Having a mouse pad was a no-brainer for every computer user in the past when computer mice had rubber balls underneath them to track mouse movement. With subsequent technological improvements, optical sensors were introduced, making it easier to use a mouse on any surface. Despite the improvements, many still consider mouse pads necessary for gaming.
The importance of a mouse pad during gaming depends on the user and the type of game being played. Generally, mouse pads help to reduce tension on the wrist of the gamer, prolong the lifespan of the gaming mouse, improve mouse tracking, allow quick movement of the gaming mouse, and improve gaming performance.
Many professional gamers believe that a mouse pad gives them the edge over those who don’t use it. In contrast, some gamers consider it unnecessary and a luxury you can do without. How important is a mouse pad for gaming? Continue reading this article to find out.
7 Reasons a Mouse Pad Is Important for Gaming
Ask any random gamer to mention the important tools to have for gaming, and you’ll hardly hear them mention the mouse pad. The mouse pad is often overlooked because its absence does not stop you from gaming. Yet, most professional gamers know that a mouse pad is important for the following reasons.
Improves Gaming Performance
First-person shooter (FPS) games require quick and precise mouse movements and reduced sensitivity in the mouse for better accuracy while aiming. Choosing the right mouse pad will significantly improve your gaming performance. Gamers usually reduce the sensitivity of their mouse during FPS games to improve aiming and avoid sudden unexpected movement.
A large mouse pad is necessary for a mouse with low sensitivity so that you do not run out of space while moving, aiming, or maneuvering obstacles with your mouse. A mouse pad with wrist support also ensures that you do not have a sore wrist during extended gaming sessions, ultimately improving gaming performance.
A mouse pad with a good surface texture also provides comfort to the palms, unlike the hard surface of the gaming desk. A mouse pad’s surface is smooth enough for quick and precise movement, but it also provides the necessary friction for your mouse so that your aim does not veer off course.
Prevents Dirt From Entering the Mouse
Because you use your work desk for many activities, there is a greater chance of accumulating dirt, debris, and dust. Using your mouse directly on the desk increases the risk of having the dirt make its way into your mouse. However, if you use a mouse pad, your mouse will be confined to an area only meant for it, reducing the risk of dust accumulation.
When the dust accumulates, it is easy to clean the mouse pad with soap and water. A clean mouse pad guarantees a longer-lasting mouse.
Prolongs the Lifespan of the Gaming Mouse
When your desk is new, its surface is smooth, and you can use your gaming mouse directly on it without any problems. With time, scratches and bumps appear on the top of the desk, and using your mouse on a rough surface could damage it.
Since you can’t get a new desk whenever it has a few scratches, using a mouse pad is the safest option and will prolong your gaming mouse’s lifespan. Plus, it is cheaper to replace a mouse pad than a gaming desk.
Allows You To Switch Surface Types
Choosing the right gaming desk can be hard because you know that you can only choose one type of surface that you will stick to until you have to replace the gaming desk. Your gaming desk can be made of plastic, aluminum, glass, etc. You can’t have more than one surface type. However, you can buy several mouse pads with different surface types.
This allows you to experience your mouse on different surfaces and switch between surfaces depending on your mood, taste, style, or game.
Protects Your Gaming Desk From Scratches
Using your gaming mouse on your desk for long gaming periods can cause scratches on the desk. This is inevitable due to the friction between the mouse and the desk. Scratches on your gaming desk will make it less attractive and harder to move your mouse since the surface has become rough.
The best way to protect your desk from developing scratches from your mouse is to get a mouse pad. It is easier to replace the mouse pad if it sustains a few scratches rather than the whole desk.
Charges Your Wireless Gaming Mouse
Gamers prefer wireless mice because you don’t have to deal with cable drag, which can be the difference between winning and losing a game. While the wireless mouse is an inspired invention, its main problem is that it requires constant charging. When you have to charge it manually, you lose the advantage of using a wireless mouse.
Mouse pads were created to provide a comfortable surface to use your mouse. However, some mouse pads have now been equipped with the ability to charge wireless mice. You no longer have to worry about the limited battery life of your wireless mouse as long as you have the mouse pad.
Reduces Tension on the Gamer’s Wrist
Unlike normal tasks requiring limited mouse use, gamers often spend several hours playing a game. If you use your gaming mouse directly on the gaming desk, there will be a lot of tension on your wrist, which can cause it to become sore during extended gaming sessions. However, a comfortable mouse pad reduces the tension on your wrists and prevents soreness or irritation.
Some mouse pads are designed with wrist rests to provide much-needed support for the wrist while gaming. This provides comfort to the gamer, reduces fatigue and soreness during extended gaming sessions, and improves gaming performance.
Final Words
How important is a mouse pad for gaming? We believe that a mouse pad is important to prolong the lifespan of your mouse, prevent scratches on your gaming desk, provide comfort to the gamer, charge your wireless mouse, and improve gaming performance.
Choosing the right mouse pad improves your gaming performance, and while you can do without it, you’re much better off with it.
