Best Artisan Mouse Pads in South Africa
Artisan mouse pads have built a strong reputation among competitive gamers because of the amount of choice they offer. Instead of simply choosing a size and color, you can choose a surface with a particular balance of speed, stopping power and texture, and then pair it with an XSOFT, SOFT or MID base.
That choice is also what can make buying your first Artisan confusing.
Should you buy the Zero or Type-99 for more control? What is the difference between the Hien and Hayate Otsu V2? Is the Raiden too fast? And how much difference does choosing XSOFT instead of SOFT or MID actually make?
This guide breaks down the Artisan range to help you choose based on what you actually want from your mouse pad.
For South African gamers, Artisan is also much easier to buy locally than it once was. Cookie Atom is an authorised Artisan reseller in South Africa, with stock held locally and ready to ship. This means customers can buy Artisan mouse pads without individually importing a pad from overseas, with delivery typically taking just 2-5 working days within South Africa. Buying from an authorised local reseller also gives you the peace of mind of knowing that you are receiving a genuine Artisan mouse pad from an official source, without the uncertainty that can come with buying from unknown or unauthorised sellers. You can also confirm Cookie Atom’s authorised reseller status directly on Artisan’s official authorised reseller page.
Quick Guide to Choosing an Artisan Mouse Pad
A good way to choose an Artisan is to start with the surface, then choose the base firmness.
Artisan divides its surfaces into three broad speed groups: Low-Speed, Medium-Speed and High-Speed. These are relative categories within Artisan’s own range rather than universal measurements against every mouse pad on the market.
|
If you want… |
Start with… |
Main characteristic |
|---|---|---|
|
Very high stopping power |
Type-99 |
Artisan’s most control-focused option. |
|
Control with more versatility |
Zero |
Sharp start with high stopping power. |
|
Balanced speed and stopping power |
Hayate Otsu V2 |
Versatile medium-speed surface. |
|
A noticeably rough, tactile surface |
Hien |
Sharp movement with strong texture feedback. |
|
Smooth multidirectional movement |
Key-83 |
Hexagonal weave designed for smooth movement in all directions. |
|
Very high speed with a smooth surface |
Raiden |
Extreme-speed cloth surface. |
|
Unsure which base to choose |
SOFT |
Artisan’s recommended, versatile base. |
There isn’t one Artisan mouse pad that is best for everybody.
The better question is:
How much speed do you want, how much stopping power do you want, and what type of surface feel do you prefer?
Once you know that, choosing between the Artisan models becomes much easier.
Understanding Artisan’s Speed Categories
Artisan’s official selection guide divides the range into three groups.
Low-Speed
Zero
Type-99
These surfaces prioritise stopping power. Type-99 pushes further towards outright control, while Zero combines high stopping power with a sharper initial movement.
Medium-Speed
Hayate Otsu V2
Hien
Key-83
Hayate Kou
This is the middle of the Artisan range, where speed and stopping ability are more closely balanced.
The pads within this category can still feel quite different from one another. The Hien, for example, has a very rough texture, while the Key-83 uses a distinctive hexagonal weave.
High-Speed
Raiden
Shidenkai V2
These are Artisan’s speed-focused surfaces.
Raiden achieves its speed with a smooth knit cloth surface, while Shidenkai V2 uses a glass-bead coating and feels substantially different from a conventional cloth mouse pad.
Important: These categories describe relative speed within Artisan’s own range. Your mouse, mouse skates, chosen base firmness and personal technique can all influence the final feel.
Artisan Zero
The Zero is one of the most versatile surfaces in the Artisan range.
Artisan describes the Zero as having a sharp initial glide while retaining high stopping power. Its surface has a noticeable texture and is designed as a versatile, easy-to-handle option suitable for a variety of setups and aiming styles.
That puts the Zero in an interesting position. It is officially a low-speed Artisan, but it doesn’t exist simply to make your mouse as slow as possible.
Consider the Zero if:
- You want good stopping power
- You don’t want an extremely slow pad
- You want a versatile Artisan surface
- You’re unsure where to start in the Artisan range
- You want a controlled surface without going all the way to the Type-99
The Zero is also useful as a reference point when comparing the range.
If the Zero sounds too fast: Look at the Type-99.
If the Zero sounds too controlled: Start looking at the Hayate Otsu V2, Key-83 or Hien.
Available At Cookie Atom
Artisan Hayate Otsu V2
The Hayate Otsu V2 moves into Artisan’s medium-speed category.
Artisan describes it as a versatile, balanced-speed mouse pad with a fine grainy texture that combines a fast glide with stopping power. It is intended to work across a wide variety of aiming styles rather than specialising at either extreme.
The V2 also introduces conductive threads to reduce interference from static electricity, particularly in low-humidity environments.
Consider the Hayate Otsu V2 if:
- You want more speed than the low-speed Artisan options
- You still want useful stopping power
- You want a versatile medium-speed pad
- You don’t want to move all the way to an extreme-speed surface
- You want something less aggressively textured than the Hien
The Hayate Otsu V2 vs Hien comparison is particularly useful because both belong to Artisan’s medium-speed group.
The decision shouldn’t be based purely on which is faster. Surface character matters.
The Hien deliberately provides a very rough and tactile surface. The Otsu V2 uses a finer grainy texture and places a strong emphasis on balancing glide and stopping ability.
For somebody moving away from a control-focused pad but who doesn’t necessarily want the Hien’s pronounced texture, the Hayate Otsu V2 is an excellent option.
Available At Cookie Atom
Artisan Hien
The Hien is one of the most distinctive surfaces in the Artisan range.
Artisan describes it as a balanced-speed pad with a very rough, hardened crepe-knit surface, a sharp initial start and powerful texture feedback.
That texture isn’t a minor specification. It should be part of your buying decision.
Consider the Hien if:
- You want a medium-speed Artisan with a sharp initial movement
- You like noticeable surface texture
- You want strong tactile feedback from the pad
- You want something quite different from a smooth conventional cloth pad
- You don’t want to move all the way to the Raiden
Some players love being able to physically feel the pad under the mouse and against the arm. Others strongly prefer a smoother surface.
If you know you dislike rough mouse pads, the Hien’s popularity isn’t a good reason to ignore that preference.
The Hayate Otsu V2 provides another medium-speed option without the Hien’s extremely rough character.
Available At Cookie Atom
Artisan Type-99
The Type-99 sits at the control end of the Artisan range.
Artisan describes it as a low-speed mouse pad intended for users looking for very high control. It uses a smooth knit surface with very high stopping power. The fabric is also designed to dry quickly, helping to reduce changes in feel caused by sweat and humidity.
The important comparison here is Type-99 vs Zero.
Both fall into Artisan’s low-speed category, but they aren’t interchangeable. The Type-99 pushes further towards stopping power, whereas the Zero is a more versatile surface.
Consider the Type-99 if:
- You deliberately want a slower mouse pad
- High stopping power is a priority
- You prefer more resistance when controlling the mouse
- The Zero still sounds faster than what you want
If you’re simply looking for more control but don’t yet know whether you actually enjoy very slow mouse pads, the Zero is the easier place to start.
Available At Cookie Atom
Artisan Raiden
The Raiden sits firmly at the fast end of Artisan’s range.
Artisan describes it as a smooth knit surface with extreme speed. Unlike the rough Hien, the Raiden combines high speed with a smooth surface.
That makes the Raiden substantially different from simply choosing a slightly faster Zero.
Consider the Raiden if:
- You already know you enjoy fast mouse pads
- You want very low resistance
- You prefer a smooth surface
- You prioritise effortless movement
- Artisan’s medium-speed surfaces still sound too controlled
The Raiden doesn’t need to be treated as a pad that only an experienced player is allowed to use. It simply makes more sense when speed is something you deliberately want.
If you don’t yet know whether you prefer speed or control, starting closer to the middle of the Artisan range gives you a better reference point.
Available At Cookie Atom
Artisan Key-83
The Key-83 takes a different approach to Artisan’s medium-speed category.
Its defining feature is a unique hexagonal weave pattern designed to produce smoother movement in all directions. Like the Hayate Otsu V2, it also uses conductive threads intended to reduce interference caused by static electricity in low-humidity conditions.
The reason to consider the Key-83 isn’t simply that it sits somewhere between two other pads on a speed chart. Its distinguishing feature is its approach to multidirectional glide.
Consider the Key-83 if:
- You want a medium-speed Artisan
- Smooth movement in different directions appeals to you
- You want something balanced rather than an extreme control or speed surface
- You want an alternative to the Otsu V2 or Hien
- The hexagonal weave and its multidirectional characteristics specifically appeal to you
It’s better to think of Key-83 as another choice within Artisan’s balanced middle ground rather than trying to rank it as objectively better or worse than the Otsu V2 or Hien.
Not Available At Cookie Atom
What About the Artisan Shidenkai V2?
The Shidenkai V2 is also classified by Artisan as a high-speed surface, but it is very different from the Raiden.
Rather than relying on a conventional cloth surface, the Shidenkai V2 uses a glass-bead coating to produce its distinctive glide.
Artisan has discontinued the Shidenkai V2, with remaining inventory representing the final stock.
For that reason, it makes more sense to consider the Shidenkai V2 a specialist and discontinued Artisan surface rather than one of the core models around which to base a new purchase.
Discontinued
What About the Hayate Kou?
The Hayate Kou is another medium-speed Artisan surface.
Artisan describes it as a balanced-speed surface with greater stopping power than the Hayate Otsu.
The Hayate Kou has also been discontinued, with remaining inventory representing final stock.
We therefore include it here for completeness, but it isn’t one of the main current models we would use when helping a new customer choose an Artisan.
Discontinued
Artisan XSOFT vs SOFT vs MID
Choosing your surface is only part of choosing an Artisan.
You also need to choose the base firmness underneath it.
This is important because changing the base can alter how the same surface behaves. Artisan recommends choosing the playing surface based on the speed and texture you want, and then selecting the base according to your aiming style.
| Base | Firmness | Main characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| XSOFT | Very soft | Most compression and potential stopping support from pressure |
| SOFT | Moderately soft | Versatile middle option |
| MID | Very firm | Firm, consistent glide with minimal compression |
XSOFT
XSOFT is Artisan’s softest base and has the most give.
Because the base compresses more easily, applying downward pressure can allow the mouse and skates to press further into the pad. This gives the user more opportunity to introduce additional resistance through pressure.
Artisan associates XSOFT with high stopping power and micro-adjustment and recoil-control-heavy aiming.
Choose XSOFT if you deliberately want a very soft and cushioned base and like having that extra compression available.
It is important, however, not to interpret this as XSOFT automatically giving you better control or better aim. How much you notice the softness depends partly on how you use the mouse.
SOFT
SOFT sits between XSOFT and MID.
It retains some cushioning and compression without making the base as soft as XSOFT.
More importantly for someone who doesn’t know which one to choose, SOFT is the base Artisan itself marks as Recommended in its official selection guide.
Artisan describes SOFT as highly versatile and compatible with a wide range of aiming styles.
That lines up well with how we recommend it at Cookie Atom.
If you’re buying your first Artisan and have no established preference for base firmness, SOFT is the easiest place to start.
MID
MID is the firmest base.
It compresses less than SOFT or XSOFT, meaning downward pressure has less influence on the pad.
Artisan identifies MID’s strengths as a consistent glide and associates it particularly with tracking-heavy aiming.
MID is also thinner:
- XSOFT / SOFT: 4 mm
- MID: 3 mm
Rather than thinking of MID simply as “the fast base”, think of it primarily as the firm and consistent option.
Does Base Firmness Change the Mouse Pad?
Yes, but don’t treat a Zero XSOFT, Zero SOFT and Zero MID as three completely unrelated mouse pads.
The Zero surface is still the Zero.
What changes is how much the base underneath it compresses and how much downward pressure can influence the interaction between your mouse skates and the surface.
A useful way of thinking about Artisan’s system is:
Surface = the main character of the mouse pad.
Base = how firm and responsive that surface feels underneath your mouse.
Choose your surface first. Then use XSOFT, SOFT or MID to fine-tune it.
Artisan Mouse Pad Sizes
Artisan manufactures its mouse pads in several sizes:
| Size | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| S | 240 × 210 mm |
| M | 310 × 240 mm |
| L | 420 × 330 mm |
| XL | 490 × 420 mm |
| XXL | 500 × 490 mm |
XSOFT and SOFT are 4 mm thick, while MID is 3 mm thick.
Why Cookie Atom Only Stocks Artisan XL Mouse Pads
Cookie Atom focuses on XL Artisan mouse pads.
This is deliberate.
At 490 × 420 mm, XL provides plenty of usable mouse movement area for modern gaming setups without moving into the much deeper, almost square dimensions of the 500 × 490 mm XXL.
More importantly, XL is the size Artisan itself marks as Recommended in its official mouse pad selection guide.
For us, it makes more sense to concentrate our local stock on the size that suits the broadest range of gaming setups rather than spreading limited South African stock across S, M, L, XL and XXL.
It also allows us to put more of our stock into the choices that have a greater effect on how an Artisan actually feels: the surface, base firmness and color.
If you’re shopping Artisan at Cookie Atom, you will therefore find our range focused on XL (490 × 420 mm).
Which Artisan Should a First-Time Buyer Choose?
If you’ve never used an Artisan and have no strong preference yet, the Zero SOFT XL is one of the easiest places to start.
There’s a practical reason for each part of that combination.
Zero gives you a versatile surface with high stopping power without pushing as far into control as the Type-99.
SOFT sits between XSOFT and MID and is Artisan’s recommended base.
XL provides a large gaming area without requiring the additional depth of XXL and is also Artisan’s recommended size.
More importantly, the Zero gives you a useful reference point.
Want more stopping power and a slower surface?
Look at the Type-99.
Want more speed while retaining a balanced character?
Look at the Hayate Otsu V2.
Want more speed and much more texture?
Look at the Hien.
Want a smooth, extreme-speed cloth surface?
Look at the Raiden.
That’s much more useful than buying a mouse pad simply because somebody else uses it for a particular game.
Artisan Zero vs Type-99
Both belong to Artisan’s low-speed category.
The Type-99 prioritises very high stopping power and control.
The Zero retains high stopping power but combines it with a sharper initial movement and a more versatile overall character.
If you already know you want a deliberately slow control pad, look at Type-99.
If you want control but aren’t sure you want to go that far, Zero is the easier starting point.
Artisan Zero vs Hayate Otsu V2
This is one of the most useful comparisons in the Artisan range.
The Zero sits in Artisan’s low-speed category and places greater emphasis on stopping power.
The Hayate Otsu V2 sits in the medium-speed category and is designed around balancing faster glide with stopping ability.
More control → Zero
More speed while remaining balanced → Hayate Otsu V2
Artisan Hayate Otsu V2 vs Hien
Both are medium-speed Artisan surfaces, so the choice involves more than simply asking which one is faster.
The Hayate Otsu V2 has a fine grainy texture and is designed around balancing glide and stopping power.
The Hien deliberately uses a much rougher surface that provides strong tactile feedback.
If you want balanced speed without an extremely rough surface, start with the Otsu V2.
If the idea of a pronounced, tactile surface appeals to you, the Hien becomes much more interesting.
Artisan Hien vs Raiden
These pads are sometimes grouped together simply because both are faster than Artisan’s control-oriented options, but they have very different characters.
Hien: Medium-speed, very rough and strong tactile feedback.
Raiden: High-speed, smooth and extremely fast.
If texture is part of what you want from the mouse pad, Hien makes sense.
If your priority is smoothness and very low resistance, look towards Raiden.
Do Your Mouse Skates Matter?
Absolutely.
A mouse pad doesn’t operate independently from the mouse sitting on it.
Your mouse weight, skate material, skate shape, skate size and the condition of the mouse feet can all influence the final glide.
This becomes particularly relevant with Artisan because you’re already choosing between surfaces based on differences in speed, stopping power and texture.
Changing the skates can change the overall combination again.
For example, a mouse using faster aftermarket PTFE skates may feel different on the same Zero than a mouse using slower stock feet.
That is why descriptions such as fast, slow and control are best treated as relative characteristics rather than guaranteed measurements of exactly how your setup will feel.
If you want to experiment with how different mouse skates affect your setup, Cookie Atom stocks a large range of aftermarket mouse skates from EspTiger and Corepad, including model-specific skates and universal skate options. Different skate materials and designs can be used to fine-tune the balance between speed, control and glide on your Artisan mouse pad.
Browse EspTiger mouse skates and Corepad mouse skates at Cookie Atom.
Should You Choose an Artisan Based on the Game You Play?
The game you play can help guide your choice, but it shouldn’t make the decision for you.
Artisan itself associates its low-speed surfaces with lower-sensitivity tactical shooting and describes MID as particularly suitable for tracking-heavy aiming.
That makes sense as a general guide.
Games involving frequent stopping and small corrections can make additional stopping power attractive, while long continuous tracking movements can make a lower-resistance setup attractive.
But these aren’t rules.
You don’t need a Type-99 to play Counter-Strike 2 or Valorant, and you don’t need a Raiden to play a tracking-heavy shooter.
Your own sensitivity, mouse control, mouse skates and preference matter.
It is more useful to ask:
Do I personally want my mouse to stop more easily, or move more freely?
That question will usually get you closer to the right Artisan than choosing purely by game title.
Buying Artisan Mouse Pads in South Africa
For South African gamers, one of the historical difficulties with Artisan has simply been getting the pads locally.
Ordering an individual mouse pad internationally can involve international shipping, exchange-rate conversion, customs processing and longer delivery times.
Cookie Atom is an authorised Artisan reseller in South Africa and stocks Artisan mouse pads locally, allowing customers to buy selected Artisan models and base firmness options without individually importing a pad.
Our focus on XL also means our available stock is concentrated on Artisan’s recommended size rather than being divided across five different dimensions.
Stock varies between surfaces, firmness options and colors, so the Artisan category on Cookie Atom will show the combinations currently available.
Which Artisan Mouse Pad Should You Buy?
The easiest way to make the final decision is to choose in this order.
1. Choose Your Surface
- Maximum control → Type-99
- Controlled and versatile → Zero
- Balanced speed and stopping power → Hayate Otsu V2
- Rough, tactile medium-speed surface → Hien
- Smooth multidirectional medium-speed surface → Key-83
- Smooth extreme-speed cloth surface → Raiden
2. Choose Your Base
- Very soft with more compression → XSOFT
- Versatile middle option → SOFT
- Firm and consistent → MID
If you’re unsure, SOFT is Artisan’s recommended base.
3. Choose Your Size
At Cookie Atom, we’ve simplified this part.
We focus on XL — 490 × 420 mm.
It provides plenty of usable gaming space without moving to the much deeper XXL format, and XL is also the size Artisan recommends in its official selection guide.
Still Not Sure?
If you’re still unsure, the Zero with a SOFT base gives you a useful starting point from which to decide which direction you want to move.
If you want more control, look towards the Type-99.
If you want more speed, look towards the Hayate Otsu V2, Hien or ultimately Raiden.
If you discover that base firmness is what you want to change, you can move from SOFT towards the softer XSOFT or firmer MID without necessarily changing the surface you enjoy.
There isn’t a single Artisan mouse pad that is best for every player — and that’s really the point of the range.
Once you know whether you prefer control or speed, smoothness or texture, and a soft or firm base, choosing the right Artisan becomes considerably easier.
Shop Artisan mouse pads at Cookie Atom to see the models, firmness options and colors currently available in South Africa.