While mouse pads might not be as essential to computer use as they once were, there are still several reasons to use one. First and foremost, even with an optical or laser mouse, a pad can help ensure precision and easy movement while handling a mouse. Different designs and surface types can help with accuracy, or let your mouse move more easily across the pad. You’ll want to consider what size is right for your workspace and make sure you pick a pad that works with your type of mouse.
Mouse Pad Buyer’s Guide
Surface
Perhaps the single most important factor that impacts mouse performance is the type of surface on a mouse pad. For basic office use or in a retail environment, any kind of mouse pad will probably work. When it comes to gaming, graphic design, and other applications where it really matters, you need to consider the pad's surface and control.
Slick surfaces let you move the mouse very quickly across them, which is great for some types of gaming like playing MMOs or MOBAs. On the other hand, textured surfaces tend to give you more precise control, which is usually ideal for playing an FPS title or doing intricate graphic design where you need to make small, precise movements. Ultimately, you need to decide on a specific surface if you prefer speed, control, or something that gives you a good combination of both.
Hard vs Soft Pads
Hard pads are usually made from plastic and similar materials and are rigid. They don’t roll or fold up and provide you with a solid surface when you are using a mouse. Soft pads, on the other hand, are flexible and easy to store; plus, they’re a bit more forgiving if you rest your hand on them at all.
In terms of functionality, both types of pads work very well and this really does come down to personal preference. Pick a pad that will be comfortable for you to use and look at the surface types and materials to see which meets your personal preference.
Material and Durability
While the material used in the construction of a mouse pad might not directly impact mouse performance, it makes a big difference regarding how long the mouse will last. You want to pick one with a rubberized base that helps it stay in place and not shift under intense hand movements.
You definitely want to pick a pad from a reliable manufacturer backed by satisfied user reviews. A particular mouse pad might look great, but someone who has owned the one you want for a couple of years can tell you if it held up well through thousands of hours of use.
Size
Your work area or desktop space will largely dictate the size of your mouse pad. There is a wide range of sizes available, especially if you’re looking at high-quality gaming or professional mouse pads. You might consider wide mouse pads that fit under your keyboard, to provide some shock resistance under the keys, with material that extends under your mouse. If you tend to move your hand a lot, then you want a large mouse pad that will keep you on the pad even when making wide movements and gestures. If your workspace is limited, then a small mouse pad is obviously ideal.
Mouse Compatibility
You want to make sure you pick a mouse pad that will function properly with your mouse. While most pads work with older ball and optical mice, laser mice can be more difficult to control. If you get a pad that isn’t compatible with your type of mouse, you can find yourself losing input sensitivity, dealing with slowed response time, and even having the on-screen icon stop responding to your movements. Look for a pad that works with your type of mouse and tune into the user reviews to be sure your particular
Additional Features
There are not a ton of extra features you are likely to find on a mouse pad, but a few things are worth considering. Wrist pads are the most common thing you are likely to see, which keeps your wrist comfortable during mouse use. This type of pad can also help keep your wrist elevated in a position that reduces the possibility of carpal tunnel syndrome due to mouse use.
You should definitely look for a mouse pad with wrist support, although separate wrist pads are available. While the look of your mouse pad might not be the most important consideration, you should consider one that integrates well with your established computer setup. If you really want to make an impression, you can even find a mouse pad with colored lighting that you can set to match your rig and other illuminated hardware, but that’s definitely not a necessity.
Manufacturer and Warranty
Much like choosing other computer hardware and peripherals, you want to pick a manufacturer that’s reliable and well known for making quality mouse pads. Companies like SteelSeries, Xtrac, and Fellowes are well known for producing solid products that work very well. You can also consider manufacturers known for making peripherals, like Razer and XFX.
While the warranty on a mouse pad might not be quite as important as something like a $500 graphics card, you should still keep it in mind. You want to pick a model covered by at least a six-month warranty, though a year or more of protection is really ideal.