How to choose a cloth mousepad

Date: 27/07/2026

In this guide you will be asked questions and at the end there will be a selection of mousepads I recommend at different price points that fit your answers to these questions.

Mousepads listed at the bottom of the page will only be available in standard mousepad sizes for the most part (490x420, 480x400, 500x500).

The cheapest decent quality pads start at around US$20.

The listed pads at the bottom are not the only options in their categories, just the ones I can think of.

If any extra help is needed please reach out to me on Twitter, @Wamsgoat.

Now for the questions:

Question One:

What speed mousepad would you prefer? Speed, balanced, controlled?

Faster (speed) pads: Well suited for tracking heavy games. They try to reduce static and dynamic friction allowing for a very smooth consistent glide and very minimal stopping power.
Balanced pads: Good for people who play many types of games or TacFPS players. They can be used for any game as they allow for some control and stopping power without lacking speed or feeling "muddy".
Slower (control) pads: Well suited for TacFPS games. They minimize shaky aim due to high static friction so you can hold angles, and allow for fast stops after flicks due to higher dynamic friction.

Friction Explained:

Higher static friction: Harder to move initially in a movement (more stable when still).

Higher dynamic friction: Less initial resistance but will feel more controlled when moving across the surface, and will be easier to stop.

Question Two:

What texture would you prefer? Smooth, rough, slightly textured?

Smoother pads: Provide little to no feedback when moving but feel a lot nicer on the wrist when playing.
Rougher pads: Provide more feedback that you can feel when moving your mouse. Due to the rough nature of these pads they can be irritating for some people.
Slightly textured pads: Offer some feedback whilst trying to be less irritating to the skin than more heavy texture pads.

Question Three:

What base firmness would you prefer? XSoft, soft, mid, firm?

Some people when playing certain games push their mouse into their pad to gain control, the amount of control gained by doing this varies based on the firmness of the base. Base firmness can also effect how consistent a pad feels, two pads with the same surface but different base firmnesses can feel extremely different.

Xsoft base: Maximum stopping power when pushing into the pad with your mouse.
Soft base: Balance of stopping power vs consistent glide when using the mouse.
Mid base: Less stopping power and provides consistent glide.
Firm base: Least stopping power and most consistent.