What Is A Mouse Pad? Why Do I Need A Mouse Pad?

Did you know that Jack Kelley invented the first-ever mousepad in 1969? The seemingly simple piece of modern-day computer setup is a vital component. Modern-day mice with highly accurate and flawless sensors need a smooth surface. Mousepads provide the sensor with an even surface that leads to better control.

Many types of mouse pads vary in material, size, features, and stitching. Owing to the modern wireless charging technology, some mouse pads even feature wireless charging for the mouse and keyboard. Before you purchase your next mouse pad, make sure that you consider the details from this guideline for a well-informed decision.

What is a Mouse Pad

As the name suggests, a mousepad is a computer mousepad. The primary purpose of the mouse pad is to provide a smooth surface for efficient cursor movements. However, with time, the usage scenarios and applications are expanding. Here is the list of mouse pad features:

● Smooth Surface for Mouse Movement

● Aesthetic Accessory

● Wireless Charger

● Ergonomic Comfort

● Variable Texture for Speed Control

● Anti-Microbial Coatings

● Control Panel

Types of Mouse Pad

Considering the massive features of modern mouse pads, the types and categories of mousepads are constantly expanding. Let's have a look at the types and their details:

1. Gaming Mouse Pad

Have you ever heard of the term “mouse rage?” It's when a gamer slams the mouse against the mouse pad, feeling enraged by an in-game situation. It is a natural response, and gamers use it in tense situations. Gaming mouse pads can withstand such forces of rage.

Impacts and frequent movements can easily damage mouse pads with hard surfaces and substandard fabric. Gaming mouse pads offer a gliding surface of neoprene foam, Cordura, polyester, or cloth. A typical gaming mouse pad has a surface area of 250 x 190mm and a thickness of 3mm for the small size. The large size has an 880 x 310mm surface area and a thickness of 4mm. The gaming mouse pads provide accuracy, precision, and rapid movements that professional gamers require in high-stakes tournament situations.

★ Product: MEETION Large RGB Mouse Pad for Gaming PD121

2. Office Mouse Pad

The first mouse pad was an office mouse pad. It was meant to provide a surface, allowing the mouse and the ball to glide smoothly. However, with time, the material changed from natural fabrics to synthetic materials, providing better control and slide. Polyester with a nylon blend provides flawless movement that ensures longevity through mouse skids. In an office environment, a small mousepad that offers enough surface for mouse movement is enough.

★ Product: MEETION Soft Rubber Gaming Mouse Pad PD015

3. Ergonomic Mouse Pad

Working long hours on a computer can cause discomfort in the wrists, arms, and shoulders. Ergonomic mouse pads provide support through cushioning that enhances posture and usage. Some mouse types, such as vertical and trackball mice, can provide comfort through natural wrist posture. However, all of them require support for wrist placement. These supports reduce the strain on wrists due to long working hours, leading to better arm position for better blood flow.

★ Product: Port Ergonomic Gel Mouse Pad

4. Dual Surface Mouse Pad

There can be instances where you do not require smooth glides. You may need a surface that makes it difficult to move the mouse so that there is much more control. Gamers, designers, and 3D modeling experts may need two surfaces on a mouse to switch between their work. They can switch to a more gripping surface when performing tasks requiring precision. They can switch to a slippery surface while gaming or casually surfing the internet.

Manufacturers use Natural Cork and PU Leather as the most common surfaces. Users can switch between these surfaces by simply flipping their mousepad over. 

5. Wireless Charging Mouse Pad

Innovation in charging technologies is leading manufacturers to become creative with mousepads. There are loads of proprietary charging methods. However, Qi is a wireless or inductive charging technology standardized to support various hardware. It is effective over a distance of 4cm, allowing wide-scale application. The technology was announced in 2008. Over 351 smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, Huawei, Google, Xiaomi, and Samsung, now use the same technology.

The Qi wireless charging capability allows smartphones, mice, and keyboards to be charged on the go. With a mousepad that supports the latest Qi charging version 2.0, users can charge their devices with 15W power delivery.

6. Extended Mouse Pad

One of the most popular and in-demand types of mousepad is the extended mousepad. The term “Extended” refers to the mousepad's larger size. To gain the nametag of the extended mouse pad, a mouse pad has to be a minimum of 35-36 inches (89-91 cm) in width and 11-18 inches (28-46 cm) in height. They cover a significant portion of a tabletop and are great for aesthetics. Gamers and creators prefer them due to their large size and considerable space for mouse movements. A gaming mousepad can also be an extended mousepad. However, gaming mousepads provide higher precision and smoother glides.

These mouse pads can come with RGB lighting for enhanced aesthetics. Most of them feature a control panel that allows you to change the RGB lighting with the press of a button.

★ Product: MEETION Large RGB Mouse Pad for Gaming PD121

7. Soft Mouse Pad

Most mouse pads are soft. They typically combine foam and fabric to provide a smooth surface for mouse movements. Foam is the base material, while the fabric provides the top surface for the sensor to detect accurate glides. Extended mousepads can also be soft, as they are easy to roll for portability and convenience. They usually have stitched edges for durability. 

8. Hard Mouse Pad

In rare scenarios where professional gamers use a laser mouse, they will require a hard mouse pad. These are high-maintenance mouse pads. They are generally available in medium and small sizes. Extended mousepad sizes are not available for hard mouse pads. Aluminum, Steel, Plastic, and Glass are the typical materials that make up a hard mousepad. They are typically available in sizes around 400 x 460 mm.

Wrap-Up: Why Do You Need A Mouse Pad

Mouse pads are an essential part of any computer setup. Whether you are a gamer, corporate employee, field worker, or any person using a computer, you need a mouse pad for stutter-free movements. If you are not using a mouse pad currently, then you are not aware of the advantages that a high-end mousepad can provide. The addition of features such as wireless charging, RGB, ergonomics, and dual-surface provide versatility in mousepad usage. We can conclude the following reasons why you need a mouse pad:

● Stutter free movements

● Smoother glides for accuracy and precision

● Lower effort for movements, reducing wrist strain

● Ergonomic wrist position

● Premium aesthetics

● Longevity of mouse skids

If you are looking for a mouse pad that combines aesthetics with performance, visit the MEETION lineup of mouse pad products. They offer budget-friendly, premium products for all types of users. We hope you find a mousepad that suits your computer setup!