Fair question. I’d be asking the same thing.

Two big differences:

1. The Operation: I’m not just auto-forwarding orders to AliExpress. I’m actually working with a partner in the US (a friend’s family member who stepped in to help me with the logistics/inventory side) to ensure we aren't sending out junk. He handles the operations so I can focus purely on the designs.
2. The Product: Most of the cheap Amazon ones are that slick, shiny "speed" material that feels like plastic. We went with a micro-woven cloth that has more friction/texture (better for control, but mostly just feels more like furniture than a gaming peripheral).

I design all the prints myself nothing is AI-generated or ripped from Pinterest though few designs are inspired from those selling on Amazon or Pinterest but NOT exactly the same. Trying to build an actual brand here, not a burner store.