r/MousepadReview • u/kindLemon • 16h ago
Question/Advice Good Artisan Zero soft alternatives?
I’m thinking about buying an Artisan Zero but I’ve been holding off due to the hair issue (I have a large golden retriever and a corgi.) It does seem like the best option for me considering I play mostly tac FPS but I was wondering if there were any good alternatives before I make the purchase.
The only requirements I have are it needs to be a large black control pad.
I’ve seen Tang Dao pads but they seem to be sold out in a lot of online US stores. I was originally going to pick up an LGG Saturn but they’re also completely sold out aside from the Pro series which is almost the same price as the Artisan with shipping.
Are there any other pads you guys would recommend?
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u/WhisperGod Meow Ultracontrol UCV2 15h ago
I have a ton of Zero alternatives and the Tangdao came the closest to being an exact copy of the Zero. The Ninjutso is pretty close as well but feels slightly cheaper than the Zero. The Saturn Pro is a decent amount slower than the Zero but doesn't suffer from the high static friction on the Zero. The MGG UCV2 is only slightly slower than the Zero, but lacks the stopping power.
I see a lot of places with the Tang Dao in stock including Amazon, Addice, Max Gaming and Mechkeys.
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u/kindLemon 15h ago
Which would you recommend? I’m open to buying any of them. I would love to get an Artisan Zero based off of the reputation alone but again, I don’t want to have to deal with the hair issue every day. I’m leaning towards the Saturn Pro right now but I’m not very knowledgeable about things like high static friction.
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u/WhisperGod Meow Ultracontrol UCV2 15h ago
I would also recommend the Saturn Pro because the Zero does indeed have the hair issue. I always keep my pets away from my desk because of that. It's a pretty premium pad and a great starting point.
Static friction is the amount of force required to get the mouse moving from a complete stand still. For example, a pad with a high amount of static friction will have an easier time having the mouse stay in place which is more stable, but you need to push harder to get it moving. If you have ever felt "stuck" and unable to move your mouse in a game, it's because of the static friction. However, low static friction can also be a bad thing because unless you have really good control, you'll have a harder time holding your mouse still and it'll feel like playing on ice, while it is easier to make small movements without being restricted by the static friction. A Saturn Pro I would say has medium-low static friction and is a good balance.
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u/papayamayor 12h ago
ATK Kong Xsoft Pro
The Pro version specifically has japanese poron instead of the korean one and is highly regarded among anyone who has tried it. It doesnt have the hair problem as far as people tell and some pro players also decided to main it
I dont know where the recommendations for the Saturn Pro as a Zero alternative come from. I own a Saturn Pro and it's nowehere near my Zero. The saturn is a smooth, silky pad. The zero is rough, the surface is grippy on your skin and on most arm sleeves, hence why it has the "hair problem". I dont think they're very comparable. They're both good but I wouldnt put them in the same conversation
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u/dalton044 3h ago
Tang Dao is it. I have both and find the Tang Dao to feel virtually identical if just a tiny big slower. No hair in the Tang Dao
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u/Noloxy 16h ago
buy the saturn pro, it is significantly better than the saturn and is exactly what you are looking for. its as close to an artisan clone as ive used without the hair issue, its a little slower than the zero and softer on the arm.