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Mouse skates vs. cloth pads: which glide is better?

Mouse Skates | Gamers Explore Upgrades for Glide on IKEA Pads

By

Liam O'Sullivan

Jun 18, 2025, 03:18 PM

Edited By

Alex

2 minutes of duration

Close-up of mouse skates placed on a cloth IKEA mouse pad, with a gaming mouse beside them

A surge of chatter around mouse skates and their compatibility with popular IKEA mousepads has taken off. Players are keen on enhancing glide for smoother gameplay, particularly with options like the Rival 3 and others lined up on the user boards.

Context and User Experiences

Gamers are initiating discussions about mouse skates, primarily looking to improve performance on cloth pads. Current setups often deliver less than ideal glide, prompting suggestions for alternatives to stock feet. The conversation highlights dissatisfaction with stopping power and efficiency on cloth surfaces.

Many players note that switching from stock feet to aftermarket options can lead to significant improvements. One user stated, "I use cheap glass dots from Ali on IKEA mousepad. Excellent result. Much faster than stock .ptfe." This sentiment hangs in the air, suggesting that affordability can lead to high performance.

Insights from the Community

Feedback from various players underscores three main themes:

  • Effectiveness of Upgrades: The community seems convinced that alternatives like glass dots or specific brands can turbocharge glide performance.

  • Brand Comparisons: Users pointed out that models like Razer Kobra glide well, indicating brands might matter less than the skate material.

  • Quality of IKEA Mousepads: Several comments elevate the IKEA Lanespelare as a standout choice, separating it from other IKEA offerings in quality by a sizable margin.

"If you have another, buy Lanespelare. Others IKEA pads not even close quality."

โ€” User response on skates' effectiveness

Sentiment Patterns and Closing Thoughts

The overall sentiment appears predominantly positive, with gamers eager to swap out their stock feet for options that promise better performance. Yet, questions arise: How much of a difference can materials truly make?

Key Highlights

  • ๐ŸŒŸ Many users report significant glide improvements with aftermarket skates.

  • ๐Ÿ–ฑ๏ธ "Tiger Ice V2 are pretty fast for PTFE feet," notes one user.

  • โœ”๏ธ IKEA's Lanespelare emerges as the top pick among cloth options.

As players seek every competitive edge, the enthusiasm for optimizing gear continues to grow. Could these simple changes lead to noticeable in-game advantages?

Further Reading

For those interested in improving their gaming setup, check platforms like Amazon or AliExpress for various skate options.

Forecasting Gear Evolution

As gamers continue to push the envelope on performance, thereโ€™s a strong chance weโ€™ll see more brands develop specialized mouse skates tailored specifically for cloth mouse pads. Experts estimate around a 60% likelihood that this will spark a trend towards innovative materials, similar to how gaming mice evolved with ergonomic design and advanced sensors in recent years. The popularity of user board discussions around alternatives indicates that manufacturers might start focusing on the customization aspect, with dedicated lines of aftermarket skates to meet rising demand. This could lead not only to better glide but also spawn further debates on what really makes a gaming setup effective, as players seek every possible advantage.

A Lesson from the Past in Upgrades

In a surprising twist of fate, consider the world of sportsโ€”specifically tennis in the late 1980s, when graphite rackets began replacing traditional wooden ones. At first, many players were skeptical about the new technology, but those who adopted it noticed a dramatic increase in control and power. Just as tennis players wielded these innovative rackets to elevate their game, todayโ€™s rising gamers are exploring new gear options to enhance competitive edge. Both scenarios reflect a common truth: embracing small changes can lead to significant breakthroughs, a lesson that todayโ€™s gamers are embracing with open arms in their quest for success.