Posted 2/24/2010 at 1:30 AM By boothby
The Good: Smooth surface, flexible body, non-skid base.
The Bad: The entire surface of my desk is not made of the SteelSeries 9HD gaming surface.
Summary: The SteelSeries 9HD gaming surface provides an incredible gaming area for your mouse to glide upon. Its attractive design and non-skid base further increase its usefulness. Read our full review, After the Break!
Full Review:
The SteelSeries 9HD gaming surface is one of the best 'mouse pads' I have ever had the pleasure to use and I am even typing this review out as my mouse sits on top of this black behemoth. Do not let the reference to its large surface area fool you - though behemoth in quality, the 9HD has a very low profile. The dimensions of the 9HD are 10.7'' x 12.7'' x 0.08''. The surface material is made out of a hard, yet flexible plastic while the back of the gaming surface has an anti-skid surface. Which really allows the surface to grip your desk and put up with the constant movement of the mouse during a gaming session.
I am sure most PC gamers have experienced frustration when trying to complete a fine tuned maneuver or aim that precise sniper rifle shot. The maneuver is taking place, scope lining up with the target, the tension builds and then your mouse jumps sharply due to a poorly-constructed mouse pad. This anomaly is a thing of the past with the 9HD. After a full month of use I can testify that the SteelSeries 9HD gaming surface never once made me blow a maneuver or miss the important shot. Now... I'm not saying I didn't ever blow a maneuver or miss a shot, just that when I did the 9HD was not to blame.
The SteelSeries 9HD gaming surface is thin enough to mold to any surface within reason. A small ridge, imperfection, or angle on a desk cannot defeat the 9HD. In one test, I used the 9HD while my iPhone's syncing cable was under it. I did not feel the cable underneath my mouse nor did it change the performance at all. Often times, I will even rest my G-15 keyboard on top of a portion of the 9HD due to limited desk space. The G-15 doesn't even feel like it is on top of anything due to how thin the SteelSeries 9HD gaming surface is.
Final Thoughts:
The SteelSeries 9HD gaming surface is one of the best gaming surfaces available to PC gamers today. At first glance, the $34.99 price tag may appear a bit high but, as the cliche goes, you get what you pay for. What you’re getting with the SteelSeries 9HD gaming surface is a durable, high-quality product that is both functional and attractive. I do not foresee replacing the SteelSeries 9HD gaming surface on my desk anytime soon.
* A Logitech G-7 wireless mouse was used to test the SteelSeries 9HD gaming surface.
**DISCLOSURE: SteelSeries provided GamingShogun.com with a 9HD surface for this review.
Bookmark & Share:
