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A mouse pad is a computer desk accessory that you don’t really notice until it’s missing. So whether you’re working on a spreadsheet, vanquishing your enemies during an online gaming session, or simply browsing the web, a good mouse pad is essential.
To help you find the best product for you, our team researched the best mouse pads on the market today. Here are our top recommendations.
Top 5 Mouse Pads
- Best Mouse Pad Overall: HONKID Aluminum Mouse Pad
- Best Oversized Mouse Pad: UTECHSmart RGB Gaming Mouse Pad
- Best Mouse Pad Set: MROCO Mouse Pad 3 Pack
- Best Mouse Pad Design: VORNNEX Memory Foam Mouse Pad
- Best Mouse Pad For Gaming: Blade Hawks Gaming Mouse Pad
Compare Top Mouse Pads
| Product | Material | Shape | Dimensions | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HONKID Aluminum Mouse Pad | Aluminum, PU leather | 9 x 7 inches | 13.99 | |
| UTECHSmart RGB Gaming Mouse Pad | Rubber | Rectangle | 31.5 x 11.8 inches | 13.99 |
| MROCO Mouse Pad 3 Pack | Spill-proof friction fabric, non-slip rubber | Rectangle | 8.5 x 11 inches | 7.99 |
| VORNNEX Memory Foam Mouse Pad | Breathable fabric, non-slip rubber, memory foam | Oval | 10 x 9 inches | 6.99 |
| Blade Hawks Gaming Mouse Pad | Nano-texture rubber | Rectangle | 31.5 x 12 inches | 29.99 |
| Product | Material | Shape | Dimensions | Price |
Best Mouse Pad Overall: HONKID Aluminum Mouse Pad
HONKID Aluminum Mouse Pad
- $13.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Features double-sided metal/PU leather design
✔ Provides small, rigid work surface for workers on-the-go
✔ Offers a smooth gliding surface that enhances precision
✘ May be too small for gaming
✘ Rigid aluminum build does not roll up or fold down
What Customers Are Saying
According to our research, this mouse pad earned rave reviews from many customers on Amazon for its durability, waterproofness, compact size, and double-sided design. On the other hand, some critical reviewers indicated that the colored finishes were easy to scuff and that the small footprint was less than ideal for certain applications, such as gaming.
Best Oversized Mouse Pad: UTECHSmart RGB Gaming Mouse Pad
UTECHSmart RGB Gaming Mouse Pad
- $13.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Features an anti-slip rubber base
✔ Has adjustable brightness levels
✔ Comes with a nano-textured cloth surface
✘ Large surface may be too big for some desks
✘ Some reviews said it had a strong odor
What Customers Are Saying
Among positive reviews for this mouse pad, many said it was a good option for gaming, had a large surface area, and was comfortable to use. However, there were also a few negative reviews, with some common criticisms of this product saying that it was hard to smooth and frequently had waves. In addition, others said the lights occasionally stopped working after minimal use.
Best Mouse Pad Set: MROCO Mouse Pad 3 Pack
MROCO Mouse Pad 3 Pack
- $7.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has reinforced stitched edges that won’t fray
✔ Has a spill-proof, stain-resistant coating
✔ Is also available as a six- and 12-packs
✘ Has limited color selection
✘ Only available in one size
What Customers Are Saying
Amazon reviewers that left positive reviews for this mouse pad were particularly impressed with its durable, comfortable design. Another positive feature that was pointed out was this mouse pad’s size, with multiple customers saying that it was big enough to provide room to move around without being too large. While many felt this product was a good value, we also found that some had issues tracking on this pad, while others said the base slid on occasion.
Most Ergonomic Mouse Pad: VORNNEX Memory Foam Mouse Pad
VORNNEX Memory Foam Mouse Pad
- $6.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a non-skid rubber base
✔ Has a sleek, modern design
✔ Regains its original shape after several hours of use
✘ No additional size or color options
✘ Has a somewhat small surface area
What Customers Are Saying
Some of the key features of this mouse pad that received the most positive Amazon reviews include its comfortable wrist support, the smooth surface area that effortlessly glides the mouse and its durable design. However, while most were happy with this ergonomic mouse pad, some users had issues with its longevity, saying the mouse pad scuffed easily and that the ends often curled up.
Best Mouse Pad For Gaming: Blade Hawks Gaming Mouse Pad
Blade Hawks Gaming Mouse Pad
- $29.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has seven static and three dynamic modes
✔ Has a smooth, waterproof surface
✔ Is powered by a USB
✘ Won’t fit on smaller desks
✘ Has limited RGB settings
What Customers Are Saying
Customers that gave this mouse pad positive reviews pointed to how customizable it was as one of their favorite features. Others were also pleased with this product’s comfortable surface area and simple USB connection. Although many enjoyed this mouse pad for gaming, some users mentioned that the edges could feel a bit rough, and others had difficulty getting it to lay perfectly flat.
Buying Guide to Mouse Pads
When deciding on which mouse pad is best for your computer desk, there are several different factors that you should take into consideration to make sure you’re finding the right product for you, including:
Mouse Pad Size
The size of your mouse pad should depend on what you mainly use your computer for. For example, if you have a small desk and only use your computer for browsing the web or writing emails, a small mouse pad ranging from 5-to-7 inches is likely sufficient.
However, if you use your computer for gaming or work on it daily, you’ll likely want a larger mouse pad, perhaps even one big enough to cover the entire length of your desktop. Larger mouse pads provide more flexibility and a larger surface area if you move your mouse around frequently.
Mouse Pad Material
Mouse pads that feature soft materials like neoprene are typically best for roller-ball mice, while more rigid mouse pads work best for optical mice. Soft pads provide a soft, non-slip surface that is more comfortable for everyday tasks. In contrast, hard pads, usually made from plastic or metal, may work better for gaming as they allow optical mice to move more precisely with less friction.
Mouse Pad Ergonomics and Comfort Factors
mouse pads should have an ergonomic design that makes using your mouse more comfortable and reduces the strain on your wrist and fingers. To increase comfort, look for mouse pads with features like a wrist rest, a padded cushion, and a non-skid surface.
Extra Features
Some mouse pads also come with additional features that help them stand out from other options on the market. Some common extra features include lights, wireless charging, various color options, and unique designs or prints. Of course, the overall functionality of a mouse pad is its most important factor, but extra features can help provide more value and a more pleasing aesthetic.
Tips for Reducing Wrist Strain When Using a Mouse
If you use a computer all day for work or school or use one frequently in your personal life to use the web or play games, it can lead to wrist pain over time. However, there are various steps you can take to ease the stress on your wrist and hands, in addition to finding an excellent mouse pad. Here are our top tips.
Hold the mouse properly
Holding your mouse in an improper position can accentuate pain in your wrist. Therefore, you should always keep your mouse to the right of your keyboard and close enough that your elbow is bent at a 90-degree angle. Additionally, your hand and wrist should be straight when holding your mouse, as bending can lead to more fatigue.
Be mindful of wrist positioning
Maintaining good wrist positioning will create positive habits that will ease the strain on your body when using a mouse. Always be sure that with your elbow at your side, your wrist is positioned slightly lower than your elbow with your forearms in line with the desk. Office chair height and positioning play a significant role in how your wrist is positioned, so check that your chair is not too tall or short. Also, always be mindful of your posture to avoid slouching.
Avoid additional pressure
Another key to avoiding wrist fatigue is ensuring you aren’t adding any additional stress to your wrist as you hold the mouse. This can happen by squeezing too hard on the mouse, having bulky items on your wrist that add pressure (such as large watches or bracelets), or coming into contact with hard surfaces that could cause discomfort.
Take a break to stretch
Taking frequent breaks to give your hand and wrist rest will help ease discomfort over a long workday. When you’re on your break, consider implementing some stretches to loosen up your hands and prevent the risk of future injury.
FAQs About Mouse Pads
Do you need to use a mouse pad?
A mouse will technically work without a mouse pad, but having one can improve its performance. Mouse pads make it easy to guide your mouse where you want it to go on the screen and help reduce the dirt and dust it picks up from your desk. Plastic mouse feet will also wear down quicker when used on bare surfaces. Add image
Does it matter what color your mouse pad is?
Color is typically an aesthetic choice for mouse pads, with one exception. You should always avoid your mouse pad being the same color as the laser on your mouse, as that can cause your mouse to lag. Most optical mice have a red laser, so you’ll want to avoid a red mouse pad.
How do you clean mouse pads?
Fabric mouse pads with stitched edges can be submerged in warm water and cleaned with dish soap and a soft brush. If the edges are not stitched together, or the mouse pad has a hard surface or electrical components, it should be cleaned more carefully. You will need a clean, microfiber cloth to gently wipe it down with warm soapy water.
No matter what material your mouse pad is made from, ensure it is fully dry before using it again.
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This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. Our small team creates in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource you might need for your home. To date, we have written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.
We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.
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