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Finding Your Next Gaming Mouse Pad: A Buyer’s Guide
Are you a hardcore gamer looking for the ideal gaming mouse pad to upgrade your setup?Mousepads might seem unnecessary to some people — but not gamers. If you’re a PC gamer, you probably already know what it’s like to find the right mouse pad and get to use the easy movement and extra precision they offer. Having more control of your movements can really transform your whole gameplay experience, and it can help elevate your performance, too. In addition to this, a mouse pad can also help with protecting your mouse and desk from scuffs and scratch marks.We’ve researched the market and curated a list of some of the finest gaming mouse pads for 2023. So without waiting any longer, let’s dive right in!
Havit RGB Gaming Mouse Pad
Best Overall
Amazon Basics Gaming Mouse Pad
Budget-friendly
Steelseries Qck Gaming Mouse Pad
Most Versatile
Ktrio Gaming Mouse Pad
Most Durable
Canjoy Gaming Mouse Pad
Best Aesthetics
Factors to Consider When Buying Gaming Mouse Pads
Surface material
You need to consider what type of surface material you want in your gaming mouse pad. There are two types of surface materials available — soft and hard mouse pads. The softer versions are made of woven cloth fabric and have a very smooth surface for your mouse to glide on. You can also fold soft mouse pads and carry them almost anywhere you want.On the other hand, hard mouse pads are made of harder materials such as plastic or aluminum. They are also a lot easier to clean because they don’t need to be washed, all you have to do is use a wet cloth to clean them. Hard mouse pads are perfect for fast-paced gaming and work incredibly well with laser and optical mice — and they are water-resistant, too!So, you should try to identify which type of mouse you prefer and then make a purchase accordingly. If you want our opinion, go for a softer one. But the final decision should be based on your personal preferences, of course.Size
Gaming mouse pads come in four sizes: small, medium, large, and extended. What size you should go for depends on your personal needs. If you just want some space for your mouse, try a small or medium-size mouse pad. If you want to add in some other accessories like a keyboard, a mouse, a headset, or something else, you should go for a larger or extended model.You should also consider your desk size and see what mouse pad will fit on it. If you’re super into FPS games though, we suggest going for larger or extended mouse pads, no matter what. Those kinds of games demand more room and precise mouse movements.Edges
Always make sure that the gaming mouse pad you purchase has stitched edges, just like all the options we mentioned on this list. Without stitched edges, your gaming mouse pad can start to fray and peel in no time. And fraying and peeling can also reduce the durability of your pad — plus it can also destroy the overall aesthetics of your gaming desk.Extra Features in Gaming Mouse Pads
Try to ensure that the gaming mouse pad you are planning on buying comes with some extra features like wireless charging, USB passthrough, and RGB lighting. With wireless charging, you can charge your mouse pad wirelessly — and you can use it for your phone too! With RGB lighting, you can get an aesthetic mouse pad with trendy colors for enhancing the overall look of your gaming desk. USB ports can also help convert one USB port into multiple ports, allowing you to connect several devices through your mouse pad to your PC.These extra features might cost a little extra, but the experience they provide is almost unmatched!Havit RGB Gaming Mouse Pad
Best Overall
This option is a chic, jet-black gaming mouse pad by Havit — this pad is super soft, very flexible, and has a non-slip rubber surface for a better gaming experience. It has enough room for your mouse to fit on perfectly too, and the edges are tightly stitched for added durability. This pick also has a RGB LED light strip, and it’s sewn on the edges to make it longer lasting. The light strip also displays seven colors, and it allows you to choose between one color and seven dynamic lighting modes. All you need to do is plug the pad into a USB port and customize the light settings. With its innovative design and durability, this gaming mouse pad is the best overall on this list.
Pros
- Anti-skid, natural rubber bottom
- Durable edges with 14 different lights
- Seven static and seven dynamic light modes
Cons
- Non-wireless
Amazon Basics Gaming Mouse Pad
Budget-friendly
Amazon Basics almost never disappoints when it comes to essential and affordable accessories, and this gaming mouse pad is proof of that. This option is specifically designed for games, and it helps provide enhanced precision and smoother movement. This product also has a steady rubber base that prevents slipping, offering you more control. This pick is one of our favorites because it’s machine-friendly, allowing you to conveniently wash it whenever it gets a little dirty. Also, the size is big enough to move around your mouse without any hassle. You should be able to get a lot of use out of this product, too — it’s extremely durable!
Pros
- Very affordable with a minimalist design
- Made of sturdy, long-lasting materials
- Ideal dimensions for different mouse sizes
Cons
- May bend with rougher use
Steelseries Qck Gaming Mouse Pad
Most Versatile
Are you looking for an appealing and efficient mouse pad to level up your gaming experience? If you are, then this medium-sized product from Steelseries is a terrific option. It provides a super smooth mouse glide and excellent control for both gamers and designers. Also, this option has a sleek and simple design with just a printed logo, which can help elevate the look of your gaming or work desk.This pad features a non-slippery rubber base too, helping give you more uninterrupted and smoother gaming sessions. This pick will probably stay steady no matter how intensely you use it, too. And the all-black design makes this option an appealing choice because it blends in well with almost any setting.
Pros
- Smooth, friction-free cloth surface
- Slim and thin design optimized for gaming
- Non-slip, rubber base prevents sliding
Cons
- No color options
Ktrio Gaming Mouse Pad
Most Durable
Do you have a large gaming desk and want a pad for both your mouse and keyboard? If you do, this pick from Ktrio can be your dream come true! It should be large enough to fit all your gaming accessories, helping keep your desk neat and tidy. This mouse pad is made of a superior micro-weave cloth that feels very soft to touch and is optimized for lo2 and high DPI tracking movements. This option also has a non-slippery base to prevent sliding and gliding. Plus, this pad is also water-resistant, which helps prevent damage from spilled drinks or other liquids. It also features stitched edges to prevent peeling and fraying.
Pros
- Water-resistant coating prevents damage
- Textured, micro-weave cloth for more control
- Anti-fray design for extended use
Cons
- May have a funky odor
Canjoy Gaming Mouse Pad
Best Aesthetics
The Canjoy Gaming Mouse Pad is another large and extended product. From your mouse to your keyboard and laptop, it can fit almost anything. But what makes this pick unique from the others on this list is its trendy blue-galaxy design — it really helps provide a special gaming aesthetic. This gaming mouse pad has everything a good product should have, too — there’s a non-slip rubber base, stitched edges, a water-resistant coating, and some exceptional mouse control. Also, you can easily clean and wash this pad too, and the brand clams it won’t deform. The double-stitched edges also help make sure that this pad remains intact and lasts a long time.
Pros
- Waterproof coating prevents damage
- Easy-to-clean, textured fabric
- Double-stitched edges for added durability
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than its competitors
People Also Asked
Why should I get a gaming mouse pad?
Gaming mouse pads are worth every penny, especially for gamers and graphic designers. They allow you to have more control over your mouse movements, which can really impact both work and gameplay in a positive way.
Can I wash my gaming mouse pad?
You can only wash soft mouse pads since they are made of cloth. Try not to use bleach while washing your gaming mouse pads though, this can lead to discoloration.
Should I get an extended gaming mouse pad to accommodate my keyboard?
It depends on your preferences and how you’ll be using it. If you are a diehard gamer and want to get the most out of your gaming mouse pad, get an extended gaming mouse pad — it’ll help keep both your mouse and your keyboard steady while you’re playing.
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