The 21 Best Gaming Mouse Pads of September 2023

Why are the best gaming mouse pads needed for gamers? Does a gaming mouse pad make a difference? How do I choose a gaming mousepad?

These and many others are the most commonly asked questions by novice and intermediate gamers. The best gaming mouse pad is a must-have gear. Unlike regular mousepads, the best gaming mouse pads provide better control and tracking. This does not mean that a regular mouse is terrible.

A gaming mouse pad offers less friction for more precision. This comes in handy when playing first-person shooter games like Call of Duty WarZone, Borderlands 3, and many more.

The best gaming pad should offer a consistent and smooth surface. This is very important as gamers require pinpoint accuracy with little friction when playing games. Most pro gamers prefer the biggest mouse pad with large cloth surfaces.

This is because it allows them to make broad sweeping motions. Another feature you can find on the best mouse pad for gaming is RGB lighting. While to non-gamers RGB lighting seems like overkill, to pro gamers, RGB lighting ensures more gaming immersion.

Most designer mouse pads boast of wireless charging. This comes in handy when you need to charge your wireless mouse or other compatible devices.

Cheap gaming mouse pads and extended gaming mouse pads can offer a seamless experience to any gamer. This is true if they have a smooth cloth surface, which most do. As such, you can crush your enemies in any shooter game without overworking your wrist.

Shopping for the best gaming mouse pad can be tricky, especially for beginners. Lucky for you, we are here to help.

Here are the top 5 things to consider.

Material

Most gaming mousepads are either made of polycarbonate, rubber, or cloth. Polycarbonate is a hard material, and it goes well with a rubber base. Due to the hardness of the material, polycarbonate mousepads are durable and can withstand years of use.

The cloth is another popular material for the surface. Most gamers prefer cloth mouse pads because they are soft and comfortable. Such mousepads feature a micro woven fabric that is water-resistant. In case of accidental spills, all you need to do is blot the surface.

Manufacturers join the rubber base and the upper surface with precision anti-fray stitching to ensure years of use. What you need to know is that the type of material affects its pricing.

Overall, we recommend choosing a mouse pad that is comfortable for your wrists and allows precision targeting.

Thickness

Thickness is another crucial factor to consider. The thicker the mouse pad, the better it protects your desk surface. Common sizes include:

• Slim (2mm) – offers a more solid feel
• Standard (3 mm) – best of both worlds/bases. Provides a happy medium
• Heavy (5mm) – offers more comfort. Ideal for LAN tournaments

As you already know, using computer peripherals like mice can leave scratches on the desk surface. With a thick mousepad, you don’t have to worry about this.

Thick gaming mousepads are ideal for LAN tournaments or parties. The added thickness provides an even surface that allows your mouse to glide smoothly. Basically, thick mouse pads offer the flattest surface possible.

What you need to know is that a thick mousepad can affect your gaming experience. This is true if the mouse pad has no edges. If the mousepad is also thicker than your keyboard and has no space for the keyboard, it will affect your gaming experience.

Size

Most gamers have a size preference. Some prefer a small mouse pad while others prefer large mousepads. Large mouse pads provide enough space to fit the keyboard and the gaming mouse. Also, they allow for massive mouse movements which are ideal for shooter games and MOBAs.

Small mouse pads are useful primarily for activities that don’t require massive mouse movements. They include graphic design and light gaming. Before buying a small or large size mouse pad, consider the size of your desk.

RGB Lighting – To Have or Not to Have?

A lot of people often ask – are RGB mousepads worth it? Well, the answer will surprise you. Yes, RGB mousepads are worth it, and no, they are not to some gamers. They are worth it because they enhance the look of your gaming setup.

RGB lighting modes can evoke specific moods. For example, blue makes you feel relaxed and calm while yellow can make you feel anxious. Most RGB mousepads have more than two lighting modes. They include static, breathing, and dynamic.

To change the lighting modes, all you have to is press a button once or twice. You can also change the brightness of the RGB lights by pressing a button.

To some games, RGB mousepads are not worth it for the following reason – cables. To power the RGB lighting, you need a USB connection. This means dealing with another cable trailing on your desk.

All we can say is, when it comes to RGB lighting, it’s a personal preference.

Style and Design

Gaming mousepads come in different styles and designs. Some have computer games or cartoon characters. For example, you can find a gaming mouse pad with the Call of Duty Warzone or PUBG design.

Besides computer game characters, you also have company logos. Companies such as Logitech, Razer, and Corsair design their company logo on gaming mouse pads.

Like RGB lighting, style and design is a personal preference.

Logitech G240

Best Gaming Mouse Pad Overall

Logitech is a trusted brand when it comes to gaming gear. Founded in 1981, the company has been making computer peripherals such as keyboards, mice, headsets. They have also been making racing wheels and controllers for gamers.

One of the best Logitech gaming pads is the G240 mouse pad. Available in black, this unique mouse pad provides the ideal surface for low DPI gaming. Thanks to low friction, the mouse also allows for precise cursor placement and control.

If you use this pad with Logitech G gaming sensors, the consistent surface texture improves performance.

What you need to know is that the mouse pad has a rubber base. With a width of 340 mm and a depth of 1 mm, the rubber base provides stability, which is a must when playing MOBAs or first-person shooter games. Basically, it influences your playing style for the better.

The G240 mouse pad is compatible with Window OS.

Pros

• Has a firm, flexible foundation
• Offers moderate surface friction
• Comes with a comfortable cloth construction
• Available with a three-year limited hardware warranty
• Lightweight

Cons

• Very thin
• Expensive compared to other models

Razer Sphex V2

Best Budget Gaming Mouse Pad

Another trusted brand with a long history of making computer peripherals like mice and keyboards is Razer. Razer is a global gaming hardware company. Founded in 1998 in San Diego, California, it continues to make hardware for gamers.

One line of cool mouse pads that Razer makes is the Sphex V2 Gaming Mousepad. This ultra-thin gaming pad has the following dimensions – 0.5 mm. It provides a seamless desktop experience. The mouse pad also delivers the best tracking quality for optical and laser gaming mice.

Made of extra durable polycarbonate, this Razer mouse pad has an improved base. As such, it provides much-needed stability and peace of mind during gameplay.

The polycarbonate finish is lab tested. It’s tested to have an ultra-high impact and tear strength. Besides that, the tough surface will deliver through intense gaming sessions.

Pros

• Offers a seamless experience
• Has a durable polycarbonate finish
• Has excellent tracking quality
• Can fit on most desks
• Lightweight

Cons

• The adhesive base makes it hard to move

SteelSeries QcK

Cheapest Gaming Pad

If you are a gamer who prefers mouse pads with cloth surfaces, then this is for you. Released in 2005, this mousepad has withstood the test of time. Several pro gamers tested this model just like mousepads from SteelSeries.

Thanks to their feedback, the final model blows the competition away. As an excellent choice for hardcore gamers, this small mousepad features the QcK micro woven cloth.

The use of high-quality cloth material provides the mouse with an optimized texture. This guarantees every gamer a smooth and seamless experience. It also allows for maximum control.

The micro woven cloth has compressed fibers. This adds water and stain resistance to the surface.

What we liked about this gaming pad besides the price is the non-slippery rubber base. The rubber base offers traction and stability. That is why this gaming pad is popular with pro gamers, graphic designers, and other professionals.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Stain and water-resistant
• Preferred by hardcore gamers
• Fits every desk
• Has a steady rubber base

Cons

• Not compatible with Linux

Corsair MM350

Anti-Fray Extra Thick Cloth Gaming Mouse Pad

If you are searching for a large gaming mouse pad with an anti-fray thick cloth, this is for you. At 17.7 inches by 15.7 inches, this extra-large mouse pad is ideal for big mouse movements.

The ample room is perfect for a high-performance laser sensor and optical gaming mouse. With this mousepad, you don’t have to worry about leaving the confines of the pad. You need to know that the mousepad is big enough to fit your keyboard and leave room for a gaming mouse.

It has an anti-skin textured rubber base that keeps the pad in one place. This is beneficial when playing the most intense sessions. The woven textile surface offers low friction tracking.

It also allows for pixel-perfect targeting. What you need to know is that the surface is wear-resistant thanks to the seam’s precision stitching. This prevents fraying and surface peeling common with other mouse pads.

Pros

• Has a durable design
• Features a precision stitched edge
• Comes with a thick rubber base for comfort
• Has a wear-resistant graphic surface

Cons

• No USB pass-through

HyperX Fury S

Best Extra-large Mouse Pad

The top of the HyperX Fury S Pro Gaming Mouse Pad has a soft cloth surface. If you are the kind of gamer who plays with lowered sensitivity and DPI settings, then you do make massive mouse movements. As such, you probably give your wrist an intense workout.

Massive mouse movements are necessary, especially for precise headshots in shooter games and MOBAs. That is why you need a big gaming mouse pad. It offers wrist comfort required for long gaming sessions.

Due to its big size, the mouse pad will run across your desk cover, providing space for your mouse and keyboard. The big gaming mouse pad features a non-slip rubber base that holds fast even under duress. It also has a seamless anti-fray stitched edge. As such, it assures you of years of use.

This is good news as you don’t have to worry about daily wear and tear.

Pros

• Provides wrist comfort
• Comes in four sizes to fit your set up
• Has a rubber base that offers stability and control
• Features anti-fray stitched edges

Cons

• Does have the new smell

Blade Hawks RGB

Best RGB Mousepad

The Blade Hawks RGB Gaming Mouse Pad has ten lighting modes. Seven of the ten lighting modes are static, while three are dynamic. This makes your gaming atmosphere warmer.

Besides RGB lighting, the gaming mouse pad has a power-off memory function. Basically, the mouse pad can remember your last lighting mode selection. For example, if you had selected the two breathing modes or rainbow modes when you power on the mouse pad, it will restore this setting.

You will notice that the mouse pad is large. It measures 31.5 by 12 by 0.2 inches. As such, it will fit on your desk perfectly while providing room for your gaming operation. What you need to know is that USB powers the mousepad. No drivers required.

Just plug the mouse pad and press the power button for 3 seconds to turn on/off. To change the lighting mode, press once and for brightness, press twice. The mousepad features an ultra-smooth surface with a micro-textured cloth.

This allows you to have a seamless experience. The surface has a water-resistant coating that prevents damage from accidental spills.

Pros

• Has a water-resistant surface
• Easy to use
• Large and perfect for gaming
• Comes with a non-slip rubber base for added stability
• Features RGB lighting modes

Cons

• The edge is on the rougher side

Glorious 3XL

Best Desk Size Mousepad

This is one of the largest gaming mouse pads. At 48 inches by 24 inches by 0.12 inches, it can fit a keyboard, a gaming mouse, and leave space for other activities.

That is why this gaming mouse pad is perfect for games that require massive mouse movements. In fact, you can make a 360 degree turn on the mouse pad without the need to lift your mouse.

With your RGB keyboard on the mat, your set will look awesome. Besides the aesthetic value, having a keyboard on the mouse pad ensures it sits on a smooth surface, preventing movement during use.

The surface features a smooth cloth, best for fast movement. It also allows you to maintain control and speed while gaming. What you need to know is that the large surface area of the mouse pad also protects your desk. It protects the desk surface from damage and scratches.

This mouse pad has stitched edges. They prevent fraying, which is common with daily wear and tear. The stitched edges and the cloth surface can survive a machine wash. Remember, it’s air dry only.

Pros

• Available in black
• Large size fits keyboard and gaming mouse
• Easy to clean
• Optimized for mouse sensitivities and sensors
• Smooth surface for control and speed

Cons

• No RGB lighting modes

Glorious Helios

Best Ultra-thin Mousepad

A majority of people think that gaming mousepads are glorified computer accessories. Well, the Glorious Helios Mousepad is not. If you are looking for a gaming mouse pad that blends with your desk and offers an obstructed gaming experience, this is for you.

At 0.5 mm thickness, the Glorious Helios Mousepad is razor-thin. You might think that the mousepad will provide a poor gaming experience. Well, you’ll be surprised to know that it allows for premium tracking.

It has a hard polycarbonate surface and finish. Ideal for pro gamers looking for a premium surface, the mousepad is tear and water-resistant. In the case of accidental spills, the surface will not absorb the liquid. All you need to do is blot the spill.

The mouse pad has a silicone adhesive base. Thanks to the strong base, the mousepad will not move while gaming.

Pros

• Available in black
• Has a strong adhesive rubber base
• Optimized for various mouse sensitivities
• The surface is tear and water-resistant

Cons

• Polycarbonate surface can wear the feet of your mouse

What is a good size mouse pad for gaming?

A good-sized mouse pad can fit your keyboard, gaming mouse, and still have enough space to make massive mouse movements. Basically, a large mouse pad allows for speed and control.

Are hard mousepads better?

For gaming, a hard mouse pad is better because it provides greater precision for accurate movements.

What mouse pads do pros use?

Popular gaming mouse pads among hardcore gamers include the HyperX Fury S Pro, Corsair MM200, Logitech G240, and others. Check our review above for more recommendations.

How do I clean my RGB mouse pad?

Unplug the USB connection of the RGB mousepad. Take a microfiber cloth and soak it in warm water with mild dish soap. Wring the cloth and wipe the mousepad. This will remove grease, dirt, and oil.

How often should you clean your mousepad?

Several factors affect the frequency of cleaning your mousepad. If you eat or drink around or on your mousepad, cleaning should be regular. This is also true if you sweat heavily. We recommend that you clean your mousepad once a week.

Best personalized gaming mouse pad: Arcon Printing Personalized Mouse Pad 

Best RGB gaming mouse pad: Utech smart RGB Gaming Mouse Pad
Best value gaming mouse pad: VicTsing [30% Larger] Extended Gaming Mouse Pad 

We hope that you enjoyed our informative review of the best mousepads. All of the computer pads above will do exactly as advertised. When it comes to performance, the best-extended mouse pads will provide speed and better control.

Thanks to the rubber base, the gaming mouse pads above will offer better traction. Most of the gaming pads above have anti-fray stitching. So, don’t worry about wear, tear, or peeling surfaces.

The good news is, you can find the best gaming mouse pads from the list above regardless of your preferences.

Best of luck!