For any gamer, mouse pads are an indispensable part of their equipment. They allow your mouse to move smoothly, preventing the hardware from getting damaged. This is why having a mouse pad in good condition is essential for an enjoyable gaming experience. That being said, do mouse pads actually wear out?
The answer is yes, unfortunately. Mouse pads are greatly susceptible to wear and tear, especially if you’re gaming for long periods of time at a stretch. So, the fact that frequent gamers change mouse pads several times a month shouldn’t come as a surprise. Signs that your mouse pad is worn out include frayed edges, errant cloth fibers and an uneven, bumpy surface. If this is what your mouse pad looks like, it’s time to get a new one.
Why exactly are worn-out mouse pads bad, you might ask. Well, firstly, they make your mouse feel less sensitive to your movements. This may result in slow responsiveness and poor performance overall during gaming. Secondly, due to loose cloth fibers, dust particles and an uneven surface, your mouse can potentially develop scratches on its sensor. This can shorten its lifespan.
How Long Do Gaming Mouse Pads Last?
The answer to this depends on how frequently you game. If you play between 6 and 8 hours daily, you’ll probably need to change mouse pads quite a few times a month. Or if you’re a casual gamer, averaging between 1 and 2 hours a day, your pad can last longer — up to a year, or even more.
If you take good care of your pad — wash it regularly, prevent it from damage — it will last a lot longer and save you money in the long term. Getting a good quality pad from a reputable brand also makes a difference. Although they too get worn out at some point, they last considerably longer than cheaper alternatives.
How Can I Make My Mouse Pad Last Longer?
If you take good care of your mouse pad, it can last longer. A few things you can do to extend its life include avoiding putting heavy objects such as books, paperweights, plates, glasses, etc. on it when it’s not in use. Keeping sharp objects away from the pad is also important.
You can also wash your mouse pad, using a brush to gently scrub away the dirt. This not only increases its sensitivity but also ensures the pad remains hygienic.
What Are Gaming Mouse Pads Made Of?
Gaming mouse pads can be made from a wide range of materials. These include rubber, plastic, fabric, polyester, nylon, neoprene and steel. Soft gaming mouse pads are usually made from low-density rubber composites, with a layer of fabric affixed on top. Hard mouse pads, on the other hand, are flat sheets made of metal or plastic.
To check the current price and availability of the Logitech G640 Large Cloth Gaming Mousepad, click here to view the listing on Amazon.
How to Clean Your Gaming Mouse Pad
Cleaning your gaming mouse pad regularly is the best thing you can do to make it last longer. If your pad is machine washable, you can simply toss it in your washing machine with the right detergent. Otherwise, you can wash it yourself. Here are a few steps to get started:
- Fill a container with a mixture of washing soap and water. Soft washing detergent can also be used.
- Fully immerse the mouse pad in the container for 20-30 minutes. This filters out the dirt particles.
- Take it out and scrub it gently with your hand, or an old toothbrush.
- Rinse it once and let it dry outdoors.
These steps work perfectly for cloth/rubber mouse pads. Cleaning a hard pad is much simpler. If you have one made from plastic or steel, you can simply soak a cloth in a soapy solution and wipe the surface of the pad with it.
What Can You Do With Old Mouse Pads?
The answer is a lot! Old mouse pads make excellent recyclable items as they can be repurposed for a variety of uses. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
- Coasters. Cut out pieces of the pad in different sizes to use them as coasters for tableware.
- Doormat. If you have a very large mouse pad, it can be repurposed as a doormat.
- Furniture legs. You can cut out pieces and stick them to the bottom of the legs of tables and chairs to prevent them from scratching the floor.
- Posters and frames. Old mouse pads can be used to create wall posters as well as photo frames. Get creative!
What Are the Best Gaming Mouse Pad Brands?
Given the many gaming mouse pad brands out there, picking the best one can be a daunting task. Most brands offer really good pads, but here are some of the best ones: SteelSeries, Razer, Logitech and Corsair. Pads from these brands regularly bag the top positions of the best gaming mouse pads across many lists and surveys.
If you want to buy one, you’ll be able to find an extensive collection of pads from these brands on Amazon, eBay and Best Buy.
To check the current price and availability of the Corsair Ultra-Thin Gaming Mouse Pad, click here to view the listing on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to clean your mouse pad and what brands to keep in mind when buying one. But how do you choose a new one for yourself? If you have a large desk and/or need more space to maneuver, go for a large pad. These are typically 45cm long and 40cm wide. Smaller pads are usually 35cm long and 30cm wide. If you prefer long, rectangular pads that cover your desk, look for the extended versions.
As for the material, you can either go for a soft pad (rubber, cloth) or a hard one (plastic/metal). Hard pads have less surface resistance and are easier to clean. Since both types offer a good gaming experience, choose one based on your preferences and comfort.
Gaming mouse pads do wear out. A worn-out pad can result in a terrible gaming experience, as well as damage to the mouse itself. To prevent that from happening, keep your mouse pad in good condition by regularly washing it. If you’re buying a new one, choose good brands and pick a pad based on your comfort.