Introduction

One of the most frustrating things of computing is making the computer do what you want it to do. One device that plays a large part in this, is the mouse! Many tasks require mouse precision and accuracy, from gaming to graphic design. Most people think that they the best mousing experience only comes from the most expensive and latest mice. This is partially true, but another factor in operation is the mousing surface. In the days of ball mice, simple fabric mouse pads were used, to give more traction on the ball. With the development of the optical mouse, traction seemed to become a negative element. Now it is commonly accepted that less traction = better accuracy and faster speed. To cut down on the friction of mouse movent, the designers of the FraggPad set of to design the ultimate mousing surface. Today I will be taking a look at two FraggPads, courtesy of VoyeurMods.com.

Specifications

FraggPads can be purchases in different shapes and sizes, but they all share the same basic qualities. Here are a few specifications:

• 1/4" Thick clear acrylic
• Smooth, beveled edges
  
• Textured, low friction surface
• Clear, rubber pad feet
• Works with all ball mice, and most optical mice
• Low noise
• Customizable
• List price: ST Model: $16.95 (ON SALE NOW!), Magnum Model: $18.95

More information may be found here at Voyeurmods.com, if you would like more detailed specs.

Pre-Testing

The FraggPads are designed to be awesome mousing surfaces, but I decided to first take a look at my current "surface"... As you can see, my scratched up white desk didn't come with surface that the FraggPads do. Even with my optical mouse, I find myself having trouble with precise pointer tasks. Drawing straight lines in graphic programs is a rather difficult task, and gaming is equally handicapped. (Try sniping in Counter-Strike when you can't even get the crosshairs to stand still!)

The ST Model

The first surface I looked at was the smaller of the two, the ST model. The ST is about 10" wide and 10.5" tall, plenty of room for mouse movement. The construction on the pad is flawless, with not even a scratch on the top or bottom of the acrylic. The shape is similar to that of an upsidedown V, with a nice curvy design. The bottom right corner features a purple FraggPad logo, but a yellow version is also available. The edges of the pad are nice and polished, with no sharp edges.

Customization

Voyeurmods offers a applique decal for an additional $4.50 with all FraggPads. Appliques are probably the easiest and cleanest ways to customize the FraggPads, and Voyeurmods has a very large selection to choose from. I requested a custom applique for this review, so I sent Voyeurmods a design to have cut. All you Rx-7 fans out there will recognize the engine rotor that I drew up and had made. Installation of the applique is very simple. Simply peel back the thick layer, stick the applique to the bottom surface, then peel off the thin layer. Make sure to smooth out any air bubbles before peeling off the thin layer. The end result is simply beautiful. The applique gives that custom etched look to the surface, and it doesn't interfere with function.

 

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