The Cobalt Flux isn't even the best widely available home pad anymore.
It has been overtaken by the Blueshark pad, which has the same sensors and recessed arrows as the arcade(although this pad hasn't been time proven like the cobalt, the oldest ones are only 7 months into play).
But yes the Cobalt was the best pad in the home market and still has the absolute most solid construction possible for a widely-marketed home pad, but there is no way in crap it lays a finger on the Arcade. Arcade pads can still work after 5 years of constant everyday play by teenagers with sweat, dust, dirt, spilled drinks, and other objects being grinded into the pads. Not to mention the occasional player who stomps at level so that his steps can be heard 70 feet away in a noisy arcade. Plus the fact that with recessed arrows you can find your place much easier.
BTW, yes I am a DDRfreak. I've played this game for 2 years and 3 months now and have AA'd Max 300 at the arcade with 37 greats.