Ratpadz Review

reviewed by Falcon

Most keen gamers are out there looking for ways to provide themselves with the best possible gameplay possible. From high-speed processors to the latest graphics cards to connecting to broadband connections for internet play, they are all seeking to enhance their gameplay and provide an edge over fellow gamers. It’s quite easy to overlook the smaller things with your PC system, such as, well… Your mouse pad! Yes, the little freebies companies give away almost as commonly as AOL sends us free drink coasters. So why can a mouse pad bring in such a noticeable improvement to your gameplay? Read on to see:

The Ratpadz features a unique “Ultraslick™” surface, with tiny grooves on the surface to provide for almost flawless traction of the mouse ball, which will prevent the familiar “skips” you find so often while aiming that rail shot in Q3A. The surface also provides for a smooth movement of the mouse over the pad that no other ordinary mouse pad can provide. How smooth? It’s like manoeuvring an ice cube over your kitchen bench. You may even initially have problems controlling the movement of the mouse due to the sensitivity.

“What about my Optical Mouse?”

Most owners of an Intellimouse Explorer are familiar with the statements from MS saying how it can be played over your pant leg and so on, and most people would feel content with the already improved pointer movements provided by the optical sensor. As a previous owner of this very mouse, I was sceptical about how much more useful this mouse pad would be... and after using it all I can say is that I will never go back to an old cloth mouse pad. The Ratpadz infinitely improves the control over the mouse, leading to increased precision for rail shots and “Head Shot!’s” in UT.

Other features:

• Size: at 9.5 inches tall X 11.5 inches wide, you aren’t likely to be sliding your mouse off the edge while lining up that crucial shot.
• Durability: The Ratpadz getting dirty? Send it into wash in the dishwasher. Use it as a drink coaster (it’s got the size to doesn’t it?), hell, eat your lunch on it. The mouse pad is made to last, not like those in which you’ll find yourself buying a replacement every 1-3 months.
• Shape, Design: Some people may be sceptical at the use of a plastic mouse pad, and even be weary of any discomfort caused. Throw these fears down the drain, because you’ll find this pad will be infinitely better than any old cloth pad. The edge is shaved down, so you can have hours of fragging without fatigue or the infamous “handcuff marks” on the wrists. The shape is also made with an arch to fit in your wrist, with plenty of swinging room. (Right across the 11.5-inch width to be precise)
• Padz: This baby comes with 9 rubber pads attached to the base, so it’s not going anywhere unless you pick the entire thing up. Much better than the slipping and sliding you may have become accustomed to.