Artisan Hien (Black/XL) [FX-Hi-SF-XL-B] FX Soft (Japan Import)
Bottom line: The Artisan Hien FX Soft ($79.00 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): XL 490 x 420 mm fits mouse plus full keyboard; main trade-off: japan import, so stock and shipping can lag.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ XL 490 x 420 mm fits mouse plus full keyboard
- ✓ Faster initial glide than Artisan HAYATE
- ✓ Stronger stopping power than HAYATE for flick control
- ✓ 4 mm structured foam middle layer cushions the wrist
Cons
- ✗ Japan import, so stock and shipping can lag
- ✗ Soft hardness sinks more than speed players like
- ✗ Lower weave density means a more textured feel
- ✗ Only the black colorway in this SKU
Manufacturer description
The Artisan Hien FX Soft in black XL is a Japan-import gaming mouse pad built around a knitted polyester surface and a 4 mm middle layer of specially structured foam. At 490 x 420 x 4 mm, the XL size gives you full low-sensitivity arm room plus space for a keyboard, and the soft hardness rating means the pad conforms under your wrist rather than fighting it. Artisan positions Hien between its other cloth surfaces: the weaving density is lower than HAYATE, so you get slightly more pronounced surface texture, faster initial glide, and noticeably stronger stopping power than HAYATE delivers…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Artisan Hien FX Soft using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the gaming peripherals category. Artisan's gaming peripherals lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for gaming peripherals of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is the Artisan Hien FX Soft XL?
It measures 490 mm wide x 420 mm long x 4 mm thick, which is large enough for a mouse plus a full-size keyboard on most desks.
How does Hien compare to Artisan HAYATE?
Artisan says Hien uses a lower weaving density than HAYATE, giving it a slightly more textured surface, similar fast initial and parallel movement, and stronger stopping power than HAYATE.
Is the Hien a fast or a control pad?
It sits in between. Artisan describes fast initial movement like HAYATE but with an elevated stopping property, so it suits players who want quick tracking with a firm stop.
What is the surface made of?
The surface is knitted polyester fabric over a 4 mm middle layer of Artisan's specially structured foam, rated soft on their hardness scale.
Key Features
- Size: 49W x 42L x 4H mm
- Surface: knitted fabric (polyester)
- Hardness: soft
- The black color
- Middle layer: 4 mm unique foam of special structure foam
Full Specifications
| Size | XL (490x420mm) |
|---|---|
| Brand | Artisan |
| Color | Black |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Theme | Sport |
| Surface | knitted fabric (polyester) |
| Hardness | soft |
| Material | Polyester |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Fabric Type | SOFT |
| Middle layer | 4 mm unique foam of special structure foam |
| Model Number | FX-HI-SF-XL-B |
| Item Thickness | 4 millimeters |
| Mfr Part Number | FX-HI-SF-XL-B |
| Special Feature | Non-slip, Washable |
| Antenna Location | Gaming |
| Enclosure Material | Polyester |
| Additional Features | Non-slip, Washable |
| Item Dimensions L x W | 12.99"L x 16.54"W |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Gaming |
Ready to buy?
Artisan Hien (Black/XL) [FX-Hi-SF-XL-B] FX Soft (Japan Import) is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
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