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What is a Gaming Mouse Pad?

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Updated December 5, 2022

The best computer mouse is only useful with a great mouse pad to go with it. This includes the best gaming mouse, which should instead have a gaming mouse pad. There are a variety of reasons why gaming pads are great for gamers. However, they can also be used for regular computer usage by people who’ve never touched a game before. There are multiple reasons why somebody might choose to use these pads. So, if you’ve been wondering, “What is a gaming mouse pad?” then keep reading.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Gaming mouse pads exist to give gamers an edge while they play due to a collection of features and qualities they bring to the table.
A gaming mouse pad is different from regular pads for a few reasons. The biggest is that they usually have frictionless surfaces for smoother movement.
There are many benefits to having a gaming pad and a few cons. They’re great for quick, smooth movements but also tend to be more expensive.

Explaining The Purpose of Gaming Mouse Pads

Gamers love to deck their space out with the latest gear that gives them the edge. From RGB lighting to the highest-quality cloth mousepads, no stone is left unturned as far as gaming accessories go. This, of course, includes mouse pads. A high-quality gaming mouse pad allows many gamers to improve their playing experience for various reasons you can read more about below.

Insider Tip

You’ll have a better gaming experience with a mouse pad designed for that purpose.

Why Gaming Mouse Pads are Different

You’ll find multiple differences between an average mouse pad and one for gaming. For one thing, a gaming mouse mat allows for rapid mouse movements because of how they’re made. Regular pads might have a textured surface, while gaming pads use materials that allow for a frictionless experience so you can move your mouse with ease. To learn more, compare a hard vs. a soft mouse pad. Gaming mats also tend to be larger, sometimes covering the entire desk. Finally, most will sport some sort of rubber base.

Benefits of Gaming Mouse Pads

There are multiple benefits you’ll enjoy if you use this type of mouse pad:

Comfortable gaming experience
Smooth surface for seamless movement
More availability of larger sizes

At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference. Most people can get by with a cheap mouse pad. If you’re looking for more gaming gear, you might want to learn what an FPS mouse is or compare a regular mouse to a gaming mouse.

Cons of Gaming Mouse Pads

As with all things, there are a few cons to consider before purchasing:

They might be more expensive
Extra-large options limit desk space

Again, this all comes down to personal preference. The best thing to do is weigh the pros and cons and weigh them against your individual needs. If you’d like to, you can even learn how to make a gaming mouse pad.

Warning

Mouse mats are nice, but they take up a lot of desk space; keep this in mind if you decide to go with this option.

STAT: In 2020, China exported computer accessories amounting to over 31.5 billion U.S. dollars, the highest in the world. (source)

F.A.Q.

Why is mouse sensitivity important?

Mouse sensitivity is essential for a variety of reasons. The biggest is that it can enhance or destroy your experience. Customizing the sensitivity of your mouse is crucial to your computing.

What qualities should I look for in a mouse pad?

There are a few things you should keep in mind when shopping around. An anti-slip base never hurts, especially on a smaller pad. You should stay away from rougher surfaces, however.

Is an extended mouse pad worth it?

An extended mouse pad allows for easier, smoother movement for most people. This is because you have more surface area to move across without stopping. They’re usually entirely worth it.

How can I ensure that I have rapid mouse movements?

The first thing you should do is ensure your mouse sensitivity is set to your liking. From there, look into getting a mouse pad with a frictionless surface for even quicker movement.

Beth Huston

Beth has an eye for all things editorial, overshadowed only by her drive to understand everything through dedicated research. You can find Beth reading fantasy in her spare time… especially if it’s by Brandon Sanderson.