Mouse mats - picking one is easy, right? That’s true in theory, but when it comes to actually making your choice it can be a tricky situation. Mousepads are available in a range of sizes and thicknesses and with varying materials and price points - if you’re not sure which is right for you, we’re here to help.
A mouse mat is a functional purchase. These squares of material provide a smooth and predictable surface for gaming, allowing your mouse’s sensors to transmit the movements you intend, free from surface scratches, wood grain and general desktop dust. They come in a range of sizes to facilitate a range of playstyles - some players like to whip their mouse around with large, sweeping and quick motions, while others like to keep things tight.
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There are also extended mousepads - sometimes called desk mats - that provide enough space for a gaming keyboard, too. These mats hold peripherals in place, reduce board bounce and can lessen the booming of mechanical switches.
Some mouse mats are more than just smooth and slip-free surfaces. It’s increasingly common to see manufacturers releasing game mousepads with some form of wireless charging functionality. Whether it be Logitech’s proprietary system or the open-source Qi-tech from HyperX and HP Omen, wireless mousepads can charge compatible wireless gaming mice as you play. An ideal solution for gamers who like having freedom for wired connections, but live in constant paranoia that their mouse battery may die at a critical juncture.
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In addition to being functional, a new mouse mat also provides an opportunity to inject some more personality to a gaming PC setup. This can be with the addition of a patterned desk mat, all the way through to fully synchronised RGB mousepads.
To help you find your nest mouse mat, we’ve put together this quick buyer’s guide. Here are our picks of the best gaming mouse mats:
The best gaming mouse mats:
Tecknet L G101 Mat
VicTsing Large Extended Pad
Jialong Extra Large Desk Mat
Razer Firefly V2 Mat
Archeer RGB Extended Mat
Logitech G440 Hard Polymer Pad
Endgame Gear XXL Stealth Surface
OMEN by HP Outpost with Qi Charging
Best gaming mouse mats
1 of 8Tecknet L G101 Gaming Mouse Mat
Sometimes bigger isn't better. A modest mouse mat, such as Tecknet's offering, is ideal for smaller desks and for people who prefer to have their keyboard on the desk surface. The silk surface is smooth and regular, the rubber grip is strong and there's no fraying. It does what you need, and that's what matters. We find that it works best alongside TKL keyboards, due to its width.Size: 320 x 240 x 3mm
2 of 8VicTsing Large Extended Gaming Mouse Pad
The VicTsing Gaming Mouse Mat covers a large area and allows for both mouse and keyboard to sit on top with plenty of room to spare. The depth of the mat is welcome, so long as you have the space. The surface is smooth and the rubber grip holds it firmly in place. Plus, it's waterproof and easy to clean - no need to fear coffee spills and desk crumbs.Also available with a galaxy-themed print.Size: 800 x 400 x 2.5mm
3 of 8Jialong Extra Large Gaming Desk Mat
The largest of our selection, the Jialong desk mat is huge, both in width and depth. If you have space for it, it'll provide ample working room for whatever keyboard and mouse position you wish. There's no getting away from the fact that the design is pretty busy, which will dissuade those looking for a clean, mature setup, but if the biggest is what you need, look no further.Also available with five different map and theme prints.Size: 900 x 400 x 3mm
4 of 8Razer Firefly V2 Mouse Mat
The Firefly V2 continues Razer's mission to give RBG lighting to absolutely everything. The lighting uses Chroma and will allow you to match the mousepad's colour with the rest of your setup. Where the power cable meets the mat, there's a cable catch for wired gaming mice - a nice touch for keeping your desk-versus-wires situation under control. The mat - which is a hard surface, rather than material - is pleasingly thin and the border smooth across the wrist, while the top is micro-textured to aid in sensor tracking. It's extravagant for sure, but who doesn't enjoy a bit of OTT bling now and again?Size: 350 x 274 x 3mm
5 of 8Archeer RGB Gaming Mouse Mat
Archeer's RGB Gaming Mouse Mat is bling, but on a budget. The large mat has all the benefits you'd expect from a large, desk-covering pad - increased mouse space, and reduced movement and bounce on the keyboard. The LED RGB edging is controlled via a built-in switch and cycles between 12 lighting modes, including static colours and dynamic patterns. The RGB implementation isn't a clean as on higher-priced options, but brightness is about perfect - visible in daylight but not blinding in the dark. Just note that this is the thickest pad in our selection.Size: 800 x 300 x 4mm
6 of 8Logitech G440 Hard Polymer Gaming Mouse Pad
The Logitech G440 gaming mouse pad is made from a rigid polymer, designed with high-DPI gaming in mind and offering a consistently flat, low-friction surface. According to Logitech, this mat is comparable to the one used to develop new sensors - so, your Logitech mouse should perform as well as it does in the lab.Size: 340 x 280 x 3mm
7 of 8Endgame Gear XXL Stealth Gaming Surface
We were lucky enough to test one of these alongside the modestly excellent Endgame mouse, and it's still in use to this day. Its high-quality woven surface is silky smooth with next to no resistance and lovely glide. Plus, the pattern ticks our tech-aesthetic box without going overboard. All in all, what's not to like?Size: 890 x 450 x 3mm
8 of 8OMEN by HP Outpost Mousepad with Wireless Charging
Usually, we'd suggest running a mile if someone tried to sell you a mousepad for close to £100. However, the Outpost Mousepad isn't your standard offering - it's carrying wireless Qi charging. This will recharge any compatible device, including smartphones and smartwatches. More importantly for video game enthusiasts, it will charge a wireless mouse - so long as it too is carrying Qi tech. Naturally, this includes the HP Omen Photon but also includes options like the Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro SE or HyperX Pulsefire Dart. Just note it won't charge Logitech's wireless mouse range - these have their own, non-Qi thing going on.Size: 346 x 344 x 10mm (10mm at point of the power bar)