We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The LA Times editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more

The Best Mouse Pad for Maximum Comfort and Efficiency in 2022

  1. MROCO Mouse Pad
  2. Everlasting Comfort Mouse Pad
  3. Belkin Standard Computer Mouse Pad
  4. Amazon Basics Gaming Computer Mouse Pad
  5. KTRIO Large Gaming Mouse Pad
  6. Leather Desk Pad Protector
  7. Buyer's Guide

When computer mice primarily used the physical rotation of a ball to track movement, mouse pads were necessary to ensure a secure grip and accurate motion. However, as optical and laser mice have replaced the older designs, these pads have become much less necessary. Many people still prefer to use them though since they can provide a more comfortable workspace and improve performance under certain conditions. For example, gamers often use high-performance mouse pads to gain an edge over other players and even non-gamers can still benefit from mouse pads, since they can provide wrist support and a smooth surface. Be sure to check out our picks for our favorite mouse pads in 2022 and the buyer’s guide below for all the information you need to pick the right mousepad for you .

Our Top Mousepads

MROCO Mouse Pad - Large

Large mouse pads may seem unnecessary, but depending on what you need them for and who’s using them, large mouse pads are actually quite beneficial to the user. One of the most popular uses for large mouse pads is in video games - some games, such as those that involve shooting, require precise mouse aiming, and having a large mouse pad allows the player to more accurately aim their shots instead of just relying on smaller movements on a smaller mousepad. Even if you aren’t a hardcore gamer, however, you can still find a large mousepad to be quite useful.

  • Large space
  • Non-slip bottom
  • Can be difficult to fit on small desks

In an office setting, large mousepads can help promote a little more activity than usual. There’s this growing trend of being active while working on a desk, with things such as standing desks becoming more prevalent in offices across the world. And while moving your mouse a little more than usual may not be as intense as standing all day, it can add up over time. The mousepad itself has a non-slip rubber base, allowing you to move your mouse with the briskest of movements and not move the pad by an inch.

Everlasting Comfort Mouse Pad - Best Comfiest Design

The Everlasting Comfort Mouse Pad is an ideal choice for people who suffer from wrist pain. It made it to our list for its thoughtful design and inclusion of a keyboard wrist rest too. The mouse pad itself is made using soft and breathable fabric with a non-slip bottom. The wrist rest filling is comfortable memory foam that ensures premium comfort and performance.
This set is highly suited for a variety of situations. Whether you are an office worker, a gamer, or a left hander, the mouse pad and wrist rest are easily adjustable to suit any application.

  • Memory foam filled wrist rest is very comfortable to lean on
  • Reinforced edges prevents sags and fraying
  • Higher filling it difficult to reach the bottom keys of the keyboard

Belkin Standard Computer Mouse Pad - Simple

Okay, time for something a little more “normal”, so to speak. The Belkin standard computer mouse pad is what you’d expect when buying a mouse pad in the first place. It’s got a rectangular shape with curved edges, making it easy to move around without poking on your skin all the time. It’s also got a non-slip neoprene base, so the only way you’ll be moving this mousepad around is by lifting it and placing it down in a different place.

  • Very affordable
  • Sleek and simple
  • May be too dull for some

Design-wise, the mouse pad is surprisingly plain. Other than the curved edges, there’s no real feature worth mentioning other than the texture, which is smooth enough for computer mice. There aren’t even any colors or designs to choose from, so if you don’t like plain black, this may not be the mouse pad for you. If you don’t mind or even like the look, however, then this mouse pad will be yours for less than $3, which is quite the bargain.

Amazon Basics Gaming Computer Mouse Pad - Amazon Basics

Yet another Amazon Basics product that ends up on our lists. For good reason, too - this mousepad is pretty solid for its quality, and if you’re someone who takes their video gaming seriously, then you’ll appreciate the mouse pad’s feel and look. Too often do people shun brands that aren’t popular in the industry, especially when it comes to gaming accessories, but this mousepad arguably fares better than some gaming brands out there, especially when you factor in the relatively affordable price.

  • Flat surface for mice
  • Great for extended mouse usage
  • Brand placement can be annoying to some

This gaming mouse pad may be named as such, but it’s also great for designers, programmers, or anyone who uses computer mice for hours on end every day. The surface is extremely flat, allowing your mouse to be precise and accurate. This, of course, makes it perfect for video games, but also useful if you’re working with any sort of CAD software and the like. If there’s one thing that may bug you, it’s the Amazon Basics logo plastered on the bottom right, but you won’t be looking at it when gaming anyway, so it’s not that big of a deal.

KTRIO Large Gaming Mouse Pad - For Gaming

Not all mouse pads are designed for computer mice alone. Sometimes, they’re also made to hold the keyboard and other peripherals in place. When playing video games, things can get a little heated, and you may end up moving your keyboard by a bit. This will actually affect your gameplay in the long run, as your hands aren’t in the same position as they were earlier. Even if you don’t realize it, you’ll feel a little discomfort playing from a position that you’re not familiar with.

  • Fits an entire keyboard
  • Keeps keyboard in place all-day
  • Can be a hassle to set up

That’s where a gaming pad comes in. Some gaming mouse pads, such as this one, have enough space to fit an entire keyboard in. And while they’re smooth enough for a computer mouse, they have enough traction that, when in contact with the non-slip bottom of a gaming keyboard, prevents the device from moving anywhere. If you’re gaming for hours on end, you’ll want to end the day with the keyboard in the same position as when you started, and this is a great way to do so.

Leather Desk Pad Protector - Many Color Options

Aside from keeping a keyboard in place or giving you more room to flick your mouse around, there’s another purpose for having a large mouse pad - to keep your desk scratch-free. Over time, your desk will accumulate little grazes and scratches, be it from your phone, car keys, pen, or anything else. Even your keyboard can cause scratches on your desk if moved around too much, and of course, your mouse will inevitably scratch that desk without a mouse pad in-between.

  • Many colors to choose from
  • Protects against desk scratches
  • No designs, just colors

That’s why you may want a large mouse pad to keep the desk safe for a long period. These pads come in various colors, so you can choose the color that you like the best. It also allows you to personalize your home or office (or home office) by a little bit, making your environment feel cozier and, hopefully, more productive.

Buyer's Guide

While mouse pads might not be as essential to computer use as they once were, there are still several reasons to use one. First and foremost, even with an optical or laser mouse, a pad can help ensure precision and easy movement while handling a mouse. Different designs and surface types can help with accuracy, or let your mouse move more easily across the pad. You’ll want to consider what size is right for your workspace and make sure you pick a pad that works with your type of mouse.

Mouse Pad Buyer’s Guide

Surface

Perhaps the single most important factor that impacts mouse performance is the type of surface on a mouse pad. For basic office use or in a retail environment, any kind of mouse pad will probably work. When it comes to gaming, graphic design, and other applications where it really matters, you need to consider the pad's surface and control.

Slick surfaces let you move the mouse very quickly across them, which is great for some types of gaming like playing MMOs or MOBAs. On the other hand, textured surfaces tend to give you more precise control, which is usually ideal for playing an FPS title or doing intricate graphic design where you need to make small, precise movements. Ultimately, you need to decide on a specific surface if you prefer speed, control, or something that gives you a good combination of both.

Hard vs Soft Pads

Hard pads are usually made from plastic and similar materials and are rigid. They don’t roll or fold up and provide you with a solid surface when you are using a mouse. Soft pads, on the other hand, are flexible and easy to store; plus, they’re a bit more forgiving if you rest your hand on them at all.

In terms of functionality, both types of pads work very well and this really does come down to personal preference. Pick a pad that will be comfortable for you to use and look at the surface types and materials to see which meets your personal preference.

Material and Durability

While the material used in the construction of a mouse pad might not directly impact mouse performance, it makes a big difference regarding how long the mouse will last. You want to pick one with a rubberized base that helps it stay in place and not shift under intense hand movements.

You definitely want to pick a pad from a reliable manufacturer backed by satisfied user reviews. A particular mouse pad might look great, but someone who has owned the one you want for a couple of years can tell you if it held up well through thousands of hours of use.

Size

Your work area or desktop space will largely dictate the size of your mouse pad. There is a wide range of sizes available, especially if you’re looking at high-quality gaming or professional mouse pads. You might consider wide mouse pads that fit under your keyboard, to provide some shock resistance under the keys, with material that extends under your mouse. If you tend to move your hand a lot, then you want a large mouse pad that will keep you on the pad even when making wide movements and gestures. If your workspace is limited, then a small mouse pad is obviously ideal.

Mouse Compatibility

You want to make sure you pick a mouse pad that will function properly with your mouse. While most pads work with older ball and optical mice, laser mice can be more difficult to control. If you get a pad that isn’t compatible with your type of mouse, you can find yourself losing input sensitivity, dealing with slowed response time, and even having the on-screen icon stop responding to your movements. Look for a pad that works with your type of mouse and tune into the user reviews to be sure your particular

Additional Features

There are not a ton of extra features you are likely to find on a mouse pad, but a few things are worth considering. Wrist pads are the most common thing you are likely to see, which keeps your wrist comfortable during mouse use. This type of pad can also help keep your wrist elevated in a position that reduces the possibility of carpal tunnel syndrome due to mouse use.

You should definitely look for a mouse pad with wrist support, although separate wrist pads are available. While the look of your mouse pad might not be the most important consideration, you should consider one that integrates well with your established computer setup. If you really want to make an impression, you can even find a mouse pad with colored lighting that you can set to match your rig and other illuminated hardware, but that’s definitely not a necessity.

Manufacturer and Warranty

Much like choosing other computer hardware and peripherals, you want to pick a manufacturer that’s reliable and well known for making quality mouse pads. Companies like SteelSeries, Xtrac, and Fellowes are well known for producing solid products that work very well. You can also consider manufacturers known for making peripherals, like Razer and XFX.

While the warranty on a mouse pad might not be quite as important as something like a $500 graphics card, you should still keep it in mind. You want to pick a model covered by at least a six-month warranty, though a year or more of protection is really ideal.

bestcovery team.jpg
Our research team searches out the best of everything so that you can confidently pick the perfect products and services for your needs.
RELATED CONTENT
Go to top