Conclusion

Most gamers are so focused on choosing the right mouse, the right keyboard, the right headset or the most comfortable gaming chair that they overlook the mouse pads. However, if chosen right, that small sheet of plastic/ cloth can make a great difference as far as your in-game performance is concerned.

To sum up, the best gaming mouse is the one that corresponds to your playing style and personality. So, get the right size, choose the right texture, adjust your DPI and go destroy some enemies.

Mouse Mat Essentials and Important Guidelines

Small or Large Mouse Pad?

No one can give you a straight answer to this question. It all depends on the available space you have, the gaming genre you prefer and the DPI you play at.

Why Should You Choose a Large Mouse Pad?

Having plenty of space on your desk enables you to make large sweeping movements, which can be a huge plus for your in-game performance. If you are a low sens gamer, you’d better invest in a large mouse pad to avoid any restriction of movement and prevent scratches on your desk.

If you play FPS, you’d better go with a large mouse mat. After all, there must be a good reason why the best fps aimers use fairly low sensitivity and ginormous mouse pads.

Strange as it may seem, the keyboard you use also has an impact on your choice of the best mouse pad. Most gamers use mechanical keyboards and placing your keyboard on an extended mat will considerably improve your overall typing experience. (Yes, sometimes we, gamers, need buttons other than WASD). The extended mat will absorb the vibrations from the striking keys, not to mention it will provide an added grip and will prevent the keyboard from moving around.

Why Should You Choose a Small Mouse Pad?

Extended mouse pads have more benefits as compared to their smaller counterparts. Gamers, who prefer smaller mouse pads usually play at high DPI. The higher DPI translates into faster movements on the screen. In other words, even if you make small motions, the cursor still moves fairly far on the screen.

Hard vs. Soft Mouse Pad

If you are looking for the best gaming mouse pad for FPS and CS:GO or Overwatch, in particular, you should opt for a harder one. It has less friction, enables you to glide the mouse smoothly and make rapid movements. Having said that, harder mouse pads do not guarantee you will land precise shots and movements.

Also, keep in mind that smooth surfaces cause wear and tear to the mouse feet. Therefore, choosing a harder mouse pad will prolong the lifespan of your mouse. Harder mouse pads are also easier to clean as compared to their cloth equivalents.

Another benefit of the hard mouse pads is that they take the wrist strain off. You do not have to put much pressure on your wrist, which reduces the risk of wrist fatigue and injuries. Cloth mats also last longer. Hard mats lose the coating on the surface over the time.

Soft mouse pads also have their advantages. Using a thicker, softer mouse pad helps you eliminate the feeling of holes, bumps and surface unevenness. The soft pad also makes it easier to flick the mouse across the pad and stops on top of your intended target.

Mouse Pad Materials

Renowned manufacturers of gaming accessories use plastic, layered density rubber, or high tech fibres that ensure the smooth mouse tracking. You should never buy a mouse pad just because of the brand name.

Durability

Gaming mouse pads are designed to withstand severe wear and tear. Still, they do not last for eternity. It is not a big deal to spend 15 bucks on a mouse pad every few months. Still, if you want to get a mouse pad that will serve you for a long time, pay attention to the anti-fray and reinforced stitched edges.

Thickness

Contemporary mouse pads’ thickness is usually in the range between 2mm and 6 mm.

Compatibility

Some manufacturers design their mice to be compatible only with mouse pads specific to their brand. Logitech’s Powerplay is a vivid example of such a device, and below you will find a brief overview of its pros and cons.

Dual-Sided Gaming Mouse Pads

The best gaming mouse pads enable players to freely switch between speed and control. One of the sides is a smooth-textured surface that allows for higher speed, and the other one is heavy-textured that aids the accuracy.

The choice of a good mouse pad is also determined by the weight and the feet of your mouse. If you use a heavy mouse, you will probably want a mouse pad ensuring a blazing speed. On the other hand, the lighter mouse will be faster and less friction will be produced. Therefore, you should get a pad with a better traction for improved control.

Don’t Underestimate Stability

No matter if you are into FPS, MMO, or MOBAs, you have to make a fair amount of rapid wrist and hand movements. In that respect, you should get a mouse pad with a non-slip base. The latter improves stability, enhances your in-game accuracy and overall comfort.

Adjust the Lift Off Distance

The lift-off distance measures the height at which the mouse will stop tracking when you lift it off the mouse pad. The lower the LOD is, the better. Higher LOD is awesome for tracking multiple surfaces, but it comes at the expense of lagging that inevitably occurs when you make rapid movements.

Avoid Reflective Surfaces

Stay away from glossy and reflective surfaces, especially if you use a mouse with an optical sensor. Laser mice tend to do better on reflective surfaces, but you’d better choose a matte surface for a complete peace of mind.

Mouse Pad with Wrist Support

The wrist rests will help you avoid the “mark” of the pc gamer. Gaming mouse pads facilitate the movement of mice, and aren’t generally thick enough to make your wrist significantly more comfortable than it would be if you were to rest it on your desk.