Have you been scouring around multiple websites trying to find the right mouse pad for work or gaming?
You have come to the right place. To start with, let us make it clear that your choice of mouse pad should be based on what works best for you.
Moreover, your mouse DPI and other factors will determine whether you get a small or large mouse pad.
Read on to find out what sized mouse pad works best for you.
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What are the Available Mouse Pad Sizes?
There is no one-size fit when it comes to mousepads.
The mousepads are manufactured in different sizes based on the user’s purpose, such as editing, gaming, or general use.
Remember that the mouse pad size will greatly determine accuracy, tracking, and control over the mouse movement.
There are four different standard sizes of mouse pads you can choose from.
1. Small-Sized Mouse Pad
A small mouse pad usually comes in sizes 206mm x 215mm or 200 mm x 250 mm, which may seem a bit too restrictive for gamers.
However, it works well enough for users who navigate from one webpage, document, or folder to another.
Similarly, it would suit the users who sparsely use a mouse when working.
If you use a mouse with a high DPI, usually over 1000, you would benefit from a small mouse pad because it does not need significant movements.
The tiny mousepads are more portable than large mouse pads because you can easily fit them in your pocket or bag when moving around.
Here are a few recommendations for small mousepads.
| Mouse Pad | Specification | Image |
|---|---|---|
| QCK Steel Series US$7.99 | 250 mm x 210 mm x 2 mm QcK micro-woven cloth for maximum control and optimized for different CPI tracking. |  |
| Audimi Mini Mouse US$7.99 | 203 mm x 152 mm A portable mouse pad that comes in a wide range of colors. |  |
| Quality Selection Mouse Pad US$4.10 | 196.85 mm x 234.95 mm A superb mouse pad made from natural rubber with a solid rubber base and comfort. |  |
2. Medium-Sized Mouse Pad
Medium mousepads are slightly more oversized than small mouse pads that provide a larger workspace.
They usually boast 350 mm x 270 mm or 300 mm x 350 mm sizes of mousepads.
These are great for people with limited desk space yet need more space for mouse movement than a tiny mouse pad.
A medium-sized mouse pad would work well for office users who often use a mouse with a high DPI.
They are equally portable because you can easily carry them around.
Here are a few recommendations for medium mouse pads.
| Mouse Pad | Specification | Image |
|---|---|---|
| Razer Gigantus v2 Cloth Gaming Mouse Pad | 320 mm x 270 mm x 2 mm Features a micro-textured surface for optimized for high DPI tracking |  |
| AREYTECO Mouse Pad | 300 mm x 250 mm Durable mouse pad processed in a 230°F high temperature and high-pressure chamber. |  |
| CORSAIR MM150 | 350 mm x 260 mm x 0.55 mm An ultra-thin mouse pad made from a tear-resistant polycarbonate. |  |
3. Large-Sized Mouse Pad
Large mouse pads have larger dimensions compared to small and medium mouse pads.
They are typically sized at 450 mm x 400 mm and work well for both office users and gamers, especially those who use low DPI mice.
The ample surface space offers enough room to move the mouse without encountering obstructions.
Since they are significantly larger, they are optimized for all mouse sensors for gamers or designers.
However, do not mistake them for extended mousepads, which boasts an extended width.
Here are a few recommendations for large mouse pads.
| Mouse Pad | Specification | Image |
|---|---|---|
| QCK Steel Series | 450 mm x 400 mm x 2 mm QcK micro-woven cloth for maximum control and optimized for both high and low DPI tracking |  |
| Amazon Basics XXL Mouse Pad | 452 mm x 394 mm Durable mouse pad processed in a 230°F high temperature and high-pressure chamber |  |
| Razer Gigantus v2 | 450 mm x 450 mm Designed for higher mouse spacing and high-leverage gaming and designing. |  |
4. Extra-large Sized Mouse Pad
As the term suggests, an extended mouse pad features an extended design that accommodates the mouse and sometimes a keyboard.
They are about double or triple the width of a large mousepad and work best for mice with low DPI.
The gamers will find the extended design very useful for extensive mouse movements.
Not only does it protect your mouse, but it also reduces the sound and weight of a keyboard. You would find three different sizes of extended mouse pads;
- X large
- XXL
- 3XL
An X large is usually sized at 400 x 800 mm, XXL at 450 x 950 mm, and 3XL at 600 x 1200 mm.
Since they are significantly large, they are optimized for all mouse sensors.
Here are a few recommendations for extended mouse pads.
| Mouse Pad | Specification | Image |
|---|---|---|
| QCK Steel Series | 590 mm x 1220 mm QcK micro-woven cloth for maximum control. The significantly extended design offers limitless tracking space. | |
| Corsair MM300 | 300 mm x 930 mm An ultra-thin mouse pad made from a tear-resistant polycarbonate and anti-skid rubber base. |  |
| Razer Gigantus v2 | 410 mm x940 mm Designed for higher mouse spacing and high-leverage gaming and designing. | |
Read on to discover some best Makeshift Mousepads
Mouse Pad Sizes for Gamers vs. Non-Gamers
Generally, a gamer would require a large or extended mouse pad for significant movability.
They mostly use a low DPI mouse that requires a lot of room to move around for better accuracy, and relocating the mouse to its original position in between the game can prove costly.
Moreover, gamers prefer a hard mouse pad that easily glides a mouse over the surface.
On the other hand, soft mousepads are great for resting the palm for an extended period.
A non-gamer like a casual internet surfer, office goers, content editors, or someone writing an email, would do well without an extended mouse pad.
However, it does not mean a non-gamer would not benefit from a gaming mouse pad.
The significant space offered by the extended mouse pad will prevent running out of mousing surfaces when working.
In addition, they will benefit from the ergonomic design, anti-slip technology, and smoother movement endemic to high-quality gaming mouse pads.
Things to Consider Before Choosing the Right-Sized Mouse Pad
As mentioned before, your mouse pad size greatly depends on your purpose.
However, look into other important factors that will help determine the correct mouse pad size.
1. Mouse DPI and Sensitivity
A low mouse DPI (400-1000), mainly used by the first-person shooter (FPS) gamers and designers, offers accuracy and better movement control.
These kinds of mice work well in both small and large mouse pads.
However, a few gaming and surfing games require a high DPI mouse (over 1000) that needs significant room to move around.
A small mouse pad will be too restricted for a mouse with a high DPI.
2. Mouse Pad Material
The mouse pad material may be substantial, especially when choosing a mouse pad for gaming or other work.
Categorized as hard and soft mousepads, gamers often choose hard mouse pad that allows moving the deice with maximum speed.
However, extensive use of a hard mouse pad surface can induce pain in your palm and wrist, requiring switching to a softer mouse pad.
On the other hand, a soft mouse pad provides a cushion for extended mouse use but may lack the accuracy provided by harder surfaces.
3. Mouse Grip Style
Your mouse grip style will largely determine the mouse pad size.
The users who use their claws and fingertip to grip a mouse mostly control the device with their fingers and wrist.
They can manage with a small mouse pad area.
However, the users with a palm grip style may need a large mouse pad to accommodate the movement of the whole arm.
4. Size of the Desk
Decide whether you have enough room to accommodate a large or extended mouse on your desk.
An extended mouse pad would take at least 20″ x 8″ of desk space, which may be an issue for a single desk.
If space is an issue, consider buying a medium or large mouse pad that offers significant movement space without compromising the desk size.
5. Mouse Pad Portability
It is a deciding factor for buying a mouse pad, especially when continuously moving around.
Users who work remotely and from different locations will benefit from a small mouse pad because it is easy to carry around and use.
On the other hand, carrying an extended mouse pad would require bigger storage space. Moreover, it would not fit in a clumsy or constricted workspace.
Conclusion
With so many different mouse pads options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the correct size for you.
Before deciding on a particular mouse pad size, assess your need, activity, and habit.
If you are a gamer, photo editor, or graphics designer, always use a large or extended mouse pad that offers enough room for movement.
For others, a small or medium mouse pad should be enough.
