5 Factors to Consider While Buying Gaming Mouse Pad

A gaming mouse pad can make a big difference to your gameplay. The desk top surface may not contribute to the required tracking and accuracy for your mouse movements, thus robbing you of all the joy associated with game playing. There are missed shots, slow movements, and more.

The solution is a dedicated mouse pad to end all the frustrations since it helps move your mouse quickly and accurately, giving a perfect gaming experience. A well-chosen gaming mouse pad gives you a superb control to destroy your virtual enemy.

Here are the five factors you need to keep in mind while making your selection.

1. Size 
2. Material  
3. Edges 
4. Thickness 
5. Additional Features 

Size:

Gaming mouse pads generally come in four different dimensions. 

• Small: 260mm x 215mm 
• Medium: 350mm x 270mm 
• Large: 450mm x 400mm 
• Extended: 900mm x 400mm 

When selecting the mouse pad size, consider how much space you need on the desktop surface for your keyboard, mouse, stream deck, or other required computer accessories.  

Most gamers go for a broad mouse pad because of the additional space to make quick flicks and long glides. Large size mouse pads are great for those who prefer playing at a low DPI. A low DPI gives better control and precision when moving or aiming at different targets.

Those who prefer to play at high DPI, for them small to medium-sized mouse pads are recommended.

Material:

The material of a gaming mouse pad can either be hard or soft. Soft mouse pads are made from woven cloth, whereas hard surfaced mouse pads are made from solid materials such as plastic. Each type has its own pro and cons, so you can make your buying decision based on your preferences. 

Soft Mouse Pad

Pros

• Better control
• More friction
• Soft and quieter 
• Can be folded and easy to carry

Cons

• Quick movements and glides are hard to make
• At times not compatible with laser mice sensors
• Hard to keep clean

Hard Mouse Pad

Pros

• Good for speed 
• Quick movements
• No compatibility issues
• Easy to keep clean

Cons

• Can not be folded
• May feel uncomfortable
• Causes mouse to wear out quickly

Edges: 

The edges of a gaming mouse pad not only contribute to the life of the mouse pad but gaming performance as well.  If you go for a mouse pad made of fabric or woven cloth then make sure its edges are well stitched otherwise it will wear away with the passage of time or soon after washing. However, keep in mind one more point: poorly finished edges become abrasive leading to poor gaming performance. So to wrap up, a mouse pad should be well stitched but at the same time stitches should not obstruct your gaming mouse movements. This is a finer point that many games miss while making their selection. 

Thickness: 

Thickness or the base of a gaming mouse pad is another core feature that you should take care of. Whatever material you choose make sure the base of your mouse pad is non-slippery and provides a heavy grip that prevents sliding or unintended movement. 

Additional Features:

Apart from the above main features brands offer various add-on features that make gaming mouse pads not only appealing but add some element of convenience to the usage. These days gaming mouse pads come with built-in USB pass-through allowing to plug your wired mouse closer to the mouse pad. Then there are wireless charging gaming pads and others come with RGB lighting color that are appeal to aesthetics and boost creativity of the many.