The Legend Returns – Zowie G-SR-SE Blue Mousepad

Written by Martin “byx” Buhl.

If you, like most others who have an interest in CS:GO, follow the biggest tournaments around the world, it’s almost impossible not to have seen the famous blue G-SR mousepad from Zowie, which many of the absolute best players swear to as their choice of mousepad when it’s time to make headshots and win trophies.

It has been practically impossible to get the blue edition of the G-SR mousepad in the last couple of years as it has been out of production, and thus you’ve had to choose between the black standard G-SR model or the printed version that was made as a collaboration between HLTV.org and Zowie.

Many of those who either have, or have had the original G-SR Blue, still say that neither the black nor the HLTV edition has the same surface as the aforementioned expired model in Blue.

Despite that countless mousepads from various brands have been made since G-SR Blue went out of stock, a record number of people around the world still wanted Zowie to remake the legendary blue version of G-SR, and now it has finally happened.

In this review I will give my thoughts about the new Zowie G-SR-SE Blue Mousepad, and of course compare it to the plain black G-SR model which I’ve used up until now.

First Impressions

When I received the package from Zowie, I was a bit scared if they had mixed up my order since the box was identical to the of the G-SR Black, but luckily it was the right G-SR-SE Blue that was sent to me.

In terms of design, there is quite a lot more to look at with this blue surface which has both Zowie’s own logo, but also BenQ who bought Zowie a few years ago and now is a separate part of the big international company.

I personally like the logo’s and blue design which still makes the visual experience pretty neutral since there isn’t any long text or other eye-catching things to be seen.

The surface is very different than the black G-SR, which surprised me a little bit, but that is simply due to the fact that the G-SR-SE Blue has the graphic print made on top of the regular G-SR surface which gives it the unique ‘touch’ the mousepad offers.

Besides the difference in surface, everything else on the G-SR-SE Blue is exactly the same as the previous models, but from my experience the rubber base feels more steady with this version, which makes it harder for it to slide around your desktop, and that is quite a positive thing.

Here I’ve placed the G-SR-SE Blue next to the G-SR Black version and the difference in surface becomes quite noticeable.

Specifications

The technical data for Zowie G-SR-SE Blue can be read below.

• Smooth and even texture offers a consistent glide throuhout; a different feel from the G-SR

• Rubber base offers increased stability on any surface

• 100% compatible with all types of mice

• 480 x 400 x 3.5 mm / 18.9 x 15.7 x 0.14 inches

• SR-SE was designed for gamers that enjoy the comfort of a rubber base in a cloth mousepad.

• The unique soft rubber base is 100% flat. It provides comfort while maintaining a consistent glide across the mousepad.

• The SR-SE provides a different glide from the black G-SR.

Testing Zowie G-SR-SE Blue

The first thing I noticed when I started using Zowie G-SR-SE Blue was that it has a very unique surface. My first thought was that it felt super smooth, which it is, but not in a dominating way. The best way I can describe it is that it feels like a controlled beast. All movements feel smooth and hassle-free, but without getting the feeling that you lose control over your movements due to the friction being too low.

Compared to the black G-SR Mousepad from Zowie, the transition to G-SR-SE Blue required a few days of playing CSGO since the movements feel more streamlined than the black one.

G-SR-SE Blue is flawless in CSGO. Flickshots, 180 degrees swipes goes as smooth as hot butter, and in a matter of a few days my trust in the mousepad was uncontested, and I haven’t used any of my other mousepads since G-SR-SE Blue came in the mail.

If you take your fingers and carefully feel the surface, you get the impression that the mousepad suffers from very high friction, but as soon as you move your mouse around the pad, it has a smooth touch which I have not yet encountered likewise on any other mousepad for gaming.

Is it worth the Hype?

Changing mousepad is a forbidden word amongst many dedicated Counter-Strike: Global Offensive players since it’s often the same mousepad players swear to use and have gotten used to in-game in terms of small, medium and big movements.

Personally it’s always been pretty easy for me to transition to new mousepads, and usually it only takes about 2-3 days before I feel fully confident with the new surface, but again, it’s a very individual thing.

Zowie G-SR-SE Blue is absolutely worth the hype in my opinion. With an undefined surface, very solid rubber-base and a cool graphic design, there is no doubt that the mousepad you’ve been using for years could be successfully switched to this new product from Zowie.

It’s always a matter of personal taste if this mousepad will be a hit for you, but I feel it would be a shame not to at least try it out and see for yourself if the hype is well-deserved.

Razer Goliathus Speed comes closest to Zowie G-SR-SE Blue

If I were to give my best tip on which mousepad comes the closest to the Zowie G-SR-SE Blue, it’s without a doubt Razer Goliathus Speed.

I’ve personally used the Speed model from Razer in the past, and as I’ve said it has an extremely smooth surface, which at times becomes too uncontrollable for my taste.

I don’t feel I get these experiences with the G-SR-SE Blue Mousepad, but it’s without a doubt the Goliathus Speed from Razer that comes closest to the surface G-SR-SE Blue has.

Pricing

G-SR-SE Blue has a retail price of $34.99.

Compared to competing mousepads, Zowie has put a price-tag around the general market, so a price of 35 bucks shouldn’t hold anyone back as far as I’m concerned.

Conclusion

After testing out Zowie G-SR-SE Blue for about a week, I came to almost the same conclusion as I did with the G-SR Black model.

I don’t have any negative comments about this product. Pricing, design, quality, base and surface are stellar, and we have a product full of awesome features which would make any competitive gamer excited and curious.

The only unknown factor I can find, is in terms of durability in the long run. The black G-SR model became a little bit worn out in the surface after about 3 months of use, and I certainly don’t hope this is the case with the new G-SR-SE Blue, because then it will become a noticeable expense to buy a new mousepad every monthly quarter.

Whether if that is the case with this product, only time can tell, but so far I will just enjoy this mousepad, and of course I hope it’s more durable than its black predecessor.

For more information about G-SR-SE Blue click here. It can be bought here.