It comes down to how the pad makes contact with your skin.

Wet electrodes use water to conduct — you wear a dampened base layer (or wet the contact points) under the suit. Pro: very even, comfortable conduction. Con: the extra step of wetting, and a damp layer to wash.

Dry electrodes press conductive material straight onto bare skin and use your natural sweat. Pro: faster to get in and go. Con: fit has to be dialed in well, and very dry skin can feel patchy until you warm up.

Neither is better across the board — it’s a convenience-vs-setup tradeoff, and both work well when the fit is right. Which type does your suit use?