Mouse mat advice - gaming

[razer121]

Looking for some advice on a new mouse mat, i've never bought one before and always used a pine desk...so no need for one really! but after seeing some of the mats at the gameon lan i've decided i "need" to get myself a mouse mat...but i dont know where to even start!

So suggestions? i dont want anything stupidly large, i'd prefer to have a smaller mat so keep this in mind chaps

Thanks!

[EvanJackPenn]

Generally, there are two kinds - hard and soft.

Hard is known as a 'speed' mat; little friction = fast movement. They don't, however, give as good control due to this. These tend to be more expensive. Laser tracking is *said* to be better on hard mats.

Soft mats are 'control' mats; some friction = easier, accurate mouse control. They are easy to transport and move as they can roll up, unlike hard mats. But if they don't flatten out after being rolled up, they are a pain to use. These are generally cheaper, and work well with optical mice. However, due to the friction mouse feet generally get worn quicker.

There are a few hybrids on the market too - some have two sides, some have a hybrid surface. Most of these aren't as good as either speciality, but there are some good ones (see below)...


Don't take my mouse tracking assumptions as gospel, I don't know all that much about optical and laser

If I was to give suggestions...
Soft - Steelseries Qck variants; the general, bog-standard soft mat
Hard - Steelseries HD mats; more expensive, but said to be good
Flip hybrid - Razer vespula; a hard mat, but one side provides more friction
Surface hybrid - Mionix Propus 380; I personally am looking to buy this mat

Always check the sizes of your workspace and the mat and compare - make the most of your space, but having a too large mat in a small space isn't a good idea.

Hope that gives a brief overview

[MadduckUK]

doesnt matter a toss, alsenior was using a slightly bent hard surface i gave him against my lovingly cared for fabric jobbie. its all bollocks

no, no its worse than that - my razer £50 mouse has less feel to it then the £2 i use at work. its all balls and if there is ever any different you will never know

[razer121]

so your saying there is not much difference at all?? its just i use a logitech g5, at home it is less responsive yet at the lan on a plastic service the response was pretty different to me! it spurred me on to get a mouse mat, im more of an fps player so like control but also like the look of matts that arnt to bendy but also not rock hard...

[Queelis]

I prefer fabric ones - they won't wear the plastic much, and they're more comfortable for the hand to touch (for me at least). And look out for cheapo ones which would slide on the table. You want something with the rubber underside so it stays where it's at

[razer121]

ok thanks for the advice so far guys still stuck mind!

[Hawker1986]

I prefer fabric ones - they won't wear the plastic much, and they're more comfortable for the hand to touch (for me at least). And look out for cheapo ones which would slide on the table. You want something with the rubber underside so it stays where it's at

+1 for this, about 2-3 years ago I got myself a Razer Mantis Speed mat, dont know if they still sell them. But I ordered a second one immediately for the second rig, its rubberised, comfortable and stays clean, its never worn and its massive to boot.

Hawker

[mikex]

Having used several ranging from steelseries to razer I have to say that the puretrak "talent" is by far the best mousepad i've ever used, give it a shot.

[biz.kid09]

I use the SteelSeries QCK and it works perfect with my MX-518. Highly recommend them

[Chyronn]

i remember reading somewhere that mouse mats are just a throwback to when we used mice with balls (remember those?). technically we don't need mats as the sensor is sensitive enough to work on most surfaces and colours - except black. having said that, i still use a mat call it an old habit that's refusing to die

[razer121]

well i do have a mat now which does seem to make a difference in small movements, thats all really

[jim]

I do like them for the smooth surface they provide - stuff can easily adhere to the surface of a wood desk, making the surface somewhat bumpy.

Mind you, at the moment I'm using the back of a card folder and I've not really noticed any difference between that and my "gaming" mousemat.

[c.ruel]

Another vote for QcK or any other decent fabric mouse mat.

They are good for 3 reasons.

Firstly the don't wear out your mouse feet like hard mats.

Secondly you have more control with them as there is slightly more friction ... although not enough to be annoying.

Thirdly if you spill something on them you can put them in the washing machine and they come out good as new!

Fourthly (ok I lied four reasons) they are cheap as chips compared to the hard ones, and they dont' look like a 10 year olds sci fi wet dream.

[Noxvayl]

I use this: http://www.scan.co.uk/products/shark...-355mm-x-254mm

It has lasted 4 years now and been washed at least 4 times. Well worth it. I would also recommend the Steel Series QcK mats, tried them at a friends house and are just as good as mine. Steel Series QcK has the added benefit of size choices.

[jim]

I use this: http://www.scan.co.uk/products/shark...-355mm-x-254mm

It has lasted 4 years now and been washed at least 4 times. Well worth it. I would also recommend the Steel Series QcK mats, tried them at a friends house and are just as good as mine. Steel Series QcK has the added benefit of size choices.

Same here

[Hixxy]

I've got a Razer Destructor mat and it's amazing.