The move away from broad soft-touch rubber is generally seen as better for stain resistance and long-term appearance. A few reviewers prefer the softer old coating or dislike the new...
Pros: productivity performance, materials quality
Cons: haptic controls, gaming suitability
The matte coating resists fingerprints and provides decent grip, but it feels more functional than luxurious.
Pros: portability, click noise
Cons: hand size compatibility, dongle-free setup
The glossy finish looks polished but readily shows fingerprints, smudges, dirt, and surface scratches.
Pros: gesture controls, productivity performance
Cons: charging convenience, ergonomic design
The soft-touch coating feels good when new, but long-term feedback is consistently wary of staining, grime, discoloration, and surface wear. Lighter colors draw the most criticism.
Pros: click noise, ergonomic design
Cons: gaming suitability, handedness options