Everyone should forget the other mouse pads, they're just regular cloth or plastic. Checkout the Razer Manticor, it's freaking ALUMINUM!!!!! :D It's different... and different isn't always bad.
cadennI agree, different is nice, but the Artisan pads aren't just "cloth." They are extremely high quality and they come in various sizes and densities. Also the mouse will dictate which type of surface you use as it depends on which type of sensor is in your mouse.
Besides, Razer isn't known for high quality products.