attention on producing the best mat for optical mice it's a truly extraordinary experience using this mat with one. It's superior to the SteelSeries S&S in all aspects except the lack of support for laser mice.
Comfort
Initially I thought that this mat would be a little bit less comfortable to use than my other slimmer hard mats, but I was in for a pleasant surprise. The SP is roughly 1-1.5mm higher than what I'm used to, but because of its rounded edges and ergonomically correct arched wrist line it's actually a pleasant experience using this mat for an extended period of time. I wasn't bothered with it being higher at all.
Durability
This mat is probably one of the most durable hard plastic mats on the market today. Both the surface and the rubber base are constructed in a very tough way. The thick rubber base is not only good at keeping the mat in place it's also way more durable than the sprayed rubber underneath a SteelSeries S&S mouse mat. Since the hard plastic used is quite thick I can't imagine how one could break it in the course of normal use or when traveling with it. The fact that you get a rubber bag to carry it around in means that it's less likely to be scratched when you are not using it. Besides that the surface seems to be nail scratch proof which is a definitive plus. Because the mat is made from hard plastic it can be cleaned with alcohol in case of spillage.
[page=Value & Conclusion]
Value & Conclusion
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The SteelSeries SP is available at SteelSeries (http://www.steelseries.com) for € 34.99.
</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
The best mouse mat for optical and infrared mice at the moment
Looks the business
Build quality
Performance
Comfortable to use
Durability
Stays in place on almost any kind of surface
Best design from the ground up
Balance between glide and control is superb!
Near perfect surface
Worth every penny
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>
Does not work with all laser mice
Size, probably too small for some low sensitivity gamers
</td></tr>
<tr><th>9.8</th>
<td>
As an overall performer this mat is in my opinion the best mat on the market. The fact that the surface works flawlessly and has a superb balance between glide and control makes it perfect for most gamers. Combined with the best working rubber base on the market this mat is something truly unique in terms of performance and usability. During my tests the mat stayed in place on my normal hard wood desk which is more than I can say about the majority of mats on the market today.
This mat is one of the best constructed ones I have ever come across. The solid rubber base is adhered to the plastic part of the mat in such a way that I can't see how you can ruin it through normal use. Besides being well built the surface is also a bit harder than that of the S&S and seems more scratch proof.
I think it's safe to say that this mat is a pretty good deal considering that you not only get a top of the line performer, but also a mat that will last for ages. Compared to the old SteelSeries S&S this mat is miles ahead in all terms plus it’s way more durable. When you buy a SteelSeries SP mat you also get some Teflon pads for your mouse which I think is a nice touch because it means that you can get the very best glide right from the start without having to invest in aftermarket mouse skates.
Even though the price of €34.99 is a bit steep I definitely think that this mat is worth every penny and then some. In the bang for the buck category I would definitely place this at the very top because it’s extremely good both from a performance and a durability point of view.
Only users of laser based mice should stay away from this mat because laser sensors seem to be unable to pick up the surface of the SteelSeries SP.
</td></tr><tr><th></th><td>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/editorschoice.gif</td></tr>
</table>