I'm brand new here, so please excuse me for sounding a little unsure here :) I bought a Silhouette Cameo 4 since it looked like a cheaper version of the Maker 3. I have a little bit of experience with the Maker 3 while visiting a friend amd I was blown away by how smooth the machine works. It's almost silent and its results look fantastic.

I got the Cameo 4 and was horrified at the loud noise and the clunkiness of the software. I felt like it was designed 20 years ago and never really progressed. It cut my designs pretty well, but it just felt cheap.

My biggest question is about the mats. The Silhouette mat was extremely stiff and the adhesive was way too strong. I typically bend the mat (so I don't bend my project) and this mat felt like it would snap. I'm wondering if the stock Cricut mats are a bit softer and slightly less sticky.

I would appreciate some help here since I'm torn. I'd really prefer a Maker 3 but I'm wanting to make sure it's worth it.