Game On: The Best Gaming Mouse Pads In 2022
You’re ready to hit the ground running and game after a long work week, but you’re still using that old, frayed mouse pad that doesn’t provide proper traction. Mouse pads specifically designed for gaming offer pinpoint control, great speed, and the right texture and surface space required to maintain proper DPI, and crush the competition in competitive and battle royale gameplay styles. And sure, a good mouse is much more important for gaming, but a mouse pad can also affect your play. Gaming pads track better than their regular counterparts, and since they’re typically bigger, they’re also more comfortable to use. In short, while not an absolute must-have, a good gaming mouse pad can indeed help boost your in-game accuracy and precision.
But finding the best gaming mouse pad can be tricky. Should you opt for a thicker soft mouse pad that offers high precision and some cushioning for your hand for a more comfortable gaming experience, or a thinner hard mouse pad that is easy to clean and remains cool to touch even after hours of gaming? Should you get a medium size pad just for your mouse, or perhaps splurge for an XXL pad to protect your entire desk? Choices, choices.
Luckily, gaming mousepads are relatively inexpensive so you can probably afford to experiment a little in order to find the right one for your needs. To help you do just that, we’ve rounded up some of the best gaming mouse pads on the market. Our picks include both hard and soft mouse pads, small and large options, and basic and flashy models. And if you need more info on how to choose the best mouse pad for your gaming style? Take a gander at our comprehensive buying guide below.
- Best Affordable Option: SteelSeries QcK Gaming Mouse Pad
- Best Large Soft Pad: Corsair MM300 Gaming Mouse Pad
- Best For Accuracy With RGB Lighting: SteelSeries QcK Gaming Mouse Pad – XL RGB Prism Cloth
- Best Portable Pad: HyperX Fury Pro Gaming Mouse Pad
- Best For Low DPI Playing: Glorious 3XL Extended Gaming Mouse Pad
- Best Speed Type Pad: ASUS ROG Sheath Gaming Mouse Pad
- Best Splurge-Worthy Option: Logitech G Powerplay Wireless Charging System
- Best Hard Mouse Pad: Logitech G440 Gaming Mouse Pad
- Best Personalized RGB Pad: Razer Firefly Hard V2 RGB Gaming Mouse Pad
The Best Gaming Mouse Pad
1SteelSeries QcK Gaming Mouse Pad
Want to give gaming mousepads a try but you’re on a strict budget? Check out the SteelSeries and their QcK Gaming MousePad, as it’s affordable but of great quality (seriously, anyone can afford this mouse pad). The micro-woven cloth top is smooth and optimized for gaming, plus you get a decent surface area. If you’re really ambitious, you can always click through and choose a size-up option but bear in mind that the bigger the pad, the higher price.
The cloth has a high thread count for smooth and precise tracking, but it is definitely on the thinner side, plus the edges are not stitched. This means that with time and humidity, there’s a good chance it might warp and peel. But you’ve got at least one good year on this before that’s even a possibility, and the no-skid rubber bottom does provide some extra durability. Overall, if you’re looking for a good cheap mouse pad, this is a fantastic option that will look great on your gaming desk.
Soft, micro-woven cloth
Underside fitted with sticky rubber for firmness
Ideal for gamers with limited desk space
- BrandSteelSeries
- Model63004
- Weight4.8 Оunces
Great quality at an affordable price
Smooth cloth top provides good tracking
Good for both low and high DPI tracking movements
Small surface area
No stitched edges so it’s more prone to peeling
2Corsair MM300 Gaming Mouse Pad
Corsair came in with the top gaming mouse pad, albeit with a few issues. You know how we do it on Gear Hungry: we like to get the negatives out of the way first and foremost. This comes treated to try and prevent stains and damage, but it brings with it a very distinct chemical smell. On top of that, the coloration you see on the marketing photos is fairly accurate: this is going to fade from black to white with age, which doesn’t impede on its function, but is still unfortunate – or not, depending on your aesthetics.
These minor issues aside, the Cosair MM300 is a fantastic mouse pad that offers plenty of horizontal space for gaming. The textile weave surface is of excellent quality and comes with reinforced stitches so the edges shouldn’t fray even after years of using the pad. It’s also designed with reflexes in mind, providing precise mouse control. The anti-skid rubber base helps the mouse pad stay in place, so wherever you place it, it’s going to stick. One of the best soft mouse pads in this price range, for sure!
If you are into gaming, make sure you also check our guide to the top gaming routers.
Smooth textile-weave surface
Reinforced stitches prevent peeling
Anti-slip rubber base secures the pad in place
- BrandCorsair
- ModelCH-9000108-WW
- Weight1 Pounds
Surface allows for precise mouse control
Nice and long for maximum range
Soft, rubber padding guarantees comfort for your hand and wrist
Quality construction at an affordable price
Strong chemical, rubbery odor that lasts a good while
Color does fade with time
3SteelSeries QcK Gaming Mouse Pad – XL RGB Prism Cloth
The best gaming mouse pads not only allow ultra-precise mouse control, but also help create just the right ambiance for an enhanced gaming experience. The QcK Prism definitely falls within the category of the best gaming mouse pads. Measuring about 35” in width and about 11 inches in length, the QcK Prism’s gaming surface is among the largest you can find today, giving more room for maneuvers. The surface is also dual-textured, with a soft pad in the middle giving it a smooth backing for gaming. The surface of the pad allows for quick mouse movements, and is ideal for games that require precision and accuracy.
Another feature that makes the QcK the beauty it is, is its RGB lighting system. With syncing abilities embedded in the pad, the QcK Prism is able to integrate with your computer to give RGB effects while you play. The lights are lined along the perimeter of the mouse pad, with three lights on each side of the mat. During gaming sessions, the mat is able to produce millions of lighting combinations that align perfectly with your gaming experience. The lighting features and transitions are also programmable to suit your preferences. Be sure to also browse our list of the best gaming laptops for more amazing products like this.
Micro woven Qck cloth designed for accuracy
RGB lighting effects synchronizable with your computer and gaming software
Large gaming surface covers all gaming peripherals
Features a soft pad in the center
No-slip base
- BrandSteelSeries
- Model63826
- Weight1.33 Pounds
The cloth provides excellent accuracy and movement control
Dynamic RGB illumination and effects for immersive gaming
Giant size so provides complete desktop coverage
Relatively expensive pad
Somewhat difficult to clean
4HyperX Fury Pro Gaming Mouse Pad
If you’re looking for a good mouse pad on a budget, we recommend the HyperX Fury Pro. It’s densly woven and optimized for accuracy so it’s ideal for shooter games with low DPI that require pinpoint precision and mouse control. It’s not great for speed gaming, but it’s decent enough.
As for the price, we couldn’t be happier with it. While it’s not the lowest on the list, you’re definitely getting more than what you pay for with it. When it comes to the cloth construction, it’s durable and of excellent quality – densely woven, it feels smooth but it’s slightly textured to provide that precision for optical mouse tracking. It’s also comfy for the wrist thanks to the relatively thick rubber underside. The edges are rounded and stitched, so the pad shouldn’t fray; however, with constant interaction, the edges can cause a little bit of chafing. There are two options available: one for precision (our choice) and one for speed, so pick one that’s best suited to your gaming needs.
Our handy guide to the best touch pads features more great products like this.
Densly woven surface for accurate tracking
Seamless, rounded stitched edges
Rubberized underside for firmness and precision
- BrandHyperX
- ModelHX-MPFP-SM
- Weight4 Ounces
Finely textured for maximum precision
The stitching is of great quality, prevents fraying
Durable construction at an affordable price
Edges can be a bit bothersome for your wrist
The rubber underside has some anti-slip properties but not enough
5Glorious 3XL Extended Gaming Mouse Pad
The Glorious 3XL Extended Gaming Mat isn’t your average mouse pad. This is the biggest size that Glorious offers (48″x24″) and it should cover most of your desk. So, when you’re playing a game that requires big mouse movements, you’ve got plenty of room to do it with this one.
Designed by gamers, this mat has a smooth and finely textured cloth surface that provides excellent tracking, making it ideal for games that require high accuracy and control, but it’s more than decent for speed games too. The underside is made from non-slip rubber, so it doesn’t move around and throw you out of whack. We also love the fact that it isn’t adorned with big, obnoxious logos. Instead, it has a tiny Glorious PC Gaming Race logo in the bottom right-hand corner, which actually looks pretty cool. And, if that’s too much for you, they do a version without it. The other thing worth mentioning is the durability – it has a stitched frame designed to prevent fraying, which increases the lifespan of the mouse pad. Possibly the best mouse pad on the market!
XXXL version – (48″x24″)
Low-friction cloth surface
Non-slip rubber base
Anti-fraying stitched frame
Machine washable
- BrandGlorious PC Gaming Race
- Weight3.13 Pounds
Ideal for for 400-800 dpi
Covers most of your desk
Doesn’t slip around
No obnoxious logos on the surface
It gets dirty fast
6ASUS ROG Sheath Gaming Mouse Pad
The ASUS Rug Sheath Gaming Mouse pad is another great large mouse pad at an affordable price. It features a slip-resistant and splash-proof material and is also stain-resistant, so you do not have to worry about accidental drink or food spillages on your gaming setup. The surface of the pad is intricately woven to provide smooth glide control and pixel-precise tracking. Its smooth surface is optimized for all mouse types, but users note it’s faster than most gaming mouse pads on the market.
The mat also features anti-fray stitched edges with a solid rubberized base making it the ideal gaming buddy for all kinds of games. The mat is impressively large, measuring 900 by 400 by 2 mm to cover all your peripherals. If you are looking for a simple yet highly functional mouse pad for your gaming, trust the ASUS Rug Sheath to deliver that and much more. It’s definitely one of the best mouse pads in the large category. For more top-quality products like this, check out our selection of the best-selling PC gaming mice.
Large surface area, measures 900 by 400 by 2 mm
Smooth surface for easy maneuver
Rubberized base for steadiness
Anti-fray stitched edges
- BrandASUS
- ModelROG Sheath Gaming Mouse Pad
- Weight1.53 Pounds
Provides smooth and fast gliding
Durable design with round raised edges
The rubber base stays firmly in place even during intese sessions
On the thinner side, so not too comfortable for the hand
7Logitech G Powerplay Wireless Charging System
Now we’re talking! Want to charge your smartphone or the battery pack that goes to your wireless gaming headset? Done. Logitech is the creator of wireless mice, and with this, they give you the ability to charge your wireless mouse on the mat while you play, hence Powerplay in the title. The only issue is that it doesn’t appear to work with other mice, only the Logitech G series, which is a not-so-subtle way of them telling you to stick with their brand.
This soft or hard mouse pad is a bit pricey, but what else do you expect, given the capabilities? The pad does work to charge your smartphone, all plugged-in via a USB port instead of an AC adapter. It also comes with both soft and hard surfaces so you can tune your performance. Unwavering, long-lasting, and outfitted with a decent surface size to zone-in on those headshots and quick reaction turns, Logitech nailed this one. These added features are nice, but redeeming issues via the warranty can be a bit of a pain in the ass. That being said, you’re going to have a blast using this mouse pad.
Wireless charging system
Continuous charging for the mouse in gameplay
Two swappable surfaces for a soft or hard gaming surface
Compatible with Logitech G703 and G903 mice
- BrandLogitech
- Model943-000109
- Weight3.64 Pounds
A combination mouse pad and wireless charging mat: can it get any better than this?
Choose between a hard or soft surface for different games
Feels and tracks amazing
Will only wirelessly charge Logitech G wireless mice, not others
One of the most expensive gaming mouse mats
8Logitech G440 Gaming Mouse Pad
Logitech, the maker of the wireless gaming mouse, has plenty of gaming hardware and gear to go alongside it. This G440 mouse pad is designed for Logitech G mice more than others, but it’s still going to get the job done, offering low friction for fast movement and high DPI settings. The cost isn’t totally justified based on the material used, however, when it comes to longevity, this mouse pad will be with you long after the sensors on your current mouse give out. It’s definitely built to last.
It has a bit of weight to it, but thanks to the rubber bottom, it’s not going to slip and slide all over the desktop: it remains firmly anchored to the desk, no matter what game you’re playing. There’s a good amount of surface space, allowing for epic flick shots and fast decisions, without slipping off the mouse pad and glitching out when you go against the material of your desk. Altogether, it’s not going to quit on you, victory after victory. If you’re looking for the best hard mouse pad, definitely get this.
Low friction surface for high DPI gaming
Polyethylene construction
Stable, rigid anti-skid base
Good surface space
- BrandLogitech
- Model943-000098
- Weight8 Ounces
Ideal for high-speed gaming
Allows quick and subtle mouse movements
The rubber base doesn’t allow to pad to move anywhere
Works better with Logitech G mouse series sensors
For the price, it could be more robust
9Razer Firefly Hard V2 RGB Gaming Mouse Pad
If you’re after a RGB gaming mouse pad that provides excellent accuracy, definitely check out the Razer Firefly Hard V2 RGB. Powered by Razer Chroma, this cool mouse mat showcases 16.8 million customizable colors for a personalized gaming experience. It’s also very finely textured, so it provides fantastic accuracy; in fact, it provides just enough friction so you can swipe and stop with absolute control.
The Razer Firefly comes with 19 light zones, and every side of the mat is brightly illuminated for maximum game immersion. You can also personalize the colors and brightness however you please. The pad is 3mm thick in total, and its low profile allows your wrist to rest comfortably on the desk when gaming or working. On the downside, because it’s relatively thin, so it doesn’t provide much cushioning for the hand. You may also like these top-rated gaming monitors from our list, so be sure to check them out.
16.8 million customizable colors
Smooth, micro-textured surface for precision
All-round edge lighting
- BrandRazer
- ModelRZ02-03020100-R3U1
- Weight1.65 Pounds
Perfect balance between control and speed
Just enough texture for excellent precision
Fully customizable colors for immersive experience
The surface is known to smooth out with repeated use
Why Trust Us
No one knows the benefits of gaming mouse mats as passionate gamers do, and many of us here at GearHungry game on a regular basis. A quality new mouse pad specially designed for gaming can enhance your accuracy, precision and speed, as well as provide much-needed wrist comfort while playing, ultimately improving your performance.
Who This Is For
This guide is for anyone looking for the best gaming mouse pad, whether that's a hard pad designed for speed, or a soft one designed for precision. Looking for a simple and affordable mousepad that covers your entire desk? Done. In search of a pad covered in RGB lighting? We got you. Perhaps you want wireless charging for your mouse and phone? We found the best gaming mouse pad in that category too.
How We Picked
As usual, our goal is to create guides that serve a wide range of users. So, for this guide, we included desk pads that support all kinds of gaming mice and gaming preferences. We focused on pads that provide the best value for money (durable construction, comfortable design, the right surface texture, etc.), but we also included a couple of flashy ones for those looking for more immersive gaming sessions.
Features To Look For In Gaming Mouse Pads
Material/Surface - What material a gaming mouse pad is made of is an important feature to consider when looking to purchase one. Some gaming mousepads are made of hardy plastic, others of rubber and cloth. The material affects not only the pricing but also the feel of the pad - soft pads have a porous texture, providing excellent handling and precision, while low-friction hard pads, being flat, are ideal for speed. Overall, choosing a mouse pad you are most comfortable with starts with which material the pad is made of.
Base - The base of the mouse pad is its skeleton. While there is no ideal base (as this depends on the gamer's preferences), it's usually best when it's not too thin or too thick. In general though, if you're struggling with wrist pain and you want some cushioning, opt for a thicker and larger (ideally for your entire desk or at least all peripherals) pad. If you want something more solid and not too big, definitely go for thinner pads (around 2 mm). If you're not sure which way to go, choose a happy medium.
Edge - As any experienced gamer can tell you, most mousepads start peeling at the edges sooner or later, although this is much more common with the cheaper ones. When shopping for your new desk pad, pay attention to the edges of the pad - they should be tightly stitched to prevent fraying.
Size - Mousepads come in all sizes and shapes and you should choose one based on your gaming preferences. Larger mousepads are often preferred by most gamers, as they give enough space for mouse movement. The size of the mouse pad you opt for is also dependent on the space available for your PC setup.
Wireless charging - Today's mousepads come in various types, including those with wireless charging systems that can double as phone charging outlets as well as wireless mouse chargers. If you use a wireless gaming mouse, getting this type of mouse pad would do you a world of good.
Thickness - A mouse pad’s thickness can affect your gaming experience in a couple of ways. Thicker pads tend to feel more comfortable when big as they offer plenty of cushioning for your hand. However, when small, they can be tricky to use as your wrist will rest both on the pad and your desk. If you prefer smaller mouse mats, we suggest sticking to thinner options.
Cleaning - To keep your mouse pad in tip-top shape for as long as possible, it's a good idea to clean it regularly. Keep in mind that soft mousepads are typically harder to clean than hard pads. Like all fabric, cloth pads collect dust particles, tiny crumbs and other debris, so it's really important to clean them frequently. But even the best hard mouse pads won't be resistant to dirt and stains and should be wiped down occasionally.
DPI - DPI stands for Dots Per Inch, and it's a way of measuring how sensitive the mouse is. In essence, DPI determines how many pixels are displaced on screen for every inch of yourmouse movement. Ultra-smooth, ultra-low in friction hard pads have a very high DPI movement and are great for speed. Finely textured soft pads tend to have a lower DPI movement and are great for precision and accuracy.
Gaming Mouse Pad FAQ
Q: Is a gaming mouse pad important for gaming?
A: While a lousy mousepad won't make you a lousy gamer, a good gaming mouse mat can indeed enhance your play. Gaming mousepads provide better control and precision for all kinds of games, and help protect the feet of your (probably expensive) gaming mouse. Also, some gaming mouse mats come with extra lighting effects that sync seamlessly with your machine for gameplay effects.
Q: Does a mouse pad make a difference in gaming?
A: It actually does. The overall gaming experience is made even better with a good and quality mouse pad, as it gives better effects generally. Even though most modern gaming mice have sensors that adjust to various surfaces, using your mouse on a rough surface while gaming can still be frustrating as it may not give the extra smoothness and flexibility a mouse pad gives. So yes, mousepads matter in gaming, and you should probably invest in a quality one to enhance your overall play.
Q: Do I need a soft or hard gaming mouse pad?
A: Both soft and hard mousepads are great for gaming. It all comes down to a preference. Soft mousepads are usually made of rubber or foam, and come covered in soft, tightly woven fabric. They also have padded backing as well. Hard mouse pads, on the other hand, usually have smooth plastic components and has a rubber backing. Soft mousepads, however, offer more cushioning underneath the pad. In general, soft mouse pads provide better accuracy, while hard mouse pads are perfect for speed.
Q: Why are some gaming mouse pads so expensive?
A: Mousepads are not one of the cheapest gaming products you will find out there, and rightly so. They are designed for a niche segment and are therefore priced with the typical users in mind. Most avid gamers today make use of gamepads for various reasons, ranging from a better gaming experience to enhanced comfort. This all said, there are plenty of good-quality cheap gaming mats, and if you're a beginner, we recommend opting for an affordable mat- you're likely to try several different mousepads before you find the best gaming mouse pad for your needs anyway.
Sources:
- Hard vs. Soft Mouse Pads: Which Is Better For Gaming? - Dot Esports
- Hard vs Soft Mousepads for Gaming? -Digital World 839