Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Mouse Pads
Five mouse-size pads with balanced, glass, hard and thick surfaces.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Mouse-size pads leave the keyboard on the desk. These five differ in surface and thickness.
Sizes come from each listing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Balance Cloth
Razer Gigantus V2 Pro Large Balance
A balance cloth at 19.69 x 18.90 inches.
Best for: Mixed game genres.
Our take Check price for Razer Gigantus V2 Pro Large Balance (opens in a new tab)
Best XL Balance
SteelSeries QcK Performance Balance XL
A balance cloth at XL size.
Best for: Desk-wide coverage.
Our take Check price for SteelSeries QcK Performance Balance XL (opens in a new tab)
Best Value Glass
XVX Glass Gaming Mouse Pad
A 410 x 310mm glass surface.
Best for: Trying glass.
Our take Check price for XVX Glass Gaming Mouse Pad (opens in a new tab)
Thickest
Corsair MM350 Champion Series Medium
A 5mm base.
Best for: Hard desks.
Our take Check price for Corsair MM350 Champion Series Medium (opens in a new tab)
Best RGB
Razer Firefly V2 Hard RGB Mouse Mat
Chroma RGB and a cable manager.
Best for: Lit setups.
Our take Check price for Razer Firefly V2 Hard RGB Mouse Mat (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A balance cloth at 19.69 x 18.90 inches. | Mixed game genres. | Check price for Razer Gigantus V2 Pro Large Balance (opens in a new tab) |
| A balance cloth at XL size. | Desk-wide coverage. | Check price for SteelSeries QcK Performance Balance XL (opens in a new tab) |
| A 410 x 310mm glass surface. | Trying glass. | Check price for XVX Glass Gaming Mouse Pad (opens in a new tab) |
| A 5mm base. | Hard desks. | Check price for Corsair MM350 Champion Series Medium (opens in a new tab) |
| Chroma RGB and a cable manager. | Lit setups. | Check price for Razer Firefly V2 Hard RGB Mouse Mat (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best Balance Cloth1 of 5
Razer Gigantus V2 Pro Large Balance on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Gigantus V2 Pro Large Balance is a 19.69 x 18.90 inch mouse pad with a balance cloth.
Best for
- Mixed game genres.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its thickness before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
It sits between speed and control. Its 19.7 in width is the widest here; the XVX glass comes next at 16.1 in. Its 18.9 in depth is the deepest here; the XVX glass comes next at 12.2 in.
Like the QcK Balance XL, it has a balance cloth surface, while the MM350 Champion Medium uses a cloth surface. The Gigantus V2 Pro Balance fits the mouse only, so the keyboard sits on the bare desk at a different height. When we checked, only the Firefly V2 and cheaper picks cost less, and the QcK Balance XL cost more. If you want a confirmed thickness, look to the MM350 Champion Medium instead: it comes in at 5mm, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Width: 19.7 in
- Depth: 18.9 in
- Surface: Balance cloth
Pros
- 19.69 x 18.90 inch size
- Balance cloth
- Widest width of the picks (19.7 in)
- Deepest depth of the picks (18.9 in)
Cons
- No published thickness
- Costs more than the MM350 Champion Medium at the time of writing
Best XL Balance2 of 5
SteelSeries QcK Performance Balance XL on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The QcK Performance Balance XL sits between the speed and control cloths.
Best for
- Desk-wide coverage.
Skip if
- The maker gives no width, so look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
Why we like it
It uses a 3.5mm base at XL size. Its medium-friction surface balances speed and control, and the neoprene base and low-profile stitched edges keep it flat and fray-free. On thickness it sits mid-pack at 3.5mm: the MM350 Champion Medium comes in at 5mm, and the XVX glass comes in at 3.2mm.
It shares a balance cloth surface with the Gigantus V2 Pro Balance; the Firefly V2 goes with a hard surface. It also offers XL desk coverage. Buyers who need a confirmed width should compare it with the Gigantus V2 Pro Balance, which comes in at 19.7 in.
Key dimensions & specs
- Thickness: 3.5mm
- Surface: Balance cloth
Pros
- Balance cloth between speed and control
- 3.5mm base
- XL desk coverage
- Thickness of 3.5mm, ahead of the XVX glass
Cons
- No published width
- No published depth
- Costs more than the MM350 Champion Medium at the time of writing
Best Value Glass3 of 5
XVX Glass Gaming Mouse Pad on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
XVX's glass pad measures 410 x 310 x 3.2mm.
Best for
- Trying glass.
Skip if
- Skip it if thickness matters most to you; the MM350 Champion Medium offers 5mm.
Why we like it
It is a lower-cost entry to glass surfaces. On width it sits mid-pack at 16.1 in: the Gigantus V2 Pro Balance comes in at 19.7 in, and the MM350 Champion Medium comes in at 12.6 in. Its 12.2 in depth ranks second of 4 here, behind the Gigantus V2 Pro Balance (18.9 in) and ahead of the MM350 Champion Medium (10.6 in).
Its 3.2mm thickness is the thinnest in this group; the MM350 Champion Medium leads at 5mm. No other pick in this guide offers a glass surface; compare the MM350 Champion Medium, which has a cloth surface. You also get a 410 x 310 x 3.2mm size and a lower price than the other glass pads here.
The XVX glass fits the mouse only, so the keyboard sits on the bare desk at a different height. It was priced above the MM350 Champion Medium and below the Firefly V2 at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Width: 16.1 in
- Depth: 12.2 in
- Thickness: 3.2mm
- Surface: Glass
Pros
- Glass surface
- 410 x 310 x 3.2mm size
- Lower price than the other glass pads here
- Width of 16.1 in, ahead of the Firefly V2
Cons
- Thickness trails the MM350 Champion Medium (5mm)
- Costs more than the MM350 Champion Medium at the time of writing
Thickest4 of 5
Corsair MM350 Champion Series Medium on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Corsair's MM350 Champion Medium is a 320 x 270mm pad on a 5mm base.
Best for
- Hard desks.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: mouse-only 12.6-inch width.
Why we like it
It is the thickest mouse-only pad here. On width it trails the group at 12.6 in, while the Gigantus V2 Pro Balance comes in at 19.7 in. Its 10.6 in depth is the shallowest in this group; the Gigantus V2 Pro Balance leads at 18.9 in.
On thickness it leads this guide at 5mm, ahead of the Firefly V2 (3.6mm). No other pick in this guide offers a cloth surface; compare the XVX glass, which has a glass surface. The MM350 Champion Medium fits the mouse only, so the keyboard sits on the bare desk at a different height. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the XVX glass the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Width: 12.6 in
- Depth: 10.6 in
- Thickness: 5mm
- Surface: Cloth
Pros
- 5mm cushioned base
- 5mm thick base
- 320 x 270mm size
- Cloth surface, the only one here
Cons
- Mouse-only 12.6-inch width
- Width trails the Gigantus V2 Pro Balance (19.7 in)
Best RGB5 of 5
Razer Firefly V2 Hard RGB Mouse Mat on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Razer's Firefly V2 is a hard pad with Chroma RGB around the edge and a built-in cable manager.
Best for
- Lit setups.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: mouse-only 14-inch width.
Why we like it
It measures about 14 x 10.8 inches. On width it sits mid-pack at 14 in: the Gigantus V2 Pro Balance comes in at 19.7 in, and the MM350 Champion Medium comes in at 12.6 in. Its 10.8 in depth ranks third of 4 here, behind the Gigantus V2 Pro Balance (18.9 in) and ahead of the MM350 Champion Medium (10.6 in).
Its 3.6mm thickness ranks second of 4 here, behind the MM350 Champion Medium (5mm) and ahead of the XVX glass (3.2mm). It is the only pick here with a hard surface; the Gigantus V2 Pro Balance has a balance cloth surface instead. The Firefly V2 fits the mouse only, so the keyboard sits on the bare desk at a different height.
A hard surface like the Firefly V2's wears mouse feet faster than cloth; spare skates help. When we checked, only the XVX glass and cheaper picks cost less, and the Gigantus V2 Pro Balance cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Width: 14 in
- Depth: 10.8 in
- Thickness: 3.6mm
- Surface: Hard
- Extras: RGB, cable manager
Pros
- Chroma RGB edge lighting
- Built-in cable manager
- Hard surface
- Width of 14 in, ahead of the MM350 Champion Medium
Cons
- Mouse-only 14-inch width
- Costs more than the MM350 Champion Medium at the time of writing
How We Chose These Gaming Mouse Pads
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Thickness
- We noted base thickness where the maker gives one.
- Extras
- We noted lighting, cable management and water resistance where claimed.
- Size
- We recorded listed width and depth and converted millimetres to inches.
- Surface and edges
- We noted cloth type, glass or hard surfaces and stitched edges from the listing.
What to Look for in a Gaming Mouse Pad
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Speed, control and balance surfaces
Speed cloths let the mouse glide with less effort; control cloths add friction for stopping. Glass and hard pads are fastest and wear skates sooner.
Thickness adds cushion
3mm is the common default. 4 to 5mm pads soften the arm on a hard desk; thin 1mm pads keep the mouse lower and suit a keyboard tray.
Size to your arm movement and desk
Low-sensitivity players who aim with the arm need a large pad. Extended mats also sit under the keyboard; measure the desk before buying one over 35 inches wide.
Spill resistance and cleaning
Water-resistant coatings let spills bead up. Cloth pads can be hand-washed with mild soap and air-dried.
Stitched edges stop fraying
Stitched or bonded edges keep cloth from peeling at the corners. The stitching can sit slightly raised under the wrist.
A rubber base keeps it still
Natural or textured rubber bases grip the desk. Glass pads use silicone feet; thin plastic pads may use adhesive.
How to Choose a Gaming Mouse Pad
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed game genres | Gigantus V2 Pro Balance | A balance cloth at 19.69 x 18.90 inches |
| Desk-wide coverage | QcK Balance XL | A balance cloth at XL size |
| Trying glass | XVX glass | A 410 x 310mm glass surface |
| Hard desks | MM350 Champion Medium | A 5mm base |
| Lit setups | Firefly V2 | Chroma RGB and a cable manager |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Mouse Pad | Width | Depth | Thickness | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gigantus V2 Pro Balance | 19.7 in | 18.9 in | Not listed | Balance cloth |
| QcK Balance XL | Not listed | Not listed | 3.5mm | Balance cloth |
| XVX glass | 16.1 in | 12.2 in | 3.2mm | Glass |
| MM350 Champion Medium | 12.6 in | 10.6 in | 5mm | Cloth |
| Firefly V2 | 14 in | 10.8 in | 3.6mm | Hard |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a thicker mouse pad better?
Thicker pads add cushion on hard desks and absorb small desk bumps. They do not change tracking.
How do I clean a cloth mouse pad?
Rinse with lukewarm water and mild soap, rub gently, then air-dry flat. Avoid the dryer.
What is the difference between a mouse pad and a desk mat?
A desk mat is an extended pad wide enough for the keyboard too, usually 31 to 36 inches or more.
Are glass mouse pads worth it?
They are fast, consistent and easy to clean, but cost more, can be loud and wear mouse feet faster than cloth.
Do RGB mouse pads affect tracking?
No, the light sits around the edge. They need USB power and add a cable to the desk.
What size mouse pad do I need?
It depends on your sensitivity. If you move the mouse more than 12 inches in a full turn, a large or extended pad avoids running off the edge.
Bottom Line
Razer's Gigantus V2 Pro Balance is the pick for a balance cloth at mouse size. Corsair's MM350 Champion is the thickest, and XVX's pad is the low-cost glass option.