Introduction
The ZOWIE G-SR-SE has been a popular choice in the pro scene for many years now. Since we last reviewed a G-SR-SE (which was around three years ago), the pad has seen a number of small updates, and with the ‘II’ version now being available, we thought it was high time we took another look at this community favorite. In our full ZOWIE G-SR-SE II review, you’ll find out whether or not it’s still worth it in 2025 and beyond.
At A Glance
ZOWIE G-SR-SE II
Used by 22 players ()
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Snax
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Techno4K
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Staff’s Choice
Pro’s Choice
The G-SR-SE Blue II is not a revolutionary pad. It’s also not an extremely premium product. But it is a workhorse of a mousepad that has proven itself at the highest levels of competitive gaming, that has now been further refined.
Pros
- Smooth surface (for a control pad)
- Large degree of crease resistance
- Extremely consistent foam and sticky base make for a reliable pad
Cons
- Not available as a single-color pad (though this is a small complaint)
Specs
| Height | 47cm |
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| Length | 39cm |
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| Thickness | 3.5mm |
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| Stitched edges | No |
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| Material | Cloth |
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| Glide | Control |
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| Static Friction | 47 |
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| Static Friction Angle | 8.8 |
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| Glide Difference X/Y | 8.12 |
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| Dynamic Friction | 1.86 |
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First Impressions
There are multiple G-SR-SE pads available that carry the ‘II’ moniker. For this review, I got the G-SR-SE Blue II. At the time of writing, there’s also a green one (the G-SR-SE Bi II) and a red one (the G-SR-SE Rouge II). Each pad has a distinct design, which is something that I like.
Important to note is that the G-SR-SE is not the same as the G-SR. It’s a separate type of pad with a separate type of glide. There’s also the H-SR-SE, which has a softer base but the same surface. If you’re a bit confused by ZOWIE’s naming scheme, you can always check out our article explaining the differences between ZOWIE mousepads.
On to the actual product, then. On my blue pad, there’s a large ZOWIE logo printed with a 3D effect that appears to rise from the surface. Blue is my favorite color, so I quite like the art, but if you’re someone who is into basic monochrome designs, you’re not going to find a G-SR-SE that satisfies your desires, since they all come with different designs.
The pad comes rolled in a sturdy cardboard box and lays flat pretty smoothly. There were no lingering rubbery smells present with my pad.
Finish and Overall Quality
ZOWIE’s G-SR-SE pads do not come with stitched or rolled edges. They’re not priced at the very top end of the spectrum, though, so for me that’s not a huge deal. On top of that, I also know fellow gamers who have used the same G-SR-SE for over 5 years without any issues to the top surface, so the durability of these pads isn’t anything to worry about.
Aside from the lack of edge finishing, the G-SR-SE Blue II looks and feels great. The surface is pretty soft to the touch for a controlling pad, the foam feels reliable and extremely consistent, and the new and improved base feels promising.
Performance
Glide
ZOWIE’s G-SR-SE line has always been categorized on ProSettings.net as a line of medium pads with a strong focus on control. Our ‘mousepad categories’ are based on the results that we get in our controlled testing, and older G-SR-SE pads were always just above the cutoff point for ‘control’ pads. This latest line slows things down just enough to land in the full-on ‘control’ section, as it’s a tiny bit slower than its predecessors.
With that said, the differences are small. You’re still getting the SR-SE gliding experience here. That’s to say: a decently smooth and quick glide once you get going, with a bit more stopping power to rein those micro adjustments.
For me, this type of glide feels like it was made for tactical shooters. When you’re aiming at very small targets, there’s enough resistance so that your mouse isn’t dancing all over the place, and when you’re flicking or gliding, the pad lets loose a little bit in order to accommodate that motion. It’s a great type of glide for people who want a bit more control over their movements in games like VALORANT and CS2, but who don’t want to use a so-called ‘mud pad’ (I say that lovingly since I love mud pads) like ZOWIE’s G-SR.
I say that it feels made for tactical shooters (which wouldn’t be a surprise since that’s ZOWIE’s focus) but that doesn’t mean you can only use it for that type of game. I’ve been grinding Battlefield 6 and this pad felt great for that type of game, too. The G-SR-SE Blue II never gets overly controlling or muddy, which makes it an excellent all-round option for people who prefer slower surfaces.
Base and Softness
One of the new features with this latest iteration is the base. This now has a bunch of dots on it, which are meant to improve grip. For me, this delivers. I never really had any major grip issues with previous G-SR-SE pads so I can’t say that this solves some kind of major problem for me personally, but I also tested this pad on a variety of suboptimal surfaces (such as leather and metal) and it stayed put perfectly well.
The foam that lies on top of this base is firm. If you’re someone who likes to apply pressure so that your mouse feet dig in and give some extra control, you’ll be disappointed here, as there’s pretty much no give at all. People who like a firm foam will love this, though. The foam is extremely consistent all across the pad, and there are no air pockets or bubbles where it feels like there’s more give than elsewhere.
Everyday Usage
ZOWIE’s G-SR-SE line can stand the test of time. The crease resistance is very good, so the pad can survive a bunch of rough trips to LAN events. On top of that, the humidity resistance has also been greatly improved. If you’re playing in a super humid environment and/or you’ve got very sweaty hands, you might notice some slower spots here and there, but it’s no worse than on most other control pads.
The surface is rather smooth to the touch, and the absence of edge stitching (so nothing digs into your forearm) makes the pad comfortable for long sessions.
All in all, this is a great pad to use as a daily mousepad.
Alternatives
There are plenty of alternatives for the ZOWIE G-SR-SE Blue II, since this type of glide is something that a lot of manufacturers are trying to provide. The most known alternatives include the VAXEE PE-K, the VAXEE PA (this is slightly faster overall) and the Lethal Gaming Gear Saturn Pro (this is slower overall, but offers a similar experience).
Conclusion
The ZOWIE G-SR-SE Blue II is a great pad to go for if you’re looking for a controlling glide that isn’t too restrictive. You’re getting a high degree of control over your small aiming movements, while the pad lets go a little bit once you start gliding.
Everything here is executed nicely. The surface is pretty soft and comfy for a control-focused pad, the foam is extremely consistent, the base is grippy, and the pad is durable. All of this comes at a rather friendly price (compared to some other popular pro-grade gaming pads, that is), which is an extra bonus.
The G-SR-SE Blue II is not a revolutionary pad. It’s also not an extremely premium product. But it is a workhorse of a mousepad that has proven itself at the highest levels of competitive gaming, that has now been further refined.
This product was received for free from the manufacturer and given to our reviewer to test and review. Brands and manufacturers have no editorial control over our reviews. For more information, check out our review FAQ.
Former semi-pro gamer turned writer, product reviewer, and community manager.
