Best Gaming Mouse Pad 2012
Ranked #623 in Games, #17,159 overall
Serious Gamers Need Serious Mouse Pads
If you play Farmville once or twice a week or maybe spend an hour a day on one of those awesome Hidden Picture games then you don't really need a gaming mousepad. You're fine with that little $5 pad that came with your computer,
But if you're one of the growing number of serious gamers, then you already know that rinky-dink little mousepad just doesn't cut it. You spend hours a day competing for the Gold and you need a mousepad that can stand up to the challenge.
Those cheap little pads with puppy dogs and kittens and smiley faces are fine when you're just clicking around the Web. But they're definitely not made for gaming.
For one thing, they're entirely too small. When you're in the heat of the battle you're all over the place with your mouse. You need plenty of space for tactical maneuvers.
How many times have you been poised and ready for the kill - just one more step - and WHAM! Your mouse went right off the edge of the mousepad and you lost the element of surprise.
And for another, they're not smooth enough. They cause too much drag.
You need to be able to move with the precision of a brain surgeon and those cheap mousepads make you feel like you're dragging your cursor through quicksand.
Let's take a look at some of our favorites and you'll see what we're talking about.
But if you're one of the growing number of serious gamers, then you already know that rinky-dink little mousepad just doesn't cut it. You spend hours a day competing for the Gold and you need a mousepad that can stand up to the challenge.
Those cheap little pads with puppy dogs and kittens and smiley faces are fine when you're just clicking around the Web. But they're definitely not made for gaming.
For one thing, they're entirely too small. When you're in the heat of the battle you're all over the place with your mouse. You need plenty of space for tactical maneuvers.
How many times have you been poised and ready for the kill - just one more step - and WHAM! Your mouse went right off the edge of the mousepad and you lost the element of surprise.
And for another, they're not smooth enough. They cause too much drag.
You need to be able to move with the precision of a brain surgeon and those cheap mousepads make you feel like you're dragging your cursor through quicksand.
Let's take a look at some of our favorites and you'll see what we're talking about.
Contents at a Glance
Razer Scarab Expert Hard Gaming Mouse Mat
This hard surface gaming mousepad has a special crystalline coating that makes it easier for the laser sensors in your mouse to distinguish the peaks and valleys. The smoother surface means fast reaction times and the textured surface means tighter controls for rifle shots.
The Scarab is extremely thin which makes it comfortable to use for extending gaming periods and its textured, rubberized bottom keeps it stable on your desk. Plenty of room for maneuvering, too.
How Do You Choose Your Sensitivity Level?
If you've played a certain game for a while your hand becomes one with the mouse and you just 'know' how much play you have in your controls. but how do you judge that sensitivity when you move on to another game?
When moving from a fast paced game where you need high sensitivity to a slower paced game where you need tighter control, there's an adjustment period in there where, for a while, you feel like your exploring a cave wearing a blindfold.
The same thing happens when you change your mouse or your mousepad. You have to re-adjust your perceptions and make adjustments to the sensitivity level of your mouse.
Simply place your mouse in the center of your mouse pad and the cursor in the center of the screen. Then turn your hand as far as possible in either direction to estimate the degrees.
Inexperienced players should start with a lower sensitivity until they get to know the game better. And then, as you gain experience, you can adjust your sensitivity accordingly. Most players who know their game and are playing to conquer will play on the highest sensitivity level possible to give them a quicker reaction time.
When moving from a fast paced game where you need high sensitivity to a slower paced game where you need tighter control, there's an adjustment period in there where, for a while, you feel like your exploring a cave wearing a blindfold.
The same thing happens when you change your mouse or your mousepad. You have to re-adjust your perceptions and make adjustments to the sensitivity level of your mouse.
Simply place your mouse in the center of your mouse pad and the cursor in the center of the screen. Then turn your hand as far as possible in either direction to estimate the degrees.
Inexperienced players should start with a lower sensitivity until they get to know the game better. And then, as you gain experience, you can adjust your sensitivity accordingly. Most players who know their game and are playing to conquer will play on the highest sensitivity level possible to give them a quicker reaction time.
XFX FXGS2LAYER WarPad Gaming Mouse Pad
When it comes to comfort you can't beat the XFX FXGS2LAYER WarPad. As the name implies, for a lot of gamers, it's not just a game - it's a serious battle for control. And sometimes it takes more than a few minutes to win the war.
What we really like about the WarPad is the fact that the edge of your desk is covered, too, eliminating all discomfort in your wrist and forearm. So go ahead and battle it out. I won't hurt a bit.
Get A Mousepad, Save Your Computer
Most people only think about mousepads in relationship to their... well, their mouse. Let's face it. What else are you going to think about?
A gaming mousepad gives you better control and enhances your performance. But it can also help protect your computer.
We've all been there. You're in the middle of a horrific battle. You're all over the desk. You're pounding on your computer keys and it's bouncing around and sliding all over the place. Your computer is taking a worse beating than your mouse!
Put a large gaming mousepad under your keyboard or laptop or whatever you're playing on, to keep it from bouncing all over the desk. It'll also act as a shock absorber and take some of that abuse away from your computer.
A gaming mousepad gives you better control and enhances your performance. But it can also help protect your computer.
We've all been there. You're in the middle of a horrific battle. You're all over the desk. You're pounding on your computer keys and it's bouncing around and sliding all over the place. Your computer is taking a worse beating than your mouse!
Put a large gaming mousepad under your keyboard or laptop or whatever you're playing on, to keep it from bouncing all over the desk. It'll also act as a shock absorber and take some of that abuse away from your computer.
SteelSeries 9HD Large Professional Gaming Mouse Pad
The SteelSeries 9HD is made from a composite plastic material with a finely textured surface and is designed with accuracy in mind.
This is a hard surface which is also optimized for use with today's high-tech laser gaming mice, with thousands of reflective points which provide superior tracking abilities.
The non-slip rubberized under-layer means this pad stays where it's put for an ultra-stable playing surface.
What To Look For When Shopping For A Gaming Mouse Pad
- 1Smooth Surface: Smooth surface mousepads are built for speed. The smoother the surface the less drag on your mouse and the faster your reaction time. However, you sacrifice a little in the precision department.
- 2Textured Surface: A mousepad with a textured surface is just the opposite. The texture help you grab on for precision control but you sacrifice a little speed.
- 3Size: It's possible to cover the whole top of your work surface with mousepads and if that's what it takes to get the job done then go for it! If you have trouble with your keyboard sliding around, consider getting a pad that's large enough to fit under your keyboard and still give you plenty of room to maneuver your mouse.
- 4Comfort: Comfort is crucial with gaming mousepads. Some mats are super thin and you don't have to worry about them cutting into your wrist or arm after you've played a few hours. Others are thicker with beveled edges or padded edges that extend off the desk. Be careful when choosing a metal pad. While it's one of the best surfaces for speed it's can be cold to the touch and collect condensation.
- 5Stability: The last thing you want is a mousepad you have to chase around your desk. Make sure it has a rubberized surface on the bottom to keep it from walking away in the middle of your game.
What's Your Game?
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biggking
May 28, 2012 @ 6:55 am | delete
- amazing mousepad. IT IS HUGE!!!!!
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mini100
Feb 25, 2012 @ 9:58 am | delete
- Well written lens, and well put together! Though I am not into gaming, I understand that it is a definite niche or passion for some people. This lens has great information for those who are interested in gaming. Great job!
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LaurieKristensen Feb 24, 2012 @ 8:36 pm | delete
- Wonderful description of the proper kind of mouse pad for the gamer who is absolutely serious about being the best they can possibly be. The different features were explained well along with the reasons they are superior to regular mouse pads.
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mantele11
Feb 19, 2012 @ 11:08 am | delete
- Great lens. Thumbs up!
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projectweb2011
Feb 18, 2012 @ 5:31 pm | delete
- i have a razor mouse pad, they are the best. great lens, checkout href="http://www.squidoo.com/topfreegames" title="http://www.squidoo.com/topfreegames" target="_blank">http://www.squidoo.com/topfreegames
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starcraft2guidefornobs
Feb 16, 2012 @ 10:28 pm | delete
- it looks great, i'll have to order it
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Landers03
Feb 13, 2012 @ 4:33 pm | delete
- I have the SteelSeries 9HD Large Professional Gaming Mouse Pad. It works great.
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