10 Mouse Pads That Instantly Improve Your Home Office or Gaming Setup

A good mouse pad is key to giving your mouse more tracking precision. However, these computer accessories are no one-trick ponies: There are mouse pads out there that can suit practically any need. Some mouse pads have ergonomic features to give your wrists a place to rest, while others are specifically designed for the quick movements of a gaming mouse. There are also general-use mouse pads for home offices and work. Regardless of what you'll be using your mouse pad for, there are some factors you'll want to take into consideration before making your purchase.

When you’re looking at different mouse pad options, there are some features and specifications that you’ll want to consider. Here’s what you should be looking out for:

Size: The first thing you’ll want to consider is how big you want your mouse pad to be. There are mouse pads that are just big enough for regular work activities, or there are oversized mouse pads that can cover most of your desk. This will partially come down to preference, but you should also consider your activities and desk size. If you're primarily using your mouse for school or work, you probably won't need your mouse pad to cover an enormous amount of space, but if you’re gaming, you’ll need more surface area.

Surface Texture: This will be a matter of preference. There are mouse pads with surfaces that are extremely slick and smooth and mouse pads with rougher textures and padding. Smooth mouse pads allow for faster movement, but you lose out on some precision. The opposite is true for more textured options.

Ergonomics: Some mouse pads come with ergonomic features, like padding or a wrist cushion, to make long-term use more comfortable. You may want to consider an ergonomic option if you use your mouse for long periods of time, have injuries to your hand or wrist, or suffer from chronic pain.

Extra Features: Finally, there are additional features you may want to consider, like lighting, charging ports, wireless charging, and design. If you don't mind a more utilitarian design, these factors may not be as important to you.

We compiled our list by considering the various uses a mouse pad may serve and user ratings. We also combed through recommendations from other reputable publications such as Tech Radar, Business Insider, and Tom’s Guide. Finally, we made sure all of our choices have earned a rating of four stars or more from users, so you can feel secure making your purchase.