How to choose a mouse pad

Not only convenience depends on the mouse pad, but also the sensitivity of the cursor, which is especially important for gamers.

How to choose a mouse pad: parameters to look out for

When choosing a mouse pad, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

1. The material from which it is made;

2. Ergonomics;

3. Dimensions.

4. The last parameter is also important for gamers.

Mat material

The vast majority of modern rugs are made from the following materials:

1. Thick (multilayer) plastic;

2. Thin plastic;

3. Bung;

4. Foamed rubber;

5. The cloth;

6. Leather.

The vast majority of budget rugs are made of multilayer plastic. They cost about 50-150 rubles and with their duty – to ensure the movement of the mouse cursor – they cope perfectly. However, they have four major disadvantages:

1. Deformation over time. After a few months of use, the edges of such rugs begin to bend;

2. Risk of delamination. Many rugs begin to delaminate over time – their top layer comes off, making it impossible to use the accessory.

3. Pollution. Due to the texture of the mat, its top layer quickly becomes dirty, which leads to a decrease in mouse sensitivity, the appearance of plaque on the optical sensor and just an unpleasant tactile sensation.

4. Inability to mount on the surface. On smooth countertops, these rugs slip a lot.

Thin plastic is devoid of several of these disadvantages at once. It does not flake or slip on the table surface. However, it is also susceptible to deformation and dirt over time.

Cork is the most impractical material for rugs. Due to its texture, it causes both abrasion of the mouse legs and skin irritation.

Foam rubber mats are the most practical. They are soft enough to be comfortable to use, provide high sensitivity of the mouse's optical sensor, and also hold well on the table. In addition, they are very inexpensive – about 150-250 rubles, depending on the manufacturer. Among the disadvantages of such rugs are high sensitivity to the environment of use (for example, it is definitely not recommended to keep them in direct sunlight) and their small size, which makes them unsuitable for gamers.

But for gamers, fabric rugs are intended. In addition to their high practicality and large size, they are distinguished by the maximum sensitivity of the optical mouse sensor. The only problem is the high cost of such rugs – they cost from 1000 rubles, and for really high-quality models you will have to pay 2-3 thousand rubles.

Leather rugs are more of a design solution. In terms of performance parameters, they correspond to models made of thin plastic, but at the same time they look very beautiful and elegant. Moreover, they are also very practical – they do not wear out, do not stick or get dirty.

Ergonomic

The ergonomics of a mouse pad is made up of two parameters: the shape and the presence of a wrist pad.

The most optimal shape for a mouse pad is a traditional rectangle. Semicircular, round, curly models only look beautiful. However, they have an important drawback – the length of the mouse run on this mat is very short. Therefore, for example, if you need to reach with the cursor from the lower left corner of the screen to the upper right corner, you will have to lift the controller.

The presence of a wrist pad makes the use of the mat more convenient, especially if its owner is already old. However, it wears out quickly enough. In addition, the wrist pad also reduces the maximum mileage of the mouse on the mat, making equipped models unsuitable for gamers.

The pad has another drawback – it is inconvenient to use compact mice on such a rug.

However, padded mats reduce the risk of tunnel syndrome, which is pain in the wrist caused by being in an unnatural position for long periods of time.

Mat dimensions

The smaller the rug, the less the mouse can run over it. Therefore, if the controller's sensitivity is also low enough, it will often have to be torn off the table and repositioned. The solution to the problem may be to increase the DPI of the mouse or the speed of the cursor in the operating system.

For gamers, however, this is not a solution. For the best gaming experience, it is recommended to use special rugs that are large in size.

Manufacturers

Mouse pads are produced by a variety of companies – from the so-called 'non-names' to well-known brands. But the highest quality solutions can be found in G-Cube and A4TECH. But the budget options are offered by Defender.

1. Defender makes perhaps the cheapest floor mats. In its assortment you can find models with a price of several tens of rubles! But it should be noted that these are not the most practical and durable options.

2. G-Cube offers the best rubber mats on the market. They cost in the range of 100-200 rubles (depending on the store) and are practical, durable and even very attractive design.

3. A4TECH makes good gaming mats. In most cases, they are cheaper than branded from some Razer or Steelseries, but they have the same performance characteristics.

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In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose a webcam and the secrets of choosing a reliable modem.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.