Some of the Best and Worst Mousepads I've Tried

Check prices on Amazon below
Zowie GSR-SE Rouge: geni.us/ejY0T
Skypad 3.0: geni.us/9IKq5
Logitech G640: geni.us/4XPK
Mousepad retailers
Artisan JP: www.artisan-jp.com/nj_index_e...
Ausmodshop (AU): ausmodshop.com/collections/ar...
Lethalgaminggear (US): lethalgaminggear.com/
Maxgaming (EU): www.maxgaming.com/
Timestamps
0:00 Intro
1:33 Zowie GSR-SE Rouge
3:28 Skypad 3.0
5:21 GPZ1
7:19 LGG Mercury
8:57 Vaxee PA
10:02 Artisan Hayate Otsu Mid
11:12 Artisan Mid, Soft, XSoft
13:35 Artisan Raiden XSoft
15:15 Thoughts
I've tried a stack more mousepads since my last update - here are the best and worst ones.
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For more mousepad content definitely check / @boardzy
Video gear
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[@N0N0111]

11:40 This macro shot for pressing down on the pad is very helpful, please do more of these shots.

[@phattjohnson]

Damn that's a crisp shot indeed!

[@sayidabohussayn7644]

That’s a micro shot?

[@timduh6964]

@@sayidabohussayn7644 incorrect, it is macro. macro involves close up shots just like micro but the difference being the sizes of the objects... micro needing magnification to take the imagery, macro does not.

[@sayidabohussayn7644]

@@timduh6964kool thanks for the lesson. Now I know!

[@maximes4428]

I come to this channel every now and then but it's crazy that you cover and know so much about so many different techs and subjects.

[@solarsyt7546]

lets goooooooo, been waiting for´a V2 ever since your first video. Amazing content as usual!

[@dangu5332]

Still one of the very best channels I always come to watch. Keep it up!!

[@Ysbeer11]

You better not stop making videos! This is my favourite chanel, thanks for the content brother

[@2klogic]

I'm glad you prefaced that you're still only as good as your own skills and talent! It's sad when people overspend on somethings but I understand the want and need for improving.

[@musicman24X]

It's a good disclaimer. I like having good gear so there's no one I can blame but myself.

[@kesamek8537]

Good video and +1 shoutout to Boardzy. That guy's Tier Lists are amazing.

[@AlwaysTrickster]

I recently settled on the Glorious Air mousepad and I love it. Great vid 👍🏿

[@tobiasdontmatter1868]

Hell yea, I have the glorious XXXL lol

[@moe516]

You never fail to impress me with these vids bro

[@mrbp3351]

I commend you for stacking the mousepads correctly and not making em dirty!

[@SuthesanSA89]

One of the reason people like to watch your video, because you have aim. So it is not just talk spec video. Viewers always like some performances to compare. 😊

[@emmanuelvillafranca7741]

Great content as always!

[@mikeyverano]

Thanks so much Optimum. I just ordered the Hayate Otsu XXL mid in red and the Zero XXL soft in orange.

[@VoDkAvi]

Thanks. Gonna try out the Hayate Otsu, was looking at the Hien

[@gamist8166]

Idk if you're still doing the glass pads, if so it might not be the time. But when you want a speedy/hybrid cloth pad, I'd recommend the Lamzu Energon! Its my favorite pad so far. I feel it's just barely too fast for me, I'm wondering if I can find something only slightly slower. I use sapphire skates though, so I'm thinking if I go back to ptfe that might be what I need. Unsure, but yea, I highly recommend the pad.

[@Cxzan]

love it keep posting and cant wait for you next video

[@josephbornman8462]

Props to having the relevant info in the description

[@scottkobrien]

I really enjoy the razer strider. It is fast and stays consistent throughout the pad for so long, I feel it really helps my tracking. It did take a little bit to get use to coming from a glorious prior

[@ghosticnoir]

are you a low sens or high sense player? i’m confused if i should get razer strider or logitech g640 and a few others like zowie and cool master. I play on low to mid sens

[@animetard5633]

Amazing video as always optimum 👍

[@tapts503]

Like others have mentioned, the Artisan's Xsoft is an absolutely amazing experience if you use your PC for more than games. If you have wrist pain, use ergo mice, etc. you may find it your endgame. I own Hayate Oatsu Xsoft.

[@pulsar.]

xsoft vs soft?

[@PradyumnVij]

Wow might look at that since I work from home every day 🤔.

[@freakenste]

One of the best pads out there yes , but the Artisan Zero Xsoft that I have , durability has been really really bad. Like few months bad , my mousepad has indentations from where my arm rest on and it's permanent , it won't return to it's original state anymore.

[@michalp3470]

how does it impact wrist pain?

[@tapts503]

@@freakenste Damn, that sounds bad. I was looking at the Zero xsoft in Orange too.

[@ohxtg]

Nice boardzy shout out at the end

[@squakers9950]

I have the $30 NZXT MXP700 mousepad. Medium speed, medium softness, so kind of ticks all the boxes. I feel like not many people talk about it, but in my opinion, it is one of the most solid low-price mousepads out there.

[@yoshi555king]

that's a good one. Would have gotten it if Pulsar didn't produce the paraspeed v2 cordura

[@302QuestSwap]

Sucks that shipping is so much from artisan, because their pads aren’t really expensive. $30-45 for their lineup when you convert yen to USD

[@mattymoyouknow202]

Never stop doing these please.

[@salcmon]

Just what I was looking for, will be sure to check out some artisan pads.

[@pundah7084]

For anyone looking for a great budget friendly mouse pad I would recommend any Locus pads. They're on the faster side so if you want more control it may not be for you. The sizes are XL - 450x400x3MM / XXL - 900x400x4MM. Extended pads are a little bit thicker so keep that in mind.

[@tkzii6207]

best budget mousepad is the ikea one, change my mind

[@pundah7084]

@@tkzii6207 If it's as good as I've heard then it definitely seems like a great option

[@filosavage7475]

Omg I was looking for mouse pads and popped on KZbin to be greeted by this wonderful video

[@flowsy5294]

you changed the thumbnail three times, the one with the sun shining in over the keyboard and mousepads was the best one and the most gorgeous. The current ones ok but i'd opt for the previous one.

[@Panzil]

HOW are your thumbnails so good?!?!

[@breakies]

holy moly! another black square video!

[@blessing2757]

I feel honored for maining the same mousepad as you cuz u are my favorite techtuber :D

[@Manuwu]

insane content as usual :)

[@VicariousX]

I'm glad to see the mercury make the list, I personally like everything about it just a tiny bit better than a hien. It's just the smaller size + the stitching that kill me.

[@epoxy515]

I bought the gsr-se rouge some time ago and i gotta say its really solid, its really nice and you get good and fluid motions, good for tracking and flicking, but it takes some time too flatten, i put weights on them all night and they still didnt flatten down, overall its worth it

[@Karebu.]

The way to easily flatten these mousepads and when you take them out, re fold them back up the opposite way and stick it back in its case for about 15 minutes, they will flatten out perfectly. I’ve owned 2. (The red one and the blue one)

[@RafaelLima-ch6qr]

​​@@Karebu.hanks for that, i'm getting the red one this week and this will be helpful :)

[@chadsugden411]

I put mine in the sun or hit it with the hair dryer for 5 mins and it relaxes

[@r_turner]

Great that you did another video on Mousepad , The First video was very Impactful for me , I got myself Razer Golaithus for My Razer Viper Mini . Very Budget products which Delivered Shockingly Premium Experience and Aiming massively improved as I get avg 20-30 kills in PUBG Arcade DeathMatches as before i could not even get 5-8 kills.

[@ZhekaTrololo]

There is two versions of this: control and speed. Which one you bought?

[@r_turner]

​@@ZhekaTrololo Goliathus Mobile Soft Gaming - it's an entry level @ $5

[@frenzyio]

That tracer fight sums up my time with OW when I played it, I get so lost on what’s going 💀 14:50

[@ihx7]

just discovered your channel and I love it

[@ihx7]

I imagine I would have a similar channel as you if actually had discipline back then and made videos + actually followed my projects

[@ihx7]

why didn't find this channel earlier man I basically stopped gaming by now a few years ago this would've been so amazing but it kinda brings me back into wanting to dive into this stuff again

[@shadyhd20]

Solid video as usual

[@Boemtie]

I tried most pads on the list, i settled with the regular Saturn, its great.

[@whyxeni]

That widow clip was insane

[@givemethesantahatfoo]

+1 to the LGG Mercury. Fantastic pad for the price ($15), especially if you don't mind the rougher texture. Great video as always Optimum!

[@WhoFlungDung]

I have the biggest size and it's great but, just like the guy here says, it's a rough surface kinda.

[@ahmedghanmi]

Glad to see u hit apex again. Great review

[@accumulator4825]

Dude this is just in time, I've literally been wondering about which mousepad to get the last week.

[@edonramadani8017]

which one have you got? im thinking about skypad 3.0 or gsr se rouge, i play only cs2.

[@AlphablueOfficial]

I was just shopping for pads and thought "I wonder what Optimum Tech would recommend" and BAM!! Here you are!!

[@skullkrusher4418]

The otsu mid and the skypad 3.0 are my go-to pads. They just feel so amazing for tracking.

[@ergin8888]

they cost over 70€ 💀

[@wildfire23]

@@ergin8888 well worth the money if you want to have easier and clean tracking imo

[@xKiLzEr]

@@ergin8888 if you can't afford it, don't buy it. Simple.

[@realghostxd]

@@ergin8888 again like what Ali said, all the pads that are available on your local stores that he mentioned at the start of the video, are pretty good aswell

[@akimbofresh8109]

@@ergin8888Ask mommy for some money or get a job then.

[@gordonneverdies]

Still waiting for my Saturn Pro. I'm excited to mix my favorite surface with the artisan style base.

[@ARCbirdman]

Have you tried the vancer ice out? It's my main and I've owned 2 now. I love them. Super fast pad. (Also Ali, have you changed any color settings in game since your video on it? It looks so vibrant and I would love to do it as well)

[@namkhanhpham2126]

I suggest u trying out the artisan zero mid, it actually feels alot more consistent and faster than soft/xsoft hardness

[@DarkFox2232]

My mouse weight is 119.6g. It is old Roccat Kone XTD Optical. With original glides and Razer Destructor, even tension in original braided cable moved mouse quite a lot around. But those glides destroyed Destructor in time. Instead I put on metallic glides and moved to cloth mouse pads. Weirdly enough, I had great experience with cheap Bloody mousepad. Version with rough textile diamond pattern inward, contact surface was in shape of connected "X" letters.

[@simptrix007]

Got some random Gaya XL mousepad. Had no expectations other that it fitting perfectly to my keyboard compartment in PC table. 36 months later there are like no signs of wear, fabric is nice to the touch and it tracks well. Had several QCK+ mousepads that started to show wear under less than year. I am still waiting for some proof that spending on mousepad is worth it.

[@DunderHead.5000]

I don't know much about Gaya mouse pads, I can't actually find that brand in the U.S.

[@DESCENDDED]

as soon as I look for one the beast uploads

[@adrianolabusta6620]

have you tried steel series quick or heavy? i used to use razer pads but they were too slick and the quick heavy is a good mix of speed and controll being fast enough to not tire your arm but having ton of stopping power

[@dimwillow7113]

I love my finalmouse and mz1 + hien extra soft. The sandy surface feel provides feedback and the smoothness makes it very easy switching targets fast.

[@Bobeeha]

rich boi

[@yuh9193]

does the soft texture cause any problems while trying to move quickly in csgo, valoranf, fort etc

[@dimwillow7113]

@@yuh9193 Hi i dont play tac fps so i dont know about that specific case. Moving quickly with hien and light mice is very nice in Battlefield for me. But yeah i heard that people playing tac fps wants slower pads so they can stop very fast and accurate though.

[@goobernoodles]

I would love to hear your thoughts on the full desk sized mouse pads such as the Matthro 4XL EMP.

[@iSm1lez]

SteelSeries is the goat at mouse pads, using SteelSeries QcK Heavy 6mm thick since more than a decade, never disappoints.

[@hack_jammer]

All your videos are bangers.

[@iamgameing3840]

NO WAY BRO DROPPED THE VIDEO I WAS LOOKING FOR 😭

[@obohp]

man you are jacked as hell, props to you

[@matteoforina9025]

Try the Aqua Control Zero, I'm loving it.

[@thacoolest13]

Would have been nice if the ltt mousepad was there considering all the testing they also did on it

[@brdnacer]

Are there any plans on trying LTT one now that they offer full black version? Really interested in your take on it

[@convextlc9767]

Came to comment and ask the same thing. I use the LTT pad myself and it's been great for me so far.

[@slyceth]

@@convextlc9767 mouse pad smouse pad

[@D-Dreamerz]

It’s a slow mouse pad.

[@Evan-xs8ts]

The ltt pad just isn't good for fps games. It's too slow and not as humidity resistant.

[@ftwtech]

Look at Boardzy’s most updated tier list

[@ballistinarwhal7530]

Nah bro went crazy in that OW clip 😂

[@jcap8391]

Its all about the Vancer ice v2. Version 2 is the best of the 20 pads ive had😊

[@chowdercheeze1153]

My current favorite is the LGG Saturn. Now I just need to get my hands on the Saturn Pro

[@stealthhunter6998]

Wish some razer pads were on this list to compare to because they have large availability in my region compared to all of these which aren’t even in some stores in this region.

[@aidenfrost10]

I got the Hayate Otsu in Soft, probably the best mousepad of all time for tac shooters.

[@wazeFPS]

honestly im a huge keyboard and mouse freak but recently just stopped caring about mousepads. I just kinda stuck to the xraypad aqua control 2 because it feels the same and doesnt get affected by humidity. But honestly as long as its just not an awful dollar store mousepad anything works fine and you get used to the characteristics pretty quickly.

[@andytypes8271]

another excellent video!

[@orosales7021]

Own gs-r, qinsui2 pro, hayate Otsu xsoft and mid, Ikea, Glorious fire and ice. The one I'm currently maining is Qck Heavy.

[@pepepeek_normalperson]

Hey dude if you like the skypad, then you must try Razer's Atlas gaming glass mouse pad. My friend has one and I've tried it and doesn't stick to skin, super smooth barely any friction

[@ChantingInTheDark]

I was using my desk (no mousepad) for the longest time, when I upgraded my mouse to a Razer Death Adder v3 I bought a HyperX - Pulsefire Mat (XL) both were a game changer for CoD.

[@grev.]

been using the mpc 450 for the past 6 months and it's by far the best pad i've ever used.

[@emma6648]

Is it good for Valorant or slow games

[@K_a_l_e_d_]

Please review the Deathadder V3 Pro Fake edition, the coating is better than the one in the regular and I would love to hear your thoughts on it.

[@pennettafederico7683]

4:51 if you wanna use some type of gloves intead of a compression sleeve i'd reccomend one of those single gloves tat digital artists use with a graphic tab. i use one for gaming and it works pretty well, also it's more comfortable than a compression sleeve

[@sp-xx8ty]

Love my razer strider! Fastest hybrid pad just right.

[@unoob32]

I personally like Artisan Xsoft (hien) because the pad softness can provide cushion to my pisiform bone. Ever since I use it, I no longer have any kind of pisiform fatigue or pain.

[@DrTopLiftDPT]

gain 100 lbs to pad your wrist

[@diags_1109]

Kind of funny that I used Tenz on the Hayte Otsu as well and play siege, val and cs. The pad is literally a cloud, and is so comfortable.

[@johan7979]

I just bought myself the SteelSeries Qck Heavy yesterday for around $25. I won't be using it until I get my new PC. I hope the mousepad proves to be beneficial for playing games like CS and Valorant. Great video as always man

[@sky77751]

Qck is very good for its price it's washable but I does breakdown very fast I have been using it for 2 yrs and it definitely has worn out some spots are fast some and some are muddy Already ordered artisan zero soft and waiting for that to come Overall I feel like the ock is the best choice for tact fps if you have more cash to spare get the artisan zero soft

[@-duxi]

best pad!

[@zanoirmank8307]

best pad ever . i have been using the same qck heavy for now 12 years ! & it can last 3 more years easily. mouse tracer & slides are perfect on it

[@drk_blood]

It's one of the best pads I ever had. I was just wondering why the fuck he didn't include any QcK variant in this video. Steelseries made legendary pads which all cs pros used them at some point..

[@-duxi]

idk most these pads ive nerver fkin heard of.

[@vorkot1]

The Hayate Otsu and Raiden have been excellent pads for me, but I found the Otsu to be more of an unique experience. While being more on the speedier side, it still somewhat balanced out by its hint of stopping power, which I haven't been able to find on other mousepads.

[@Neevil]

how's about the durabilty?

[@celaeno919]

On the durability of the Otsu what say you?

[@VicariousX]

@@celaeno919 I fell in love with the otsu's surface only to have both of mine develop a slow spot slow enough that I couldn't ignore in only 3 or so months. Granted that was with heavy daily use, but I've never had any pad wear out that fast before. I had a soft at first, bought a mid after, and the same thing happened. Absolutely immaculate pad while it's nice but the durability is nonexistant.

[@alie5146]

@@VicariousXeven after washing?

[@VicariousX]

@@alie5146 Yep

[@markushofer7657]

as i moved out my apartment for 3 weeks i took my old mouse with one glide surface missing and a more compact mousepad with me. it felt weird having that much friction at first but after an hour i got used to it and my winrate went off the charts. when i moved back in and used my fancy mouse and mousepad it felt so awkward. It opened my eyes that low friction isnt always the best and is probably a lot of marketing propaganda. comes down to preference after all i guess.

[@teekanne15]

those casual 360 spins while talking :D

[@Likwify]

Hey optimum, I wanted to know what the best budget mousepad, as I dont got tons of dollars to spend on the best glide mousepads or sum. Thanks

[@nasu5637]

i went and got a cordura fabric mousepad and im never going back to cloth mousepads can fully recommend trying one out

[@themperia8988]

Been using SteelSeries QCK Heavy for almost 4 years, enjoying it so far.

[@Flux000]

Just got the G-wolves HSK Pro 4k (29g with grip tape), so I'll take your advice and not worry too much about the mousepad😂

[@pcguy6757]

Finally the sequel!

[@MikeBravos]

I am new to the whole fps thing and I am trying to understand if I am doing something wrong in my way of playing. I got two lightweight mice, an Xlite V2 Mini and GPX Superlight 2, replaced the skates with superglides, the feel nice, still testing out. I am trying to find the proper mousapd for me, so I noticed when I ADS, fire and ADS and Fire, I press hard on the mouse and it gets kinda stuck and when I try to go on the next target using wrist movement, my mouse jumps, and then I gain control of movement to microadjust for the next target. I assume this can be fixed by using a harder mousepad? I dont mind spending some amount on a good mousepad tbh. thank you all!

[@themovementgeneration7728]

Optimum what would you prefer for sniping? Seems like you invested a lot of time on the artisan otsu soft & mid so lmk which one you prefer out of the 2

[@Iddqd_84]

The Logitech G840 XL is my absolut favorit 👌 I have been using it for the past 4 years now 🙂

[@mikediezel0923]

I'm currently using the Logitech g240 with my g pro wired mouse (with Esports tiger ice skates) update: I upgraded to Ninjutso Sora and Artisan Hien

[@DJHarmonics]

I have the same stack of pads LGG Venus pro is my fav.

[@QoraxAudio]

What are your thoughts on the steelseries mousepads?

[@liiou4445]

Should also try the puretrak talent. Surface felt amazing

[@farvezafridifaizurrahman6980]

I got the Hayate Otsu XSoft after your last video. Best mousepad ever!

[@NakedTrashPanda]

Same here. Was kinda worried from all the complaints about the longevity but seems like that was fixed with version 2.

[@JustinCrediblename]

what about a mousepad that'll hold up to sweat? I'm looking for a mousepad for my exercise bike station... there's no chance that I could play an FPS game while on an exercise bike, so softness and sweat resistance are desired

[@chaos2810]

Ali you should start transcribing the videos into articles/blogs. Each article/blog talks about the findings you have in each video.

[@bergdk237]

My fav pad is the Artisan zero Xsoft, and for the mouse Lamzu atlantis mini.

[@davidmazo4418]

Quasimodo got in the grinding, my man's buffed

[@Puss1man]

He predicted all this

[@sid_x_18]

I was waiting for you to review the infamous IKEA Pad for being same as Artisan Zero

[@mkatakm]

Can you recommend some good pads to mortal gamers like me from among more commonly found brands instead of those even you can't say their name correctly?

[@Ducktamer]

LGG Saturn Pro is everything I've wanted. Since i got it i have never looked back and thought "this could be faster, slower, more comfortable." It just does it all for me.

[@satxrnhimself]

Is the Saturn Pro good for Fortnite? And which softness did you get? Soft or XSoft?

[@aquanos]

@@satxrnhimself Literally preference.

[@splitzkee_]

sheesh it's 50$

[@Ducktamer]

@@splitzkee_ cheaper than buying 3-4 cheap mousepads that become unusable after 3 months

[@satxrnhimself]

​@@Ducktamer Which softness did you get? the Soft or XSoft?