You’ve probably never looked at what your mouse pad is made from.
Because it doesn’t seem like that big a deal, right?
But maybe it is.
Maybe what your mouse pad is made from actually impacts how productive you are.
What is the best material for a mouse pad?
Hard mouse pad materials are best for performance increases. Gamers prefer these mouse pads because they track better and are simply way better for high-end optical mice. Soft mouse pad materials work well for general use, but they do not offer the same performance benefits.
There are probably more materials out there than you realize.
When determining the best material though it usually comes down to personal preference.
Soft mouse pads
You’re probably already familiar with soft mouse pads that are typically constructed from a lightweight foam material.
These are the most readily available so are the type that most computer owners use.
This makes plenty of sense. The foam material is mass produced, doesn’t cost a lot to produce, so they’re cheap to buy.
Foam mouse pads
Soft mouse pads come in several varieties, but the most common ones are made of polyester fabric glued to a layer of foam.
These materials are strong and soft and while they might be a little water resistant but are absolute stain magnets so they get dirty really easily.
And those stains are almost impossible to remove, especially if they’re coffee, soda or wine stains.
Leather mouse pads
Leather is another option for soft mouse pads.
It may not be the top choice for vegan users, but those that prefer leather claim it is soft and feels great. It is also warmer than most other mouse pads and has a good grip, plus they’ll last pretty much forever.
The downside is that the oil and dirt from your hands and mouse will create a slick residue of crud on your leather mouse pad after several months.
I hadn’t ever considered owning a leather mouse pad until researching this article. I kinda want one now.
Cork mouse pads
Cork serves as a good middle ground between hard and soft mouse pads. It’s a natural material, is environmentally friendly.
It’s also more than comfortable enough to use for several hours because of the springy material.
Again, the only real downside here is that cork can and will pick up stains very, very easily and those stains tend to be permanent due to the porous nature of cork as a material.
Just look at a wine cork to understand how true this is.
Pros
- Soft mouse pads are usually cheap to buy
- They come in a wide variety of designs and colors
- They’re more comfortable to use in cold environments
Cons
- They’re less durable than a rigid material such as steel or aluminum
- They get stained very easily
- Foam and fabric mats will fray and tear over time
- They’re not easy to keep clean
Hard mouse pads
Hard mouse pads have little to no give because they’re made from materials such as rigid plastic, aluminum, or even glass.
So they’re as solid as the surface of your desk.
Instead of just using your desk, a hard mouse pad gives you a dedicated surface that’s designed specifically for optical mice.
Aluminum mouse pads are a top choice for performance tasks.
These are usually made from 3 aluminum panels about 0.06 inches thick that are then bonded together. Aluminum mouse pads are incredibly smooth and provide a frictionless environment for your mouse that also supports high-DPI optical tracking.
Plastic mouse pads are another option. They’re cheaper than aluminum mouse pads but are an upgrade when compared to a regular cloth mouse pad.
These usually include a layer of non-slip plastic and a layer that includes a non-slip material on top.
For a more aesthetic hard mouse pad, resin is considered the best choice. These have the lowest friction levels, and they come in a variety of customizable designs.
Pros
- They provide better accuracy because there is less friction acting against mouse movements
- The optical sensor has a better chance of tracking across the surface
Cons
- Harder materials do not stay warm, and the cold surface can be unbearable for some
- You also cannot roll up a hard mouse pad, reducing its portability
What are ergonomic mouse pads made from?
Ergonomic mice are available in a variety of materials.
You can get the standard foam mouse pad with a gel wrist rest, or a high-end aluminum mouse pad with a gel wrist rest.
So it’s down to what you can afford to spend, but the actual material a mouse pad is made from doesn’t make it more or less economic.
Which mouse pad material is best?
If you need a mouse pad for precision tasks, such as gaming, you cannot go wrong with a harder or more rigid material.
As long as you keep it clear of scratches, the tracking is unparalleled when compared to any other type of mouse pad.
You will need to pay a premium for owning a metal mouse pad, for example.
But you do get what you pay for.
