Testing mice on challenging surfaces?

[Rusty Proto]

Do we know if anyone has thought to try mice on challenging surfaces, such as a painted metal table, or the top of a black metal toolbox? I haven't found a mouse that works on those surfaces yet, and while I can use a mousepad, I find keeping even a "dollar store" mousepad nearly impossible due to kleptomania. Is there a mouse that works on these challenging surfaces, or can this be tested for?

[AndreiArgeanu]

There's trackball mice if screwing a mousepad or piece of paper into the table isn't your thing.

[Rusty Proto]

I normally use the Kengsington Expert Trackball while at home, though those are also challenging to hold onto. Strangely, some of the gamer mice and factory pack-in mice included with many computers tend to not get jacked so often, though they are wildly inconsistent on the surfaces that we work on. It surprises me that I can maintain posession of a gamer mouse with its RG-Barf colors flickering brightly. 

 

I also hate those thumb ball trackballs, and have been looking for something along the lines of the Expert Trackball that can stand to be inverted without having to chase the ball down. Something more this style.