Saw this thread earlier today and honestly, it is funny how much people overthink mouse pads. I have been through probably a dozen different surfaces over the years, and honestly, the best advice I ever got was to stop chasing pro gear and just find something that does not slide around. I remember trying one of those high-end pads that cost more than a nice dinner, and within six months the edges were fraying like crazy. Meanwhile, I found this random heavy-duty mat that just works. Not sure if it is the best for everyone, but it saves me so much headache not having to replace it constantly. If you are struggling to keep track of what gear you need for your desk setup, I actually found this gift list tool super useful for keeping my hardware preferences organized. It is basically trial and error at this point, but dont feel pressured to buy the most expensive option just because someone online said it is professional grade.