I'm using the same pad too and had the same issues before. That uber-smooth silicon feeling is only gonna last a few days or a week before it starts feeling rough again and then you'll have your rubber feet wearing out on the pad. It's really inconsistent.

Firstly, get rid of that silicon cloth. Then go wash your SX surface with water. Scrub the whole surface down with any sort of cloth while rinsing with water to get rid of that silicon spray on the surface.

Dry it down, scrub your mouse feet vigorously with a wet cloth then a dry one. Then use your SX normally.

Now you'll have a sort of 'rough' smooth feeling and your pad may make a bit more noise when you move your mouse but this new smoothness should be more accurate for your mouse than that silicone crap. Your mouse feet will also reduce the wearing on the surface now.

Hmm thx for your reply m8, though my question is doesn't that just kill the whole idea? The friction is reduced tremendously by the silicon layer. I have to agree on the inconsistency too, I have emailed SteelSeries about this as well, but so far the replies aren't really constructive. Quite strange they say its lifelong durable though ):.

There's nothing much you can really do about it man. Either continue using the silicone and put up with the inconsistent feel + weary feet or just clean the whole thing with water and adjust to the consistent semi-smooth feel.

TBH I don't think it is silicon cloth (atleast the white one isn't). It reminds me of the same stuff you use to polish car parts with (just much finer grain) before painting. Think of it as a 5000 grade sandpaper.

buy a different pad. it's not meant to last as far as i know.

Can't find anything with the same/less amount of friction. This is what they mention on the webpage: "- Lifelong durablity thanks to coated aluminum" so I'd say its meant to last :}.

Icemat (Steelseries I2) is the pad you want if you want consistent surface that has less friction than SX. Only pad that stays the same at all times. It is more durable than SX and keeps it's glide unless it gets dirty. Afaik the only one I know of who has complained about slight wear on Icemat used it for more than 2 years with the nylon feet on IE3.0. Only negative aspect about icemat is the height (6mm with feet). It is smoother and faster than SX though.

i've got both and the SX is definitely faster (but the icemat feels smoother.)

With good teflon feet my icemat is quite a bit faster. Would rate SX as 8/10 S&S 9/10 and Icemate 10/10 when it comes to speed.

The sad thing here, is that the Steelpad 3S and 4S have Icemat quality, without the random skipping Icemat's are known for.

Steelpad SX could have been the ultimat Steelpad if they just wanted to stick with what was already working.

: (

Now they don't make 3S, or 4S any longer.
So everyone who wants a Steelpad is let down, and has to get an icemat.