Mousepads help keep your hand from slipping off the mouse, not to mention that something about them just feels nice to use. But some situations call for alternatives, whether you’re looking to save space on your desk or want something more comfortable.
If you don’t have a mousepad, there are also several things that you can use as an alternative. A book, a magazine, or even a piece of cardboard will work. If you’re using a desktop computer, you can also use your mouse on the top of your desk.
Having a mousepad is good, but there are situations where alternatives are just as good, if not better. It provides a smooth surface for your mouse to move on, which can make your computer use more efficient and precise. In general, though, having a mousepad is still a good idea.
Regardless, here are some exciting and popular alternatives that would make a great mousepad, and find out what may work best for you in this article.
What Works As a Mousepad?
One of the most important accessories for a computer is a mousepad. So, if you’re looking for a new mousepad or its alternative, you may wonder what material will work best.
Many different materials can be used as a mousepad, but not all of them will work well. Some materials can cause the mouse to stick or skip, making it difficult to use.
Here are some alternatives that work well as mousepads.
Computer Desk or Table
If you’re using a desktop computer or a laptop on a table, you don’t necessarily need a mousepad — you can use your mouse on top of your desk.
Of course, if you have a glass or polished wood desk, you’ll want to use a mousepad to prevent the mouse from slipping.
But if your desk is made of a material that provides enough friction, you can use it without a pad. This can be handy if you don’t have a lot of space to spare for a mousepad.
Book, Magazine, or Newspaper
If you don’t have a mousepad or can’t find one, you can use a book, magazine, or newspaper as an alternative to a mousepad.
The hard surface provides a good area for the mouse to move on. Simply place the book, magazine, or newspaper on your desk and move your mouse over it.
Plus, you can use any type of book, magazine, or newspaper around the house. If you’re looking for a more stylish option, try using a decorative scrapbook or photo album.
Kitchen Placemats
When you’re not using them to brighten up your dinner table, kitchen placemats make great mousepads. They can be quite effective.
Kitchen placemats are usually made of a soft material like cork or felt that offers a non-slip surface that keeps your mouse from sliding around.
Grab a placemat from your kitchen drawer, and voila! You’ve got yourself a custom mousepad that’s both functional and stylish.
Cardboard
If you’re looking for an alternative to a traditional mousepad, you may be surprised to learn that you can also use cardboard as a mousepad. That’s right – cardboard.
There are a few reasons why cardboard makes a great mousepad. First, it’s rigid, so your mouse will move smoothly across the surface.
Second, it’s inexpensive (or free if you have some spare cardboard). And third, it’s easy to make – just cut a piece of cardboard to the desired size and shape.
Bedsheet or Clothes
If you’re in a pinch, you can use a bedsheet or clothes as a makeshift mousepad. Just place the mouse directly on the surface of the bedsheet or fabric, and it will work fine!
The fabric will provide a smooth surface for the mouse to glide over. Ensure the fabric is clean and smooth so the mouse can track properly.
This is ideal if you’re sitting on the couch or bed and using a laptop with an external mouse.
Cutting Board
One of the great things about cutting boards is that they can double as a mousepad. If you’re working at a makeshift desk or don’t have a mousepad handy, just grab a cutting board, and you’re good to go.
Cutting boards are nice and smooth, so your mouse will easily glide across them. Plus, they’re usually large enough to accommodate your mouse and give you plenty of room to move it around.
If you want to use your cutting board as a mousepad, ensure it’s clean and dry. Once you’re done using it as a mousepad, just wash it off again and put it back in the kitchen – no muss, no fuss!
Conclusion
So, if you’re looking for something to use as a mousepad, any of the materials on this list will work just fine.
Whichever material you choose, ensure it’s large enough to fit your mouse and has a smooth surface so your mouse can glide easily across it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any flat surface with a smooth, non-glossy texture can be used as a mousepad. On the other hand, glass-like, too glossy, and slippery materials do not work.
If you want to use paper as a mousepad, just place a standard piece of office paper underneath your mouse, and it should work.
