softer, quieter, don't last as long... quiet being the big thing for me at least.... I'll never go back to semi-metallic I like quiet. you do have to clean then a bit more (just hit the area around the caliper with air) and they will need to be replaced once a yr or so depending on your amount of use. well worth it in my case. hate ,,, hate HATE squawky brakes!! sounds like a dying goose chasing you
