Pad Buying Guide

Are you looking for a pad for Dance Dance Revolution or StepMania? We are here to help with a Pad Buying Guide. This guide is arranged by cost to help you when buying a pad at any price point.

Soft Pad $29+

StepMania, Dance Dance Revolution, DDR, USB soft pad for computer PC



These entry level dance pads sometimes referred to as dance mat, are for beginner to intermediate level players. They are a soft foldable pad made of foam and plastic. They are a good option for those who want to play the game, but don't want to invest a lot of money into a pad. Click here to purchase our Soft Pad – Multisystem USB, PlayStation, Xbox, GameCube

Pros

Cons
  • Low cost
  • Easy to transport and store
  • Compatible with PC, PlayStation (PS1/PS2), Original Xbox, and GameCube
  • Intended for beginners 
  • Relatively low quality when compared to hard pads
  • Soft pads can wrinkle or move during play

  


 

Deluxe Hard Foam Pad $99+

Dance Dance Revolution, DDR, StepMania, Soft USB dance pad mat, foam soft thick pad, pump it up, PIU, in the groove, ITG

These are a better version of the Soft Pad. They feature an improved high density 1" foam insert. The thicker insert is made with hard durable EVA foam which helps give the pad more stability and prevent it from wrinkling and moving around during play. This is a good option for more experienced players looking for a better version of the standard soft pad. Click here to purchase the Deluxe 1” Hard Foam Pad – Multisystem USB, PlayStation, Xbox, GameCube
 
 

Pros

Cons
  • Includes 1" EVA hard foam insert for additional stability
  • Easy to transport and store
  • Compatible with PC, PlayStation (PS1/PS2), Original Xbox, and GameCube
  • Relatively low cost
 
  • Not as durable as a hard pad made of wood and metal

 

  

L-TEK Next Level Gaming - Soft Pad 169+


This is a high quality compact durable soft pad. It has two layers of built in foam which gives the pad more stability and prevents it from wrinkling and moving around during play. This pad features a USB connection which is compatible with multiple systems including PC, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, PS4, PS5, Xbox S, and Nintendo Switch.  Click here to purchase L-TEK Next Level Gaming Mat - Soft Pad

Pros

Cons
  • Includes 2 built in foam layers for additional stability
  • Easy to transport and store
  • 10 active panels 

  • Compatible with PC, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, PS4, PS5, Xbox S, and Nintendo Switch.
  • Smaller than a standard pad (size 27.5" x 25.5" x 1")
  • Not as durable as a hard pad made of wood and metal

 

  

L-TEK Pad $399+

L-TEK Dance Dance Revolution pad, mat, USB, StepMania, Step Mania, Computer, PC

  

L-TEK pads are the most popular option for hard pads. They are made of a wood base with metal sensors and polycarbonate panels. If you want an ultra sensitive pad we offer a mod that will increase the sensitivity of L-TEK pads. Click Here to purchase the L-TEK EX PRO 2

Pros

Cons
  • Suitable for players at all levels
  • High quality
  • Very durable
  • Easy to transport and store
  • Compatible with StepMania (Windows, Mac, and Linux)
  • PlayStation Adapter available for connection to PS1/PS2
  • May need modded for improved sensitivity

 

L-TEK PIU Pad $399+

L-TEK PIU EX PRO Metal 2 - Dance Pad for Pump It Up

L-TEK pads are the most popular option for Pump It Up hard pads. They are made of a wood base with metal sensors and polycarbonate panels. If you want an ultra sensitive pad we offer a mod that will increase the sensitivity of L-TEK pads. Click Here to purchase the L-TEK PIU EX PRO Metal

Pros

Cons
  • Suitable for players at all levels
  • High quality
  • Very durable
  • Easy to transport and store
  • Compatible with StepMania
  • PlayStation Adapter available for connection to PS1/PS2
  • May need modded for improved sensitivity

 

Arcade Pad $1999+

Dance Dance Revolution DDR Arcade Pad, dance stage

 

This pad is modeled after a classic DDR arcade pad. It's construction is 98% similar, but with some upgrades. Including more stainless steel, custom software, adjustable sensitivity, and customizable lighting. Available as 1 or 2 sides. Click here to purchase the Arcade Style Pad.

Pros

Cons
  • Suitable for players at all levels
  • Very high quality
  • Extremely durable
  • Authentic arcade feel
  • Optional DDR or PIU bar
  • High cost
  • Long shipping time 4-6 weeks
  • Large size not easy to transport or store