I have been using this mat for around half a year, and the surface is still mint. Compared to its predecessor – the Ironclad – which would usually begin “peeling” within merely a few weeks of use, this is a huge improvement. It is also thinner, so the edges feel less jarring. The rest are what you'd typically expect from a metallic mouse pad: zero give when on a flat surface, rubberised underside which stop slipping, easiness to clean, and a cooling sensation on the skin. The last point may not appeal to everyone; try placing the underside of your arm on a metallic surface to approximate the kind of sensation you will get when using this mat. Personally, I love it. Overall, this mat has been excellent during its months of use. At its price of $60, which is almost half of what the Ironclad cost originally, I cannot find any point to fault for this product. Highly recommended!