USB hub: If you’re low on USB ports, you may want to look into a mousepad that has an integrated USB hub. As with the RGB lighting, these will need an open USB port to connect to your laptop or PC, but from there you can use it to connect your desktop peripherals. As well as providing more ports, it’s also handy having them in reaching distance for when you want to swap something out.

On the other hand, those who opt for a lower sensitivity on their mouse, or people working with a multiscreen setup, will benefit from having more room to manoeuvre. You can also get extra-large options that sit under your keyboard like a placemat. These keep your keyboard from sliding around on the desk and add a certain style to your whole setup too. Buying the best mouse pad may not be all that high on your list of priorities when designing the perfect workstation or gaming rig, but you’d ultimately be doing yourself a disservice if you overlook this crucial component. After all, even the best mouse in the world is at the mercy of the surface it sits upon. The mouse pad itself is on the smaller side, so is definitely better suited to a mouse set to a higher sensitivity. Even so, the space is used economically, with the plastic surface making even the smallest of mouse movements go a long way. The rubber base may not be all that luxurious but it’s still sturdy enough to keep the pad from sliding around during use, while also providing a decent level of cushioning beneath the mouse.Included in the box is a handy hand measurement sheet, which shows you which setting would be ideal for you, based on the size of your hand. From there, you simply add or remove the appropriate colour-coded inserts in the wrist rest and enjoy the support. Your wrist sits on a soft, gel-padded plinth If you’ve got the desk space and a tendency to cover an extensive surface area when using your mouse, you’d be wise to opt for the biggest mouse pad you can get. Logitech’s G840 XL is a full desktop pad that essentially turns every inch of your deskspace into a mouse mat, giving you plenty of room to manoeuvre, as well as the freedom to adjust your setup on the fly. The rumours are true – size does matter. Specifically, you need to be mindful of the space you have to work with when buying a mouse pad; an extra-large mat will be of little use to you if you’re working from a desk with limited surface space. The RGB lighting can easily be set to any of the twelve onboard programs via a small button on the USB hub, or, for the best results, you can use the Corsair iCUE software to program your own setup and link it in with the rest of your rig. While correct positioning can ensure that your wrist is supported when using any of the other entries on this list, the Kensington Duo Gel makes the process a whole lot easier with its built-in wrist rest.

Key specs – Dimensions (HWD): 400 x 900 x 3mm; Material: Cloth, rubber; Weight: Not specified; Waterproof surface: Yes; Additional features: N/A As well as the lighting and extra ports, the M700 is a full desktop pad, so you’ve got plenty of room to move your mouse around, as well as the option to reverse your setup at a moment’s notice. The cloth surface allows your mouse to glide around unhindered, while the non-slip rubber base keeps the mat firmly in place and avoids any irritating bunching in the corners. For a gaming mouse pad that enhances your experience, the M700 is pretty much the best there is. Not only is this a wonderful mouse mat to use, but it also comes with a handful of other benefits such as a useful flap, which can be used to store important documents. We also really liked the bundled wireless charger, which snaps magnetically to the side of the mouse mat and can be used to charge your smartphone up to 15W. It can also simultaneously charge a pair of AirPods or other earbud cases with wireless charging support. What’s especially attractive about this one is that there are a couple of branded versions that allow you to wear your fandom on your desktop. If you’re an aspiring e-sport athlete, the League of Legends pad is a must-have, while K-Pop stans will enjoy having the members of K/DA keeping them company during gaming sessions.

Top 5 Ergonomic Mouse Pads

Wireless charging: A few more premium mouse pads offer integrated wireless charging. Some of these will be universal, giving you a handy spot to juice up your devices while you’re working or gaming, while others are compatible with specific wireless mice, charging them up as you use them. Either way, you’ll need a USB port to plug these mats into, and they also come with the caveat that the space being used to charge devices will naturally restrict your mouse movement. If desk space is a valuable commodity in your working environment, you’ll be better off setting your mouse to a higher sensitivity and opting for a smaller mouse pad to save on space. In this case, you won’t find better than Logitech’s Studio Series. Available in three colours – Graphite, Dark Rose and Blue Grey – the Studio Series is a stylish little number that will add a dash of elegance to any desktop. Key specs – Dimensions (HWD): 312 x 344 x 4mm; Material: Polycarbonate, cloth, rubber; Weight: Not specified; Waterproof surface: No; Additional features: Wireless charging (Logitech Lightspeed mice only) Key specs – Dimensions (HWD): 200 x 230 x 2mm; Material: Polyester, rubber; Weight: 73g; Waterproof surface: Yes; Additional features: N/A The soft surface is made from 100% recycled polyester, which in addition to being better for the environment, also provides a silky smooth ride for your mouse, with just enough friction to keep movements precise and deliberate. The edges are braided, so fraying is a non-issue and you also get a handy boundary that stops your mouse from skipping off the edge of the pad.

Equally, for gamers, there are few things more frustrating than lining up the perfect headshot, only to lose your kill because your mouse dipped off the side of the pad. While high-DPI gamers can get away with a smaller mousepad, more space to perfect your play is never a bad thing. Key specs – Dimensions (HWD): 780 x 370 x 4mm; Material: felt, vegan leather; Weight: 55g; Waterproof surface: No; Additional features: Wireless charging, document storage flap To make things a little easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of the best mouse pads on the market, with options to suit all needs and budgets. If you’re unsure of exactly what kind of mouse pad would suit you, the buying guide below will answer all your questions, allowing you to make an informed decision. Once you’re armed with all the key information, you can read on to discover the best mouse pads that you can buy right now. Syncing your gaming peripherals into your RGB lighting ecosystem is always a satisfying experience, but each new element added does come at the expense of an open USB port to use for other things. This fully-featured gaming mouse pad from Corsair goes some way to correct this issue by including a USB hub, providing two extra ports for the one that it uses.Another impressive entry from a brand known for its affordable gaming accoutrements, the Trust Gaming GXT 764 Glide-Flex XXL is a full desk mouse pad with a stylish trim of RGB lighting. The smooth surface lives up to the Glide name, giving you plenty of space to zip your mouse about with just enough friction to keep you from overshooting your mark. As well as being a smooth base for your mouse to glide over, some pads include key features that you may find useful. Here are some of the main ones to look out for: