Mouse pads are no longer simple fabric-covered foam squares, they are getting just as technologically advanced as internal computer components. Some include wireless charging while others are just standard pads with low-friction surfaces engineered for gaming.
In today’s market of brand names and knockoffs, there’s plenty of gaming mouse pads from which to pick. No matter if you’re a hardcore or casual gamer, this guide to top gaming mouse pads is sure to help you complete your setup – none are laden with unicorns.
1. Corsair MM600
The best gaming mouse pad for most users
Surface: 147.66-inches square | Size: 13.8 x 10.7 x 0.2 inches (352 x 272 x 5 mm; W x D x H)
The Corsair MM600 doesn’t dazzle with lights like the MM800, but it does offer much more versatility than the higher-cost model. This dual-sided mouse pad keeps also its grip with rubber stoppers at each corner. It’s made from aluminum and, like most other gaming mouse pads, the Corsair MM600 features a low-friction surface that has been optimized for quick responses for gamers.
2. SteelSeries QcK
The best budget gaming mouse pad
Surface: 133.56-inches square | Size: 12.6 x 10.6 x 0.07 inches (320 X 270 x 2mm; W x D x H)
The SteelSeries QcK is a budget mouse pad, but it’s one that does exactly what you want it to. The surface material has a high thread count for accurate mouse tracking and a frictionless glide. Meanwhile, rubber base helps save it from slipping. It comes in several sizes and shapes, and is even available with lights on the higher-end SteelSeries QcK Prism.
3. Cooler Master Make It Yours mouse pad
No nonsense, straight to the business
Surface: 92.04 | Size: 11.8 x 7.8 x 0.11 inches (300 x 200 x 3mm; W x D x H)
The Cooler Master mouse pad may look simple, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be perfect for your gaming needs. It has a low-friction, cloth surface for smooth mouse movements. Rather than having built-in lighting and it comes in a neutral color gray to blend with any setup. While it’s not that tall, it has a good width with which to move a mouse around.
- This product is only available in the UK as of this writing. US and Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the SteelSeries QcK.
4. Razer Sphex v2
A minimalist’s dream and ultra-thin gaming mouse pad
Surface: 140-inches square | Size: 14 x 10 x 0.02 inches (355 x 254 x 0.5 mm; W x D x H)
RGB lighting is cool and all, but some gamers prefer having a seamless, unobtrusive desk surface. The ultra-thin – less than half a millimeter in height – Razer Sphex v2 is the mouse pad for such a gamer. Despite its thinness, the polycarbonate surface is durable and optimized for laser or optical mouse gaming mouse control. We’ve picked out the regular size, but it also comes in a Small size variant.
- This product is only available in the US and UK as of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Razer Goliathus.
5. Roccat Hiro+
Engineered for greatness
Surface: 111.2-inches square | Size: 13.78 x 8.07 x 0.09 inches (350 x 205 x 2.5 mm; W x D x H)
The top of the Hiro+ is covered in a vulcanized silicone surface with a 3D structure to help increase your gaming accuracy and speed. The base has a non-slip surface for steady mouse control, and the edges have been rounded for a smoother profile. Its surface is also coated to protect from water and grime, and makes for easy cleaning.
6. Logitech G PowerPlay
The ultimate charging mouse pad for wireless gaming mice
Surface: 170.1-inches square | Size: 12.6 x 13.5 x 1.7 inches (321 x 344 x 43 mm; W x D x H)
Is it a charging pad or a mouse pad? The Logitech G PowerPlay gaming mouse pad is both. Similar to wireless smartphone chargers, the PowerPlay creates an electromagnetic resonance over the surface of the mat allowing compatible mice to charge even while in use. As if that wasn’t enough technology, this mouse pad has an integrated wireless receiver with an one-millisecond report rate, automatic frequency interference avoidance system and end-to-end signal optimization, making it perfect for professional gamers.
7. Razer Firefly RGB
Super colorful, super fly
Surface: 140.36-inches square | Size: 13.98 x 10.04 x 0.16 inches (355 x 255 x 4 mm; W x D x H)
The Razer Firefly RBG gaming mouse pad has been eSports tested to ensure gamer success. It boasts a micro-textured surface, focusing on precise controls for gamers. Razer even lab-tested the Firefly RGB’s coating to ensure it has the right reflectiveness for a quicker response rate. The Razer Firefly RGB also uses Chroma Lighting, with more than 16.8 million colors to personalize gaming experiences.
8. Corsair MM800 RGB Polaris
The ultimate mouse pad for RGB lighting enthusaists
Surface: 139.7-inches square | Size: 13.7 x 10.2 x 0.2 inches (350 x 260 x 5mm; W x D x H)
The Corsair MM800 RGB Polaris isn’t just a mouthful, it’s a nifty gaming mouse pad, too. It uses a low-friction finish for quick and precise tracking across its surface. The MM800 RGB Polaris uses the CUE2 interface to sync its lighting with your other peripherals and PC through RGB share. It’s also available in two top materials: Cloth and a micro-texture surface.
9. Asus ROG Scabbard
A rugged giant of a mouse pad
Surface: 613.65-inches square | Size: 35.43 x 17.32 x 0.11 inches (900 x 440 x 3 mm; W x D x H)
The Scabbard is less mouse pad and more ‘gear pad’. The Asus Republic of Gaming (ROG) Scabbard pad can hold the laptop or keyboard and mouse. It has a non-slip ROG-red rubber base and low-friction Sheath woven surface for gaming control. They’ve even temperature tested the ROG Scabbard down to -30°C – but why you’d game in sub-zero conditions is unimaginable.
- This product is only available in the US and UK as of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Roccat Hiro+.
10. MSI Thunderstorm
The heavy metal gaming mouse pad
Surface: 110.88-inches square | Size: 12.6 x 8.8 x 0.07 inches (320 x 225 x 2 mm; W x D x H)
Unlike all the other soft pads and plastic surfaces in this article, the MSI Thunderstorm gaming mouse pad is made of pure metal. To be specific, this mouse mat is made of an anodized, hairline-surfaced aluminum piece with rubber stoppers. The hairline textured surface is optimized for mouse control and speed, while its L-shape allows it to be situated close to the keyboard. Flip it over for a micro-textured surface and the comfort of cloth.