For FPS gamers, a mouse pad is a crucial device that directly impacts aiming precision. Currently, there are two main types of mouse pad materials: cloth and glass.
Each has distinct characteristics, and it's not possible to definitively say which is superior. This article will compare both types in terms of specifications and user experience, and explain how to choose the one that suits your playstyle.
Cloth Mouse Pads: Familiar Control and Abundant Choices
Cloth mouse pads have the longest history and the widest variety on the market. The glide varies depending on the weave and material of the surface, offering a broad lineup from control-oriented to speed-oriented.
The greatest strength of cloth is its "ease of stopping" due to moderate friction. The sensation of being able to stop the mouse precisely where you want it is particularly favored by players who frequently use flick aiming. Another advantage is that they are relatively inexpensive and easy to try out.
On the other hand, cloth pads have issues with lifespan and cost. The glide surface of a cloth mouse pad changes over time due to friction and the aging of the cushion. FPS players play for about 40 minutes per match, and those who play for extended periods can play for many hours a day, so the glide surface is steadily worn down by friction. The typical lifespan is about 6 months to 1 year, but some professional gamers replace them within a month.
Furthermore, gaming mouse pads have become expensive recently. Prices of 4,000 to 5,000 yen are common, and it's not unusual for high-end ones to exceed 8,000 yen. If you replace it every month or every few months, the annual cost can amount to tens of thousands of yen. Many people who want to enjoy gaming seriously find this running cost to be a burden.
Of course, there is also the enjoyment of trying out different cloth pads, and some people simply prefer the feel of cloth. This is a personal preference and playstyle, and we are not here to deny it. However, for those who feel the cost is prohibitive, it's worth knowing about alternative options.
Cloth pads also have the characteristic of being susceptible to humidity and hand sweat. The feel of the pad can change with the environment, such as a heavier glide on humid days and a lighter glide on dry days.
Glass Mouse Pads: Consistent Glide and Exceptional Durability
Glass mouse pads are a relatively new category that has been gaining attention in recent years. The hard surface of glass is less affected by humidity, and a major feature is that the glide condition remains consistent even when temperature and humidity change.
Their durability is on a level incomparable to cloth. Especially for non-coated glass pads, there is no cause for the surface to deteriorate, so they can be used almost permanently. The annual cost of tens of thousands of yen for cloth pads can be almost completely covered by a single purchase of a glass pad.
Many people might have the impression that "glass is too slippery." In reality, there are various types of glass mouse pads, and it's true that many control-type glass pads have a heavy initial glide. Instead of a binary choice between glass = too slippery, or control glass = heavy, the feel of the product varies considerably.
Many coated glass pads are also available, but coatings have a lifespan (generally about 2 years), and the glide feel will eventually change. This problem is eliminated by choosing a non-coated type.
Comparison Summary: Organizing Their Characteristics
Regarding feel: Cloth pads achieve stopping power through friction between the surface fibers and the mouse feet, making them intuitively easy to stop. Glass pads vary in glide depending on their design, but generally tend to have a light initial glide and slide smoothly.
Regarding durability: Cloth pads are consumables and are expected to be replaced regularly. Non-coated glass pads generally do not require replacement. In terms of long-term cost-effectiveness, glass pads come out on top.
Regarding environmental impact: Cloth is sensitive to humidity changes, and the feel can vary depending on the season and physical condition (amount of hand sweat). Glass is resistant to environmental changes and provides a stable glide surface throughout the year.
Regarding price: While cloth pads are inexpensive per unit, the annual cost can reach tens of thousands of yen when considering the frequency of replacement. Glass pads have a higher initial cost, but since non-coated ones do not require replacement, costs can be kept down in the long run.
Development Background of A5's Glass Mouse Pad "AIMPAD glass1.5"
A5 OnlineStore previously sold a cloth mouse pad called "Aim Pad Type: Control," which was well-received by many customers. However, cloth mouse pads inevitably face the issue of lifespan. The more you play, the higher the cost – to solve this structural problem, we developed the glass mouse pad "AIMPAD glass1.5."
AIMPAD glass1.5 uses non-coated aluminosilicate glass with a hardness of 10H. Coated glass pads have advantages such as lower friction noise, but coatings have a lifespan. A5 aimed to develop a product with "the glide feel of a coated glass mouse pad, despite being non-coated."
The glide surface is treated with special etching, and the focus on the feel of operation is "light initial movement, firm stopping, and a clinging sensation." Instead of the "heavy from the start" glide common to control-type glass pads, it achieves a light start and the ability to stop precisely as intended. The unique, smooth, clinging feel, rather than a dry, rustling movement, is something that those who experience it will surely love.
With a super-thin design of just 1.5mm for the glass part and 2.5mm including the anti-slip base, the height difference with the desk is smaller compared to conventional glass pads (4mm thick), allowing for a natural operating posture. It comes in two sizes: a large 500x500mm (¥14,800) and a 490x420mm (¥13,800). Available in three colors: Jet Black, Gekko White, and Scarlet. Rounded corners and curved edges reduce strain on the wrist.
Two types of Frost Edge mouse feet are included, allowing you to try the optimal combination from day one.
Fusion of Art and Device: "AIMPAD1.5 ORIHARA Edition"
The ORIHARA Edition combines the operational performance of AIMPAD glass1.5 with the world of illustrator ORIHARA. The high-definition UV printed illustration is placed on the inside of the glass, so it won't wear off with use, maintaining its beauty.
The Large size (490x420mm, ¥17,800) features a newly designed hexagonal base to prevent shifting even during intense mouse movements. The Small size (270x230mm, ¥9,800) is for those who want to use it in a small space or for secondary use. It comes with two types of Frost Edge feet, a cleaning cloth, and stickers.
Mouse Feet "Frost Edge" that Maximize Glass Pad Performance
The feel of a glass mouse pad changes significantly depending on the combination with mouse feet. A5 OnlineStore's Frost Edge dot skates are dot feet made of 100% UPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) that have been optimized for compatibility with glass pads.
"Precision" (6.8mm) features light gliding and is suitable for players who prioritize tracking aim. "Momentum" (8.8mm) achieves high adhesion and stable gliding, making it suitable for flick aiming.
Most recent mouse feet have rounded edge processing, but rounded edges change shape as they wear down from friction, causing the glide feel to change over time. Frost Edge has uniform edge processing, so the glide feel does not change even as it wears down. The combination of the stable glide surface of a glass pad and feet that don't change with wear allows for a consistent operating environment over a long period.
Both are approximately 0.8mm thick, come in a pack of 40 dots, and cost ¥980. The ability to fine-tune the glide by increasing or decreasing the number of dots is a unique feature of the dot type.
Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?
Cloth pads are suitable for those who "want to try it at a low cost first" or "prioritize the stopping sensation." On the other hand, glass pads are ideal for those who "want a stable feel unaffected by the environment," "want to reduce replacement running costs," or "seek durability for long-term use."
There is no single correct answer. It is important to choose based on your playstyle, budget, and usage environment. If you are concerned about the cost of cloth pads or want to try a glass pad, be sure to check out the AIMPAD glass1.5 series.
