What to Consider When Buying a Mouse Pad

When you buy a pad for your mouse, you’re buying quality. But what does that mean for your purchase? You need to keep your mouse pad protected with an anti-slip surface, be able to clean the bottom of your mouse on it, and have a non-abrasive material for optimal tracking. Here are things you should consider when purchasing a new pad.

1. Size

Mouse pads come in different shapes and sizes as well as materials. The size affects not only the width and length of your mouse but also where you place your mouse on it. You can clean underneath your mouse with a larger surface area, so if you want to get rid of any dirt underneath it and scratch the surface of your desk, you should choose a bigger size. A smaller size will give less room for your mouse’s bottom to slide around.

2. Size of your mouse

The size of your mouse pad also affects the size of your mouse. You’ll want to use a small one if you have a small mouse. For bigger mice, like gaming mice, you might want a slightly larger one if your mouse has been upgraded to many buttons. In general, however, smaller mice always work on large pads and vice versa.

3. Material

They come in a wide variety of materials: cloth, rubber, plastic, and vinyl. Each of these materials and how they feel can significantly affect your perception of the quality of your mouse pad. If you have sensitive hands and would like to avoid touching anything hard with your mouse, you should go for cloth. The material gives you more control over the surface of your desk, reducing the risk of injuring yourself when moving around on it.

4. Anti-slip

An anti-slip surface is crucial. If it isn’t anti-slip, it will move around on your desk, causing your cursor to move around randomly. While you might want to move your mouse around for a game, you won’t be able to if it is constantly moving. An anti-slip surface comes from either a gel material or an additional layer of rubber grip on top of the material.

5. Cleaning

Some mouse pads are dirt resistant, which makes it easier to clean from the bottom of your mouse. However, if you have a cloth one, you should be careful about cleaning it. If you accidentally spill something on your desk, a cloth mat will soak up most of it and make a mess of your desk. A plastic or rubber mat won’t soak up as much from spilled liquid but might leave an unwanted mark after cleaning.

6. Price

It is worth it if you’re a frequent gamer. If your mouse moves around too much on one of your cheap pads, you will have to buy some new ones and spend more money in the long run. A decent one can cost a few dollars, but a great one can cost hundreds. You should buy a quality mouse pad at the start and not worry about buying new ones when they get worn out or dirty.

7. Warranty

The warranty of it should also be considered. It doesn’t last forever, and if you’re not careful, you may end up with a hard surface that moves around on your desk when your mouse isn’t moving. When buying from a manufacturer, such as Razer, you can get a warranty of up to three years. Most reputable manufacturers offer a warranty, but some don’t.

Conclusion

Now that you know what to consider buying a mouse pad, you don’t need to move your mouse around on your mat constantly. Pick the best one out there and protect your peripherals with it. It will last over time, and you won’t have to buy another pad whenever you get a new mouse.