I'm not sure it's any better or worse than any other mousepad. If I paid more than $9 than I'd definitely feel ripped off. Overall I'm pretty happy with it. The red has a bit of a washed out look if something red is placed next to it.

Everyone is right about the curling. Mine still doesn't lay completely flat even after three days under an entire encyclopedia set. I'd say it's the rubber backing. Rubber tends to retain it shape. I actually think it you were to heat it up and then freeze it then you could probably get it to a completely flat shape, but I'm not that motivated. It lays flat enough for me. Although I wish Hyper X would package the smaller mousepads different at least.

It's also worth noting that the off gassing and rubber smell is pretty strong. It's been about a month now and it's as strong as ever. On the small pad it's not that bad. It doesn't fill the room or anything. But I can imagine it might be a real problem on the largest size mouse pads.

I have both the medium and small versions. The mouse pad comes tightly rolled up in a box, once you take it out it retains the rolled up shape and does not lie flat on a desk. For a mouse pad that literally has one job and is advertised as a "pro gaming" accessory it fails in every aspect. I have tried stacking heavy books on it for a couple days and the issue has not improved. This would not be an issue if they just packaged it in a flat envelope or box.

It also gives off a pretty strong rubber / chemical odor.

I have used "regular" mouse pads for years. I play CSGO and other games and also do some occasional digital art. Getting this big mouse pad (which is relatively thin) is a revelation, I love it! The edges are put together to be durable, too, so it shouldn't fray. I've had it for months now, and I will buy another just like it if I ever need to replace it. You can get it in different sizes, make sure you measure your available space.

Great mousepad, I almost went with the speed version, but I'm glad I went with the normal one. It's very soft and smooth. The stitched edges should help keep it from peeling apart like my old steel series pad did even though I didn't wash it. Mine is very slightly different than the listed L/W, it's 9.6 x 11.2, so there may well be a small amount variance on that just due to the stitching which is understandable. Will probably be buying another when this one eventually dies.

After trying 2 other mousepads (dechanic XXL, QCK XXL) I finally found one that works great.

The mosuepad has a relatively mild odor when compared to the QCK, which smelled like toxic chemicals and had to be put away and returned.

It is also nice and thick so you get a good, even mousing surface. The stitched edges are some of the better ones and don't irritate my wrist much, if at all. I rarely notice them and they are of good quality.

For the price, size, and non-raised branding it gets a 4/5. I only wish that it was easier to get flat as it's still working some if the kinks out under its own weight.