Chances are after spending a fortune on assembling your gaming PC you might just want to stick with the old mouse pad, it’s just a mouse pad anyway. But no that’s not the case, a gaming mouse pad is not just any mouse pad, it can maximize your experience of gaming ten folds.
“what does a gaming mouse pad do after all?”
It is a fair question in a way, The mice these days, don’t come with a ball, there are optical and laser sensors and you can run them on almost any surface.
Our response, that’s not the case in reality. Though gaming mice work on sensor now, they still need a surface to glide smoothly on. This, in the long run, will prevent your desk and other equipment too as the rough intense gaming definitely takes a toll on the edges of the mouse, and the surface of the desk.
Additionally, you can put your gaming keyboard on the gaming mouse mat too to keep it in place and absorb shocks and vibrations when you hit the keys hard in the heat of the game.
Why not?
Really, now that you have the invested time and money in creating the best Gaming computer, collecting the best games and the best peripherals, why would you settle for anything less, when it comes to the gaming mouse pads.
The wrong mouse pad can either make or break your gaming experience.
What to look for in a gaming mouse pad?
To achieve the maximum accuracy and fluid movement while gaming, you need a durable, anti-slip and a smooth gaming mouse pad. It should be smooth to allow slick movement, it should come with a gripping base so in a heated gaming session only your mouse moves. And if you are like us, a wrist rest can be an added advantage.
So, there are three basic things that you need to look for, the surface, the base, and the size.
Nowadays, it’s not just the texture or durability of the gaming mouse pad or the surface that matters. With the advancement of technology, a simple mouse pad offers a variety of new features.
Surface:
There is a vast variety of surfaces available from metal to microfiber to suit individual preference and need. Some games require smooth gliding to move around quickly, while others require a controlled grip for precise target hitting.
Size:
Size is another matter of consideration, oversized gaming mouse pads are becoming the favorites in the market, you can put your keyboard on it too, to reduce vibrations when you are in the middle of a heated game. It also provides stability and grip.
Base:
The base material is what makes a gaming mouse mat sit firmly on your desk, there are rubber and silicon anti-slip bases, also some gaming mouse pads come with anti-slip stoppers.
It is really important, as you don’t want your mouse pad to move under the mouse and distract you when you are in the middle of a game.
Additional features:
In this age of multipurpose everything, you can hardly find any device that is meant to do only one job.
Same is with the gaming mouse pads, now you can even charge your cell phone through it, some companies have introduced the RGB versions of gaming mouse pads, the lightning can also be customized as per your requirement or preference.
Simply put, gaming mouse pad producers are adding innovative features, not only to catering the ever growing demands of the gamers but to stand out in the market.
Best Gaming Mouse Pads Review:
We have reviewed some best-selling gamers mouse pads in this article to provide you with an idea of the variety available in the market. These reviews are based on our personal experience and real user reviews. We have tried to give you our honest opinion based on some amazing gaming filled research we did exclusively for you.
1. Corsair MM600
The top of the list is Corsair MM60 mouse pad, Corsair is a well-known brand that produces amazing peripherals to improve your gaming experience.it is recommended by most users and has mostly positive reviews on the internet.
The Corsair MM600 is a pretty straight forward gaming mouse pad., with just the right features required for top-notch gaming. It doesn’t offer any additional distracting features like RGB lightening.
Best offering!
But, what it offers is amazingly high quality and very useful, it has a double-sided mouse pad that offers very low-friction. The two sides have a distinctive difference and can be used accordingly. And, it is secured in place with anti-slip rubber stoppers on each corner.
The double-sided mousepad has one side that allows smooth gliding while you can turn it over to get more control and precision in your movements. Corsair MM600 has an aluminum core that makes it super durable
Our opinion:
It doesn’t come with lightning and RGB functions, but it is the most versatile gaming mouse pad that we have used.
- Aluminum core
- Low friction surface
- Double surfaces
- Anti-slip stoppers
- No fancy lightening
- No RGB
2. SteelSeries QcK
SteelSeries QcK made to this list as a budget gaming mouse pad option. This is generally a good gaming mouse pad with all the necessary features present. The surface material is durable fabric with a high thread count for more control and it is smooth enough to allow fluid movements.
This gamers mouse pad has a rubber base this is anti-slip and stays securely attached to the desk, even with intense movements.
Another reason it is a good choice:
A great initiative from the company is it offers you the choice to select the shape and size of the mouse pad as per your requirement.
The SteelSeries QcK comes in a variety of sizes from a small square sitting in the corner of your desk to a giant gaming mouse pad that can cover the whole desk.
The SteelSeries QcK gaming mouse mat offers an RGB version for a higher price.
Our opinion:
We for one do not prefer RGB lightening, so it is great for us as is. With the choice of size, in a low budget, this gaming mouse is a good option for gamers.
- Pocket-friendly
- Smooth fabric surface
- Rubber anti-slip base
- Variety of shapes and sizes available
- No added features
- No RGB lightening
- No wrist rest
3. Razer Vespula – Dual-Sided Gaming Mouse Mat
The Razer Vespula Dual-Sided Gaming Mouse Mat provides you with two surface options in one mousepad.
Features that make it amazing:
You can use the extra smooth surface for fluid movements or the control surface for precision so you could take the most accurate headshot. So, you just need to turn it over for your ideal tracking surface.
It has a silicon base to prevent slip and movement of the mouse pad when you are gaming, but it’s not very efficient. Lets us be clear about it, the resistant base is attached with the wrist rest only, so you can turn the dual surfaces over easily. But that makes the base a bit detached and the result is some movement during intense gaming.
Another feature to love in the Razer Vespula dual-sided gaming mouse pad is that it comes with memory foam filled wrist rest, it is larger and wider than the previous versions, for the ultimate comfort.
The height and thickness of the wrist rest are just right for you to play comfortably for longer hours without putting your wrist to the risk of injury.
Our two cents:
We don’t really care about the mouse pad being double-sided, as we tend to get comfortable with one side only and just use it forever. What put us off most is the fact that it can move during intense gaming. But, we love the wrist rest it gets molded to the shape of your wrist and it is very comfortable.
- Dual surfaces
- Micro-textured surface for more glide
- Dense cloth surface for more control
- Large surface area
- Silicon base
- Comfortable wrist rest
- The base is attached with the wrist rest only and so the mouse pad won’t sit perfectly on the desk.
- The memory foam wrist rest might feel a bit too stiff in the beginning
- Overpriced
4. SteelSeries QcK XXL Mouse Pad
This elegant SteelSeriese Qck XXL Mousepad is featured again on our list for the sheer size of it.
What we loved about it,
This gaming mouse pad is very durable and worth the price. And the price is easy on the pocket too.
This baby is extra-large in size and allows great freedom of movement. It is not as wide as its long and that adds to its functionality. It is extra-long, nearly three feet in length. Therefore, it covers your desk end-to-end. You can put your gaming keyboard on it to absorb vibrations caused by the furious key pressing during the gaming session. Also, it reduces the noise caused by typing to some extent.
The base is non-slip rubber and sits very firmly on the desk no matter how intense your game gets, it won’t budge. Also, the sheer magnanimity of its size won’t let it move.
Needless to say due to its size you can literally run your gaming mouse anywhere on the desk If nothing it will save your desk from any scratches or marks.
This gamers mouse pad can be wiped clean easily and it is spill proof too. It doesn’t have an RGB or lightening feature and we are cool with it.
Our two cents:
The Size is amazing especially at this price. We enjoyed the freedom of movement, slick strokes and the grip it delivers. An added plus is the anti-slip base.
- Sleek elegant design
- Extra-long size
- Non-slip rubber base
- Smooth micro-fiber surface
- A spill-proof coating on the surface
- Best bargain
- No lightening
- No RGB
5. Reflex Lab – Large Extended Gaming Mouse Pad Mat XXL
Reasons to love it:
The reflex lab gaming mouse pad Mat XXL is just what the name suggests, it is enormous, you can push your gaming mouse around the whole desk without knocking it off the edges. It is 36into 12 inches, this oversize mouse pad has space for not only your mouse, but it can easily accommodate your keyboard and other desktop items too. Think of it as a cover for your desk; a cover that is super smooth and allows your mouse to glide across it.
The thickness of this gaming mouse pad is 0.20 inches, that’s 40 to 60 percent thicker than average gaming mouse pads, making it ideal for the gamers who would love some wrist support and comfort while gaming.
The reflex lab gaming mouse pad is waterproof, with the combination of the rubber base and weight of 1.9 pounds it sits perfectly without slipping on your desk.
And, more reasons to love it, you can fold it for storage or travel.
Our Two cents:
What we like about this gaming mouse pad, is the weight which keeps it firmly in place. It is thick and comfortable for the wrist. The surface is a great combination of grip and glides and enhanced our gaming beautifully.
- Oversize gaming mouse pad
- Comfortably thick for wrists
- Surface allows controlled movements
- Waterproof
- Rubber anti-slip base
- foldable
- Thickness might put some minimalist gamers off.
- Surface supports grip more than glide
6. Corsair Gaming MM200 Cloth Mouse Pad
If you are looking for precise control and grip this is the one mouse pad for you. The Corsair gaming MM200 cloth pad has a medium grain textile surface. It best suits you with the precision and controlled gliding if you are into target shooting games.
More reasons to love:
The base of Corsair MM200 mouse pad is made of rubber that’s anti-slip, making it skid proof, this gaming mouse pas will surely stay put no matter how rough your gaming style is. The measurement is quite comfortable also, not too short that it leaves only 2 inches on either side of the mouse and not too big to cover your entire desk. It is 360 by 300mm, just perfect to prevent your gaming mouse knocking off the edges during intense play.
This gaming mouse mat is 2 mm thick which is ideal for people who use a gaming mouse pad for the smooth, even surface only. It levels perfectly with your desk
The Corsair MM200 is optimized for both optical gaming mice and laser gaming mice, ensuring that you will always be on top of your game no matter how you like to play.
You can fold it up and take it anywhere you want.
Our two cents:
It offers a soft controlled surface, the size is amazing and lets you move freely when you are so deep in the game.
- Smooth controlled surface
- Rubber anti-slip base
- Large enough for comfortable gaming
- Optimized for laser and optical gaming mousse
- It’s very thin
- foldable
- Thickness might put some minimalist gamers off.
- Surface supports grip more than glide
7. Glorious PC Gaming Race – Gaming Extended Mouse Mat
Another oversized gaming mouse pad
The Glorious PC gaming Race gaming extended mouse mat is probably the best priced oversize gaming mouse pad. It is so big you can put both your keyboard and mouse on this mat and still have space left for easy movements.
What we loved about it and you will too!
If you consider the features of this mouse pad it is obviously not just a budget option. In fact, it has all the qualities of the best gaming mouse pad with a fair price tag.
This oversized Gaming mouse is waterproof, so even if you knock your drink while gaming this guy will survive though we can’t say the same about your peripherals.
Glorious PC gaming extended mouse pad is machine washable,but, simply cleaning with a wet cloth and dish soap will work, and its preferred too, don’t scrub it though And make sure to air dry it.
The surface is thick rubber, intended to provide controlled movements of the gaming mouse.
You want some more features to love, the Glorious PC gaming extended mouse pad sports anti-fraying edges also the logo is a tempting picture of Zeus flexing his muscles.
Overall it is a great gaming mouse pad at a reasonable price, coming from a relatively small and new company it is an impressive, high-quality product.
- On budget
- The enormous size
- Quite sturdy
- The grippers are quite good, and the mouse pad sits perfectly
- Anti-fraying edges
- Machine washable
- Waterproof
- Smooth texture
- Rubber surface
- There is no choice in surfaces
- No lightening or RGB
8. Cooler Master MP510 – Extra Large Gaming Mouse Pad
The cooler master MP510 comes in four different sizes, therefore, you can always find the one that suits your needs and fits your desk. From a small pad to a gigantic one that can cover your whole desk, you can get this amazing mouse pad in any size.
It is black in color so, it compliments most equipment, the simple design appeals the minimalist in us, it has a glow in the dark logo that adds to the look. it will surely complete the look of your Gaming PC.
The surface is made of Cordura fabric that is durable, allows accuracy and is water resistant. The edges are secured by anti-fray stitching, additionally, the fabric is stain proof and to our surprise completely spill proof. Be it your tears, sweat or water, the fabric will not absorb it. We literally tried that.
You can wipe it clean with a wet cloth and dish soap and it will be as good as new, you can also wash it under running water to remove dirt and grime.
The base is anti-slip rubber and stays put during the gaming battles. You will definitely enjoy the smooth movements and its resonsiveness, we loved it.
- 4 different sizes
- Glow in the dark logo
- Durable Cordura surface
- Waterproof, stain proof
- No RGB
- Only available in the UK, as for now
9. Razer Sphex V2 – Ultra Mouse Pad
The minimalist dream mouse pad, the Razer Sphex V2 is an ultra-thin gaming mouse pad, at half a millimeter in thickness, it just feels like your desk. The surface is seamlessly smooth and is made of polycarbonate to ensure the best gaming experience for you.
The mouse pad is enhanced for both optical and laser gaming mice, the rubber base of this gaming mouse pad is adhesive, therefore, it stays firmly attached to your desk even when the gaming gets rough.
It is lab tested for strength, and we can vouch for the durability because we almost had an accident with it. It is beautifully designed with rainbow colors and the Razer logo.
Almost all the people who used it once became fans overnight, all the reviewer strongly recommended it.
Our opinion:
This gaming mouse pad is a gamers dream come true, we loved that it is ultra-thin and feels like just our desk. The color combination is a bit loud for our liking but it does look pretty.
- Optimized for laser or optical gaming
- Ultra-thin
- Available in different sizes
- polycarbonate, super smooth surface
- Ultra-thin
- Appealing design
- Lab tested for strength
- No fancy lightening
- No wrist support
- No RGB lightening
10. Roccat Hiro+
The Roccat Hiro+ is a great gaming mouse pad.
The surface is layered with vulcanized silicon, it is soft to deliver accuracy and responsiveness in gaming. The gaming mouse mat is built to increase the accuracy and precision of mouse movements to enhance your gaming experience. The base is made up of non-slip material for steady control. The edges are rounded and made with anti-fraying technology.
The height is only 3 mm making it perfect for people who prefer unobtrusive mouse pads on their desk. It is plain black and goes well with other peripherals.
The vulcanized silicon surface is covered with a protective layer to make it spill and waterproof, your energy drinks or plain water will not ruin it, but well still take care because your other peripherals are not waterproof. Still, if you do, it can be easily wiped clean, or you can wash it under water.
Its s so durable that one reviewer recommended it for pet owners. And we recommend it for parents.
Our opinion:
We give 5 stars to Roccet Hiro, for durability. The mouse pad is pretty thin and appeals to the minimalist in us, the surface is fantastic and delivers the right glide and grip. We love it for being waterproof too, for some reason we are really prone to spilling our drink and this pretty thing doesn’t soak.
- A low friction silicon surface
- Quiet tracking
- Round edges
- Waterproof
- Easy to clean
- Anti-slip base
- Very durable
- Overpriced
- No lightening
- Doesn’t work well with the optical sensor
- No RGB
11. Corsair MM1000 Qi – Wireless Charging Mouse Pad
So, this microtextured smooth surface mouse pad can also charge your phone while you play.
The corsair MM1000 Qi gaming mouse pad comes with a Qi wireless charging pad built in the surface of the mouse pad, so you can charge your phone and Qi devices such as a wireless mouse by just putting them on your mouse pad. The only downside is, you need to put your phone exactly over the designated area.
But the designated area is a corner so, you will have plenty of space to play while your phone charges. For devices that are not Qi certified, the MM100Qi comes with type B, type C, and Qi charger adapters.
No more jumbled up wires and too many plugs in a socket a You can virtually charge any device, through your mousepad wirelessly, right from your desktop. The built-in LED indicator shows the charging status of your device. USB 3.0 pass-through allows connection and compatibility to maximum devices. We were flattered with just the first look.
The surface is amazing, it is a micro-textured hard surface, that delivers smooth glide for quick response time and precision. It is water-proof so, you can have a drink while gaming without fear of spilling. And if you do get it dirty it can be easily wiped clean with a wet cloth and dish soap.
It has an anti-slip rubber base, which keeps it firmly in place, take our words. Last but not least we love the size, it is just perfect not too big to cover the desk and not too small that the mouse slips off the edges, personally, we would have loved it better if there was wrist rest attached to it. Still, it is a pretty good deal.
Our opinion:
A complete package, this gaming mouse pad has got everything that you need and more. It has a great surface, spill and water proof. It is just the perfect size, and you can charge your devices from this amazing mousepad wirelessly. So it works especially well for us, we can be clumsy around it and free of the wires.
- Qi wireless charging
- USB 3.0 pass through
- Micro-textured smooth surface
- waterproof
- Anti-slip rubber base
- Optimized for both laser nad optical mice
- Charging indicator LED
- Qi wireless charging in designated parts of the mouse pad only
- No wrist rest
- Available in one size only
- No RGB lightening
12. Logitech G240 – Gaming Mouse Pad for Low DPI Gaming
The Logitech G240 is a simple elegantly designed gaming mouse mat. It is ultra-thin gaming mouse mat, at 1mm depth, it just feels like your desk with an extra smooth surface.
The Logitech gaming mouse is your small package of on-budget, unobtrusive, smooth and precise gaming experience
The surface is plain black cloth with a small logo. It has a soft smooth surface that allows the right combination of glide and grip. The soft surface is extra comfortable for the wrist. The low DPI setting allows just the right resistance for awesome gaming.
The Logitech G240 gaming mouse pad is also heat tested at 200 C, though we don’t know why someone would play in such a hot temperature.
The base is made of thick resistant rubber, bonded firmly with the surface, it prevents the gaming mouse pad to bunch up in front of the mouse while using, also it keeps the gaming mouse pad firmly attached to the desk.
We have used this gaming mouse mat for playing dozens of games and not once we felt any glitch with it.
A bonus advantage is you can roll it up and keep it in the hexagonal packaging it comes for protection. It is super easy to take with anywhere you want.
Our opinion:
The LogiTech G40 is a great budget mouse pad, with all the necessary features. The surface has a low dpi and delivers swift and precise movements don’t forget its thickness or should we say thinness. What else do you want!
- Simple and elegant look
- Cloth surface
- the right combination of glide and grip.
- Low DPI
- Tested for high temperatures up to 200 degree Celsius
- Rubber base
- On budget
- 2 year warranty
- Can be rolled up for transportation
- Unembroidered edges
- The rubber base is glued to the surface so, it might wear off with time.
- No wrist rest
- No RGB lightening
Gaming Mouse Pad Buyers Guide:
Now that you have read the reviews of the bestselling gamers mouse pads, let’s talk about how to decide which one is best for you. Before you set foot in the market or logon to Amazon, you need to figure out what are you looking for. List down your requirements so you have a clear idea of your needs.
The most important factor to consider is your budget that narrows down the number of choices for you considerably.
Next factor in selecting the best gaming mouse is whether you are just replacing your old mouse pad or are you are building the whole system. In the prior case, you are pretty much clear on how to optimize the functioning of your mouse and so you can look for those qualities in the mouse. But in the second case you need to decide on the mouse first, and check mouse pad recommendations for it.
Consider the games you play mostly, what are their requirements do you need quick, slick movements or precision. Do you knock off your mouse off the pad in the heat of the game? you can get a bigger gaming mouse pad.
Do you want your desk to light up as a casino or you only want the gaming mouse pad for convenience? Do you love the added advantage of a wrist rest, do you want a small square mouse pad or a large one, lastly what is the material of preference?
Let’s look at some more factors that you should consider before you make the final purchase.
Base or Material:
The base of the gaming mouse pad provides firm seating. A mouse pad that doesn’t budge even when you are intensely playing, is your best bet. Most gaming mouse pads come with anti-slip rubber bases, some have silicon bases or stoppers built with anti-slip or anti-skid technology.
Surface or Texture:
The surface of the gaming mouse pad is of great importance, you need your gaming mouse to glide away smoothly on it but not too freely that it gets out of control. Grip and glide are two parameters to define the smoothness of the surface. The surface that offers less grip will be smoother while the one with less glide will allow more control.
Harder mouse surfaces are usually smoother then softer ones. There is a huge variety of surfaces available in the market from cloth to microfiber and metal.
The games you like to play is the deciding factor between the surfaces of gaming mouse pads, for instance, if you are a fan of FPS games, you need a gliding surface to react quickly and efficiently. In the games where you need to stay focused on the target to be able to shoot instantly, you need more control, your requirement is a surface with grip.
Size:
The extra real estate is also important if you are a nervous gamer. Having a long mouse pad that can hold both the keyboard and mouse might be a good choice. These offer plenty of support for your wrists while you play and will help to keep you on track while also keeping both the keyboard and the mouse stable.
Edges:
The base and surface are glued together usually, over the years the edges get frayed and they look bad. In some newer versions of the gamers mouse pad, the edges are embroidered together nicely to prevent fraying.
Some gaming mouse pads come with rounded edges. Honestly, that doesn’t make much of a difference.
Thickness:
The thickness of the gaming mousepads range from a few millimeters to slightly thicker versions, and some include wrist rests too. It is totally dependent on your preference which one you choose. Some gamers love ultra-thin gaming mouse pads that provide the smooth surface and blends with the desk. Others opt for heavier and thicker mouse pads and love the way gaming mouse runs on it.
How to test a gaming mouse pad:
The gaming mouse pads are fairly simple, and they don’t require installation. You bring a gamers mouse pad, straighten it on your desk and that’s it, you are all set to go.
To test the mousepad, you need to play a lot of games on it. Try it in different genres of games which require different mouse movements.
See if its spill and stain proof. And is it durable? Because if the surface gets frayed your gaming experience will suffer.
The most important thing is it should be worth the money.
Do You Really Need a Mouse Pad?
After all the discussion the question remains, do we really need a mouse pad? It surely is not vital for gaming, especially if your desk is even and sturdy and opaque. Wooden desk works with most gaming mice just great.
But! If you play often and you are into competitive games, they might take a toll on your mouse, roughly using the gaming mouse might damage it, also gamers mouse pads absorb vibrations too along with providing a smooth working surface.
Therefore, if a little investment can save your desk from abrasion and peripheral from the damage, it is not a bad bargain.
Conclusion:
There is not one ideal gaming mouse pad that works for all. So, something that works for your friend might not work the same for you. Therefore, we would suggest you take our article seriously and consider your requirement before making a purchase.
A good gaming mouse pad has a durable smooth surface, that’s smooth or coarse enough to suit your gaming needs. It should be anti-slip and sits firmly on your desk. Lastly, the size must suit your comfort too.
