Mousepad Mini-Shootout Personal Choice Page:

Steelpad 3S vs. Original Icemat. Click picture for a larger image please.	The logos of two quality products. Click picture for a larger image please.

Having thoroughly tested both of these fine products over a period of almost a week now, I can honestly make a compelling argument for either one of these mousepads against just about anything out on the market right now.  Both of them are targeted specifically for the professional gamer and they both have that feel of true professionalism about them.  Once you apply the Padsurfers (Teflon tape) to the intended mouse, you will be amazed how smooth and fluid your mouse movements will become.  Both of these pads have a tendency to create an annoying scratching sound, but they will easily be drowned out when you crank up your game or music.  The sound is minimal and you will actually get use to it after awhile if you use either pad for day to day tasks.  I found the model 3S to be a bit louder than the Icemat, but not by much.

Your games will have a different feel about them once you try either mousepad out.  They will definitely move your crosshair to their intended point just as smooth as Häagen-Dazs!  If you play many FPS games, you will notice a difference immediately.  I found the 3S Steelpad to be just a bit more accurate in my games than the Icemat.  When I flicked the mouse to throw the crosshair on my intended target, the spot was almost dead on each time.  And for those times that I did overshoot the target, the fraction of a second that it took for me to correct my aim usually resulted in a frag for me.

Steelpad Model 3S Pros:

• Low profile.

• Large enough of a surface area for most gamers.

• Very smooth and fluid mouse movement.

• Rubber feet will keep it from moving anywhere.

• Surface texture isn't too smooth/rough.

• Padsurfers are the key to smoothness.

• Won't bend out of shape.

• Looks very cool.

Steelpad Model 3S Cons:

Original Icemat Pros:

• Large enough of a surface area for most gamers.

• Very smooth and fluid mouse movement.

• Rubber feet will keep it from moving anywhere.

• Very heavy and feels solid.

• Surface texture isn't too smooth/rough.

• Padsurfers are the key to smoothness.

• Won't bend out of shape.

• Looks very cool.

Original Icemat Cons:

• Again, too pricey.

• Padsurfer adhesiveness was insufficient.

• Not enough Teflon tape with purchase.

• Makes a scratching sound, although not as bad as the 3S.

• Glass creates a fear of breakage or chipping especially if you travel much.

• Very high profile.

Even though both of these mousepads have many of the same qualities, features, and almost the same desired output; I think the Steelpad 3S is the right fit for me.  If I were to make another mousepad purchase in the near future, I would have to take into consideration the model 4S from Steelpad.  The only difference is a larger surface area and for most, that is about 80% of what they look for in a mousepad.  There really isn't much that can be done to the model 3S to make it perform at a greater level than what is already sitting in front of me now.  If your in the market to improve your game, look no further than the 3S from shadowknightsystems.com.