QPAD XT-R Gaming Mouse Pad

Introduction:

Ok, I’ve got a problem. Apparently mice and mouse pads can breed. It’s the only explanation I can come up with for why I have so many of both. Having lots of mice is one thing, but I only need one good mouse-pad (Can't use a mouse-pad on a Lazy-boy). The problem is I haven’t found one that I really like. Too thick, too rough, too big, collects dirt, loud… the list goes on. Always seems to be something.

So after trawling through the snow on my deck and finding a box that had a QPAD|XT-R from Qpad in it, I figured I might as well check it out and see how it compares.

Features:

• Size: Large [35 x 26cm 13.7 x 10.2 inch]

• Thickness: 4 mm

• Color: Black

• Surface: Carbytek™ Hard-top

• Expanded sweet spot improves precision and speed

• Strikes a perfect balance between friction and glide

• Ideal for gamers and graphic designers

• Gives you a winning performance!

Ok, LOL I just have to laugh at things sometimes. Talking about sweet spots, and having quotes on their website like this one "THE BEST PAD IN THE WORLD!". Hehehehe. I know I shouldn’t laugh, but it’s a mouse pad! I just wonder if the gaming industry doesn’t take itself too seriously sometimes. (Then of course I remember there are people making six figure salaries playing StarCraft >_<)

I mean everything above all in good humor though, I am serious about getting a good mouse pad, I just prefer to see how it really works.

Plastic wrap

Bottom

It's better

First thing I noticed when I took opened the shipping box, is the fancy metal case. I will admit it looks really slick. The padding is nicely cut out to perfectly match the mouse pad, and it includes some badges with the Qpad logo you can stick on whatever you want.

The Logo

UPC code

Foam padding

The mouse-pad itself has a simple layout. The ‘Q’ logo is imprinted twice on the pad, the bright white one is easy to see, but a large grey logo is embedded on the whole surface of the pad. Neither logo shows even a remote chance of wearing off any time soon.

Cut-out

Uncovered

Underside

The Bottom has small rubber pads on the edges, and one larger one in the center, they are quite thin so I wouldn’t recommend scratching them, but the pad is held in place on any surface.

Rubber pads

Centre pad

Emboss

All told, even with the rubber pads, this is the thinnest mouse pad I’ve ever used. Even those classic foam/rubber mats feel really thick once you get used to the Qpad. I found I really like having a thin mouse pad.  

Closer look

Badges

My setup

My big complaint about the Ratpadz mouse pad was that the surface rubbed my skin raw after just a little use. I’ve had no such problem with the Qpad. The surface is an excellent balance of speed, control and feedback. Small bits of dirt don’t get in the way the instant after you clean it.

Cleaned up

The meece

QPAD|CT

Conclusion:

While I laugh at the marketing hype, and I know I’m never going to do anything more with the metal case, that doesn’t take away from the pad itself. Someone put some real thought into the XT-R. It’s easy to tell the difference between all the mice I have with the Qpad, and it is perfect for everything I do with both the Mac and PC. The many European reviews praising the pad might seem a bit sensationalist, but they don't lie about anything.

Razer Mantis

Size comparison

The XT-R

I like it, I use it, and I’m going to keep using it. The only downside I see; is the price. I don’t know very many people who would spend $60-80 for a mouse pad, worlds greatest or otherwise. However, it has a high end feel and presentation, and while it might be expensive to some, it would be well worth it to others.