The Best Gaming Desk Mats

It has 9 lighting modes. Nothing else here matches its 36 in width; the Kanagawa comes closest at 31.5 in. Measure your desk first: the Cacoy RGB is 36 inches wide and needs a flat surface for its full length.

The Cacoy RGB's lighting needs a free USB port near the desk edge. You also get this: deepest depth of the picks (24 in). It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Gigantus V2 XXL. Buyers who need a confirmed thickness should compare it with the Gigantus V2 XXL, which comes in at 4mm.

It is a plain, low-cost Razer option. At XXL size it is 4mm thick, so it stays flat over uneven desks. The micro-weave surface is calibrated for all sensors.

It comes in four sizes, from Medium to 3XL. Nothing else here matches its 4mm thickness; the Kanagawa comes closest at 3mm. You also get this: XXL desk coverage.

On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Sakura pad and the pricier Cacoy RGB, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its width; if that figure matters, the Cacoy RGB comes in at 36 in.

The base is 3mm thick. Its smooth fabric top sits on a non-slip rubber base, and the Kanagawa wave print covers the whole mat. It is big enough for a keyboard and mouse.

At 31.5 by 11.8 inches and 3mm thick it covers a keyboard and mouse, and it wipes clean with a damp cloth. On width it ties with the Sakura pad and the KTRIO at 31.5 in. It matches the Sakura pad and the KTRIO on depth (11.8 in).

It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the KTRIO the next step up. What it gives up: width of 31.5 in, behind the Cacoy RGB (36 in); by contrast, the Cacoy RGB comes in at 36 in.

It suits a desk where looks matter. Its lycra surface glides smoothly, and a spill-proof coating protects the desk. It measures 31.5 x 11.8 inches with a black-and-white cherry blossom print.

The Lycra surface glides smoothly, and stitched edges prevent fraying. It matches the Kanagawa and the KTRIO on width (31.5 in). On depth it ties with the Kanagawa and the KTRIO at 11.8 in.

On thickness it ties with the Kanagawa at 3mm. Its price falls between the KTRIO and the Gigantus V2 XXL, based on our last check. If thickness is your priority, the Gigantus V2 XXL (4mm) is the stronger choice.

It is a basic, low-cost desk strip. Its dense natural rubber base keeps it flat, and a spill-resistant coating makes liquids bead up. The micro-weave cloth balances glide and stopping power.

It measures 31.5 x 11.8 inches, enough for a full-size keyboard and mouse. The micro-weave cloth has anti-fray stitched edges. It matches the Kanagawa and the Sakura pad on width (31.5 in).

On depth it ties with the Kanagawa and the Sakura pad at 11.8 in. The nearest alternative on width is the Cacoy RGB at 36 in, against 31.5 in here. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Kanagawa and the pricier Sakura pad, at the time of writing.