Which Desk Mat (Desk Pad) is Right for You?

[@McCoymiked]

How to look taller: film with the top of your head slightly out of frame 😂. Great video. Dig the sweater.

[@MichaelSoledad]

😂😂😂 top tip right here. Thanks!

[@blogwithben]

I love your videos. Good stuff bro! I think I'm going with the wool!

[@Oscarito_us]

I think i'm going to roll with grovemade's wool desk mats. I've gotten two cheap ones from amazon and they look gross after a few months use. Great video!

[@MichaelSoledad]

Thank you!

[@ladscrimpton8590]

How did the wool mat work? Is it easy to use a mouse on, and how hard is it to write on it? Also nervous that I am going to spill something on it and ruin it. It looks great tho, and I'm thinking about ordering one.

[@ShonkyAdonis]

Nice video. I'm glad I found a channel that covers this kind of stuff from a workspace design perspective. I wouldn't recommend fake leather desk mats, though. In my experience you eventually get a lot of drag on your wrist after you've had one for a while. So you end up turning your wrist instead of moving your forearm, which can cause a bunch of problems for you. I love the look of those wool ones, but I'd bet they pick up pet fur like crazy, which is a bummer.

[@MichaelSoledad]

Thanks for the kind words! The wool ones are my favorite and they’re surprisingly easy to maintain. Not sure about pet hair though because we don’t have cats running on top of our desks or anything 😄

[@NjeleMolStudios]

Michael we love love love your entire desk setup man

[@s.harith7366]

Yup this is a very exciting series👍

[@crossrambles]

The intro paired with the music is too funny. Thought it was SpongeBob music at first.

[@MichaelSoledad]

I’ll definitely take that as a compliment!

[@sattautsho9505]

I think I will give it to Orbitkey because it has a fair price tag and enough functionality

[@foblymobly]

Excited for this series!

[@MichaelSoledad]

Yay!!

[@KevinGeneFeldman]

I want to get one of those dark gray wool mouse pads but I bought a felt pad for my desk years ago and my mouse was constantly snagging the fibers as it moved and it felt awful. I don't know if that would be a problem on these kinds of products.

[@juanmarketing]

This is a great and very useful video. We cannot wait to let you try ours! It’s helps you work distraction-free ❤️

[@EXTRAEDC]

I use a ultimate Guard pad for trading card games .. feels very good and is also affordable .. :)

[@literate-aside]

Great video, gave me a different point of view. I was expecting groupbuys,whacky designs and memes. Not at all the type of mats I'm used to here 👍

[@avtoportret]

Great review, but I still can't decide what to get haha

[@Cleisthenes607]

Where is that sweater from? It is aesthetic.

[@MatthewTyndall]

Did you change out from the Grovemade Desk Shelf?

[@MichaelSoledad]

I matched the desk shelf from Ergonofis because it fits my desk more. But I still have my Grovemade desk shelf on another desk.

[@MatthewTyndall]

@@MichaelSoledad 👍🏻

[@markocakic9104]

Thank you for the video, it will really help in deciding which mat to get. I have a question - are there any unpleasant smells that come with any of these mats? I am asking because I first bought a mat from Ikea, which was quite fine as a surface to work on, but since it is made from some synthetic material, it came with a very unpleasant smell of rubber or tar, which no amount of airing or washing could remove. I am leaning towards the Grovemade's Matte one (if I can order it in my country), so this question relates especially to that one. Thanks

[@MichaelSoledad]

The matte and leather versions from Grovemade have a distinct smell. I just don’t think they’re unpleasant so it’s hard for me to say

[@hungrybiscuityy]

Great video! Do you know if the grovemade matt desk mat is good for gaming? How does the mx master 3 slide? Thanks!

[@Benjaminfilm7]

What is the Keyboard called - on the Satechi Desk Pad?

[@novapreem6650]

Awesome vid! Would you recommend these type of mousemats for gaming?

[@MichaelSoledad]

The matter version would be my pick. You can also get the neoprene ones on amazon that are super cheap if you like a traditional mousepad feel.

[@icurtispe]

Thanks! Give me good reference. By any chance do you have/review a Ducky deskpad?

[@maillardsbearcat]

I like your sweater - where can I get one?

[@jonshin31]

Thanks for the informative video! If price didn't matter, would your personal preference be the leather or matte for Grovemade?

[@MichaelSoledad]

That’s a hard choice because they really differ in feel. Personally I like the low maintenance nature of the Matte and the look of the Wool

[@kinghincheng8941]

What case cover u using for the MacBook? Can I have the link or name for it?

[@lewisprice2743]

With cheap leather ones, how easy does mouse glide over

[@DrMarvinLara]

Why would anyone want that grey felt mat? That thing is obviously going to fray and make lint balls, then soak up any dirt or liquid.

[@TheSparkymonster]

where did you get the mac wood stand in 2:41?

[@stills2359]

whats that laptop stand at 2:45

[@omar...theenvy1720]

i like the charging pad you have on 5:14 what it is pad?

[@pbx1390]

How long does a good leather desk mat last? It is not cheap, is it last very long time and worth it?

[@MichaelSoledad]

That would mostly depend on how you use it and care for it. In my case, I’ve had it for more than a year now and it looks and feels just about the same way since I got it.

[@NewYears1978]

Has anyone tried the Grovemade felt mats and the Deltahub? Would like a comparison on those. I think the Grovemade is a little too pricey so I thought about doing a Deltahub felt mat + Grovemade leather mousepad?

[@brandon_wallace]

Why do I need a desk mat (desk pad)?

[@yuitachibana6145]

Came upon this video looking for some advice for my first ever desk mat/pad/blotter purchase! I tend to need corner protection for my desk.. would you happen to know of any desk mats that have corner protection other than IKEA? 🥺 thanks!!

[@MichaelSoledad]

Unfortunately, I do not.

[@ArrekusaJP]

Nice pfp

[@jeremydao3519]

I like the look of your keyboard. Can you tell me the name of it?

[@shiftadvance]

Thanks for the helpful video! One question, can you clean those wool mousepads?

[@MichaelSoledad]

I’ve not had to clean them to be honest. I just make sure I don’t stain them. They’ve held up really well in the few years I’ve owns them.

[@shiftadvance]

@@MichaelSoledad Thank you! Just one more question, is soap and warm water safe on wool/felt?

[@agnespeervanhal7710]

@@shiftadvance Yes it is!

[@shiftadvance]

@@agnespeervanhal7710 Alright, thanks a lot!

[@EnriqueEduardoGuillenPaz]

Hi, does the Grovemade felt pad stays on place or does it easily slips?

[@MichaelSoledad]

It’s doesn’t have a grippy underside so it can slide around. But it’s not something that has ever bothered me

[@ham2thedan]

Which one would you suggest for gaming?

[@MichaelSoledad]

For gaming I would suggest the cheaper neoprene ones on Amazon but if your asking between the selections I showed, I would go with the matte finish.

[@DragonPupEclipse]

What desk pad do you recommend for Autonomous smartdesk 2 premium? The size is 53inch length and 29inch width.

[@julioceasar]

Where can I find the wallpaper of your iPAD? gREAT VIDEO BTW :)

[@MichaelSoledad]

The image was a gift from a photographer friend

[@ArrekusaJP]

Deciding whether I should buy a fake Leather desk mat or a typical cloth desk mat to dampen my keyboard sound. What is most important to me is dampening the sound of my keyboard. Not sure

[@RomuloHaack]

Grovemade is impossible expensive IMHO! If you want something to cover the entire desk it can cost you OVER $200! That's bs!

[@MichaelSoledad]

Not BS, just a different customer base.

[@vincec4248]

Love this!

[@Tonynah]

where did you get that monitor stand at 5:15?

[@MichaelSoledad]

From Ergonofis.

[@britishcouncilorgbd6424]

Weight?

[@britishcouncilorgbd6424]

Weight of Deskpads

[@MiguelMartinez-xu9yb]

The design you desk series The DYDS A Michael Soledad original production

[@karepy]

miguel loneliness

[@MichaelSoledad]

I actually understood the joke lol

[@itsklushi4838]

If you actually want to buy a good quality desk mat just talk to somebody from the custom keyboard community because they basically invented the modern desk pad. Leather or suede or other "fancy" or "unique" materials should not be used as a main desk pad or mousepad because of their very poor ergonomic function. In short, people think they look cool and trendy and sure they might but they will only be comfortable to write on compared to actual desk pads that can be used to comfortably use your keyboard and mouse on. So many people have amazing minimal setups and they think that one of these desk mats will add to the aesthetic but to people who are knowledgeable about these mats the setup can be basically be ruined by this one factor, there are many better alternatives for around the same price point with many different looks you just have to do better research and testing.

[@itsklushi4838]

Very good quality video though, and considering the audience that you are targeting I can understand the choices for recommendations that you made

[@MichaelSoledad]

The keyboard community is definitely a special niche with their own culture. Probably too sophisticated for most including myself. Thank you for your input and I appreciate the kind words.

[@tarunsuresh3605]

@@itsklushi4838 Steller point, I feel like creators like him try to focus too much on one specific aesthetic, and its expensive aesthetic. Certainly, he is kind of similar to a lot of other KZbinrs cause of that. Don't get me wrong I still love his content, but he should take in factor ergonomics and etc. which enhances a setup a lot just like these do. Also, these Desk pads aren't exclusive to the mechanical keyboard community, they are for everyone.

[@ericallnight]

Got any other recs?

[@braaitongs]

Grovemade is just too expensive.

[@MichaelSoledad]

There are more options available now since the making of this video :)

[@haurjie]

I'm interested in the matte deskpad, is it prone to indentations and such scuff marks? If so, are those easy to fix?

[@MichaelSoledad]

It’s definitely much more resilient than the leather. But not completely prone to damage and they’re not self healing.

[@anthonylam-tran8076]

We google the same thing lol

[@MichaelSoledad]

#shortpeopleproblems

[@mallyp5506]

you're probably the perfect height!

[@DR19X]

Nice video but please stay away from sponsorships that makes you lose credibility with the viewers.

[@MichaelSoledad]

I appreciate the comment but I only agree to sponsors if our views and goals align. Accepting sponsorship does not automatically make me dishonest.

[@rubino7]

Biased review. Same shit with every grovemade shill.

[@MichaelSoledad]

Have you tried Grovemade or any of the products i mentioned from this almost 2 year old video?

[@joker3053]

we all should stop using animal leathers , that way animals can be saved

[@Indra_Ninja]

For the wool deskmat does it get fluffly when you use a mouse on top?

[@lisamartinovska2714]

Thank you Michael, I needed a video like this to finally decide, which desk pad is the one for me. Thank you!

[@MichaelSoledad]

You're welcome, Lisa!

[@moelns12]

Definitely the wool

[@ericallnight]

This is exactly what I was looking for

[@bloedekuh]

OMG, I think we might have the same desk. Mine is from Ashley, that's why I desperately need a hard desk pad xD.

[@joshuachong5204]

I love deskmats and how they add to a setup.. but I also love eating my bowl of cereal in front of my pc. Why do they make us choooooseeee

[@lukepaulson3428]

Thanks for this! Did you notice any sliding issues with any of the Grovemade mats? Particularly the felt. Great video?

[@MichaelSoledad]

The most slippery would be the felt. I have the extra large one where my iMac used to sit on and it although you can move it around it wasn’t a source of frustration for me.

[@NewYears1978]

Saw goofy intro, sub'd.

[@backatbragg]

Michael are you thinking about getting the M1 IPad Pro?

[@emreturkeli]

I've never tried the wool versions but I fear that they'll be itchy or too hot and will give me discomfort.. Would that be the case? any input is much appreciated..

[@MichaelSoledad]

It's a little hard to say because I'm not sure how sensitive your skin is to wool. However, I've tried other wool desk pads and the best for me is Grovemade's because they're soft and doesn't irritate my skin at all. There is a new brand I recently featured called NOOE and they have a suede desk pad that's also quite nice. That one might be more of what you will like.

[@shadow.banned]

Function over form.

[@zeeshanrahman1566]

what is the best table to buy from amazon from about $50-$75 ?

[@CreativeDojo]

Awesome stuff! Do you think the added premium feel is worth the jump from the Grovemade Matte to the leather? I’m in between the two.

[@MichaelSoledad]

I don’t think the price difference necessarily “adds” to the experience. It’s just a very different experience. The leather feels really nice but the matte is much more functional. Looks wise, the matte has a cleaner look. Unless you’re up close and actually feeling the leather, it can look a bit off because of the imperfections.

[@CreativeDojo]

@@MichaelSoledad I guess I'll go with matte first then! Thanks for the feedback and review.

[@lesliesinger6026]

Love the laptop stand, sleek, wood, is it oak, please provide a link to purchase

[@MichaelSoledad]

It's also by Grovemade. You can visit grovemade.com/michael-soledad/ to see some of the products that i personally use.

[@letthatbe]

Wool or leather?

[@jansteinke137]

really good video and also very interesting keep it up :D

[@Psoewish]

I've owned a few desk mats, but they seem to all be very absorbent in terms of dirt and especially sweat, which is a problem as it gets very hot here in summer. Most of these are easily washable, but frankly I don't want to take my desk mat to the bathtub to properly soak and scrub it. Which material do you think would be best to counter this problem? I don't really care about hardness or anything as I'm fine with just using my wooden surface anyway, just looking for something that doesn't absorb everything and I can just wipe down with a damp cloth every once in a while.

[@MichaelSoledad]

The matte desk pad by Grovemade would be best.

[@Psoewish]

@@MichaelSoledad awesome, thank you!

[@datb0imarn3]

@Michael Soledad- have you had any issues with the GM Wool shedding over time, and/or bunching on your mouse? Thanks!

[@MichaelSoledad]

I have not. I only occasionally get little stray fibers but not enough to ever bunch up.

[@datb0imarn3]

@@MichaelSoledad Salamat for the feedback!

[@ceritat625]

Great video, and love your Nikon F! I love the wool desk pad.

[@MichaelSoledad]

Thank you! It was a gift from my father in law 😊 love the classic Nikons and I miss my old FM10

[@alexholland8]

I love Grovemade's desk mats :)

[@cooperpierce9881]

This is exactly what I'm looking for right at the exact time I was looking for it

[@m.c7169]

Thank you so much for this video! I bought a lavender polyurethane desk pad (I think it's poly. If not, it's faux leather) a few months ago. I bought it to give my desk some pizzaz. :) However, I don't use it for my keyboard & mouse because I have a tray under the desk. Plus, my mouse (Logitech MX Master 3) doesn't slide well. I'm looking for a desk/mouse pad for the keyboard tray, but I wasn't sure which one is best. This video is certainly helpful. Thanks again!

[@BratvaTV]

Thesw reviews are shit because they dont tell you how they are after a while. Ive found felt pads will get fuzz balls after a short while. So annoying. And other mousepads scuff or get dirty easily.

[@MichaelSoledad]

You should post comment this as an official review. I’m sure someone will appreciate it.

[@tarunsuresh3605]

@@MichaelSoledad It is a hate comment but as mean as it seems to you it's Constructive Critism and you should take it as so or else you not fit to be a KZbinr. In the end, he is a consumer who brought these products so actually people would come to appreciate it, be respectful.

[@avtoportret]

@@tarunsuresh3605 Wow, so much desire to fit someone into what you think a KZbinr is, and how much desire to make another person behave the way you want.

[@tarunsuresh3605]

@@avtoportret Ig felt pads dont have anything bad about them

[@oscarvandewalle596]

I am planning to get some grovemade mats, and I thought that it would be a good idea to put a large matte mat with a small wool mat on top. I like how the wool looks but I am somebody who writes with paper and I know that the wool isn’t the greatest for writing. Which is why I think a matte mat would be better. Now the question do you think it is worth it to put an extra small wool on top for my mouse and keyboard or should I only get the large matte mat?

[@MichaelSoledad]

That might not be a bad idea for aesthetics. If you get a large enough matte version it can look like your table top and like you said get a small wool. The matte is a very good surface for writing.

[@MichaelSoledad]

Although I would try one first. You might end up liking the matte on its own

[@oscarvandewalle596]

@@MichaelSoledad ok, thank you so much!

[@oscarvandewalle596]

Yes, I think I'll try first only the large matte mat if I feel like I need the small wool mat i could add it. Thank you again! Loved the timing of the video, I feel like my desk is to white so I'm trying out something more cozy.

[@vortexlinks7982]

He’s litteraly trying to get more grovemade products. Pls dont get grovemade it sucks, thr novelkeys deskpads are really good and you can make your own quality mat for like 1/5 of the price.

[@MichaelSoledad]

Im not trying to get more grovemade products. I have more than enough. I’m just sharing what I like but not forcing anyone to get the same.

[@vortexlinks7982]

@Michael Soledad ,Yes but the incorporation of grovemade is excessive, nowadays a lot of creators that have setups like yours gets sponsored. Now acknowledging your a creator this a response I would expect from you. I feel like you should keep a more open minded approach to desk realated videos. Why I said there were better opinions were because there are and they have a way better glide. Just my 2 cents, sorry I came out a bit childish.