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We bought the 14 gaming mouse pads for a head-to-head comparison to find out which mouse pad will help you up your game. We spent countless hours playing games over multiple days to give you the most thorough test results out there. We are big-time gamers and know that although a gaming mouse pad seems like a low priority on some folk's list, it's an important factor in a gaming setup. So we dove deep into the material analysis of each pad, assessing its tracking, speed, and stopping power with multiple different kinds of mice so we can give you the full span of what you can expect. Continue reading to see which pad is best for your specific needs.
The world of gaming is expansive, and making the best choice for your setup can be challenging. We're here to help you find the right type of gaming gear for your needs. We offer complete testing and reviews of wifi mesh systems, the top mouse for gaming, and top-rated gaming keyboards, along with a host of other gaming-related products like the best gaming chairs.
Editor's Note: Our award section was updated on November 22, 2024.
Our favorite overall gaming mouse pad is the Cooler Master MP511. We tested the XL (35.4" x 15.7"), but with other options available in multiple sizes from large (17.8" x 15.8") to an XXL (48.3" x 24.2") extended option, you're sure to find one that suits your mouse sensitivity and available desk space. We appreciate that the logo is smooth on the pad, so it doesn't impede mouse movement as much as raised logos sometimes do. The evenly stitched edges add extra durability and value to this model, and if you're prone to spilling drinks, you'll appreciate the splash-resistant surface, which we found easier to clean than most cloth pads. What we really appreciate is the improved material selection that is smoother than the previous model we tested. Getting high praise from us in this positive evolution for the 500 series.
Our tester noted the Cooler Master MP511 is a “well-balanced pad that exhibits the characteristics of the mouse you use.” Through our extensive testing, we tried different mouse types, and each one seemed to dictate the pad's characteristics rather than vice versa. Control-style mice imparted a controlled feel. They had a bit more start-up friction with an in-control glide and good stopping power. On the other end of the spectrum, faster mice had low start-up friction, fast gliding, and low stopping power. The reflective characteristics of this pad can help reduce the variables when it comes to your gaming setup by allowing your mouse to thrive with its own personal traits that you most likely selected for a reason.
The Cooler Master MP511 feels faster with fast mice and more controlled with control-style mice.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Given its mouse-dependent flexibility, this pad should serve a wide variety of gamers' needs. For example, in first-person shooter games, those using fast mice will enjoy plenty of speed moving their crosshairs, while those with more controlled mice will be able to lock on a target with a steadier hand. All gamers will likely value the quality materials, nice feel, and plenty of space for mouse movement.
While this is one of the best mousepads available, it's not perfect. For one, the edges of the pad didn't lay flat out of the box, even after sitting on our desk for an extended time. It could take multiple weeks of rolling it in the opposite direction to rectify the curling. We didn't find this to alter performance for us much, if at all. Depending on how you play, this might not be an issue. We also noticed this pad does tend to slip if your desk surface lacks friction. If you want a fully flat, non-slip, high-performing gaming mouse pad straight out of the box, the MM300 Pro Extended by Corsair will definitely deliver for extended play.
We enjoy a subtle, non-raised logo that won't peel or alter the feel when mousing over it.
The Corsair MM300 Pro Extended is a micro-weave cloth pad that has a liquid-resistant coating on the top side and an anti-skid textured rubber base on the bottom, joined together with stitched edges. The pad has balanced speed and stopping properties, but the action remains silky and predictable, though somewhat variable depending on the mouse used. While it is quite fast for a cloth pad, it is by no means a speedy pad, especially compared the Roccat Sense Pro. Conversely, it has great stopping power compared to speed pads, but as one might guess, this performance comes at the expense of increased input to initiate movements. Further enhancing the consistent feel of the MM300 is a flat logo in the corner that won't interrupt the mouse's movement.
There is a 12.6" by 10.6" medium version, but we tested the 36.8" x 11.9" MM300 Pro Extended, which offers players plenty of room to accommodate a full-sized keyboard with more real estate leftover than is provided by typical medium-sized mouse pads. Additionally, the pad lays almost completely flat sans creasing out of the box. The stitched edges on our model did cup a bit at first but flattened out in less than 24 hours.
A slew of testing went into our review to assess every aspect of a mouse pad.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Though not the fastest gaming mouse pad out there, this pad suits the needs of most gamers with the exception perhaps of the most finicky speed demons. Gamers prioritizing a consistent feel will like the dense surface provided by the micro-weave textile surface. Plus, being stain resistant and easy to clean allows for a little less anxiety during particularly intense gaming sessions.
After all our rigorous testing, we didn't have many gripes with the MM300, but we did encounter a few shortcomings. Despite “360° of anti-fray precision-stitching,” we found the bottom edge vulnerable to rubbing from arms pushing up against it, and some fraying was visible after testing. We read some reports that others experienced a strange odor emanating from the pad when it was new, but our olfactory senses didn't register anything too foul. Everything considered, this is a top-shelf pad that excels across all game types. Another top favorite that runs a tad thicker and is available in multiple sizes is the MP511 by Cooler Master. It's also a well-balanced and moderately priced pad to pick up when outfitting or updating your gaming console.
The Corsair MM300 Pro Extended offers maximum mouse and keyboard space plus a liquid resistant coating.
Looking for a top-quality gaming mouse pad that's a lot more affordable? The SteelSeries QcK Medium painlessly fits the bill. We tested the 12.5" x 10.5" version, but SteelSeries offers a wide variety of sizes and styles that feature the same micro-woven cloth. From small to extended, stitched edges or not, to thick or thin padding, there is a style to suit your preferences at a price point lower than most competitors.
Our tester found the soft fabric to be “quite pleasant and smooth to slide across with good accuracy and nice stopping power.” As a bonus, it's also washable and, depending on the mouse used, offers an above average quietness. The rubber base holds its place decently well, so you don't have to worry as much about mid-game migration.
We enjoyed not only playing games, but daily tasks on this mouse pad.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The SteelSeries QcK Medium is popular amongst gamers, but it is also a great choice for general use, with graphic designers and anyone nose-deep in a spreadsheet finding it more than adequate for their purposes. With easy-to-clean rounding out its list of positives, it's not hard to see why so many opt for this good value choice.
Budget models usually have some drawbacks, and the QcK is no exception. For starters, the logo is raised, but thankfully, it isn't so sticky as to immediately stop your mouse. The edges of the pad we tested were also not protected, which left it susceptible to peeling and fraying. Ours arrived already peeling with frayed edges. But, all in all, the SteelSeries QcK Medium is a great mouse pad for gaming and other applications, especially for its budget price and the plethora of available options. If you're willing to spend a little more, another pad with desk-fitting size options to consider is the X-raypad Aqua Control+. The one we tested laid flat as soon as we took it out of the box, and you can have your own photo or design printed on it.
We double checked manufacturing specs to give you accurate measurements on each pad.
11" x 9.4", Large, XL, XL Square, XL Extended, 27.56" x 11.8", XXL Short, XXL, XXL Extended, 3XL Extended
The X-raypad Aqua Control+ is an excellent pad with various size options to suit your space. It impressed us during testing with its quiet and precise performance. It falls into the control pad category, offering a balanced feel overall. Out of the box, it lays flat without any issues, despite being shipped rolled up in a box. This particular pad can be purchased with a print of your choice, which we thought was a nice touch, especially given that the stock pattern could be a tad busy for some.
We have just a couple of small nitpicks. First, the 3mm version has raised stitching. You could opt for the 4mm version, which features flush stitching, but it won't be as fast. Even so, we didn't encounter any issues during testing since we didn't need to use the outskirts of the pad for gaming. Though many size options are available, potential buyers should be wary of how wide each pad measures. You may want to select another option if you have a cramped setup. A second FPS-ready mouse pad offering a quiet base that can produce consistent accuracy is the Zowie. Either one is a great choice for beginners.
X-raypad Aqua Control+ moving smoothly and (mostly) quiet.
The Logitech G440 Hard gaming mouse pad is an outstanding choice if you are shopping for a hard mouse pad. It's practical and uncomplicated; you don't need to power any flashy lights or deal with additional cables, simplifying your setup. The low friction surface of this model made it one of the fastest in our testing. We also liked that the logo is printed beneath the cover. Like most hard mouse pads, the G440 is easy to wipe clean if you spill food or liquids on it.
We noticed the G440's edges are slightly sharp, and quick movements jabbed our wrists at times during testing. We wish that, at minimum, the edges were beveled. All mouse pads — even cloth ones — get “broken in,” but this was much more noticeable on this model because the texture wore away quickly, causing tracking issues with the surface. Fortunately, the slick surface and incredible speed make these downsides easy to look past. The Razer Firefly V2 is another hard mouse pad that stood out, which features a customizable RBG lighting tube around its perimeter.
We measured the thickness of every pad to help with your decision-making.
If you like a little extra wrist comfort and room to roam, the SteelSeries QcK Heavy Series, at 17.5" x 15.75" with 6 mm of thickness, is extra girthy—we measured it at an even cushier 6.6 mm—and plenty wide, though you can also opt for the Medium (12.6" x 10.7") or the slightly thinner—at 4 mm—XXL (35.4" x 15.75"). Offering good control and stability, average noise in all directions, and an extra thick non-slip rubber base to eliminate movement, the QcK Heavy Series is not as slow as one might expect given its cushy profile. It will likely slow down more with longer use, as is the case with most cloth pads, though some people really like how the pad feels as it gets worn out over several years.
There are a few notable downsides. The pad arrives rolled up quite tightly and, even with its weight, remains curled when laid out. Reverse curling was less effective compared with other pads, and we recommend being very careful to avoid creasing while attempting to straighten it out. Though it sits more or less out of the way, the large logo seems a bit like a sticker and there is a noticeable slowing when mousing over it. The fabric itself is glued on top of thick rubber foam and without stitches, fraying can become an issue, especially with arms rubbing against the extra thickness. That said, the QcK — Heavy is a great option if you're on the hunt for a thick pad. Another thicker pad you might want to think about is the Corsair MM200 Pro. It also has an anti-skid textured rubber base to keep the pad securely in place during intense gaming sessions, plush rubber cushioning below the spill-proof and stain-resistant micro-weave fabric, and offers more comfort and control than speed.
Most pads come rolled up, so you'll need to counter the curve when you first open these up.
Featuring multi-RGB lighting with inter-device color synchronization via a glowstick-like tube around its perimeter, the Razer Goliathus Extended Chroma gaming mouse pad promises a full spectrum of colors for in-game alert illumination and effects. Its micro-textured cloth surface provides responsive tracking, navigational precision, and a decently fast glide, as well as good stopping power and control, with an average amount of noise from mouse movement sounding similar regardless of direction. We tested the extended length (36.3" x 11.6"), which arrived in some of the nicest packaging we've seen for this type of product. The color options—black, mercury (grayish white), and quartz (pink)—actually refer to the housing for the lighting electronics and braided USB cable with black also having a black mat, mercury and quartz having a gray mat, and the Halo Infinite Edition having black housing and cord with a stylized print on an otherwise black mat.
Despite the high quality, the Razer Goliathus Extended Chroma has drawbacks. The hard plastic stitching (almost like fishing line) that attaches the tube to the mat, while also helping to prevent fraying, could potentially irritate the skin over time. Some users add a bungee to elevate their mouse cord above this stitching to avoid rubbing. As soon as we removed it from the box and turned it over, the pad basically laid completely flat, but we read some grumblings online about warping. We hope a future iteration includes a pass-through USB, but as it stands now, you need to sacrifice a USB port for the privilege of the light show, which is aesthetically limited by its current ability to exhibit only one color at a time. Despite these critiques, this pad is made with gamers in mind and is a fun way to accentuate your sessions with color. If you prefer a harder, smaller surface, and still want to trip the light fantastic, check out the Razer Firefly V2. It improved upon its previous version by adding a low-profile cable hub with a built-in cable catch.
Razer's Goliathus Extended Chroma 2 allows one color at a time for a fun way to accentuate your setup.
The Artisan FX Hayate Otsu is a superb large pad that comes in multiple foam densities: extra soft, soft, and mid to suit your need for speed (or control). We found this pad to be super high quality, made with premium materials, and it should be, considering the steep price tag among its peers. The corners/edges are resistant to curling, thanks to the layer of foam in the mid-layer, helping the pad lay extremely flat. The sticky sole of the pad provides a perfect grip on multiple surfaces as well. This pad ships in a large box and arrives completely flat and ready to use.
We were bummed about the logo as it seems to want to flake off, given enough time. This won't matter in terms of performance, but it's a letdown when considering the main drawback of this pad: the price. Gaming is already an expensive endeavor, and we are not sure how this pad would fit into a reasonable budget, especially given the number of high-quality options on the market. But if money is no object and you want high performance, the Artisan FX Hayate Otsu is a great option. A less expensive yet similarly large speed pad with above-average stopping power is the Razer Strider Hybrid. It's worth a look if you are comparison shopping for the right fit.
The stitching is nice and flush on the Artisan FX Hayate Otsu
The Roccat Sense Pro is a 17.7" x 17.7" soft pad that is relatively thin compared to the competition. The pad uses a tightly woven polyester material typically used in military clothing, and the difference is noticeable — in a good way. The pad also employs a rubbery anti-slip bottom with wrapped stitched edges for durability. While this pad is soft and thin, it is definitely in the speed pad class. In our tests, the mice glided across smoothly, but given the weave, it has a lot more stopping power than a hard pad. As such, players get the best of both worlds where these two factors are concerned. Moreover, the Sense Pro has very low start resistance. All told, the pad renders very smooth action.
We have a few complaints about the Roccat Sense Pro that stood out. For one, the pad is pretty loud. It may be the material, the thinness of the pad, or a combination of both — likely the latter. Regardless, the noise increases with the speed of one's gestures. Additionally, the logo tag is only attached on one side, leaving it to hang over the surface of the pad. While it did not get in our way, we could see it bothering others. However, these are minor complaints — much more important to us was that the pad was shipped flat instead of creased or curled. The Sense Pro was ready to play right out of the box. Another solid option that is equally thin and impressive at play is the SteelSeries Qck Medium. Made of a soft, smooth micro-woven cloth, you can order it in a selection of different sizes, each at a very inexpensive price.
The thin profile and simple design of the Roccat adds a minimalist feel to your gaming setup.
Are FPS games your jam? Then we highly recommend the BenQ Zowie G-SR for FPS beginners and even veterans. The G-SR is a very large mouse pad, offering plenty of room to find a sweet spot of DPI and in-game sensitivity for consistent accuracy. This model stays in place with minimal “walking,” making it less likely you'll overshoot your target on a quick flick shot. Zowie takes a simplistic approach to gaming equipment, and, as such, they use a small tag sewn on the edge to display their logo, leaving it well out of the way. We also found this model to be one of the quietest pads tested. It also works great for game genres other than FPS.
Although the G-SR is a solid mouse pad, it moved around a bit in testing, even with its large size. It wasn't a ton of movement, but by the end of our gaming sessions, we repeatedly had to scoot it back into place. The rubber backing isn't as grippy as some models, but still better than others. We also found that the stitched edges, while high quality, may irritate some users' skin — the same goes for other stitched mouse pads as well. Despite these minor flaws, the Zowie G-SR is an exceptional, high-quality gaming mouse pad. A similarly large size, high-control option that moved around a bit less in testing was the Aqua Control+ by X-raypad.
We broke out the microscope to look over both the top and bottom material of each pad to better understand its speed and tracking characteristics.
The CORSAIR MM200 Pro arrived rolled up in a fair-sized box. Though not rolled as tightly as some other pads, there was a major amount of curl when unboxed and rolled out. But it is a thick pad weighing enough to get rid of most of the curl when flipped. After a little reverse curling, it was basically flat. The XL (17.75" x 15.75") appears to be the one size available and this allows for a moderate range for your mouse with the keyboard sitting off the pad. Featuring an anti-skid textured rubber base to keep the pad securely in place during intense gaming sessions and a plush rubber cushioning below the spill-proof and stain-resistant micro-weave fabric, this cushy mat offers more comfort and control than speed.
Unfortunately, though the logo is small and out of the way, it is rubbery feeling and slightly raised. Our mice felt noticeably slower when running across it and it will likely peel if it sits in a pathway of repeated use. That said, the pad is large enough that this might not be an issue. With the taller form factor accompanying more cushion, it is easy for arms to rub against the unstitched glued-on fabric resulting in premature wear and layer separation. Also, movement across the pad could begin to feel muddy in humid climates due to its cushion characteristics retaining moisture in thicker air climates. Another cushy pad worth a look is the SteelSeries QcK Heavy Series, which also features a non-slip base, but comes in a variety of sizes. The model we tested measured a rotund 6.6mm in thickness but was not as slow as one would assume given its plump profile.
This thick pad offers more cushy comfort and control than speed, plus a smaller footprint.
The Razer Strider Hybrid is a simple and effective pad that measures 17.6" x 15.7", making it one of the larger pads that doesn't fall into the extended class. The pad boasts a water-resistant polyester top sheet and a stitched edge to help prevent delamination issues with its rubberized anti-slip bottom. We would classify the Strider as a speed pad, though it is on the lower end of the category as it doesn't glide as well as others that fall into the category — there is a noticeable degree of effort to get the mouse gliding at top speed. Yet, once the mouse is moving, there is little resistance. We found this to be a fair trade-off, given the pad's above-average stopping power.
If we had to criticize the Strider Hybrid for something, it would be the noise. We found it a bit noisy during testing, with the volume tending to increase with the speed of the movement. It wasn't terrible, but once we heard it, we couldn't not hear it. We also have concerns the surface material may potentially delaminate and produce bubbles, though we didn't encounter this issue in our tests. We liked that the pad came in a large box that prevented creasing and allowed it to lay flat on the first day of testing. In addition, the logo on the pad is in the form of a tag attached on both sides, preventing it from getting in the way. If you like this pad but want an extended version, you're in luck because it's available in multiple size options. Another soft choice well-matched in size and performance is the Roccat Sense Pro. Built out of a soft, thin, tightly woven fabric with a rubbery non-slip bottom, it delivers both speed and superior stopping power for a smooth gaming experience.
The Strider provides users with a very even glide balanced by top-notch stopping power.
Looking to add a little flair to your setup? The Razer Firefly V2 is an excellent hard pad that can do just that with its virtually 360°, fully customizable RGB lighting. Razer has improved on the previous Firefly by adding a low-profile cable hub and a cable catch that's built-in. Thanks to the rounded edge of the LED strip, you can move your mouse effortlessly across the smooth surface without worrying about scratching yourself on a sharp lip.
Unfortunately, the cable hub doesn't support USB pass-through, which means it takes up a precious USB slot. We also found that personalizing the light settings was a little confusing and time-consuming. You can avoid this nuisance by using one of the presets such as audio meter, breathing, reactive, spectrum cycling, static, or wave. Overall, the Razer Firefly V2 is a nice hard pad with some added RGB flare. If you don't have a need for extra glow but you want a slick, speedy, low-friction surface to compete from, you should have a look at the Logitech G440 as well. The differences in performance were imperceptible.
A built-in cable catch is super handy for wired mice. You don't have to worry about pulling the weight of the cable when making movements.
The ASUS ROG Sheath Extended covers a lot of acreage, with plenty of room for a keyboard, a mouse, and even another peripheral device. The design and logo are part of the weave of the mat and do not affect mouse movement, as can happen with raised printing and images. The model we chose featured a non-slip ROG-red rubber base to minimize migration and stitched edges to help diminish peeling and fraying. It was rolled up tightly, unfurled nicely upon unboxing, and was almost totally flat when flipped over. Some reverse curling helped.
On the downside, however, we noticed a few darker streaks running down where it was rolled. Running gently over the material by hand, it felt like these sections got flattened out a bit, mostly on the keyboard side. The stitching somewhat resembled bacon with its undulations and the other style options—including Electro Punk pink—might not be everyone's cup of tea. Also, if you find incongruence to be distracting, we found a smoother and faster glide along the x-axis than the y-axis. There is also more discernible noise on the y-axis but, overall, it was pretty average sounding with different mice. The Corsair MM300 Pro Extended is a nice wide pad that has consistent resistance no mater the direction that could be an alternative pick for your gaming throne.
The ASUS ROG Sheath Extended offers plenty of horizontal wiggle room.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
How We Tested
Mouse pads can seem remedial at first sight, but the material composition and layout design combine together to provide gamers with a slew of different options. The pad feel is completely up to your preference. Slow or fast, smooth or resistive, we've tested them all. In this update we have compiled 14 of the top performers on the market to cut through the marketing claims to give you the facts. Many hours were spent playing a variety of games and evaluating the dimensions, glide, and noise level while noting details like tracking issues and stopping power. MOBA, FPS, RTS, MMORPGs, platformers, ARPG, RPG, tower defense, and sandbox were just a few of the game genres used in our evaluation.
To gain a better understanding of these characteristics, we took a look, a deep look, by microscope to see what's going on at the micro level. By assessing the weave pattern, we were able to better understand how it felt to move different mice across each unique surface.
Why Trust GearLab
This review was brought to you by Head of Testing and seasoned gamer Austin Palmer who spent years refining his data analysis skills at Sam Houston State University in Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and learned to carefully test, vet, and fact check as a matter of process while conducting his everyday work. Today, he devotes these same skills to assessing the tools of tech along with a wide range of other high-demand everyday products. A lifelong gamer consistently found on leaderboards in solo and group play, he holds orange parses+, a number of Rank 1 spots, and an io score over 3,000. But it is in the lab testing keyboards, headsets, monitors, and other gear where he really stacks up the tech hours.
From the first rollout, we put gaming mouse pads through a stringent series of tests.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Analysis and Test Results
Our reviewing process was divided into a series of tests to assess different rating metrics. Read below to find out which pad shined in certain areas while others may not be your style.
Size
Size does matter. If a mouse pad is too small, you will constantly be lifting and moving your mouse back to the center. Too big, and it won't fit on your desk. These possibilities are influenced by your mouse DPI/CPI settings and the size of your desk. Most people want to maximize their mouse pad's surface area. When comparing the extended pads to the normal pads, we used ten-key and ten-keyless (TKL) keyboards.
Out of the models we tested, the ASUS ROG Sheath Extended (35.3"x 17.4") offers the most surface area to move around, just ahead of the Cooler Master MP511 (35.4" x 15.7"). The Corsair MM300 Pro Extended (36.8" x 11.9") offers even more x-axis room, with roughly 21" of horizontal movement, depending on the size of your keyboard. You lose a few inches when using a ten-key keyboard with the MM300 Pro Extended, but there is still more horizontal range than the competition.
The size of our selection differs substantially. Make sure you pick the correct size for you desk set up.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Logitech G440 (13.4" x 11") isn't as long as other hard pads, but it doesn't include a cable hub for you to run into. Just behind the G440, was the Cooler Master MP511 (12.5" x 10.6") and the SteelSeries QcK Medium (12.5" x 10.5"). They aren't as long as the RGB hard pads, but, like the G440, you don't have to worry about a cable hub.
If your mouse pad is too large it might overlap items on your desktop, like a monitor stand.
Credit: Austin Palmer
Lastly, we have the Razer Firefly V2 (14" x 10"). With its small footprint, it does the trick when space is limited. Although it doesn't offer a ton of surface area, this hard pad can be moved away from your gaming keyboard to give your hand more space.
Glide
Gaming mouse pads can be divided into two main types: speed and control. As the names imply, one is designed to provide very little friction for faster movements, while the other is designed to steady your mouse for greater consistency—think FPS. Speed can still be emphasized in a control pad, and vice-versa, especially with advanced features like weaving plastic or glass into the fibers of the mouse pad. Some speed pads are easier to start and stop on while keeping the same moving speed, and the same goes for control pads. The mouse you use will yield different results but ultimately depends on personal preference.
The slickest, speediest pads in the class are the hard pads. Depending on your mouse, one model might be slicker than the other. All the mice used in testing used their stock feet. We found the Razer Firefly V2 and the Logitech G440 had the lowest friction surfaces. The differences are nearly imperceivable between the Firefly V2 and the G440.
Hard pads greatly reduce friction but that comes at the cost of limited stopping power.
Credit: Austin Palmer
The Roccat Sense Pro and the Razer Strider Hybrid followed the hard pads as the next most frictionless models. These pads and those following have fabric surfaces. Of the Sense Pro and the Strider Hybrid, the Sense Pro arguably provides the best balance between speed and control. The polyester top sheet is naturally slick yet renders good stopping power. The Corsair MM300 Pro Extended sports a silky top sheet but lacks the same stopping speed. Yet, these nuances may not matter much, depending on how you play and what games you like. That said, mice glide effortlessly across the MM300 Pro Extended compared to other fabric-surfaced pads.
The Roccat Sense Pro offers superior glide for a soft pad.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Finally, in the slow pad category, we have BenQ Zowie G-SR, Corsair MM200 Pro, and the Roccat Taito Control. As the name implies, there is a pronounced difference in speed reduction when using these models. For example, the Roccat is the “most speedy” control pad, but we felt it has a lower stopping speed.
The Cooler Master MP511 struck a unique chord. It seemed to take on the characteristics of the mouse we used. We can't quite put our finger on it, but we tested the speed and control of the mice, as well as more balanced models, and they all performed exactly as you'd expect them to. The Cordura material is somewhat of a chameleon, it seems.
The X-raypad Aqua Control+ performs exactly as the title suggests: controlled. While not quite as slow as the Zowie GS-R, which we found to be one of the more controlled pads. The difference is subtle, but noticeable. At the far end of the friction spectrum is the Corsair MM200 Pro, which offers maximal control. If you want the ability to choose your level of speed vs. control, the Artisan FX Hayate Outsu gives you the option of extra soft, soft, and mid.
Gliding smoothly across the Artisan FX Hayate Outsu
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Noise
Gaming can be quite loud, especially when using blue switches or yammering in voice chat. A mouse pad shouldn't add to the noise. Using a variety of testing mice, we dropped, slammed, and slid across each pad to determine which model could minimize mouse noise. If you're the gamer who often picks up and sets down the mouse, you're out of luck, as mouse pad thickness can only minimally dampen the noise. Additionally, even the best sound-dampening mouse pads won't do much to mitigate the rattling of some of the cheaper mice. The difference between cloth pads wasn't huge, but when we got to the hard pads, we could hear major differences.
Most mice were practically silent when sliding across the Corsair MM300 Pro Extended and the SteelSeries QcK Medium. However, the QcK Medium's 2-millimeter thickness doesn't do much to dampen the sound when picking up and setting down a mouse. Next up is the BenQ Zowie G-SR. The difference in noise levels between this and the MM300 Pro Extended is obvious. Yet, the G-SR slightly edges out the other pads for when thunking down mice during gameplay due to their 4-millimeter thickness.
It can be a distracting addition to your gaming experience if your pad produces substantial noise.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Cooler Master MP511 performed comparably to the G-SR in the pick-up test, but its slightly rough Cordura surface produced a scratchier sound. Close behind the MP511 was the Roccat Sense Pro for the same reason. The polyester fabric produces a noticeable noise when moving the mouse quickly across its surface. The Corsair MM200 Pro and ASUS ROG both had the y-axis sound louder than the x-axis when compared to each other, an odd attribute compared to others in the lineup.
Some products produce a scratchy noise due to its rougher surface.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Lastly, we have the hard pads in a league of their own. These models are considerably louder than their cloth counterparts. The hard surfaces of the Razer Firefly V2 and the Logitech G440 generate a scratchy sound when moving a mouse across their surfaces.
Tracking
We examined for any tracking issues throughout our process. The mice we used for testing feature high-end sensors, such as the Mercury, HERO, or Pixart PMW 336X. While a handful of reviews out there complain about tracking issues with some of these pads—particularly with older mice—we did not notice any significant problems. We expect any high-end mouse with a clean sensor to work well with these pads. That said, a dirty sensor can cause plenty of tracking issues, so the ambitious gamer would do well to keep their mouse clean.
The pads we tested did not show tracking issues no matter how fast we moved each mouse.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
How to Choose a Gaming Mouse Pad
By now, you may have gathered there are several considerations to weigh when selecting a gaming mouse pad, and we've delineated a few categories to help narrow your search. Whether you prefer a fast glide, accurate tracking, or a thicker cushion, we unpack various segments below with the goal of highlighting these different aspects to help you select the correct pad for your specific preferences.
Pad thickness and stitching can affect game play, durability, and comfort.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Cost
Gaming mouse pads tend to be more expensive than more basic general-use mouse pads. If budget is a concern, there are basic options available, frequently well below $30, that will offer enough functional real estate for many gamer's needs. However, mouse pads designed with gamers specifically in mind are often larger in size, sometimes with features not found in cheaper run-of-the-mill mouse pads, and these perks come at a premium. But the sticker shock is only slightly elevated, with many models sitting in the $30-50 range.
Desk Space and Aesthetics
It is important to gauge what will work within the geography of your desktop and the overall environment when selecting a gaming mouse pad. If space is limited, you might need to opt for a model that is large enough for the amount of mouse movement you require while gaming yet small enough to avoid pushing your keyboard or monitor off the edge of your desk. If you have more space with which to work or a specific vibe you're going for, there are many full mat options with different designs, colors, and even luminescence to choose from. Sprawling mats can also elevate the look of your setup while simultaneously protecting much of your desktop. A few moments with a tape measure can save you the headache of having to return a pad that is too small or too huge, as will double checking listed dimensions before clicking the buy button. We measured every product to give you accurate dimensions to go by.
Figuring out how much space you have to work with is a smart thing to do before you buy a new pad.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Speed or Control
Playing style and personal preference will dictate a lot of what you want to look for when choosing a gaming mouse pad. Faster surfaces with tighter weaves and other surfaces with less friction may better serve you when playing fast tracking games like Overwatch or Apex Legends. And although people will perform well on a fast pad in tactical shooting games like Counter-Strike or Valorant, control or balanced pads are recommended more often than not for most players, especially new players, as not enough stopping power can result in overshooting a target, for example. A smoother pad has a pleasant feel, but more control can be had with a little roughness. Some pads feel faster on the x-axis with more resistance on the y-axis. In the end, it's what works best and feels most comfortable for you. Mouse weight, mouse feet, arm angle, how you sit, and sensitivity are all factors that differentiate you from how someone else performs, plays, and experiences games.
Some products can have a discernibly different feel and sound along the x-axis compared with its y-axis.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Ease of Cleaning
When it comes to accumulated grime, spills, and other qualifying residues that affect performance, how easily a gaming mouse pad can be cleaned is another important consideration. While harder surfaces can be quickly cleaned with a simple wipe down, softer surfaces might take a little more effort. Softer pads are more prone to retaining pet hair, dead skin cells, and other detritus. Some retain water more than others, and this can lead to deterioration over time. If you tend to knock things over, pay special attention to our reasons to buy section to look for the best pad to counter your accident-prone interactions.
Hard mouse pads are easy to wipe clean, but softer cloth models can retain moisture.
Credit: Austin Palmer
Durability
Repeated exposure to moisture and scrubbing, especially with softer pads, will contribute to wear and tear. Humid climates can create a similar situation on a daily basis, and such conditions are more detrimental to loosely woven meshes. Logo placement, particularly when they are raised above the pad material, is something to think about, as continued rubbing by your mouse movement and arm can lead to peeling. Unstitched cloth pads can suffer the same, especially on thicker pads, with fraying becoming an issue.
We critically assess the stitching of each pad to facture in its longevity for consumers.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Comfort
If you have sensitive skin, more pronounced stitching or those made of harder plastic can exacerbate existing conditions or create a dermatological problem. Those who are more sensitive to sound or trying not to disturb their roommates during late-night campaigns, might be annoyed by loud mouse movement, especially with Apple mice being quite audible on hard pads. And while thicker pads often come with a sacrifice in speed, they can provide cushy support for more comfortable long-term play.
Conclusion
The above review is as objective as possible. However, the gaming mouse pad selection is largely dependent on personal preference, available desk space, and the mouse used. With these caveats in mind, we have presented every conceivable piece of information that one will want to have before making a pad purchase. Whether you're looking for a speedy hard pad or a soft control pad to zero in on those in-game headshots, our in-depth analysis will help you find the perfect gaming mouse pad for a gaming mouse.
