The Razer Strider Hybrid is a simple and effective pad that measures 17-5/8 inches by 15-11/16 inches, making it one of the larger pads that doesn't fall into the extended class. The pad boasts a water-resistant polyester top sheet and a stitched edge to help prevent delamination issues with its rubberized anti-slip bottom. We would classify the Strider as a speed pad, though it is on the lower end of the category as it doesn't glide as well as others that fall into the category — there is a noticeable degree of effort to get the mouse gliding at top speed. Yet, once the mouse is moving, there is little resistance. We found this to be a fair trade-off, given the pad's above-average stopping power. The Corsair MM300 Pro Extended is a micro-weave cloth pad that has a liquid-resistant coating on the top side and an anti-skid textured rubber base that is joined with stitched edges. The pad has balanced speed and stopping properties, but the action remains silky and predictable though somewhat variable depending on the mouse used. While it is quite fast for a cloth pad, it is by no means a speedy pad. Conversely, it has great stopping power compared to speed pads, but, as one might guess, this performance comes at the expense of increased input to initiate movements. Further enhancing the consistent feel of the MM300 is a flat logo in the corner that won't interrupt the mouse's movement. Our favorite overall gaming mouse pad is the Cooler Master MP511. Offered in multiple sizes from small to extended, you're sure to find one that suits your mouse sensitivity and available desk space. We appreciate that the logo is smooth on the pad, as it doesn't impede mouse movement as raised logos sometimes do. The stitched edges add extra durability to this model, and if you're prone to spilling drinks, you'll appreciate the splash-proof surface. The Cordura is also smoother than the previous model, which we happily welcomed. We researched over 50 different gaming mouse pads available today then bought the 10 best for a head-to-head comparison to find out which mouse pad will help you up your game. We spent hundreds of hours playing games, not to mention incorporating each pad into our different gaming setups. In addition to comparing their size and material, we also carefully tested how loud each pad is, along with ranking them on their speed and control. Continue reading to see which pad claimed the top spot, which is your best bet on a budget, and which one is best for lighting up your desk.

Gaming mouse pads can be divided into two main types: speed and control. As the names imply, one is designed to provide very little friction for faster movements, while the other is designed to steady your mouse for greater consistency — think FPS. Speed can still be emphasized in a control pad, and vice-versa — especially with advanced features like weaving plastic or glass into the fibers of the mouse pad. Some speed pads are easier to start and stop on while keeping the same moving speed — the same goes for control pads. The mouse you use will yield different results but ultimately depends on personal preference. The X-raypad Aqua Control+ performs exactly as the title suggests: Slow and controlled. While not quite as slow as the Zowie GS-R, which we found to be one of the more controlled pads. The difference is subtle, but noticeable. The Roccat Sense Pro is a 17-11/16-inch by 17-11/16-inch soft pad that is relatively thin compared to the competition. The pad uses a tightly woven polyester material typically used in military clothing, and the difference is noticeable — in a good way. The pad also employs a rubbery anti-slip bottom with wrapped stitched edges for durability. While this pad is soft and thin, it is definitely in the speed pad class. In our tests, the mice glided across smoothly, but given the weave, it has a lot more stopping power than a hard pad. As such, players get the best of both worlds where these two factors are concerned. Moreover, the Sense Pro has very low start resistance. All told, the pad renders very smooth action. The Corsair MM800 RGB Polaris is a good option for a hard mouse pad if you want RGB lighting but without sacrificing a USB slot. The built-in USB pass-through for your mouse means that the mouse pad and mouse only take up a single USB slot on your computer. The lighting on this model is also fully customizable and can be adjusted to match your setup. We found that the rubber base grips most surfaces well, anchoring it in place even during high-intensity moments.