games vs. normal mouse pads: what’s the difference?

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Does it really feel better to use a gaming mouse pad or are they just good for gaming? How are they even different? Let’s answer these questions and discuss the main difference between the two to see which one is better for you.

Cost

Mouse pads are very inexpensive compared to other computer accessories. You can find sets and regular pads of the same size for as little as $5-10. The price goes up in size so if you are looking for a large pad it will cost around $20-30 with extra large options around $40.

Usually only gaming mouse pads come in larger sizes, so they will be more expensive than an average sized mouse pad. However, they do come with great features like a perfectly smooth surface, a non-slip base, and even RGB lighting.

Size

When shopping for an average mouse pad, you will notice that they are usually small compared to gaming mouse pads. This is due to the lack of activities that require you to make large mouse movements.

It is mainly in the gaming world that you will need to make gigantic moves to play the game effectively. One of the best examples is first person shooters. In these games, players will occasionally need to do a 180-degree turn to face the opponent behind them. In MMORPGs, you may have to constantly rotate your mouse to move, and this is easier on a larger mouse pad.

These are just a few examples that require a significant amount of mouse real estate, especially if you’re playing at a lower sensitivity. Those with higher sensitivity will not need as much space. However, you never know when it will come in handy, like for other games or if you decide to lower the sensitivity.

Some people also enjoy putting their keyboard on their mouse pad, but you’ll definitely need a larger, longer mouse pad to do so. For these reasons, gaming mouse pads often come in large sizes, but smaller options are always available.

Regular mouse pads are not necessarily small, as they give you enough space to use your mouse without a problem. Your average pad will suffice for most activities, including some games that require less movement. You can also find great options on the market, but these will usually be gaming pads.

Flat surface

If you choose a hard pad, it will generally provide a smooth, even surface. Some materials may be more reliable than others, such as glass or metal. For soft options, some surfaces will be rougher than others.

Rougher surfaces provide more friction, which can make your movement feel slower. If you are someone who likes to move your mouse quickly, you will benefit more from a gaming mouse pad as they can eliminate friction altogether. These pads are designed to provide the smoothest surface possible for fast, precise movements.

The best part is that you can also use gaming pads for productivity and general use. Your movements will feel more fluid and with great precision. Regular mouse pads are also soft, but not to the same extent as gaming ones. You’ll definitely feel more friction on the average pad, but it might not bother you. If this is the case, sticking to a regular mouse pad is perfectly fine because you should still have good accuracy.

Additional characteristics

Gaming mouse pads often come with extra features that you might find appealing. For example, Razer mouse pads can come with RGB lighting for better aesthetics, like the Firefly v2. Just plug it in and watch it light up! The downside to this kind of feature is that you’ll have to keep it plugged in when you want to use it, which means another cord on your table.

Some gaming pads, like Everlasting Comfort, also come with a separate wrist rest for additional ergonomic support. These can help prevent wrist and hand fatigue and pain, making them great for those who spend long hours in front of the computer.

Normal mouse pads usually don’t come with anything other than the mouse pad itself. However, you can get an ergonomic mouse pad with a built-in wrist rest, such as the MROCO Ergonomic Mouse Pad.

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