How to Make a Gaming Mouse Pad

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Updated February 10, 2023

If you’ve bought the best computer mouse, you’ll need to invest in a good mousepad to go along with it. Because using a quality gaming mouse on a course or dirty surface is the equivalent of taking a Ferrari offroading. However, sometimes budgets are tight, or you may not trust the available mousepads. In that case, keep reading, and we’ll show you how to make a gaming mousepad below.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Gaming mouse pads differ from regular mouse pads in size and texture of the surface.
  • Soft gaming mousepads have smooth foam surfaces, providing a little textured resistance for control stability.
  • Hard mouse pads are made from metal, Teflon, or plastic, increasing mouse movement speed.

If you want to learn more about how mouse features can help with gaming, check out our article explaining what an infinite scroll mouse is.

Insider Tip

Soft mouse pads are less likely to wear out your mouse’s feet.

How to Make Your Own Gaming Mouse Pad

First, what is a gaming mousepad? In short, it’s a mousepad with specific features to enhance gameplay. The result is a pad with a smoother, larger surface that increases a user’s motion range and speed. There are typically two types of gaming mouse pads, soft and hard. Below we’ll explain how you can make either type right in your own backyard.

Once you’ve finished, you can check out our article explaining how to clean a gaming mouse pad to keep it in top condition. And then, once you’re all set up, you can study how to hold a gaming mouse to optimize your speed, agility, and control accuracy.

STEP 1 Create a Base

Start with a base for your mousepad; this can be thick, corrugated cardboard, plastic, or hard foam. Cut it into your preferred size; remember, for gaming, mouse pads are typically larger in size.

STEP 2 Secure the Base

Add some non-slip liner to the bottom of the base. Then, add a piece to each corner.

STEP 3 Place on Top Layer

Soft Gaming Mouse Pad: Cut a self-adhesive foam pad the same size as the base and attach it. You can also use cork if you don’t want to use foam (although cork is less effective for gaming). If you want, add another layer of cloth on top of this foam to further texturize or design the surface.

_Hard Gaming Mouse Pad: _Find a high-quality piece of plastic, Teflon, or aluminum and cut it to the base size. You may need to take aluminum to a hardware store or purchase a special pair of metal cutting scissors.

Once cut out, glue the top to the base and let it sit for two days until dry.

Warning

If making a hard plastic or metal mousepad, smooth the edges with a file. Otherwise, the sharp edges might cut your hand.

STAT: The mouse pad debuted alongside the first mouse in 1968. (source)

How to Make a Gaming Mouse Pad FAQs

What is the best way to clean a mousepad?

For a soft mousepad, it’s good to use a vacuum cleaner. For hard mousepads, it’s recommended to use a surface cleaner and wipe it off with a microfiber cloth.

Is it acceptable to use the mouse on my desk with no mousepad?

Some gaming desks have a surface meant to have a mouse on them. However, other types of desks with hard surfaces, like wood or granite, can harm the bottom of the mouse.

Is a hard or soft mousepad better for gaming?

It’s always a matter of personal preference, as well as what type of game is being played. For speed, a hard mousepad is usually better. However, soft mousepads have better traction and can lead to more stable control over mouse movements.
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