FlexiGlow CyberSnipa Mouse Pad Review

     I've been a computer user for quite some time now. I've used Windows, Linux, Unix, and even MacOS. In all that time, I never really gave much thought to the mouse pad. I recall that when I switched from a ball mouse to an optical mouse, the surface I used tended to matter a little more, but only a little, or so it seemed. I have to admit, that when I was first asked to review this mouse pad, I had mixed feelings. Being my 'first' review for ClubOC, I figured I couldn't expect too much, I mean what's the big deal with a mouse pad, right?  As you'll see, I was pleasantly surprised.

     The CyberSnipa mouse pad comes in a form-fitting plastic casing that folds over a cardboard backing for easy removal.  The front clearly is labeled to attract the intended target audience yet respects the customer's need for a 'let see what you really offer' curiosity concerning the product. The back (not pictured) displays additional products from the CyberSnipa line. Scott recently did a review on one of them, the CyberSnipa Gamepad.

     Although I've been playing pc games for many years now, I guess I'm just new to the whole 'uber' gaming scene, because I don't think I've ever seen a mouse pad with its own carrying case before. Then again, I've never invested in a mouse pad either. It make sense however, for rigid mouse pads to have a case since they cannot bend and flex to prevent damage.  The case protects the mouse surface from scratches during those brutal trips to and from the LAN parties. The case is made of some sort foam covered in a lycra type material, both inside and out, with a nylon zipper placed along the longest side of the pouch for easy access.

     As for the stats, you can see that it's a bit bigger than a 'standard' size mouse pad.  Pictured above is my former standard sized white-elephant mouse pad.  The package states the CyberSnipa is 305 x 225 x 5mm.  For those of us wondering how big that is, think of it as roughly the size of a sheet of regular notebook paper (8½ x 11") and about as thick as a regular mouse pad.

     As you can see, it stands just a little taller (or thicker if you want) than my regular standard mouse pad, but not by much.

     The underside of this pad is covered with a rubber-like foam mesh.  My wife uses something similar to line our kitchen cabinets.  I'm not crazy about it in our cabinets because it doesn't let me slide anything on the shelf very easily.  On a mouse pad however, the effect is perfect.  A cushioning spacer between the pad and the desk, which will absorb any irregularities in the desk surface, and yet ensure that the CyberSnipa remains where you want it.  Another thing that I tried to capture with this picture is that the edges of the CyberSnipa have been nicely sanded to remove any burs created during the manufacturing process.

     The mouse surface of the pad looks to be some sort of microbead Teflon substance.  It is fairly smooth to the touch, yet you can definitely see the texture if you look close enough.  Although it's eye-catching, the scope graphic on the pad didn't really help my aim in BF2. ;-)  I did find a noticeable difference in mouse accuracy using the new pad.  I use mouse-gestures in Firefox, and with my old mouse pad, it was hit or miss.  CyberSnipa seems to have helped my mouse hit the mark every time.

     As for the distinctive shape, at first I thought it resembled an X, but taking a closer look it's more of an arc.  The curved bottom portion fits nicely with the arch of an arm as the hand goes from side to side while the elbow remains stationary.  This of course provides an ideal mousing experience for the relaxed user, and yet ensures that obstructions are minimal for those fever-pitched fragfests.

Conclusion:

     Up until now, I thought that the accuracy of a mouse was entirely within the mouse.  Want better resolution... buy a better mouse.  Well, it looks like FlexiGlow has proven to me that this is not entirely the case.  A decent mouse pad is now on my list of essential gear for gaming, and the CyberSnipa fits the bill quite nicely.  Those who have high-end mice may not notice as much of a difference as the rest of us.  And I'm not sure I know anyone who games with a ball mouse anymore, so I didn't even evaluate that.

The CyberSnipa retails for around $25 and it looks like its available at NewEgg.com and ChiefValue.com