Glass mousepads will eat your PTFE feet.

Yes, glass pads wear down PTFE feet significantly faster than cloth pads. If you switch, expect to replace feet every few months instead of once a year.

PTFE is a soft polymer. Cloth pads have a forgiving, fibrous surface that lets the feet glide with minimal abrasion. Glass is hard and non-porous. The feet slide fast, but they also grind against a microscopic rough surface (even polished glass has texture). Over time, that friction shaves off material.

How much faster? Depends on the glass pad’s coating and your mouse weight + pressure. But I’ve seen standard PTFE feet go from smooth to scratchy in 2–4 months on glass, versus 6–12 months on cloth. Some “infinity” glass pads with special coatings claim to be gentler, but they still wear feet faster than cloth.

The trade-off is worth it for some people: glass pads feel consistent, stay clean, and don’t develop slow spots. But if you’re not prepared to buy replacement feet regularly, stick with cloth.

Stock up on replacement feet. Future-you will thank present-you when the glide turns to sandpaper.