The Essential Guide To Choosing The Best Mouse Pad
A mouse pad is an essential part of any computer setup.
Whether we are hardcore gamers or everyday users, our mouse pad not only maximizes the mouse performance but also provides us comfort and elevates the look of our entire setup.
Still, we can have a hard time choosing the perfect mouse pad, as without the necessary knowledge, we are likely to buy a mouse pad that is inadequate or insufficient for our needs.
We need to know that choosing the right mouse pad is not a quick decision to make.
There are a lot of factors like size, resistance, design, and more that we need to see.
Today, we will talk about all the factors that we need to consider when choosing a mouse pad that not only meets but exceeds our requirements.
We will also learn how each of these factors can influence our usage.
So, let's begin!
Factors to Consider When Choosing A Mouse Pad
Mouse pads are made from many kinds of materials and come in several sizes, all providing us with specific features and benefits.
For example, the size and surface of a gaming mouse pad are drastically different from a standard mouse pad.
We need to figure out which mouse pad suits our needs by considering how we plan on using it.
Some of the essential factors that we must consider when choosing the best mouse pad:
- Size
- Material
- Base
- Edges
- Resistance
- Comfort
- Additional Features
Let’s take a look at each of these factors in more detail and see how they can impact our usage.
Size
One of the main features of any mouse pad is its size. Mouse pads come in four main sizes: small, medium, large, and extended.
We must ask ourselves for what purpose do we require a mouse pad, and what are the sizes of the desk, keyboard, and mouse we are using?
As gamers, our mouse movements are elaborate and extensive, requiring a large mouse pad that allows us to glide across the mat with precision and accuracy.
However, for those of us who are not gamers but still require a suitable mouse pad, any smaller size can be the perfect choice.
The best thing about small or medium-sized mouse pads is that we do not have to worry about them fitting according to our desk size.
The last thing to consider regarding the size of a mouse pad is the DPI or sensitivity of our mouse. Gamers who operate on low sensitivity will need a larger gaming mouse pad to gain that superior control.
A large mouse pad also has room for both the mouse and keyboard, providing a smooth experience and no worries of any of the two sliding off the desk.
Material: Hard vs. Soft
The most vital factor to consider while choosing the best mouse pad is the material it's made up of.
Aside from providing us with much-needed comfort and a smooth experience, it also maximizes our mouse performance depending on its material.
Some of the most common materials used to make a mouse pad include:
- Fabric
- Silicon
- Plastic
- Aluminum
- Glass
We can choose to go for a softer mouse pad made up of fabric that offers a comfortable experience and control over the mouse movement due to higher friction.
If that’s not what we’re looking for, we can choose a harder mouse pad that offers faster movements and accurate gliding while gaming.
A mouse pad made of cloth is a mouse pad with wrist rest as its softer surface allows our wrists much-needed comfort over an extended period of time.
A hard mouse pad will cause stiffness in the wrists as it does not offer any cushion to the arm.
Although, It may not be easier at first for us to get used to its low friction.
As gamers who are looking for speed over control, we can go with a hard gaming mouse pad.
After all, it is easier to clean and more durable when compared to its counterparts.
But that’s not all.
A hard mouse pad will also last longer than a soft one.
Base: Thick vs. Thin
Just like the size and the material of a mouse pad, their base also has several different options.
To make the best decision, we need to know that each base has specific benefits and drawbacks.
When it comes to making a choice, we have four options that include:
- Thin (2mm):
If we are looking for a firm, solid finish on a well-balanced desk, we can go for a 2mm base. Being lightweight, this mouse pad will be easier for us to carry around and will clean easier, too.
- Standard (3mm):
It is the most common mouse pad base size that many of us use. It is not too thin or thick for our everyday use or casual gaming, which makes it the perfect thickness. The best thing about this mouse pad is that it offers firmness as well as comfort.
- Thick (4mm):
This thickness is a golden middle between the 3 and 5mm, and offers the best of both. It is 2nd most popular thickness in our experience.
- Heavy (5mm):
A mouse pad with wrist rest usually has a thick base that provides a softer finish, giving us the comfort we desire during extensive use. A heavy base also negates uneven desk surfaces, but it poses more challenges to carry around.
Edges: Stitched or Unstitched
Mouse pad edges provide us durability by not peeling or falling apart over a longer period of time.
Buying a stitched edge mouse pad will ensure that it stays intact and does not fray over time with deep cleaning or washing.
Still, we can also go for an unstitched edge mouse pad that provides a smoother and even surface throughout.
Resistance: No Slipping Off
We have all used mouse pads that kept slipping over as we moved the mouse over them.
Those of us who are gamers would have faced this more often than others. There is nothing worse than a gaming mouse pad that keeps slipping off while using.
Luckily for us, textured bottom slip-resistant gaming mouse pad options are available, so we can stop worrying about it scooting around or sliding off constantly.
Apart from slip-resistance, today’s mouse pad also offers us stain and water-resistant capabilities; imagine now having to worry about spilling water over our gaming mouse pad!
Comfort
If we are not enjoying using a mouse pad, rather than adding to our discomfort, it's time to change it.
While choosing the best mouse pad for us, we must keep our comfort a top priority.
For those of us who are gamers or need to use a mouse for a longer period of time, a mouse pad with wrist rest can be the best option.
We can avoid a hard mouse pad and go for a large mouse pad made of fabric or rubber that provides a smoother finish and comfort, too.
Additional Features
Mousepads nowadays are not just for our comfort or maximizing mouse performance, they offer us new and fun features.
While choosing the best mouse pad for ourselves, we should look for one or more of these features:
- RGB Lights:
We can find this feature commonly in a gaming mouse pad; it provides an immersive gaming experience by matching the lights with existing gaming peripherals.
Imagine having a setup where the backlight, the mouse and keyboard light, and the large mouse pad light align to enhance our imagination.
- Wireless Charging:
Newer mouse pads have an inbuilt wireless charging feature that not only allows us to charge our gaming mice but also our smartphones and other wireless devices.
Now, we don’t even need to worry about battery life or wired charging.
- USB Passthrough:
A high-quality mouse pad also offers us the ability to plug our wired mouse closer to the mouse pad with a feature called USB passthrough.
Not only that, but we can also connect signal adapters and other peripherals on that inbuilt USB port.
- Customization:
We can design our gaming mouse pad according to our preferences.
Whether we have a large mouse pad or a mouse pad with a wrist rest, we can choose what it looks and feels like.
As gamers, we strive for personalization in our setups, and a customized mouse pad goes a long way in giving us that aesthetically pleasing look to our overall setups.
Key Takeaways
Choosing the perfect mouse pad is as simple as most people think it is.
The decision depends on a number of factors, including size, materials, additional features, and more.
Learning about what these features are and how they can impact our usage can help us choose the perfect mouse pad.
After that, we must determine whether we strive for comfort, aesthetics, precision, accuracy, or other features.
Doing so will help us make a more informed decision.
Having a suitable mouse pad is essential for all of us, and there are unlimited options available in the market.
All we have to do is explore the market and find the best options for us.
Contact us today and explore the wide variety of mouse pads we have in store.
FAQ
How do I figure out the size of the mouse pad suitable for me?
Our mouse pad size requirements depend upon the size of desks as well as the size of our mouse device and the keyboard. We should go for a size that is big enough for the mouse and convenient as per desk size. Using a tapemeasure to estimate what mousemat size would fit there is a great idea!
Do all mouse pads have built-in USB Passthrough?
No, not all mouse pads have the built-in USB passthrough feature.
Can a gaming mouse pad be small in size?
Yes, a gaming mouse pad can be smaller in size. As experienced gamers, we can have a small-sized gaming mouse pad. However, maneuvering it will be difficult due to a lack of surface area.
Can you machine wash an RGB pad?
Unfortunately no, because of electrical components. The only way to wash an RGB mousepad is to use a wet washcloth, sponge or microfiber towel. You must not submerge the RGB pad in water.
