Faster mousepads win for most FPS players.

Yes, generally. Most competitive FPS players prefer a faster surface (low friction, high glide speed) because they run low sensitivity and need to whip the mouse around quickly without resistance. Slower pads feel “sticky” and can make micro-adjustments harder mid-flick.

That said, “fast” vs “slow” is more about your sensitivity and playstyle. If you play on high DPI or do lots of tracking (e.g., Apex), a medium-speed cloth pad often gives the right balance. But if you’re sniping or flicking a lot (CS, Valorant), a faster surface lets you reset your wrist position without fighting the pad.

Don’t overthink it. Get a well-regarded fast cloth pad like the Artisan Hien or a hard pad like the Glorious Helios. If it feels too slippery, you can always swap.