Introduction
The ESPTiger Black Lotus AGL Edition is an affordable entry into the world of glasspads, priced at $85 USD. With its eye-catching Black Lotus artwork, this pad positions itself as both functional and aesthetic. After 50 days of daily gaming and productivity use, here’s an honest review of its performance, quirks, and whether it’s worth the hype.
Build and Design
The Black Lotus AGL Edition is solidly built with BQ-grade aluminum silicon glass, giving it a durable, high-quality feel. Measuring 48 x 40 cm and 4mm thick, its size is versatile for most gaming setups. However, the 4mm thickness can be a drawback for comfort, even with the rounded edges. Using an arm sleeve is almost a necessity, as going bare-armed can lead to sticking and discomfort over long sessions.
The PU anti-slip base performs well, keeping the pad firmly in place during extended gaming sessions. Over 6–7 hours of use, it only shifted by 2–3 cm, which is negligible. However, for a glasspad, this is pretty standard.
Design-wise, the Black Lotus artwork is a standout feature. The visual appeal is undeniable, and the pad is sure to catch attention on any desk setup. However, design alone isn’t enough to justify performance—let’s see how it fares in real-world use.
Surface Performance
At first glance, the surface appears smooth and polished. However, on closer inspection, it has a granite countertop-like texture that sets it apart from smoother glasspads. This texture provides a slightly grounded feel, which can be an advantage for players who value control, but it may feel less premium compared to high-end competitors.
Skate Compatibility and Glide
The Black Lotus AGL Edition performs very differently depending on the mouse skates used, and this variability is one of its defining features. Here’s a breakdown:
- Yanzi Dots (Included):
These skates work best with this pad, delivering a buttery-smooth glide with just enough control to maintain precision. Tracking feels natural, and micro-adjustments are effortless. However, the downside is durability—these skates wear out quickly, which is disappointing for something that feels so good. - Obsidian Air Pro Dots:
These offer more control but feel less fluid. The texture of the pad becomes more pronounced with these skates, which some may find distracting. While they work well for tactical FPS games where precision is key, the glide feels slightly sluggish. - Jade Skates:
These provide decent speed but fall short of unlocking the pad’s full potential. Movements feel uninspired, and static aim control is inconsistent. - Obsidian Dots:
Unfortunately, these skates are not compatible with the pad. The friction is too harsh, making it feel like you’re dragging the mouse across a rough surface.
Performance in Games
After 10 days of use, the Black Lotus AGL Edition shines in certain areas but struggles in others:
- Tracking: The pad excels in tracking-heavy games like Apex Legends or Overwatch, where smooth micro-adjustments and continuous motion are vital. Paired with Yanzi Dots, it feels effortless to follow targets.
- Flicks and Static Aim: For tactical FPS games like Valorant or CS, the pad’s lower static friction can be a double-edged sword. While it allows for faster corrections, it also demands more precise mouse control from the user. Beginners or players transitioning from clothpads may find this challenging.
- Adaptability: The pad’s versatility is a strength. If you play multiple genres, it provides a solid middle ground between speed and control. However, it doesn’t quite achieve the high performance of more premium options like the SP-004
Durability and Maintenance
The Black Lotus holds up well after 10 days, showing no signs of wear or degradation in performance. Maintenance is straightforward—dust is easy to remove with a quick swipe or microfiber cloth. However, leaving the pad exposed for too long can cause dust to stick, requiring more effort to clean.
