Buying Guide
The Best Desk Mats for Gaming
Six desk mats from plain cloth to PU leather.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated

A desk mat sits under the keyboard and mouse together. These six differ in thickness, surface and edge finish.
Sizes come from each listing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

Thickest
Traverse Ridge Extended Desk MatA 5mm base.
Best for: Hard desks.
Check price for Traverse Ridge Extended Desk Mat on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Wipe-Clean
Mydours PU Leather Desk MatA PU leather surface.
Best for: Spills.
Check price for Mydours PU Leather Desk Mat on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Plain Wide Mat
LifeTrim Extended Desk MatA 36 x 13 inch size.
Best for: Clean setups.
Check price for LifeTrim Extended Desk Mat on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Stitched
Extended Stitched Gaming Mouse Pad (31.5 x 15.7 in)Stitched edges on a 31.5 x 15.7 inch pad.
Best for: Daily use.
Check price for Extended Stitched Gaming Mouse Pad (31.5 x 15.7 in) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Spill-Proof Budget
DIGSOM Extended Gaming Mouse PadA spill-proof surface.
Best for: Tight budgets.
Check price for DIGSOM Extended Gaming Mouse Pad on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Anti-Fray Edges
Corsair MM300 Anti-Fray Cloth Mouse PadStitched anti-fray edges.
Best for: Long-term use.
Check price for Corsair MM300 Anti-Fray Cloth Mouse Pad on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Thickest1 of 6
Traverse Ridge Extended Desk Mat
Traverse Ridge's desk mat is 36 x 12 inches on a 5mm base with no logo.
Best for
- Hard desks.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the DIGSOM was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It suits a plain desk setup. It matches the LifeTrim on width (36 in). On depth it sits mid-pack at 12 in: the Mydours leather comes in at 15.7 in, and the DIGSOM comes in at 11.8 in.
Its 5mm thickness is the thickest here; the stitched 31.5 x 15.7 pad comes next at 3mm. It also offers a logo-free surface and a 36 x 12 inch size. Measure your desk first: the Traverse Ridge is 36 inches wide and needs a flat surface for its full length. It was the highest-priced of the 6 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the MM300 and the rest.
Key specs
- Width
- 36 in
- Depth
- 12 in
- Thickness
- 5mm
- Surface
- Cloth
Pros
- 36-inch width covers keyboard and mouse
- 5mm cushioned base
- Logo-free surface
- 36 x 12 inch size
Cons
- Costs more than the DIGSOM at the time of writing
Best Wipe-Clean2 of 6
Mydours PU Leather Desk Mat
Mydours's desk mat uses PU leather at 35.4 x 15.7 inches.
Best for
- Spills.
Skip if
- The maker gives no thickness, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
It wipes clean rather than needing a wash. Its 35.4 in width ranks third of 5 here, behind the Traverse Ridge (36 in) and ahead of the DIGSOM (31.5 in). On depth it ties with the stitched 31.5 x 15.7 pad at 15.7 in.
A PU leather surface is unique to it among these picks, while the LifeTrim uses a cloth surface. Measure your desk first: the Mydours leather is 35.4 inches wide and needs a flat surface for its full length. Its price falls between the stitched 31.5 x 15.7 pad and the LifeTrim, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed thickness should compare it with the Traverse Ridge, which comes in at 5mm.
Key specs
- Width
- 35.4 in
- Depth
- 15.7 in
- Surface
- PU leather
Pros
- 35.4-inch width covers keyboard and mouse
- Wipe-clean PU leather surface
- 35.4 x 15.7 inch size
- Depth of 15.7 in, ahead of the LifeTrim
Cons
- No published thickness
- Costs more than the DIGSOM at the time of writing
Best Plain Wide Mat3 of 6
LifeTrim Extended Desk Mat
LifeTrim's desk mat measures 36 x 13 inches.
Best for
- Clean setups.
Skip if
- Its thickness is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
It is a simple wide cloth mat. Its thick foam cushions the wrist, and a water-resistant coating protects against spills. It matches the Traverse Ridge on width (36 in).
On depth it sits mid-pack at 13 in: the Mydours leather comes in at 15.7 in, and the DIGSOM comes in at 11.8 in. Measure your desk first: the LifeTrim is 36 inches wide and needs a flat surface for its full length. On price it sat fourth of 6, between the cheaper Mydours leather and the pricier MM300, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its thickness; if that figure matters, the Traverse Ridge comes in at 5mm.
Key specs
- Width
- 36 in
- Depth
- 13 in
- Surface
- Cloth
Pros
- 36-inch width covers keyboard and mouse
- 36 x 13 inch size
- Depth of 13 in, ahead of the Traverse Ridge
Cons
- No published thickness
- Costs more than the DIGSOM at the time of writing
Best Stitched4 of 6
Extended Stitched Gaming Mouse Pad (31.5 x 15.7 in)
This extended pad measures 31.5 x 15.7 inches on a 3mm base with stitched edges.
Best for
- Daily use.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the DIGSOM cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It covers keyboard and mouse. A waterproof coating makes spills bead up and wipe off, and the 3mm base suits most desks. It works with laser and optical mice.
Its natural rubber base is non-toxic and anti-slip. At 31.5 x 15.7 inches it holds a keyboard, mouse and small desk items. The pad rolls up without creasing, and the natural rubber base is non-toxic according to the maker.
On width it ties with the DIGSOM at 31.5 in. It matches the Mydours leather on depth (15.7 in). It matches the DIGSOM on thickness (3mm). When we checked, only the DIGSOM cost less, and the Mydours leather cost more.
Key specs
- Width
- 31.5 in
- Depth
- 15.7 in
- Thickness
- 3mm
- Surface
- Cloth
- Edges
- Stitched
Pros
- Stitched edges
- 0.12 inch (3mm) base
- 31.5 x 15.7 inch size
- Depth of 15.7 in, ahead of the LifeTrim
Cons
- Costs more than the DIGSOM at the time of writing
Best Spill-Proof Budget5 of 6
DIGSOM Extended Gaming Mouse Pad
DIGSOM's pad is 31.5 x 11.8 inches with a spill-proof surface and 3mm base.
Best for
- Tight budgets.
Skip if
- Skip it if width matters most to you; the Traverse Ridge offers 36 in.
Why we like it
At 31.5 by 11.8 inches it fits a full keyboard and mouse, with stitched edges that resist fraying. The surface is water-resistant. It measures 80 x 30cm, enough for a keyboard and mouse.
The 3mm cloth has stitched edges and a spill-resistant coating. The topographic print is white lines on black, and a non-slip rubber base keeps the pad from sliding. It matches the stitched 31.5 x 15.7 pad on width (31.5 in).
On depth it trails the group at 11.8 in, while the Mydours leather comes in at 15.7 in. On thickness it ties with the stitched 31.5 x 15.7 pad at 3mm. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the stitched 31.5 x 15.7 pad was the next step up.
Key specs
- Width
- 31.5 in
- Depth
- 11.8 in
- Thickness
- 3mm
- Surface
- Cloth
- Extras
- Spill-proof
Pros
- Spill-proof surface
- 31.5 x 11.8 inch size
- 3mm base
Cons
- Width trails the Traverse Ridge (36 in)
- Depth trails the Mydours leather (15.7 in)
- Thickness trails the Traverse Ridge (5mm)
The catch
If width is your priority, the Traverse Ridge (36 in) is the stronger choice.
Best Anti-Fray Edges6 of 6
Corsair MM300 Anti-Fray Cloth Mouse Pad
Corsair's MM300 has stitched anti-fray edges on a cloth surface.
Best for
- Long-term use.
Skip if
- The maker gives no width, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
It is a long-running Corsair pad. Its textile weave is tuned for both laser and optical sensors, and an anti-skid rubber base keeps it in place. The anti-fray edges resist wear where your wrist rests.
It is a straightforward cloth pad for low-friction tracking. Its stitched edges guard against the surface peeling. Its woven textile surface is tuned for low-friction tracking with optical and laser mice.
The rubber base keeps it from sliding, and the edges resist fraying. Its price falls between the LifeTrim and the Traverse Ridge, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed width should compare it with the Traverse Ridge, which comes in at 36 in.
Key specs
- Surface
- Cloth
- Edges
- Stitched
Pros
- Stitched edges
- Stitched anti-fray edges
- Cloth surface
Cons
- No published width
- No published depth
- No published thickness
How We Chose These Desk Mats for Gaming
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.

- The figures behind the order
- We compared six mouse pads on width, depth, thickness and surface as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 6 picks leave out width.
- What every pick has in common
- All 6, from the Traverse Ridge to the MM300, state surface.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The MM300 gives no width; the MM300 gives no depth.
- Price range
- From the DIGSOM to the Traverse Ridge, all sat in the under $50 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Desk Mat for Gaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Width
Here width runs from 31.5 in on the DIGSOM to 36 in on the Traverse Ridge, a 14% spread. The LifeTrim comes second at 36 in, in the same price tier as the Traverse Ridge. The MM300 gives no width figure, so 5 of 6 picks are compared here.
Depth across these picks
Across these 5 picks depth spans 11.8 in (the DIGSOM) to 15.7 in (the Mydours leather). For less, the stitched 31.5 x 15.7 pad is the runner-up at 15.7 in. The MM300 gives no depth figure, so 5 of 6 picks are compared here.

An orange desk mat across a desk below a monitor How much thickness you need
Across these 3 picks thickness spans 3mm (the DIGSOM) to 5mm (the Traverse Ridge). If thickness is your first filter, the Traverse Ridge sets the ceiling at 5mm. The Mydours leather, the LifeTrim and the MM300 give no thickness figure, so 3 of 6 picks are compared here.
Setup checks
Measure your desk first: the Traverse Ridge is 36 inches wide and needs a flat surface for its full length.

A large desk mat under a mechanical keyboard and a white mouse Extras that separate them
The stitched 31.5 x 15.7 pad: stitched edges. The DIGSOM: a 31.5 x 11.8 inch size. The MM300: a cloth surface.
How to Choose a Desk Mat for Gaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hard desks | Traverse Ridge | A 5mm base |
| Spills | Mydours leather | A PU leather surface |
| Clean setups | LifeTrim | A 36 x 13 inch size |
| Daily use | stitched 31.5 x 15.7 pad | Stitched edges on a 31.5 x 15.7 inch pad |
| Tight budgets | DIGSOM | A spill-proof surface |
| Long-term use | MM300 | Stitched anti-fray edges |
Scroll sideways to see every column.

Key specs side by side
The Traverse Ridge leads on width at 36 in, ahead of the LifeTrim at 36 in. "Not listed" marks width where the MM300 leaves the figure out.
| Mouse Pad | Width | Depth | Thickness | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traverse Ridge | 36 in | 12 in | 5mm | Cloth |
| Mydours leather | 35.4 in | 15.7 in | Not listed | PU leather |
| LifeTrim | 36 in | 13 in | Not listed | Cloth |
| stitched 31.5 x 15.7 pad | 31.5 in | 15.7 in | 3mm | Cloth |
| DIGSOM | 31.5 in | 11.8 in | 3mm | Cloth |
| MM300 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Cloth |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the thickest thickness: the Traverse Ridge or the stitched 31.5 x 15.7 pad?
The Traverse Ridge tops thickness at 5mm; the stitched 31.5 x 15.7 pad follows at 3mm, 67% apart. No thickness figure is published for the Mydours leather, the LifeTrim and the MM300, which leaves 3 of 6 picks ranked here.
What does the Traverse Ridge add over the DIGSOM?
On paper it adds width (36 in against 31.5 in), depth (12 in against 11.8 in) and thickness (5mm against 3mm). Both sat in the under $50 tier when we checked, so the gains in width and depth cost little extra by tier.
Why is the Mydours leather our Best Wipe-Clean pick?
It earns the label for a PU leather surface. It suits spills.
Do the Traverse Ridge and the Mydours leather differ on surface?
The Traverse Ridge, the LifeTrim, the stitched 31.5 x 15.7 pad, the DIGSOM and the MM300 use cloth; the Mydours leather uses PU leather.
Will the Mydours leather work with my setup?
Measure your desk first: the Mydours leather is 35.4 inches wide and needs a flat surface for its full length. In this guide it ranks second of 6, as our Best Wipe-Clean pick, and third of 5 on width (35.4 in).
What extras do the Traverse Ridge and the Mydours leather include?
The Traverse Ridge: a logo-free surface. The Mydours leather: a wipe-clean PU leather surface. The LifeTrim: a 36 x 13 inch size.
Bottom Line
Traverse Ridge's mat is the pick for a 5mm base without branding. Mydours's leather mat wipes clean, and Corsair's MM300 adds anti-fray stitching.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Desk Mats
- Related guideThe Best Big Mouse Pads
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Mousepads
- Similar guideThe Best Large Cloth Desk Mats for Gaming
- Similar guideThe Best Gaming Mousepads for Every Grip and Surface
- ExplainerHow to Choose a Mouse Pad for Gaming and Work
- ExplainerMouse Pad Features Explained: What Is Worth Paying For?
- Also see: miceWired, 2.4 GHz dongle or Bluetooth: which connection for a mouse or keyboard?
- Similar guideThe Best Gaming Mouse Pad
- Topic hubAll mouse pads and desk mats guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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