10 Best Mouse Pads For Gaming
Best Gaming Mousepad – The Ultimate Guide
We liken a mousepad to a race car’s tyres. Having the fastest car or the best driver won’t help you win races if your tyres are worn out. Many people overlook the mousepad when playing casual games.
But this isn’t good. There are numerous pads available, each with its own set of features. Choose one that best suits your needs and playing style. You’ll not only feel better, but perform better.
Digital Foundry carries top gaming accessories. We tested the best gaming mice, mechanical keyboards, gaming headsets, and TVs. Most gamers don’t consider the standard mouse pad or mouse mat when playing games. Examine it now. Examine your mouse pad for wear, dirt, and other issues. In-game mouse movements are affected by this surface. So we’re looking at the best mouse pads, from budget-friendly to high-end.
To help you in your search, we compiled a list of five popular pro pads from all of our games. Everyone should find something they like here. We’ll go over the features and characteristics of each mousepad so you can buy with confidence. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a new place to live or just want to learn more about the options.
For now, we’ve chosen seven tried-and-true options. We’ll keep updating this list as new models arrive. We’ll also look at some basic mouse pad design concepts, answer some frequently asked questions, and provide a glossary of commonly used terms to show what’s available. Let’s start with some great entry-level ideas and work our way up.
What is the best gaming mouse pad?
While the best gaming mouse pad depends on your preferences, I’ve always favoured simplicity. That’s why I use the Logitech G240. This soft cloth mouse pad is large enough for most play styles and small enough for most computer desks. Buy a similar mouse pad from a cheaper manufacturer, but expect it to unravel after a month or two. But if money is an issue, the Razer Sphex V2 is hard to beat. This colourful, ultra-thin mouse pad sticks to any surface and leaves no residue.
The small size requires high-DPI mice. It won’t wear out quickly, so you can play hard as you need. The Corsair MM1000 Qi Wireless Charging Mouse Pad is the polar opposite. A gaming mouse pad that costs as much as a premium gaming mouse may not be for everyone, but it is an impressive piece of tech if you can afford it. This mouse pad charges certain Corsair mice and other Qi-enabled devices while you play. If you don’t have Qi wireless charging gear, the mouse pad comes with charging adapters to charge almost any device.
10 Best Mouse Pads Surface For Gaming – Full Review
#1. SteelSeries QcK Medium – Best Cheap Gaming Surface Mouse Pad
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a good mousepad. If you’re looking for a cheap way to play, SteelSeries QcK Medium is our favourite. It has a good gaming surface at a reasonable size (32×21 cm, 13×11 cm) “It costs less than a tenner to get a pack of cards. This is a good deal, but you’ll have to give up some niceties, like a thicker design and a more durable stitched edge. This is understandable, given the price.
Regardless, you’re left with a very useful cloth pad that can be taken to LANs and fits even in small places. PureTrak’s Talent Series mouse pads are another option if you live in the US. They don’t have a stitched edge, but they do have a good level of thickness (6mm) that works well on uneven surfaces and some interesting designs. There was a strong smell for the first day, but we didn’t have any problems playing CS:GO or Hades, except for that. The SteelSeries QcK Medium is still our top pick, but these 12.6×10.6 inches are only $13 “Mousepads are a good choice for an upgrade.
#2. Corsair MM350 Champion Series – Best mouse pad for gaming:
Since a result, the 5mm-thick Corsair MM350 Champion Series mouse pad is a perfect choice for this application, as it provides additional comfort and helps to ensure a smooth surface even when working on a bumpy desk. At 400 DPI, the X-Large 45x40cm (18×16″) size provided more than enough area for 180-degree flicks in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO).
The stitched edge is flat and velvety, protecting the mouse pad without compromising comfort in the way that some inferior mouse pads do. The result is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a solid mix between speed and control in games of all genres, and it deserves to be considered. Our recommendation for those who prefer design on their mouse pads is the Sades “Hailstorm” blue camouflage mouse pad in blue. It’s the same size as the Corsair MM350 Champion Series, at 45x40cm, and it has the same flat stitched edges and a nice surface that balances speed and control as the MM350 Champion Series.
#3. BenQ Zowie G-SR Gaming Mousepad for Esports I Cloth Surface – Best Mouse Pad For Control
The Zowie G-SR mousepad is the most popular among CS:GO professional gamers, and it’s available for purchase here. In addition to providing plenty of area for gaming at any sensitivity setting, the slightly rough surface is great for increasing control by allowing you to stop your mouse on a dime as soon as you notice an enemy’s head come out from behind cover.
As a result, you’ll have to push your mouse a little harder in order for it to glide, but in games where accuracy is critical, this mousepad is well worth the extra effort. As a result, this mouse pad has become increasingly difficult to obtain in recent years, and we will be trying to replace this recommendation in the near future.
#4. Corsair MM800 Polaris RGB Mouse Pad – Best hard mouse pad
If you prefer a hard metal mouse pad, the Corsair MM800 RGB Polaris is a wonderful choice because it provides a decent balance of speed and control in a small package. For the first time on the market, this RGB mouse pad incorporates a USB passthrough port, which can be used to connect a wireless mouse dongle when necessary. The MM800 is also large enough for the majority of individuals, measuring 35x26cm (14×10″).
#5. Glorious Extended Gaming Mouse Mat/Pad Black Cloth Mousepad – Best Desk Pad For Speed
At 28x91cm, the Glorious Extended gaming mouse pad provides more than enough space for your keyboard, mouse, and other devices. Glorious is well-known for their inexpensive but well-made gaming mouse pads, and the Extended is no exception (11×36″). Larger sizes are available in the 46x91cm (18×36″) taller XXL Extended or in the ridiculous 3XL Extended, which measures 61x122cm (61×48″) (24×48″).
The stitched edges ensure long-term use, and the design is robust and machine washable, regardless of the size you choose to purchase. Glorious receives bonus points for providing a “stealth” version, which does not include the company logo, as well as a white colorway.
#6. SteelSeries QcK Prism XL Neon Rider Edition Cloth Gaming Mouse Pad : Best RGB Desk Pad
The Neon Rider is a popular weapon skin from the game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and now it’s also a fantastic-looking RGB mouse pad. Because it is rather short (90x30cm), it can easily fit onto even the most crowded of tables, while still providing a comfortable 4 millimetres of thickness. In addition to allowing you to choose from dozens of different effects, the SteelSeries Engine software also allows you to potentially sync the lighting between your pad and other SteelSeries accessories like headphones, keyboards, or mouse.
Despite the fact that the surface of the mouse pad does not quite match the performance of our top picks, it still provides an excellent balance of speed and control that should be appropriate for playing competitive games at a high level – or simply playing Warzone with the squad. In the event that you want a more neutral design or a larger size, our prior recommendation, the XPG Battleground XL, continues to be a fantastic option that is currently available at a lesser cost.
Glossary of terms
Material: Different mouse pad materials will affect the feel, longevity and portability of the pad. Softer materials like cloth can be rolled up, saving space, and offer a comfortable place to rest your arms. Meanwhile, harder materials like metal or plastic can’t be rolled up, but provide a flatter surface that can be more resistant to wear.
Thickness: The depth of a mouse pad affects how it feels to use and often how comfortable it is as well. While materials like plastic or metal can be quite thin, cloth and other soft materials can vary in thickness from 2mm to 5mm or more. Thicker pads will generally be flatter and more comfortable, but thinner options can fit under a keyboard more easily.
Size: Mouse pads are often available in multiple sizes, from compact models barely bigger than a mouse to desk pads that can be a metre wide or more. As a general rule of thumb, the lower your mouse’s DPI setting, the bigger the pad you’ll need. For DPIs under 1000, we recommend a large or extra-large pad.
RGB: Some mouse pads have lighting built into the perimeter of the pad to improve their appearance. This lighting can be a single colour, but more commonly multiple colour options and effects are available. More premium pads have software-controlled RGB, potentially with multiple lighting zones, which can be synced with other RGB-encrusted PC components or peripherals for a synchronised look.
#7. Logitech G640 Cloth Gaming Mouse Pad – The Logitech standard
The Logitech G640 gaming mousepad is the company’s “standard” gaming mousepad. Three millimetres thick, it has no sewn edges (although there are team versions available for purchase that do have stitched edges), and it has a medium to fast glide that is very comparable to that of the QcK brand. The fact that this pad isn’t particularly noteworthy or distinctive doesn’t detract from the overall quality of the product.
Due to the thickness, it’s going to be a wonderful alternative for folks who are frequently playing away from home on uncertain surfaces because it’s a dependable gaming surface that takes little maintenance to maintain in top gliding condition. Those who aren’t quite sure what they want in a mousepad may appreciate this alternative, which is a’middle of the road’ option that offers a lot of versatility.
#8. ZOWIE G-SR-SE Divina Version Mouse Pad – The medium option
The Zowie G-SR-SE may appear to be nothing more than a recolored version of the G-SR, yet it is far from it. It has a speedier glide that falls somewhere in the middle of the G-SR and the other pads on this list, giving it a fairly distinctive glide that not many other pads can match. Despite the fact that this pad has been available for quite some time, people appear to be only now becoming interested in it, as seen by the fact that it is gaining in popularity on most of our lists.
No surprise here: the slightly restricted feeling you get allows you to flick your mouse with ease, and because it’s not as muddy as a pure control pad like the G-SR, it doesn’t provide as much of a “shock” when first using it for those who aren’t used to those types of pads. One disadvantage of the G-SR-SE is that it is a coated pad, which may not be ideal in some situations. If your glide becomes unusable, you will not be able to restore it to its original glide because the coating will have worn away at that point. The length of time it takes will, of course, depend on how frequently and for how long you use it, but we’re simply throwing this out there as a heads-up.
#9. Corsair MM300 Anti-Fray Cloth Gaming Mouse Pad – Best for Mouse Accuracy.
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The Corsair MM300 Anti-Fray Cloth Gaming Mouse Pad has a textile weave surface design which is great for gaming purposes. Textile weaving allows low friction tracking as it can automatically improve the stability of your mouse. This pad is highly efficient for first-person shooting games. Technical Specifications:
Verdict: While reviewing, we found that the Corsair MM300 Anti-Fray Cloth Gaming Mouse Pad comes with a high-performance field which is great for gaming sensors. The anti-fray cloth material prevents any type of scratches on the table and can help in quick mouse movement as well. Moreover, it has surrounded stitched edges which help in maximum durability of the best mousepad for gaming.
#10. KTRIO Large Gaming Mouse Pad with Stitched Edges
The right choice for a non-slip base. There is enough of space on the Ktrio Huge gaming pad for you to place a full-sized keyboard and mouse together because of the large design and gaming pad. This product has a supreme control surface on top of a non-slip rubber base for a fantastic outcome. When it comes to performance, the Ktrio Large gaming pads are unquestionably worth the investment.
This device comes with a high-quality control surface that allows for precise mouse movement and control. Furthermore, the surface is engineered to give a perfect balance between glide and control while maintaining traction. Amazon has it for $14.95, and it is available here.
The Best Gaming Mouse Pad You Can Buy Under $100
#1. Amazon Basics Gaming Computer Mouse Pad.
The Amazon Basics Gaming Computer Mouse Pad is made of a durable and thick material that will allow you to have a satisfying gaming experience. It comes with standard size measurements, which will improve the precision of the measurements. If you have a limited budget and are seeking for a material that meets your requirements, the Amazon Basics Gaming Computer Mouse Pad is a great option.
This product is packaged with a high-quality cloth that is incredibly soft and suitable for everyday wear and tear. Additionally, you can wash the Amazon Basics Gaming Computer Mouse Pad with your hand and have it completely clean in seconds.
#2 NPET MP02-SP RGB Gaming Pad
The NPET MP02-SP RGB Gaming Pad is made of a rollable material, which makes it easier to store and transport than most other similar products. The RGB settings on this product feature up to 12 lighting modes and 9 static modes, which is a nice touch since it has a backlit appearance.
If you are looking for a device that has support for optical mouse sensors, the product also has excellent base support, which makes the product much more durable and effective for extended periods of time of games. It is 4 mm thick, which allows the pad to be significantly more efficient for use at the workplace.
#3. Razer Sphex V2
Gaming accessories are expensive. If you want a top-of-the-line mouse, keyboard and headset, you’re looking at spending at least $350 — and that’s not even taking wireless variants into account. If you want to spend as little as humanly possible on a mouse pad from a major manufacturer, the Razer Sphex V2 is the way to go. This mouse pad retails for $8, and is often on sale for as little as $5. And, especially considering the price, it’s a surprisingly solid accessory.
At 14 x 10 inches, the mouse pad is small enough for most desks, but big enough to facilitate a wide range of motion. Its polycarbonate surface is neither hard nor soft; “smooth” would be a better word, and it holds up well, even after months of use. It has an adhesive back, however, so wherever you plunk it down is where it’s going to stay.
Frequently asked questions – Best Gaming Mousepad
Why do I need a gaming mouse pad?
The best gaming mouse pads have carefully calibrated surfaces, so you can choose between slicker options that are good for speed and rougher surfaces that are better for controlling the mouse. Using a good gaming mouse pad also makes sure that your mouse feet don’t wear down too quickly or unevenly, which makes your mouse last longer. Gamepads for low-DPI mice are also available in large sizes, which makes it easier to move your mouse around. There are also other features that can be found on the phone, such as perfectly flat edges, RGB lighting, and even wireless charge.
How do I choose the right gaming mouse pad?
Begin by getting the right tools. Pads made of plastic or metal can be used on uneven surfaces, like a desk that has been used a lot. Pads made of cloth are more comfortable and can be washed in the machine. There are a lot of games that require a lot of movement of the mouse, like fast games like Fortnite. You need to think about whether your play style is more about speed or control (tactical games like CSGO). As far as size goes, the bigger the better, but high DPI mice let you use smaller pads. Finally, think about features like wireless charging for a Logitech Lightspeed mouse and RGB lighting for a gamer look, like when you buy a mouse.
How much should I budget for a good mouse pad?
To get started with a mouse pad, you can spend as little as £10/$10, and you can often obtain one for free if you buy something else or borrow one from a friend. It is possible to get a professional-grade mouse pad for under £20 and up to £50 and $70 respectively for fancier models manufactured from more exotic materials and giving additional thickness or other features. We don’t recommend spending more than £25/$25 on a mouse pad unless you’re going for the best components and peripherals possible.
Is a mouse pad good for gaming?
It’s common for individuals to think that a mouse pad has nothing to do with gaming, yet this is a myth. Having a better gaming surface can significantly improve your performance. The optical sensors in the mouse will perform better if the surface is non-slip. As an added bonus, they provide excellent support for both your arm placement and mouse movement.
Is a mouse pad really necessary?
In order to play your favourite games or even work, a mouse pad is a must. Mouse movement and optics will be more challenging if you keep your mouse on a table or on a smooth surface. Using a mouse pad will help improve your accuracy when using a mouse. Because of this, a gaming pad is really essential.
Do pro gamers use hard or soft mouse pads?
Mousepads improve only when you use a high-quality mouse. The majority of professional gamers prefer to utilise a strong textile material that is appropriately quilted on all sides to increase friction. This will always result in increased mouse movement sensitivity. The ideal material, on the other hand, is determined by your sensitivity needs and the movement required in games.
What type of mouse pad is best for FPS?
The relationship between frames per second and the optical sensor is entirely dependent on a variety of factors, including the performance of your CPU. Mousepads, on the other hand, have a negligible effect on gaming performance. A superior cloth will significantly simplify the surface of ideal movement. We recommend a decent mouse pad with a soft foundation for gaming.
What size mouse mat is best for gaming?
When you’re playing games, you may require a larger workspace to accommodate your mouse’s flexible mobility. A narrow, compact space will impede your wrist movement. This will have a direct effect on your gameplay accuracy and precision. Therefore, opt for formats that are either wide or offer sufficient room for your wrist movement.
How to choose the best gaming mouse pad for you
Choosing the finest gaming mouse pad is simple. Decide on a hard or soft surface, then how much desk space it will take up. Then decide on any other features, and you’re done. Soft or hard surfaces are better for particular genres, although in my experience, this is primarily a matter of personal opinion. I like hard surfaces because they endure longer, but well-designed mouse pads from large manufacturers can survive for years.
You can’t buy a cheap, no-name mouse pad and expect it to last. Wireless charging and RGB lighting are two frequent extras. The latter is just a matter of taste. RGB adds a lot of cost to a mouse pad with no added usefulness, but if you have a beautiful desk setting, it can be worth it. To be fair, each manufacturer’s approach to wireless charging is slightly different. The Corsair MM1000, for example, can charge any Qi device, while the Logitech PowerPlay can charge a range of Logitech mice. Always do your homework.
Best Gaming Mousepad – Conclusion
As you’ve presumably noticed, all of the pads described thus far are fabric. Because cloth pads are more popular (though one could argue that would change if pros started using hard pads) and because hard pads are more difficult to transport, especially if you want a larger pad like the pros. Aside from that, we see a range of gliding properties. The G-SR is a very controllable pad, although the QcK line is faster and less friction. So, if you want to emulate the pros, go for a large cloth pad, with thickness and glide being personal preferences.
Mousepads come in a variety of forms and sizes, and it’s up to you to choose the best one for you. All of the pads in this post operate perfectly (no slipping or surface bundling after a couple of hours), so it’s a matter of finding what fits you. If you’re unsure, we suggest starting with a decent mid-range cotton pad. Also, the glide of cloth pads is affected by the surface cleanliness, the humidity in the air, and the pad’s age. Determining how similar pads glide can be difficult. This is why we attempt to be as ‘wide’ as possible while assessing the gliding experience of these pads. Regardless, there should be something for everyone here, so perhaps this guide has been helpful. Thank you!
