EYEpad and EYEpad XL Mouse Pad Review

     The mouse pad may be the most neglected piece of your gaming arsenal, but there sure are a lot of them to choose from!  This week we take a look at the latest pad from Core Gaming Gear, makers of my favorite mousing surface; the CorePad Magna.  Core Gaming Gear have entered the soft pad arena with their EYEpad line of cloth pads.  The EYEpad is the result of a cooperative partnership with Team EYEBALLERS, a professional gaming team out of Sweden.  Lets take a closer look at the EYEpad here at the Club.

     One of the first things you will notice about the EYEpad is the lack of any flashy packaging.  Core Gaming Gear (Core) has introduced the EYEpad series in what they call an OEM version.  This means nearly every cent you pay is for the pad, not for expensive packaging.  This makes a lot of sense on a mouse pad, not only do you get to see exactly what you are getting, but you probably don't really need a fancy package to know what you are getting.

     The EYEpad comes in two sizes.  The standard version at 325mm x 290mm (12.8in x 11.42in) and the XL at 455mm x 405mm (17.91in x 15.94in). The XL is one of the biggest mouse pads available, and the largest I have ever seen.  In this picture I have shown the CorePad Magna for reference.

With a bit of extra light, you can see the three sizes more distinctly. 

     Each EYEpad consists of two layers that together measure only 1.6mm (.06in) thick.  The surface is a very smooth cloth weave and the backing is a tacky non-slip rubber. The pad itself is very flexible and can be folded loosely or rolled for easy transportation.

Specifications:

EYEpad Specifications:

•Very durable, flexible and smooth cloth mouse pad
•Great for low, but also high sensitivity mouse settings
•Compatible with all mice
•Specially designed non-slip rubber backing
•Washable with regular dish soap and a damp sponge
•325 mm wide, 290 mm deep and only 1.6 mm thin

EYEpad XL Specifications:

•HUGE very durable, flexible and smooth cloth mouse pad
•Great for low sensitivity mouse settings
•Compatible with all mice
•Specially designed non-slip rubber backing
•Washable with regular dish soap and a damp sponge
•455 mm wide, 405 mm deep and only 1.6 mm thin
 

     I tested the EYEpads using both my trusty Logitech MX1000 and a standard ball mouse.  With the ball mouse the surface felt smooth and responsive even after several hours of continuous Guild Wars play.  With the MX1000 the difference was more noticeable.  The texture was just tactile enough to notice after using the Magna and the pad was noticeably slower in BF:2. After adjusting the sensitivity up, the sacrifice in speed was made up by the increased feedback from the surface.

Conclusion:

     I find that gamers usually prefer ether a fast smooth surface like the Magna or the more tactile resistance and precision feedback to the mousing hand, like the EYEpad.  Mouse sensitivity and pad feedback are very subjective things.  Think about how you game.  If you like slower smooth mouse strokes, the EYEpad is your new best friend. With the addition of the EYEpad series, Core Gaming Gear has you covered no matter what your preference may be.   The EYEpad series of mouse pads ensures you will get the best soft pad available for your gaming needs, durability, size, feel and portability.  If you are a soft pad fan, you owe it to your self to pick up an EYEpad now.

MSRP: EYEpad €12.95 (about $16); XL €16.95 (about $21)