Review - Kanami Hoshino Glasspad
Kanami Hoshino
This is my first Kanami glass mousepad in almost a year. Previously I owned the Kanami Yuna and Kanami Sai and was very satisfied with both. In a time where glass pad development is advancing extremely quickly many models now feel interchangeable and monotonous.
**Does the same apply to the Kanami Hoshino?**
***Disclaimer: This review is not sponsored. I bought the pad myself from @wearemaxgaming.***
The Kanami Hoshino is a mousepad with a very successful artwork by Opal 58. Every unit is individually numbered. Mine carries the number 86.
**Unboxing and contents:**
The pad arrives in a high quality stable premium cardboard box that delivers a genuine premium feel. Inside you first find the mousepad itself. Below it are three limited edition stickers one of which is individually numbered, EspTiger YanZi - mouse skates, a microfiber cloth, a rubber coaster,a tag keychain and an acrylic keychain with Hoshino artwork. The entire unboxing feels high quality and enjoyable typical for a limited edition product.
**Technical specifications and build:**
The Kanami Hoshino measures 490 x 420 mm with a total thickness of only 3 millimeters of which 1.5 millimeters are the ultra clear tempered glass. The bottom consists of a full surface ultra thin custom silicone base that covers the pad edge to edge. The edges use an edgeless design they are polished and smoothly rounded with no sharp transitions.
The surface is designed for high speed combined with good control. Unlike many pure speed glass pads it has a light texture that improves skate grip and prevents an overly slippery feeling. The deliberately thin construction gives the pad a minimalist flat feel on the desk noticeably more comfortable than older thicker models such as the SP 004, Kanami Yuna or Superglide v1.
btw. Thanks to its fine texture, it can also be used comfortably without an arm sleeve.
**Performance in testing:**
I have used the Hoshino intensively for more than three weeks. My girlfriend also tried it but put it aside after three days because it was clearly too fast for her (her current pad is the SP 005).
Particularly positive are the flattened polished edges that make the pad blend almost seamlessly with the desk. The light texture of the surface initially reminded me of the Tekkusai Phantom but it is noticeably finer and less pronounced.
It is striking how differently the pad reacts to various skates. The included EspTiger YanZi disappointed me they felt neither smooth nor quiet
**Recommended skate:
**
The Hoshino responds very differently depending on the skates used which makes it interesting for users who like to fine tune their setup. After extensive testing I can give the following detailed recommendations.
**@GLSSWRKSGG Skates** deliver an excellent balanced performance with very good control while still maintaining noticeable speed.
**Ultra Glide RS II version** stands out with relatively low noise and very high speed making it ideal for players who prioritize fast gliding and quick flicks.
**@XraypadOfficial Jade Air** offer a solid overall package they are pleasantly quiet during long sessions provide consistent speed and still retain enough control for precise tracking.
**@TeamAetherX Omni Skates Controlled** focus more on control while keeping good smoothness which makes them suitable for players who need stability in slower more methodical gameplay.
My personal favorites on the Hoshino are the **@UnwsGear Pink Fox**. They deliver an extremely smooth glide with a very well balanced mix of control and speed.
They feel smooth on this surface and have become my clear top recommendation.
Overall the Hoshino is quite skate sensitive so experimenting with different options is highly recommended to find your personal sweet spot.
So that's Kanami Hoshino now just a regular Glasspad?
**No**, it does not. While many new glass pads feel very similar these days the Kanami Hoshino stands out thanks to its excellent thin build quality and the refined light texture that gives it a unique character. It combines premium aesthetics with strong performance once you pair it with the right skates. If you are looking for a fast glass pad that also feels special and premium on your desk the Hoshino is a very strong choice especially for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate both looks and performance
