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There are 2 types of mousepads: Hardpads and softpads.
A hard mousepad is usually made of plastic, metal, or glass to provide a smooth, flat surface. Due to the low friction, they are great for gamers or anyone who needs to move their mouse quickly. With the speed and the ultra-smooth surface, it becomes harder to control your mouse precisely. With a hardpad, you can make quick, large movements, but it may take some time to get used to the speed and accuracy. This is especially true if you have only used soft mousepads before. There are textured hard pads that can help to allow more control, and in return, they offer a bit less speed.

A soft mousepad is typically made of fabric and offers some padding. This can make them comfortable to use over longer periods, as you can rest your wrist and hand on it. Most softpads have some friction, so it may be easier to control the mouse precisely.
Depending on the type of surface used, movements on a softpad may be slower, but it will be easier to make small movements with pinpoint accuracy.

The material the surface of the mousepad is made from.
Whether a hard pad or a soft pad, every mousepad consists of a surface and a base. The surface contributes significantly to the characteristics of the mousepad and how it feels during gaming. There are many different materials such as glass, polycarbonate, nylon, or polyester also known as “fabric,” although this is technically an incorrect term.

Every surface can be manufactured or further processed or refined in a certain way. As a result, the mousepad acquires very specific characteristics. For example, a mousepad made of polyester can have an extremely slow or very fast glide speed, e.g., through a coating or a specific weave pattern.

The “foundation” of a mousepad and a very often overlooked component. The base is often the difference between good and great mousepads. They come in several thicknesses & “hardness levels,” and this can play a significant role in the gaming experience. Therefore, in combination with the surface, it decides how the mouse pad ultimately plays and feels. And by the way, it also ensures that the mousepad stays in place & does not slip (at least it should ^^)

A hybrid mousepad is designed to combine the features of hard and soft mousepads. It aims to provide the glide experience of hard pads while maintaining the comfort and control typically associated with soft pads. Hybrid mousepads often use a mix of materials or are specially manufactured. They can also have a unique surface texture that allows for both speed and control, enabling quick mouse movements as well as precise aiming. The mix of materials can also contribute to increased durability. While they are stiffer than a standard fabric pad, hybrid mousepads are generally more comfortable than hard pads and offer a middle ground in terms of wrist comfort and support.

A coating on a mousepad refers to a special surface treatment aimed at modifying the properties of the mousepad. This coating can be applied in various ways to achieve different effects, depending on the specific features the mousepad is intended to offer. For example, a mousepad can be made water-repellent, have a “protected” print, or have significantly improved glide speed, e.g., with a “Glass-Coating (Ice-Coating).” However, it’s important to note that coatings do not last forever and, depending on the intensity of use and the quality of the mousepad, will wear out over time, and the mousepad will no longer possess the same properties.

To better compare mousepads, I have divided them into 7 different speed levels.

From fast to slow:

1. High speed
2. Fast
3. Quick
4. Balanced
5. Moderate
6. Controlled
7. High control