Today I will be checking out two very different looking mousepads with the same concept for mouse movement, both sponsored by Shadow Knight Systems Inc.  The first one that I will test will be the Steelpad model 3S originally from www.steelpad.com.  The second mousepad that I will put through the paces will be the original Icemat originally from www.icemat.com.  I figured why not make a mini-shootout between the two different mousepads since they both maintain a similar concept of applying Teflon tape Padsurfers for less friction across the mousing surface.  Both of these mousepads are also owned by the same parent company C/O Soft Trading from Copenhagen, Denmark; the websites are even very similar in design.  No worries, they will both be treated with the utmost respect when it comes to testing and evaluation.  The first pad that I will test will be the 3S Steelpad and once I am done with that review I will test the Icemat.  I will use the same test beds for both pads, a description will be listed below.  Once I have reviewed each product, I will then pick the one mousepad that I would most want to remain on my desktop for the near future. 

Testing methods for both mousepads:

I will use each mousepad over a three day period.  I don’t have a set amount of time that will be alloted to each review or test, just going to stop when I feel comfortable and confident about making a recommendation about each mousepad.

• General Everyday Use: Internet browsing, Word, Excel, spinning mouse around in circles for hours on end, ect…

• Gaming: The games played will be Quake 3 Arena, Unreal Tournament 2004, Battlefield 1942 (Desert Combat), and Warcraft 3.

• CAD Modeling:  Designing in AutoCAD 2004, both 2D wireframe and 3D Solids Modeling.

Mouse used:

The mice that was tested with this review was none other than the trusty Logitech MX500 and the Logitech Dual Optical.  Note, both the model 3S Steelpad and the Icemat have warnings about mouse errors when using older Logitech optical mice predating the MX500 series.  This is why I tried to use the older model Dual Optical mouse I had lying around for testing purposes.  Results to follow.

Review #1:  The 3S Steelpad from shadowknightsystems.com.

 Review #2:  The Original (transparent) Icemat from shadowknightsystems.com.

Click the image above to read that review please.

 Conclusion:

If you wish to jump straight to my final thoughts and personal pick between both mousepads, you can find those results right here!