The air hockey table has a very smooth and smooth surface. By hanging the ice hockey ball on the air cushion, it can slide across the table in a straight line at a relatively constant speed, thus reducing friction.

In some tables, smooth table surfaces, usually plastic, are used to save manufacturing and maintenance costs and avoid the use of machinery. Please note that these tables are not technically air hockey tables because they do not involve air, but they are still generally understood as such due to the basic similarity of the game. There are also ice hockey balls that use batteries and fans to produce their own air cushions, but they are usually sold only as toys because they are easy to break.