You can also get extra-large options that sit under your keyboard like a placemat. On the other hand, those who opt for a lower sensitivity on their mouse, or people working with a multiscreen setup, will benefit from having more room to manoeuvre. Specifically, you need to be mindful of the space you have to work with when buying a mouse pad an extra-large mat will be of little use to you if you’re working from a desk with limited surface space. How to choose the best mouse pad for you Does size matter? Finally, we’ll check out any additional features the pad may offer, such as plugging additional peripherals into a built-in USB hub or syncing RGB lighting with an existing setup, and note how well they perform compared to similar competitors. When using a mouse on the pad, we’ll play around with different DPI speeds, to assess how well the pad allows for precise movements, as well as how effectively the textured base holds the pad still during frantic mouse movements. If the pad comes with an optional wrist support, we’ll try it with and without, to determine if the support is worth the extra price. We’ll use the pad for around a week, noting how comfortable it is to rest your wrist upon, and whether there is any excessive heat build-up after extended use. Even still, there are plenty of elements that we can judge and compare, starting with the material. Mouse pads are something of a tricky product to test, as so much of a mouse pad purchase is going to come down to personal choice. READ NEXT: Complete your setup with the best keyboard

Once you’re armed with all the key information, you can read on to discover the best mouse pads that you can buy right now. If you’re unsure of exactly what kind of mouse pad would suit you, the buying guide below will answer all your questions, allowing you to make an informed decision. To make things a little easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of the best mouse pads on the market, with options to suit all needs and budgets. There are several factors to bear in mind when making your selection – size and material being the main considerations – but beyond that, you‘re generally spoilt for choice. Luckily, finding the right mouse pad for you isn’t anywhere near as complicated – nor as expensive – as filling out the rest of the slots in your setup. After all, even the best mouse in the world is at the mercy of the surface it sits upon.

Buying the best mouse pad may not be all that high on your list of priorities when designing the perfect workstation or gaming rig, but you’d ultimately be doing yourself a disservice if you overlook this crucial component.

Mouse pad with wrist rest cheap