The PC Journal

Buying Guide

The Best Gaming Mouse Pad

We weighed five mouse pads on width and depth; the MM700 RGB 3XL has the widest width, and the LifeTrim costs the least.

By , PC Hardware Editor

12 min read5 products evaluated

A desk setup with a keyboard, mouse and headset beside a monitor
Illustrative image
Jump to
  1. Quick Picks
  2. Our Picks
  3. How We Chose
  4. What to Look For
  5. Comparison
  6. FAQ

A gaming mouse pad should give room for low-sensitivity sweeps and a consistent surface. These are ordered by listed width.

We ranked these mouse pads on width, depth and thickness using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these mouse pads ourselves, and where a maker leaves out thickness, we say so.

Quick Picks

Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

  1. Widest Pick

    Corsair MM700 RGB Extended 3XL

    The widest width here (48 in).

    Best for: Buyers who put width first.

    Check price for Corsair MM700 RGB Extended 3XL on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  2. Also Consider

    Razer Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL Balance

    A 47.2 x 20.9 inch size.

    Best for: Buyers who want 47.2 x 20.9 inch size.

    Check price for Razer Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL Balance on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  3. Strong Alternative

    Razer Gigantus V2 XXL Wuthering Waves Edition

    A 940 x 410mm size.

    Best for: Buyers who want 940 x 410mm size.

    Check price for Razer Gigantus V2 XXL Wuthering Waves Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  4. Lowest Price Here

    LifeTrim Extended Desk Mat

    The lowest price of the group at our last check.

    Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the Traverse Ridge the next step up.

    Check price for LifeTrim Extended Desk Mat on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  5. Worth a Look

    Traverse Ridge Extended Desk Mat

    A logo-free surface.

    Best for: Buyers who want logo-free surface.

    Check price for Traverse Ridge Extended Desk Mat on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Widest Pick1 of 5

Corsair MM700 RGB Extended 3XL

The MM700 RGB 3XL is built around a 1,220mm x 610mm surface that covers the whole desk.

Best for

Buyers who put width first.

Skip if

Skip it if price comes first: the LifeTrim cost less when we checked.
Check price on Amazon for Corsair MM700 RGB Extended 3XL (opens in a new tab)
Corsair MM700 RGB Extended 3XL

Why we like it

On the spec sheet, it offers a 48 in width and offers a 24 in depth. Nothing else here matches its 48 in width; the Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL comes closest at 47.2 in. Measure your desk first: the MM700 RGB 3XL is 48 inches wide and needs a flat surface for its full length.

The MM700 RGB 3XL's lighting needs a free USB port near the desk edge. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL. Buyers who need a confirmed thickness should compare it with the Traverse Ridge, which comes in at 5mm.

Key specs

Width
48 in
Depth
24 in
Surface
Cloth
Extras
RGB

Pros

  • 48-inch width covers keyboard and mouse
  • 1,220mm x 610mm surface that covers the whole desk
  • Deepest depth of the picks (24 in)
  • The widest width here (48 in)

Cons

  • Costs more than the LifeTrim at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for Corsair MM700 RGB Extended 3XL (opens in a new tab)

Also Consider2 of 5

Razer Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL Balance

Razer's Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL Balance measures 47.2 x 20.9 inches.

Best for

Buyers who want 47.2 x 20.9 inch size.

Skip if

If budget leads, the LifeTrim was cheaper at our last price check.
Check price on Amazon for Razer Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL Balance (opens in a new tab)
Razer Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL Balance

Why we like it

It is the largest pad here. Its 47.2 in width ranks second of 5 here, behind the MM700 RGB 3XL (48 in) and ahead of the Traverse Ridge (36 in). On depth it sits mid-pack at 20.9 in: the MM700 RGB 3XL comes in at 24 in, and the Traverse Ridge comes in at 12 in.

You get a balance cloth surface here, which sets it apart from the Traverse Ridge and its a cloth surface. Measure your desk first: the Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL is 47.2 inches wide and needs a flat surface for its full length. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Gigantus V2 XXL Wuthering Waves and the pricier MM700 RGB 3XL, at the time of writing.

Key specs

Width
47.2 in
Depth
20.9 in
Surface
Balance cloth

Pros

  • 47.2-inch width covers keyboard and mouse
  • 47.2 x 20.9 inch size
  • Balance cloth
  • Depth of 20.9 in, ahead of the Gigantus V2 XXL Wuthering Waves

Cons

  • Costs more than the LifeTrim at the time of writing

The catch

The maker doesn't give its thickness; if that figure matters, the Traverse Ridge comes in at 5mm.

Check price on Amazon for Razer Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL Balance (opens in a new tab)

Strong Alternative3 of 5

Razer Gigantus V2 XXL Wuthering Waves Edition

This Gigantus V2 XXL edition prints Wuthering Waves art across a 940 x 410mm cloth on a 4mm base.

Best for

Buyers who want 940 x 410mm size.

Skip if

If budget leads, the LifeTrim was cheaper at our last price check.
Check price on Amazon for Razer Gigantus V2 XXL Wuthering Waves Edition (opens in a new tab)
Razer Gigantus V2 XXL Wuthering Waves Edition

Why we like it

This Wuthering Waves edition of the Gigantus V2 uses a high-thread-count micro-weave cloth. Razer tunes it to balance speed and control. On width it sits mid-pack at 37 in: the MM700 RGB 3XL comes in at 48 in, and the Traverse Ridge comes in at 36 in.

Its 16.1 in depth ranks third of 5 here, behind the MM700 RGB 3XL (24 in) and ahead of the Traverse Ridge (12 in). Measure your desk first: the Gigantus V2 XXL Wuthering Waves is 37 inches wide and needs a flat surface for its full length. It was priced above the Traverse Ridge and below the Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL at the time of writing.

Key specs

Width
37 in
Depth
16.1 in
Thickness
4mm
Surface
Cloth

Pros

  • 37-inch width covers keyboard and mouse
  • 4mm cushioned base
  • 940 x 410mm size
  • Wuthering Waves artwork

Cons

  • Costs more than the LifeTrim at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for Razer Gigantus V2 XXL Wuthering Waves Edition (opens in a new tab)

Lowest Price Here4 of 5

LifeTrim Extended Desk Mat

LifeTrim's desk mat measures 36 x 13 inches.

Best for

Spending as little as possible, with the Traverse Ridge the next step up.

Skip if

Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: width of 36 in, behind the MM700 RGB 3XL (48 in).
Check price on Amazon for LifeTrim Extended Desk Mat (opens in a new tab)
LifeTrim Extended Desk Mat

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 MM700 RGB 3XL comes in at 24 in, and the Traverse Ridge comes in at 12 in. Measure your desk first: the LifeTrim is 36 inches wide and needs a flat surface for its full length. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Traverse Ridge was the next step up. Buyers who need a confirmed thickness should compare it with the Traverse Ridge, which 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
  • The lowest price of the group at our last check

Cons

  • Width of 36 in, behind the MM700 RGB 3XL (48 in)
Check price on Amazon for LifeTrim Extended Desk Mat (opens in a new tab)

Worth a Look5 of 5

Traverse Ridge Extended Desk Mat

Traverse Ridge's desk mat is 36 x 12 inches on a 5mm base with no logo.

Best for

Buyers who want logo-free surface.

Skip if

Skip it if width matters most to you; the MM700 RGB 3XL offers 48 in.
Check price on Amazon for Traverse Ridge Extended Desk Mat (opens in a new tab)
Traverse Ridge Extended Desk Mat

Why we like it

It suits a plain desk setup. It matches the LifeTrim on width (36 in). On depth it trails the group at 12 in, while the MM700 RGB 3XL comes in at 24 in.

You also get 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. Its price falls between the LifeTrim and the Gigantus V2 XXL Wuthering Waves, based on our last check. If width is your priority, the MM700 RGB 3XL (48 in) is the stronger choice.

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

  • Width trails the MM700 RGB 3XL (48 in)
  • Depth trails the MM700 RGB 3XL (24 in)
  • Costs more than the LifeTrim at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for Traverse Ridge Extended Desk Mat (opens in a new tab)

How We Chose

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.

A wide black desk mat in front of two monitors and a white PC
A wide black desk mat in front of two monitors and a white PC
What we compared
We set side by side five mouse pads on width, depth, thickness and surface, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and thickness is missing for at least one pick.
What every pick has in common
All 5, from the MM700 RGB 3XL to the Traverse Ridge, state width, depth and surface.
Where the specs have gaps
The MM700 RGB 3XL, the Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL and the LifeTrim give no thickness.
Price range
At our last check the picks ran from the LifeTrim (under $50) to the MM700 RGB 3XL ($100 to $150).

What to Look for in a Gaming Mouse Pad

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. Width across these picks

    Across these 5 picks width spans 36 in (the Traverse Ridge) to 48 in (the MM700 RGB 3XL). The Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL comes second at 47.2 in, in the $50 to $100 tier against $100 to $150 for the MM700 RGB 3XL.

  2. How much depth you need

    The MM700 RGB 3XL tops depth at 24 in and the Traverse Ridge sits lowest at 12 in. For less, the Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL is the runner-up at 20.9 in ($50 to $100 tier).

    An orange desk mat across a desk below a monitor
    An orange desk mat across a desk below a monitor

  3. How much thickness you need

    Here thickness runs from 4mm on the Gigantus V2 XXL Wuthering Waves to 5mm on the Traverse Ridge, a 25% spread. The Traverse Ridge is the pick for thickness. The MM700 RGB 3XL, the Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL and the LifeTrim give no thickness figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.

  4. Setup checks

    Measure your desk first: the MM700 RGB 3XL is 48 inches wide and needs a flat surface for its full length.

    A large desk mat under a mechanical keyboard and a white mouse
    A large desk mat under a mechanical keyboard and a white mouse

  5. Extras that separate them

    The Gigantus V2 XXL Wuthering Waves: a 4mm base. The LifeTrim: a 36 x 13 inch size. The Traverse Ridge: a 36 x 12 inch size.

How to Choose a Gaming Mouse Pad

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Buyers who put width firstMM700 RGB 3XLThe widest width here (48 in)
Buyers who want 47.2 x 20.9 inch sizeGigantus V2 Pro 3XLA 47.2 x 20.9 inch size
Buyers who want 940 x 410mm sizeGigantus V2 XXL Wuthering WavesA 940 x 410mm size
Spending as little as possible, with the Traverse Ridge the next step upLifeTrimThe lowest price of the group at our last check
Buyers who want logo-free surfaceTraverse RidgeA logo-free surface

Scroll sideways to see every column.

A green desk mat under a compact keyboard and an ergonomic mouse
A green desk mat under a compact keyboard and an ergonomic mouse

Key specs side by side

The MM700 RGB 3XL leads on width at 48 in, ahead of the Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL at 47.2 in. "Not listed" marks thickness where the MM700 RGB 3XL, the Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL and the LifeTrim leave the figure out.

Mouse PadWidthDepthThicknessSurface
MM700 RGB 3XL48 in24 inNot listedCloth
Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL47.2 in20.9 inNot listedBalance cloth
Gigantus V2 XXL Wuthering Waves37 in16.1 in4mmCloth
LifeTrim36 in13 inNot listedCloth
Traverse Ridge36 in12 in5mmCloth

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

The LifeTrim was the lowest-priced pick (under $50) and the MM700 RGB 3XL the highest ($100 to $150) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.

Price tierMouse Pads
Under $50LifeTrim, Traverse Ridge, Gigantus V2 XXL Wuthering Waves
About $50 to $100Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL
About $100 to $150MM700 RGB 3XL
A black cloth mousepad with a wireless mouse
A black cloth mousepad with a wireless mouse

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the MM700 RGB 3XL ahead of the Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL on width?

The MM700 RGB 3XL tops width at 48 in; the Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL follows at 47.2 in, 2% apart. The Traverse Ridge is at the other end of this group with 36 in.

How does the Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL compare with the MM700 RGB 3XL on depth?

The MM700 RGB 3XL leads at 24 in, with the Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL at 20.9 in. The spread runs down to the Traverse Ridge at 12 in.

Which has the thickest thickness: the Traverse Ridge or the Gigantus V2 XXL Wuthering Waves?

Between the top two, it is 5mm on the Traverse Ridge against 4mm on the Gigantus V2 XXL Wuthering Waves, a 25% difference. No thickness figure is published for the MM700 RGB 3XL, the Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL and the LifeTrim, which leaves 2 of 5 picks ranked here.

What does the MM700 RGB 3XL add over the LifeTrim?

On paper it adds width (48 in against 36 in) and depth (24 in against 13 in). On our last price check the LifeTrim was in the under $50 tier and the MM700 RGB 3XL in the $100 to $150 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if width and depth decide your purchase.

Why is the MM700 RGB 3XL our Widest Pick?

It earns the label for the widest width here (48 in). On width it leads the Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL, 48 in against 47.2 in, a 2% margin. The LifeTrim, the cheapest pick, sat in the under $50 tier against $100 to $150 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at anyone who puts width first.

Do the MM700 RGB 3XL and the Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL differ on surface?

The MM700 RGB 3XL, the Gigantus V2 XXL Wuthering Waves, the LifeTrim and the Traverse Ridge use cloth; the Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL uses balance cloth.

Bottom Line

Our first pick is the MM700 RGB 3XL, chosen for the widest width here (48 in). Look at the Gigantus V2 Pro 3XL for a 47.2 x 20.9 inch size, the Gigantus V2 XXL Wuthering Waves for a 940 x 410mm size and the LifeTrim for the lowest price of the group at our last check if those matter more to you.

Speed surfaces glide faster; control surfaces stop more precisely.

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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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