I find these sticks (mallets) perfect for playing cymbal swells and tom rolls. The felt is neither too hard nor too soft. It's perfect.
Since they are the same length (16") as my main sticks, alternating between them is easier.
Note that the shaft of these mallets is straight, i.e. not tapered, which makes them feel heavier towards the felt tips than tapered mallets of the same weight. To me this is not a problem, but it is something to be aware.