Even though ZOWIE Gear (ZG) is one of the new kids on the block in the ever growing gaming industry, the N-RF1 mouse pad shows no signs of inexperience. Accurate, fast and just plain comfortable the N-RF1 mouse pad can compete with some of the “big boys”.

l
l

Design

Packed like the majority of gaming mouse pads on the market, the N-RF1 came rolled up in a solid long box.

Upon taking the mouse pad out we were instantly impressed by the quality. Despite its rather artificial feeling, like many gaming mouse pads on the market the fabric layer of the pad has a rough feel to it.

The majority of standard cloth mouse pads are manufactured out of yarn. This results in 100’s of irregular fibers, which leads to a loss of “feel” to the user. For this reason ZG uses a heat/pressure manufacturing process, bonding the irregular fibers together giving the mouse pad a smoother surface. [For a more detailed explanation please visit ZG’s website.]

The heat/pressure process makes the N-RF1 splash proof. We decided to give this feature a test; the pad was able to withstand up to gallon of water before the pad began to soak in any water at all.

On the base, once again, ZOWIE Gear goes full out. Rather than using the market standard, natural rubber, ZG mixed natural rubber with various compounds which they claim “results in better traction and a better grid than a base exclusively out of natural rubber”. In our opinion they are right:

We did a test where the tester had various gaming mouse pads including the N-RF1; the tester then applied two hands on each pad and attempted to slide the pad along the table. Only the N-RF1 was able to maintain its position without any shifting.

Furthermore, a contributing factor to why the N-RF1 has great grip is its slim form factor. Measuring only a single millimeter thick, the pad is one of the thinnest gaming mouse pads on the market. Like the Choiix Trifunctional Travelpad, which we reviewed earlier, the N-RF1 can slip between your screen and keyboard and for this reason ZG has aimed this pad towards notebook owners.

The only negative point we noticed was that after a week and a half of heavy usage the edges began to frail. Though common on many mouse pads, we expected the heat/pressure manufacturing process to make the edges rather durable, though we were mistaken.

Testing

Unlike many fabric mouse pads, ZG’s N-RF1 does not have a smooth feel but rather a snappy feel. When you move your mouse across the surface you truly get the sensation that you are moving the mouse. There is very minimal friction making quick movements instantaneous though in combination with the rough surface may lead to some inaccuracy. Overall, it is one of the most reactive mouse pads we have ever had a chance to try.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ZOWIE Gear’s N-RF1 fits right in with its better known rivals. Snappy, instantaneous and frictionless the N-RF1 is a great option if you are tired of overly smooth, laggy feeling mouse pads.