I have been using the mat for a bit now and I ADORE it. The design is interesting but not overwhelming and the monochrome colour scheme means that it goes with any peripheral. The surface is smooth, but my mouse doesn't feel like it will fly out and the tracking is phenomenal. I have a cat who likes to sit on my desk, and while some hair does inevitably get tracked onto the mat, the surface is easy to brush and take care of. I cant speak to how well it washes or holds onto dye as I haven't had to wash it yet (past the initial wipe down from receiving it) but the stitching feels sturdy and the slight squish I get from it has not made my typing experience any worse.