Plastic mat
So, what do the sellers offer us? This is usually the cheapest mat, which consists of a thin plastic layer with a bright picture and a low-quality rubber backing glued to it. Such rugs do not last long, crack when bent and moved around the table, and swell when exposed to moisture. The top plastic layer is cracking, and of course, there can be no question of the accuracy of mouse cursor positioning due to the poor quality of the reflective surface. Sometimes, even on inexpensive optical mice, the cursor jumps when the sensor transitions from one color of the image on the mousepad to another. They look fun though and only cost $2.
This is how they come apart and the top layer of plastic cracks.
Large size rugs
ASUS ROG Sheath
The ASUS ROG Sheath mat has impressive dimensions: you can put not only a mouse and keyboard on it, but even a monitor. The model is made of high quality rubber base and fabric surface. The edges of the product are stitched. Press tests have shown the product's high wear resistance: it can be used even at extreme temperatures: from -30° to +60°C (57 hours). The model is available in two colors: black and scarlet.
Pros:
- the mouse glides well;
- Smooth surface;
- dampens vibrations from the keyboard.
Minuses:
- the place where the wrist touches the fabric quickly gets worn out;
- gets dirty;
- the price is above average.
HyperX Fury S Pro Extra Large
The professional gaming mat has a rubber base that ensures a tight fit to the surface and dense fabric. The edges are stitched using an overlocker. The surface material ensures easy and smooth gliding. The product warranty is 36 months. Among the disadvantages, one can note that the rug is somewhat massive and tends to attract dust.
Pros:
- non-slip base;
- wear-resistant edges;
- great guarantee;
- wide;
- the edges are stitched.
Minuses:
- the price tag is above average;
- attracts dust;
- massive.
Logitech G G840
An expensive and high-quality mat from Logitech is made of rubber and fabric. Has an average coefficient of friction and a clear tactile response. The high quality fabric cover is equally suitable for different mouse sensitivity settings. The product comes complete with a convenient carrying case.
Pros:
- big;
- lasting;
- carrying case;
- high coefficient of internal friction;
Minuses:
- smells unpleasant;
- only one color;
- gets dirty quickly.
Cork mat
Only cork rugs can be even worse.
This is a rug made of wood, very reminiscent of a wine cork (perhaps made from these corks), and also costs no more than $2. I don’t know who came up with such stupidity, but this rug will not only erase your mouse’s feet, but will also rub a callus on your wrist.
Rug with hand cushion
When my first rug soon became unstuck and cracked, I decided that I would no longer buy bad rugs and chose what I thought was a high-quality and comfortable rug with a hand cushion for $7.
This is a cloth mat with a good rubber base that seems to stick to the clean surface of the table. But I soon realized that I was mistaken, as it turned out to be inconvenient to use. Although the pillow was quite soft, the palm was high from the surface of the table and it was uncomfortable to hold the hand like that. In addition, there was not enough room to move the mouse, and the fabric quickly got dirty.
Which gaming mouse pad is best to choose?
Using a quality mouse pad will directly impact your gaming experience. It’s not worth saving on the purchase of this accessory, but there’s no point in overpaying either. To select the right product, you need to consider some points:
- The type of gaming mat should match the genre of games you play. Where speed is important, a smooth and more rigid surface is needed, for precise control - with roughness, structured.
- Large mats for those fighting at low sense. Or just for convenience, if the size of the workplace allows. When the size of the mat is not important for the game, you can get by with a medium or even small option.
- In the characteristics, pay attention to what type of mouse the mouse pad is intended for and whether it matches your device.
- If you often play outside the home, the model should be easy to carry. Most often these are fabric options.
- It is important to evaluate comfort during the game, how comfortable the mat is for your hands. The thickness and softness of the product and how the edge is processed are important here.
- If cost isn't an issue for you, consider lighting, charging, or other technological conveniences.
Enjoy the shopping!
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Rubber mat
Due to the fact that it was extremely inconvenient to work with, I decided not to suffer and buy another rug. And I wanted it to have the same soft rubber base, but with a smooth (not fabric) finish and a standard rectangular shape. And I found one, it turned out to be a rug from the G-CUBE brand, costing about $6, and I was right.
Rugs from this brand have interesting colors and an excellent base made of very soft porous rubber. They do not slip and do not deteriorate.
I used this mat for a long time and happily, until I bought a laptop with a good radio mouse and decided that I should throw the same mat into my bag with it so that my mouse would be dry and comfortable. And no problem, such mats disappeared from sales (now you can already buy them).
Best Aluminum Mouse Pads
ORICO AMP2218
Very thin mat - 1.5 mm aluminum and 0.5 mm silicone backing. Made from sandblasted anodized aluminum. The design is classic - light gray with a logo in the lower left corner. The durable base allows the aluminum mats to be used on any surface, not just hard ones. The average cost is 1000 rubles.
Advantages:
- Not easily soiled, any dirt can be easily wiped off with a cloth.
- Pleasant metal feel.
- Doesn't bend or break.
- Convenient size.
- Rubber base, non-slip.
Flaws:
- Does not work well with some mice, positioning is disrupted.
Metal mats are a matter of taste; some users do not like the cooling feel of metal. It is convenient because it can be used on any surface, for example, while lying in bed. And there is no denying the enchanting appearance of this rug.
Fabric mat
I searched for a long time, but I never found anything like it. Then I decided to buy the A4Tech X7-200MP gaming mat.
It was a rug with a fabric covering and about the same cost (about $5-6).
And, lo and behold, I saw the light, it was so soft and comfortable! In addition, it is a couple of centimeters larger than the previous one and my mouse felt simply divine on it! Firstly, it stopped sliding the moment you press fire in the game and the aim didn’t go astray. Secondly, I even felt an increase in the accuracy of cursor positioning; it seemed that I was no longer controlling every millimeter, but every tenth part of it!
The bottom of the mat has the same non-slip rubber base.
Rubber is very soft and porous, reminiscent of rubber.
The base is very durable and the mat does not deform over time.
The only drawback that emerged after six months is that it gets dirty and cannot be wiped with a damp cloth or cotton wool with alcohol, like the previous one. But I found a way out of this situation - I washed it in warm water with dishwashing detergent, rinsed it and hung it to dry overnight. And, lo and behold, in the morning my rug was like brand new! Since then I have repeated this procedure many times and each time he has been completely restored. The only thing is that after a few years the edges start to fray (the fabric peels off from the rubber), but I still think this is the best rug for the price.
By the way, I decided to check how a new laptop mouse would behave on it and it turned out to be great. But she had problems with the old mat... If my gaming mouse slid too much on it, then the radio mouse of the laptop, on the contrary, moves over it with force, which is not very comfortable. The fabric covering of the gaming mat turned out to be ideal for any mouse and now I use such mats on all my computers and laptops.
The Best Mid-Range Gaming Mouse Pads
In the mid-price category, there is a wider range of play mats. The quality of the material used is an order of magnitude higher. If we are talking about a fabric product, special fabric processing technologies are used here. In the segment you can find technologically advanced models equipped with modern functions, for example, from Xiaomi.
The selection includes models of different sizes, costing from 900 to 1500 rubles.
4 HyperX Fury S Pro Medium (HX-MPFS-M)
In fourth position in the subcategory is a medium size M mat from the popular brand of gaming accessories HyperX Fury S Pro Medium (HX-MPFS-M).
The top of the product is made of smooth, densely woven fabric. The base material is vegetable rubber, with a characteristic texture, due to which it is securely fixed on the table. The special feature of the rug is smooth stitching around the perimeter, making the edges indelible. The working surface is optimized for better accuracy or high speed, depending on gaming priorities. Dimensions of 36 by 30 cm allow the player to perform mouse movements with a fairly large amplitude. The mat is suitable for gamers using ultra-low to medium sensitivity. Both laser and optical sensors of gaming mice are functional with it.
Players note the balance between the mouse's easy glide across the mat and the slight resistance to prevent accidental movements. The surface is quite soft, with a comfortable thickness of 3 mm. Users also like the simple design of the model.
Pros:
- Quality material, indelible edges.
- Comfortable size for most games.
- Easy mouse glide, precision and control of movements.
- For any type of mouse.
- The design does not distract attention from the game.
Minuses:
- It quickly gathers dust and is easily soiled.
- After unpacking it does not straighten out for a long time, even under pressure.
Mat HyperX Fury S Pro Medium HX-MPFS-M
3 SteelSeries QcK (63004)
In third position is a mat from one of the most popular brands among gamers, SteelSeries QcK (63004).
This model is medium in size, 32 cm by 27 cm, and only 2 mm thick. The peculiarity of the product is the use of microfiber fabric, on which mice with both optical and laser sensors work ideally. Speed surface type, with excellent sliding characteristics. In combination with the optimal size, it is good for playing with different types of sensitivity, including high. The exception is ultra-low sensa, for which a larger mat is preferable.
The base of the product is made of durable rubber, which does not slip on the table even with the most active movements. The design of the model is minimalistic, a black field with the brand emblem in the corner.
Users find the model comfortable. The hand does not get tired, thanks to the pleasant tactile surface and minimal thickness. They note the excellent quality of the material, which does not leave creases after repeated folding or twisting of the rug.
Pros:
- Smooth glide.
- Optimal sizes for most games.
- For optical and laser sensors.
- Suitable for high sensitivity.
- Comfortable thickness and material.
- Quality of material.
Minuses:
- Marking surface.
Mat SteelSeries QcK 63004
2 HP OMEN 100
In second place is the HP OMEN 100 gaming mat, which complements the brand’s line of gaming devices of the same name.
It is made of fabric with a smooth Speed type surface, on a rubber base. Medium size 30 cm by 36 cm, ideal for a small table and for use outside the home. The smoothness of the surface is achieved through the use of cross-weave technology. The model works successfully with optical and laser mice. In practice, it shows excellent results on all available sensor resolutions, cursor accuracy and speed, regardless of the game genre.
Features of the product include water-repellent properties of the material to protect against accidentally spilled liquid. Users find the surface comfortable, the 4mm thickness with a layer of foam rubber provides optimal softness. Among the advantages are the quality of the material and the functionality of the surface. They like the strict design, even the logo and emblem are made in a slightly lighter color than the field itself.
Pros:
- Quality, ergonomic materials.
- Easy glide, precise cursor.
- Versatility regarding Sensa, types of mice.
- Optimal size and shape.
- Strict design.
Minuses:
- Difficulty in care.
Mat HP OMEN 100
1 Xiaomi Mi MIIIW Wireless Charger (MWCP01)
In first place is the Xiaomi Mi MIIIW Wireless Charger mat (MWCP01), which is distinguished by a non-standard combination of materials and additional functionality.
The small model, 30x21 cm, is suitable in cases where a compact accessory is needed. The mouse surface combines practicality with elegance and style. The upper is made of polyurethane leather, which provides ease of sliding and control of movements of the manipulator. The material is abrasion resistant. The base of the mat is made of aluminum alloy, which adds strength to the structure. To prevent the product from slipping on the table, silicone feet are provided.
A functional feature of the product is a built-in wireless charging module located on the right side. It allows you to charge your mouse, smartphones and other devices that support Qi technology. The smart module recognizes objects, monitors the charge level and controls the temperature.
Users appreciated the practicality, stylish appearance of the accessory, and the ratio of cost and functionality.
Pros:
- Stylish design and technology.
- Easy glide, cursor precision.
- Wear resistance, practicality.
- Doesn't slip on the table.
- Smart wireless charging.
Minuses:
- The small area is not suitable for all games.
Pad Xiaomi Mi MIIIW Wireless Charger MWCP01
