Ear Pad Material
Ear pad material describes the covering of the cushions supplied with over-ear or on-ear headphones.
The covering affects skin contact, heat and the seal around the ear. Leather, synthetic leather, velour and mesh behave differently, but comfort also depends on cushion shape, filling and clamping pressure. Material alone cannot predict the result.
Ear Pad Material — Headphone
The pads are part of the headphone's acoustic fit as well as its comfort. A change in their seal can alter bass response, so an alternate supplied pad set may change the sound even when the drivers stay the same. Hybrid pads combine materials on different surfaces; their complete construction matters.
Compare the pads actually included, including multiple supplied sets, and consider your fit and listening duration. Do not treat a leather headband as leather ear pads, or optional replacement pads as standard equipment. In-ear tips belong to a different fit system.