Is it bad to use a mouse without a pad?

Yes, mice are designed to work best with a mouse pad. The pad prevents the mouse from being damaged by rubbing over your desk surface, and also protects your desk from wear and tear from the mouse. Most mice today are either optical or laser mice , and their sensors can read mouse pad material better than other surfaces like wood or glass.

Are extended mouse pads worth it?

Absolutely. An extended mouse pad will prevent your mouse from running off of the edge of your mouse pad when you’re excitedly playing a match, and it will also hold up to more wear than a normal mouse pad. These mousepads also provide excellent protection for your desk and are a great look for your gaming station.

What mouse pad do pro gamers use?

Many pro gamers are sponsored, so they will use a brand of mouse pad that’s affiliated with their sponsorship. However, pro gamers may prefer extended mouse pads for comfort and performance reasons. If you like a flash appearance, a mousepad with RGB lighting always lends a bit of style.

The 8 Best Extended Mouse Pads of 2023

Extended mouse pads are helpful for work, graphic design, and PC gaming. These mouse pads are large enough to go under both your mouse and keyboard with room to spare, giving you tons of space to move your wireless mouse without sliding off the edge.

While some have extra-thick padding for comfort, others have different surface options prioritizing speed or control. You can also choose if you want low or moderate friction, impacting how much you feel the surface under your hand. If you aren’t serious about these details, you can prioritize aesthetics and go with a pad matching your setup. Choose from bold graphics, subdued neutrals, and customizable lighting options to complete your gaming station.

The Rundown

Best Overall:

Razer Goliathus Extended Gaming Mouse Pad at Amazon

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Runner-Up, Best Overall:

SteelSeries QcK Prism XL at Walmart

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Best Budget:

Corsair MM300 Anti-Fray Mouse Pad at Amazon

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Best Splurge:

Logitech G840 XL at Amazon

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Best for Precision:

ASUS ROG Sheath at Amazon

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Best for Speed:

HyperX Fury S Speed Edition XL at Amazon

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Best for Durability:

Corsair MM300 Pro Extended XL at Amazon

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Best Value:

Razer Gigantus v2 at Amazon

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in this article

Our Picks
What to Look For in an Extended Mouse Pad
FAQ

Razer Goliathus Extended Gaming Mouse Pad

Amazon

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What We Like

Customizable RGB lighting
Micro-textured surface for precision
Comfortable

What We Don't Like

Synchronized lighting feature is available only for some games

Razer's Goliathus 36.2 x 11.6-inch gaming mat has a thin border of customizable RGB lighting to surround your keyboard and mouse. It's powered by Razer Chroma software and includes a dizzying number of colors—16.8 million, to be exact, plus tons of animated effects—so you can set it to match your rig perfectly. It can even be synchronized with a select list of games and apps to provide immersive, responsive lighting effects along with the action.

The pad's surface is covered in micro-textured cloth to allow for precise tracking, no matter what mouse you use. The underside has a layer of a grippy rubber to prevent sliding, so everything stays where it's supposed to.

Razer also sells mice and keyboards with Chroma software if you want to make your setup even more coordinated.

_{Size: 36.22 x 11.57 inches | Material: Micro-textured cloth | Lighting/Ports: RGB | Additional Features: Non-slip rubber base, light synchronization}

Best buy

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What We Like

Two-zone RGB lighting
Works for low and high DPI settings
Good for gaming

What We Don't Like

Not as wide as some other options

The SteelSeries QcK Prism XL is our runner-up for best overall, but it was a very close call, given this mat has so many solid features at a reasonable price. While the size of 35.4 x 11.8 inches is about an inch narrower than many of the other pads on our list, this mouse pad is still large enough to fit all your peripherals.

There are also different sizes if you like the mouse pad but want to go even bigger. All the pads have a micro-woven cloth top to ensure reasonable control in high and low DPI setups. Movement feels smooth and accurate as you play games.

Some people may find RGB distracting during games. Still, you can set up the two-zone RGB dynamic illumination to provide important in-game information, such as damage, ammo capacity, and more. One negative is that you will need other SteelSeries equipment to take full advantage of the PrismSync technology.

_{Size: 35.4 x 11.8 inches | Material: Cloth top, rubber bottom | Lighting/Ports: Two-zone RGB | Additional Features: In-game lighting notifications}

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What We Like

Optimized for high-DPI gaming mice
Option for thicker padding
Affordable

What We Don't Like

Strong rubber smell out of the box

The Corsair MM300 Anti-Fray Mouse Pad measures 36.6 x 11.8 inches and foregoes the ultra-sleek spaceship aesthetic for something more textured. The fabric top has a low-friction weave for precise tracking designed for high-DPI mice (laser and optical).

The surface is printed with a pre-worn pattern, a little welcome grunge for people who aren’t necessarily about RGB. The edges of the mouse pad are heavily stitched to prevent fraying, and the base is a layer of non-slip rubber, so when you set it on your desk, it stays there.

These Corsair mouse pads also come in a “Thick” size, which puts 0.2 inches of squishy rubber between your mouse and desk. This is an excellent option for anyone who wants to smooth over an uneven surface or wants extra cushioning while they game. The price for the number of different options and thickness makes this our pick for the best value.

_{Size: 36.6 x 11.8 inches | Material: Cloth | Lighting/Ports: None | Additional Features: Options for extra padding, spill-proof coating}

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What We Like

Moderate friction for mouse feedback
Includes carrying case
Neutral design

What We Don't Like

Surface attracts lint

If you want something with a subtle design, the Logitech G840 XL mouse pad sports an all-black surface with just a hint of blue on the edges. It measures 35.4 x 15.6 inches and 0.11 inches thick to provide enough cushioning while remaining low-profile and rollable. It even comes with a transport tube.

While some extra-large mouse pads advertise super low-friction surfaces, that slipperiness can make mouse movements feel imprecise or harder to control for some gamers. The G840 XL offers moderate friction to give you more feedback on your mouse movements, and the cloth surface has been tuned for superior tracking consistency. Like several other mouse pads on this list, the G840 XL has a rubber backing that prevents slipping and sliding on your gaming surface.

_{Size: 36.6 x 15.7 inches | Material: Cloth surface, rubber bottom | Lighting/Ports: None | Additional Features: Transport tube}

ASUS ROG Sheath Extended Gaming Mouse Pad

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What We Like

Low-profile stitched edges
Very durable surface
Larger size than most

What We Don't Like

Tends to slide a bit

This ROG Sheath mouse pad from ASUS is a bit larger than most of the options on this list, measuring 35.4 x 17.3 inches and about 0.12 inches thick, but it’s all about precision. The woven surface is specially designed for precise mouse tracking and minimal friction. Even the stitched borders have been kept as low-profile as possible to prevent that bumper car effect if your mouse gets too close to the edge. That stitching also guards against fraying.

The ROG Sheath has undergone lots of durability testing to ensure that the pad’s surface will hold up under repeated swipes of your mouse. It’s also temperature resistant (up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit) to withstand even the hottest PC. The one downside is that this pad is lightweight enough to slide around a bit with a smooth desk surface. It has a rubber backing to cut down on this kind of movement.

_{Size: 35.4 x 17.3 inches | Material: Cloth top, rubber bottom | Lighting/Ports: None | Additional Features: Stitched edges}

Amazon

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What We Like

Anti-fray edges
Optimized for optical mouse tracking
Durable

What We Don't Like

Surface might be too slippery for some

The Fury S mouse pad from HyperX is available in different sizes and color options. You can also choose between different types of surfaces: One is optimized for speed, and the other for precision. We’ve chosen the XL version (35.4 x 16.5 inches) in the “speed” edition, which means it’s covered in a densely-woven cloth that’s designed to be as low-friction as possible. If you’re all about quick reflexes, then the Fury S mouse pad certainly won’t slow you down. It works best with optical mice.

Like some of the other mouse pads on this list, the Fury S Speed Edition has stitched edges to prevent fraying and a non-slip rubber backing to hold it in place on your gaming surface. It’s about 0.16 inches thick, which is thicker than many options on this list.

_{Size: 35.4 x 16.5 inches | Material: Cloth top, rubber bottom | Lighting/Ports: None | Additional Features: Stitched edges, extra-dense cloth weave for speed}

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What We Like

Water resistant
Fray resistant
Smooth mouse movement

What We Don't Like

May show lint and dust

The Corsair MM350 Pro Premium is a mouse pad that wants to stick with you for a long time and feels like it’s made with endurance in mind. We chose the Extended XL Spill-proof version for our selection of best for durability. The Corsair MM350 is a good size, measuring 36.6 x 15.7 inches, and has an ideal thickness of 0.15 inches, which is definitely on the thicker end for most mouse pads.

There are stitched edges that hold up to the movements of your arms and prevent the edges from fraying. However, over a long period of use, you may see some mild edge fraying, but you likely won’t see fraying on the actual mouse pad surface. The spill-proof and stain-resistant coating works well and will wipe clean easily.

The bottom has a rubber coating to prevent slipping, which works as it should, especially considering the heavier weight of the pad has to it. Overall, this mouse pad should last you for a very long time and through many gaming sessions.

_{Size: 36.6 x 15.7 inches | Material: Micro-weave cloth fabric | Lighting/Ports: None | Additional Features: Spill-proof and stain-resistant coating}

Amazon

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What We Like

Simple, clean design
Thick
Customizable through Razer website

What We Don't Like

No stitched edge

When purchasing a budget extended mouse pad, you want to feel like you’re getting the best quality possible for a lower price and not buying a cheap imitation. The Razer Gigantus V2 retails at $30 for the XXL version, but it still feels like it was made with great care and quality.

The Gigantus V2 measures 37 x 10.83 inches and has a thickness of 0.15 inches, which feels comfortable under your arms. The textured micro-weave surface has the right balance between grip and slide for your mouse, ensuring accuracy, while the rubber anti-slip base holds everything in place. The mouse pad has a simple black and green look, but the Razer website allows you to pick a design you like and add your gamertag for fun. There is no stitched edging, so there is the possibility of fraying, but this is a well-made mouse pad that’s worth the money.

_{Size: 37 x 10.83 inches | Material: Cloth top, rubber bottom | Lighting/Ports: None | Additional Features: Customizable through website}

What to Look For in an Extended Mouse Pad

Dimensions - Before upgrading from a regular mouse pad to one with extended dimensions, you’ll need to measure your desk space and see how big you want to go. It should be able to fit under your keyboard with some room to spare and should provide plenty of space around your mouse to move freely. Most of the mousepads on this list are among the largest offered by these brands—if they seem too big for your setup, check and see if the item is offered in “medium” or “large” dimensions rather than “extra-large.”

Surface friction - The amount of friction you want from your mouse pad depends mainly on your preferences and play style. Generally speaking, low-DPI gamers prefer moderate friction because it improves control and makes it easier to stop the mouse after fast bursts of movement. High-DPI gamers often prefer low friction because it allows precise movement and speed. But there are no hard and fast rules. If you like to “feel” the gaming surface under your mouse, look for something slightly more texture. If you want to zip around on a super-smooth surface, check out low-friction mouse pads that prioritize speed.

Durability - If you buy better quality, you’ll buy less often. This piece of gear gets used a lot and can undergo quite a bit of wear. Features like stitched or bonded edges can help prevent fraying and improve longevity. Water and heat resistance can also prevent fading, staining, and bad smells.

FAQ

Is it bad to use a mouse without a pad?

Yes, mice are designed to work best with a mouse pad. The pad prevents the mouse from being damaged by rubbing over your desk surface, and also protects your desk from wear and tear from the mouse. Most mice today are either optical or laser mice, and their sensors can read mouse pad material better than other surfaces like wood or glass.
Are extended mouse pads worth it?

Absolutely. An extended mouse pad will prevent your mouse from running off of the edge of your mouse pad when you’re excitedly playing a match, and it will also hold up to more wear than a normal mouse pad. These mousepads also provide excellent protection for your desk and are a great look for your gaming station.
What mouse pad do pro gamers use?

Many pro gamers are sponsored, so they will use a brand of mouse pad that’s affiliated with their sponsorship. However, pro gamers may prefer extended mouse pads for comfort and performance reasons. If you like a flash appearance, a mousepad with RGB lighting always lends a bit of style.