Opt for a soft cloth mouse pad if you value control over your mouse movements; otherwise, if you love speed, opt for a hard plastic mouse pad. Sizing Below we've broken down the various surface types most gaming mouse pads feature as well as some of the materials they’re usually made of. Shopping for the best gaming mouse pad might seem as simple as finding one that looks good to you and will fit in with your gaming setup, but there’s more to these mouse pads than you would think. RGB: RGB mouse pads are pretty, but they're powered via USB. This doesn't necessarily need to plug into your PC, unless you want to customize the pad's RGB with software (or have it coordinate with your other peripherals). Also, not all RGB is created equal. The number of RGB zones (not the same as the number of LEDs) will determine how complex the light show can get. It's not easy assigning value to a piece of cloth, but someone's got to do it. When we receive a new mouse pad to test, we do what we do best: Play lots and lots of PC games.

Ultimately, getting any of these mouse pads is better than not having one at all, but think hard about the types of PC games you want to play before you make your final decision.

This RGB mouse pad has a connector located on the left-hand side, which you should take into account depending on your desk setup. It also includes an anti-slip rubber base, so it’s guaranteed never to move once you set it down on your table. I've been trying out the XL version, which offers plenty of space for your mouse and keyboard with just enough headroom. That's even with a full-size keyboard—you'd have tons of real estate for big mouse movements with a TKL or compact keyboard. Size: Mouse pads start small but come in a few sizes — the largest ones will take up your entire desk. Do you need a gigantic mouse pad? If you play games that require extreme precision and control — such as first-person shooters — you might want to consider a larger pad; precision is generally attained with a lower DPI, and a lower DPI means bigger hand/arm movements. You definitely don't want to run out of room when you're lining up a headshot.

As for what materials mouse pads are made of, it’s pretty straightforward. Cloth mouse pads are made of...well, cloth. Hard mouse pads, for the most part, are made of plastic, and usually of the polyethylene variety. Some manufacturers also make mouse pads out of metal, which helps make them extra sturdy and unquestionably flat. Alternatively, you might find other wilder options like tempered glass and acrylic. Once we've got a feel for how a particular mouse pad feels underhand, we play a couple more games to get a feel for things. After that, if we like how it looks and is built to last rigorous gaming, it gets a thumbs up. If not, it's a thumbs down, and it's tossed on the great mouse pad fire raging since '85.

HIGH-GRADE QUALITY - Premium soft and smooth microfiber fabric. Non-slip rubber base used for a firm grip on desk to ensure effortless mouse precision and control. Infused with waterproof material to prevents damage from accidental spilled liquid. So it’s in your best interest to clean and maintain your mouse pad. Our Winner For Best White Gaming Mouse Pad It’s not much of a deal-breaker, but it’s something to be wary of if you like your setup to be clean. RGB-capable mouse pads will come with accompanying software that you can use to change the colors of the lights or simply include a button you can press. Personally, cloth pads feel the best because you have the most control over them, but many pro-FPS players prefer hard pads because they have swifter movements.

Unlike their cloth counterparts that all use very similar textiles, hard mousepads are made from a wide variety of components and blends, including aluminum, plastic, and rubber. They vary dramatically in friction, weight, and design, so there is sure to be a hard mouse pad out there that is perfect for you. For us, the simplicity and ultra-smooth surface of the Logitech G440 make it our top choice when considering speed. A hard pad will allow you to slide your mouse faster, but you will have less control over your mouse movements. CLEAN AESTHETIC LOOK - Pair it with your favorite color combos. Complement your setup the right way.You will love moving your mouse around on its soft cloth surface, and it will give you complete control over your mouse movements.

If speed is your top priority, a soft, cloth mouse pad is not for you — and even a hybrid mouse pad will slow you down. You need a hard, smooth, low-friction surface made of plastic, ceramic, aluminum, or glass, like our favorite hard surface mouse pad, the Razer Atlas.

PERFECTLY EXTENDED - The large mouse pad has a dimension of 31.5 x 11.8 inches. It provides a vast amount of space for keyboard positioning and impeccable mouse movement for an enhanced gaming experience or for any office use. Some of today's mouse pads offer more features than just a foam-bottomed area for your mouse. Some are covered in RGB lighting, while others provide Qi wireless charging that'll power your phone or wireless mouse for complete cable-free gaming. Construction is solid across the board here, with a textured cloth surface that gives you plenty of grip without feeling uncomfortable on your wrists and arms. The silicone shielding around the RGB-lit edge also means this mouse pad’s corners aren’t likely to fray anytime soon. Plus, the textured rubber on the mouse pad’s underside means it won’t slip around with your sweeping arm movements while you’re gaming. RGB mouse pads can add some flair to your setup, especially during those long night-time sessions. Frequently Asked Questions If you're looking for RGB, the Razer Firefly V2 has it in spades. This ultra-colorful mouse pad has a whopping 19 customizable zones and its bright LEDs visibly outshine the competitors (despite the relatively thin lighting strips).