Hard plastic mousepads lose their speed.

Yes, they do. Hard plastic surfaces wear down from friction over time—months or years depending on how much you use them and how hard you press. The texture gets polished smooth in the high-wear spots (usually where your mouse sits idle or where you flick to), which changes the glide. It becomes less consistent, sometimes slower, sometimes uneven.

This happens faster with cheaper pads and mice that have stiff feet. Some hard pads are coated, and once that coating wears, the base material (often just ABS plastic) is slower and scratchy. You can flip the pad if it’s reversible, or replace it. But don’t expect a hard plastic pad to feel the same after a year of daily use.

If you want something that stays consistent, skip plastic and go for glass or ceramic—those barely wear. But then you’re dealing with a different feel and price point.

Either way, no plastic surface is permanent.