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Unthinkable just a few decades ago, the world of mousepads has undergone a major revolution following the significant rise in popularity of e-sports and online gaming. Do you need a gaming mouse pad or gaming mat? Whether you’re an amateur or a professional gamer, a good gaming mouse pad will make all the difference in your experience.
Mouses or mice have continuously evolved with new technologies and so to have their inseparable companions, mouse pads. If you are an avid gamer, there are many things you must consider about this piece of equipment, including the mouse speed on the surface or wear and tear of the edges. Would you like to know more? Read on in the following article.
Contents
- 1 Key Facts
- 2 Our Selection of the Best Gaming Mouse Pads on the U.S. Market
- 3 Shopping Guide: Everything You Need to Know About a Gaming Mouse Pad
- 3.1 What exactly is a gaming mouse pad?
- 3.2 What are other terms used for gaming mouse pads in the U.S.?
- 3.3 Is it worth buying a gaming mouse pad?
- 3.4 What types of gaming mouse pads are available and what are their advantages and disadvantages?
- 3.5 Is a matte or reflective gaming mouse pad better?
- 3.6 Do I need a slippery gaming mouse pad surface?
- 3.7 Is a rigid or padded gaming mouse pad preferable?
- 3.8 Are the mouse and the gaming pad complementary?
- 3.9 What type of gaming mouse pad is suitable for each game?
- 3.10 How do I clean my gaming mouse pad?
- 4 Buyer’s Guide
- 5 Summary
Key Facts
- A good gaming mouse pad will optimize the reading of the optical sensors or laser pointer of your mouse leading to more precise controlling.
- There are gaming mouse pads made from all kinds of materials, some as unthinkable as stone. However the most common types of materials used to make mousepads are fabric/fiber, plastic, aluminum and glass.
- Depending on the type of gamer you are, you will need a gaming mouse pad of a specific materal. If you frequent LAN parties or tournaments, then you should choose a gaming mat with a good thickness for durability and long wear.
- A mouse with laser sensors won’t slide well on glass, but it will slide well on firmer mats. Meanwhile optical mice work well on all kinds of surfaces.
Our Selection of the Best Gaming Mouse Pads on the U.S. Market
Did you know that a gaming mouse and a gaming mouse pad go hand in hand. It doesn’t matter if you have the best mouse on the market, if you don’t have a good gaming pad, the mouse won’t behave the way you want it to. Below we have prepared a carefully selected list of the best gaming mouse pads on the U.S. market so that you can find one that perfectly meets your needs. Let’s get started!
- Best Extended Gaming Mousepad
- Best Soft Gaming Mousepad
- Best Gaming Mouse Pad for Small Budgets
- Best Anti-Fray Cloth Gaming Mouse Pad
- Best XXL Gaming Mouse Pad
Best Extended Gaming Mousepad
![VicTsing [30% Larger] Extended Gaming Mouse Pad with Stitched Edges, Long XXL Mousepad (31.5x15.7In), Desk Pad Keyboard Mat, Non-Slip Base, Water-Resistant, for Work & Gaming, Office & Home, Black](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41J5C2cvCGL.jpg)
Large (31.5×15.75×0.12 Inch) Computer Keyboard Mousepad Mouse Mat, Water-Resistant, Non-Slip Base, Durable Stitched Edges, Ideal For Both GamingG502 comes equipped with the PMW3366 optical sensor with zero acceleration, smoothing, or filtering across the entire DPI range (200-12,000DPI). That means you get exceptional tracking accuracy and consistent responsiveness no matter what sensitivity to which you set the mouse.
The size of 800×400×2. 5Mm(31. 5×15. 75×0. 12inch) will fit your desktop perfectly and provide perfect movement space. Applies to all types of keyboards and mice. Designed with superfine fiber braided Material, the smooth surface allows more accurate mouse movement. Optimized for fast movement while maintaining excellent speed and control during your work or game. At just $15, this is a great addition to your set-up.
Best Soft Gaming Mousepad
Excellent gaming performance with 7200 DPI and 4 polling rate. PICTEK T16 gaming mouse with default 5 DPI levels available from 1200 to 7200 DPI. Easily adjust to instantly match mouse speed to different gaming scenarios. Designed with superfine fiber braided material , With a micro-textured, smooth surface, precise navigation and optimize your gaming experience.
The stability of this mouse pad is very good and the natural rubber base material provides a strong grip to prevent sliding or movement of the mousepad whilst playing fast or high action games. This pad is made with durable anti-fray rugged stitching on the mouse pad edges to ensure wear and tear is kept to a minimal, even after hours of use.
Best Gaming Mouse Pad for Small Budgets
At only about $7, you can count on Amazon Basics quality for this mousepad. An excellent choice for hardcore gamers, graphic designers, or anyone who uses a mouse for long sessions at a time, the AmazonBasics Gaming Mouse Pad provides a sleek design and makes a useful addition to any desktop or gaming station. The mouse pad offers excellent control and smooth gliding for enhanced precision, and it accommodates any type of mouse.
The AmazonBasics Gaming Mouse Pad features a smooth high-quality cloth surface, which promotes effortless, snag-free mouse gliding. The thin, sleek pad helps keep you in complete control and focused on the task at hand.Toss the AmazonBasics Gaming Mouse Pad into the washing machine for easy cleaning as needed.
Best Anti-Fray Cloth Gaming Mouse Pad
The MM300 Cloth Mouse Pad is the ultimate partner to high-DPI gaming mice. The optimized textile-weaved surface design gives superior control and precision tracking for absolutely lethal in-game accuracy. The non-slip rubber base ensures secure placement, making MM100 Cloth Mouse Pad sturdy and reliable, no matter your mouse movements.The MM100 is spaciously sized at 370mm x 270mm with 3mm thickness to ensure a maximum surface area with long play comfort.
The MM300 is a high endurance, pro-grade cloth mouse pad for high-DPI gaming mice. Reinforced stitched edges guard against surface peeling, and the optimized textile-weaved surface design gives superior control and precision tracking for absolutely lethal in-game accuracy. With multiple sizes available, from small to extended, the MM300 has just the right size to fit your needs. At about $19 this is a lot of mouse pad for your money.
Best XXL Gaming Mouse Pad
AUKEY Scepter Series KM-P3 is an extended mouse pad that turns an area of your desk into a consistent and comfortable computer gaming or working space. Perfect for playing first-person shooters and for other computing activities requiring extra control like graphic design and video editing. The KM-P3 is great for those who set their mice with lower DPI settings. Give your wrist a rest while still making that precise headshot in-game with the comfortable, dependable 4mm thickness and large sliding space. At about $20 this is an affordable addition to your rig.
This mouse pad features a micro-textured cloth surface that is soft and resilient to give you more control over your mouse. The rubber base prevents the pad from sliding on the desk when making fast mouse movements or typing a lot with your keyboard. Designed for optimum performance and with stitched edges to protect against fraying, this highly functional mouse pad keeps a low profile on your desk. The pad is also easy to keep looking like new because it’s made of fine-textured, water-resistant fabric and high-density rubber that you can wash without worry.
Shopping Guide: Everything You Need to Know About a Gaming Mouse Pad
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What exactly is a gaming mouse pad?
What are other terms used for gaming mouse pads in the U.S.?
Is it worth buying a gaming mouse pad?
In addition, the gaming mouse pad must be reasonably large, robust and very comfortable so that the sliding action of the mouse is smooth and fast, allowing you to perform optimally in any game or contest. If you compete in online games or tournaments, such as Call of Duty, you will know that a fraction of a second can mean defeat or victory.
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What types of gaming mouse pads are available and what are their advantages and disadvantages?
| Type of gaming mouse pad | Advantages | Disadvantages | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Plastic | Lasts longer than fabric or fiber and the level of friction is low.
Offers smooth sliding on its surface, although it is in an intermediate level pad. Will work with all types of mouse sensors and helps to create very precise mouse movements. |
They deteriorate with use, especially where there is more friction.
Can also become deformed. Wear down at the base of the mouse and are noisier than those pads made of fabric. They accumulate a lot of dust particles, although usually they are easy to clean, depending on the model. |
 |
Fabric or fiber | They are very economic and the most popular.
They are effective with all types of mice and are quiet to use. The fabric distributes the pressure of the mouse and the displacement is agile, while the friction level is average. If you choose this type, pick one with finished edges |
The fabric stains easily and sometimes it is not possible to wash them.
They deteriorate over time, whether they are made of fiber or fabric, and they are not always as accurate as a a gamer needs. If you sweat heavily, keep in mind that they can deform in the area of your wrist. |
 |
Glass | These are precise, have minimal friction and the mouse glides very easily.
The material won’t wear out if you take care of it. Easy to clean |
You can’t make involuntary movements because of the minimal friction.
The glass can break due to it being fragile and it does not work well for a mouse with optical sensors. Robustness of the pad varies between models so you must verify this because it depends on the manufacturer. |
 |
Aluminium | It is the ideal pad for those looking for speed and precision.
These are more expensive than cloth, but last a long time. |
They are very cool in summer, but overly cold in winter.
They are a little noisy, especially if you play at night. |
Is a matte or reflective gaming mouse pad better?
(Source: Анастасия Бежекенева: 115866784/ 123rf.com)
Do I need a slippery gaming mouse pad surface?
Is a rigid or padded gaming mouse pad preferable?
Are the mouse and the gaming pad complementary?
(Source: Dean Drobot: 107576481/ 123rf.com)
What type of gaming mouse pad is suitable for each game?
| Type of video game | Type of gaming mouse pad needed |
|---|---|
| MOBA | Rapid sliding |
| First Person Shooter | Greater control and minimal slippage |
| MMOG (Massively Multiplayer Online Game) | Agile gliding and high precision |
How do I clean my gaming mouse pad?
| Type of mouse pad | How do I clean it? |
|---|---|
| Plastic | Prepare a container with soap and water. Moisten the pad and rub gently. Then let it air dry.
If the gaming pad includes a gel wrist pad. Moisten this part, gently rub, rinse with a damp cloth and let it air dry before using it again. |
| Fabric | Gently rub after preparing a solution of water with shampoo or washing detergent.Rinse and air dry.
Another alternative is to put it in the washing machine like any other garment. |
| Aluminum | Prepare warm or cold soapy water. Wipe and then rinse with plenty of water. Dry the mat.
Once dry, use oil and a cloth to polish the surface by gently rubbing. |
| Glass | For this material, it is enough to use a standard window cleaner. If you do not have any window cleaner, use a little alcohol and a cloth. |
Buyer’s Guide
If you are going to buy a gaming mouse pad, you must take into account some key factors before making the purchase. In order to avoid making a buying mistake, we have prepared the following list of the most important criteria to review prior to buying your new gaming mouse pad. Make sure you review this section carefully.
Material
Earlier in the article we talked about the most common materials of a gaming mouse pad and the benefits and disadvantages of each. Review this section carefully and make sure it matches your mouse and gaming style. If you have an optical mouse, you won’t have a problem with any rigid surfaces, but laser mice can have problems when the pad is fabric. For fabric mouse pads, be sure to check that it has the edges finished.
Rigid or Soft Gaming Mouse Pad
If you need to make very agile movements with the mouse and at great speed, a rigid gaming pad will be more effective than the soft pad. On the other hand, if you need little friction in the game, but require great precision in return, a padded or softer gaming mouse pad will be a much better option for you.
Size
When you play with VLS (Very Low Sensitivity) games, you’ll require a larger gaming mouse pad than if you play high FPS (Frames Per Second) games. Don’t worry, most manufacturers offer gaming mouse pads in a variety of sizes, including over-sized pads, which are more than double the width than a standard pad. In any case, a large mat will also protect your wrists.
Texture
First, you should consider your style of play as the texture of a mouse pad can be rough or smooth. The former will give you more precision and grip, while the latter is suitable when you have little time to react, as in FPS games. If you’re unsure, you can opt for a double-sided or reversible gaming mat to get the best of both worlds. A mosuepad is an affordable accessory so you can have several of them if you are very serious about gaming.
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Thickness
The thickness of your gaming mouse pad is more important than you might think and it will play a fundamental role in your gaming experience. Thinner gaming mats are usually lighter, while the thicker ones give your wrists more support. In the following table we break down the differences between the thicknesses of gaming mouse pads:
| Thickness of the gaming pad | Which one is right for me? |
|---|---|
| 1/16 inch | Ideal for those gamers prefer a more solid feel.
The feel is similar to playing on a rigid surface, but with more comfort. |
| 1/8 inch or standard | This is the most common because it includes the best attributes of thin and thick mats. |
| 1/4 inch | Ideal for gaming parties and LAN tournaments where it is not known on what type of surface you will be playing.
Very comfortable and helps to overcome any type of irregular surface. |
Durability
If you spend hours playing, it is important to look for a gaming mat that suffers the least deterioration over time. If you sweat a lot due to the intensity of a game, you can always opt for cloth to protect the pad. In any case, discard any gaming mouse pad with frayed or worn edges, because they disintegrate easily over time and small fragments could lodge in your mouse’s mechanism. You should also read the reviews of other users to find out how durable a specific pad is.
Extra Features
Other aspects you should keep in mind when buying a gaming mouse pad are the esthetics and design as well as function. Some people like the gaming pad to connect to the computer and to receive notifications or to change colour as the game is being played.
Another type of accessory is wireless recharging of your mouse, possible on some gaming mats. With this feature you don’t have to get up to charge your mouse regularly. Obviously, any type of accessory on your gaming mouse pad will raise the price significantly, but if you’re serious about playing, choose quality and don’t simply buy the cheapest one on the market. We are certain that you won’t regret investing in a well-made mouse pad.
Summary
Not all mouse pads are suitable for entering the world of gaming. E-sports require precision and speed when playing, so a good quality mouse and its inseparable companion, a precision gaming mouse pad, are critical components. The electronic sports boom in the U.S. has made these pieces of equipment very popular. Once you try one, you will see that it can make a huge difference in your gaming performance with these types of games.
When buying a good gaming mouse pad, it is better to invest in a good quality pad after thorough research, than buying something cheap and regretting it. You should also keep in mind that a high quality gaming mouse pad will be of no use if the mouse you have lacks performance and quality. When considering a gaming mouse pad, aspects such as durability, size, material or ease of cleaning are just a few factors that you must take into account when buying your new gaming accessory.
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