Since optical mice have emerged and they work on any surface desk, the mouse pads might appear not necessary. However, if you are a gamer, it is critical to have one of the best mouse pads in 2023. This provides you with a level, consistent surface that is crucial for staying ahead of your enemy.
The best mouse pads in 2023 come in a range of shapes and sizes and with their standard design, they fit well under your mice. Some are big enough to fit under your keyboard as well. Many of these pads also have RGB lighting, which really improves the design. Although buying mouse pads may not be as fun as keyboards and mice, your experience is not going to be top notch without them. Whether you have one of the best mice on the market or use a budget-friendly one, getting a proper surface for it can give you a better experience. TechTrends has put together a list of the best mouse pads in 2022 to help you make a wiser decision, so stay tuned with us.
Best Mouse Pads in 2023
If you are looking for the best mouse pads in 2023, you have come to the right place. It is hard to choose the best ones as there are many desk mats available on the market. However, this is not a bad thing after all, as there will be more budget options out there. One of the key features you need to consider when buying one of the best mouse pads of 2023 is the size, the material and if it has RGB or USB passthrough. We have considered all these things when making the list. Without further ado, let’s get to it.
- SteelSeries QCK Prism: Best RGB mouse pad
- Steelseries QCK Heavy: Best non-RGB mouse pad
- Razer Firefly V2: Most colorful RGB mouse pad
- Cooler Master MP750 (M): Best budget RGB mouse pad
- Razer Strider Chroma: Best hybrid mouse pad or best splurge mouse pad
- HyperX Pulsefire: The best mouse pad for large desks
- SteelSeries QCK Prism Cloth (XL): Best extended RGB mouse pad
- Asus ROG Balteus Qi: Best RGB mouse pad with wireless charging
1. SteelSeries QCK Prism
Specifications:
- Surface: Reversible (hard polymer plastic or micro-textured cloth)
- Measurements: 14 x 11.5 x 0.3 inches (356.7 x 292.4 x 8.7mm)
- RGB Zones: 12
- Software: SteelSeries Engine 3
- Base: Silicon rubber
The first one on the list of the best mouse pads in 2023 is the SteelSeries QCK Prism, which costs around $40. Not only is it a light show, but is also well-fitted for playing games seriously. You can also peel off the square inside the RGB border very easily. In other words, you can use the hard polymer side when playing speedy games or the micro-textured soft cloth side that will give you more control. Therefore, you will have two mouse pads built in one. This great mouse pad also feels reliable and solid courtesy of the thick rubber base and heavier feel, which means it will not move no matter how much you move the mouse.
However, the plastic side shows fingerprints very easily. You can access RGB customization options if you use the SteelSeries Engine software. You can use the beautiful presets that come in a lot of great colors.
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2. Steelseries QCK Heavy
Specifications:
- Surface: Micro-woven cloth
- Measurements: 7 x 15.7 x 0.2 inches (Large)
- RGB Zones: None
- Software: None
- Base: Non-slip rubber
Another one of the best mouse pads in 2023 is the SteelSeries QCK Heavy, which has many of the features the GCK Prism has but it does not have the RGB and the reversible option in the surface. However, it has a seamless border and costs less. It is totally worth your money as it has a stable surface and it is durable. Both the regular version and the Heavy version have a cloth that is micro woven. It makes it easy to slide and you can wash it with hands. Its decoration is not heavy and has a small logo of the brand on the bottom corner, which does not distract much.
Moreover, the non-slip rubber base keeps the pad rooted to the desk and despite the hard moves, it will not budge. However, since the pad is thick, it needs a little time to flatten out when you bring it out of the box. It is not a big problem if you do not want to move it very often, but do not keep it rolled up for a long time in cases of travelling. Since it has many options in size, it fits most desks. This is a top one on the list of the best mouse pads to buy in 2023.
3. Razer Firefly V2
Specifications:
- Surface: Hard, micro-textured plastic
- Measurements: 14 x 10 x .01 inches (355 x 255 x 3mm)
- RGB Zones: 19
- Software: Razer Synapse 3
- Base: Rubber
The most colorful pad among the best mouse pads in 2023 is the Razer Firefly V2. This incredible pad has 19 customizable zones and notwithstanding the thing strips, the brightness of the LEDs outshine all the competitors. You can use this pad for competitive gaming and its surface has micro textured plastic that is rough and gives fast mouse movements. However, the fingerprints and smudges appear on it quite easily. The thickness is only 3mm, but due to its rubber base, there is no movement when you want to play a game. With the use of its software, Razer Synapse 3, you can control the brightness, get seven presets, and sync the lighting of this with other Razer RGB devices you have. You can also enjoy more advanced customization by using the Chroma Studio function of the software. However, it is a little complicated and hard to follow.
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4. Cooler Master MP750 (M)
Specifications:
- Surface: Soft cloth
- Measurements: 57 x 10.63 x 0.12 inches (370.08 x 270 x 3.05mm)
- RGB Zones: 1
- Software: Cooler Master MasterPlus
- Base: Rubber
For those who do not want to spend a lot of money for a mouse pad, we recommend the Cooler Master MP750 (M), which costs around $25-$35. However, the price might fluctuate. Keep in mind that you would not sacrifice much when paying a budget price. It is great for average game sessions but might not be anything special. However, the spill-resistant coating is very unique as the drops of water will roll off when spilled. Moreover, you can unplug the MicroUSB to USB-A cable if you do not want RGB or a wire. The border of RGB has shines brightly and there is a handy button that allows you to choose among the colors without the need to open software.
Due to the fact that there is RGB zone, you cannot do much in the software named the Cooler Master Plus. Among the lighting modes are Color Cycle, Static, Breathing or off; there are five speed settings that you can work with. If you choose to work with the Static or Breathing mode, it offers a color picker, but it might not be as accurate as one may hope. Despite that, it is one of the best mouse pads in 2023 you can buy for a reasonable price.
5. Razer Strider Chroma
Specifications:
- Surface: Polyester
- Measurements: 900 x 370 x 4 mm
- RGB Zones: 19 Razer Chroma RGB Lighting Zones
- Software: –
- Base: Rubber
The fifth one of the best mouse pads in 2023 is the Razer Strider Chroma, which has a hybrid surface. This surface is slicker and harder compared with a cloth one, but its texture gives a lot of control over movements. Not only is it great for control and speed, but it is also easier to keep clean as it is water-resistant. However, it only has one size, extended. It is large enough for both your mouse and your keyboard and it does not cover the whole desk. The Strider Chroma’s base is thick and has a no-slip rubber. It also appears incredible on the desk with seamless edges. The RGB lighting is also customizable with the use of Razer’s Chroma Studio.
The major problem of this mouse pad is its price; it costs around $130. However, the design and material might be worth the price tag.
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6. HyperX Pulsefire
Specifications:
- Surface: Textured cloth
- Measurements: 43 x 16.54 x 0.2 inches
- RGB Zones: 2
- Software: HyperX Ngenuity
- Base: Rubber
The first RGB mouse mat that Hyper released is called the HyperX Pulsefire and it has a rectangular XL size. Moreover, it is the best RGB mouse pad for many desks that are large. It might be a little too big for some desks as it is 35.43 x 16.54 x 0.2 inches, but you can cover most of your desk if you are looking for something like that. The price is $50 and is cheaper than models like SteelSeries and Thermaltake. The surface is cloth and offers a lot of grip without making your arms and wrists feel uncomfortable. Moreover, since the edge of the RGB has a silicone shielding, the corners of the pad will not fray anytime soon. In addition, since there is a rubber under the pad, it will not slip when you are playing serious games.
Although there are plenty of patterns and colors to choose in the RGB, there are only two zones and there is not integration with Discord. However, remember to measure your desk prior to buying this pad as you do not want it to hang over the edge of your desk. We strongly recommend this as one of the best mouse pads in 2023 if you need a larger size.
7. SteelSeries QCK Prism Cloth (XL)
Specifications:
- Surface: Soft cloth
- Measurements: 4 x 11.8 x 0.2 inches (900 x 300 x 4mm)
- RGB Zones: 2
- Software: SteelSeries Engine 3
- Base: Rubber
One of the largest and best mouse pads in 2023 that is RGB is the SteelSeries’ QCK Prism Cloth (XL), that has a better length compared with the HyperX Pulsefire. Moreover, the cloth surface that is micro-woven does not move courtesy of a silicon rubber base. You can also use its RGB lighting as an advantage in game since it can be programmed to communicate alerts of the games. Although the surface is wide enough, the height could be a little more. There is not much vertical space when you put the keyboard and rest your wrist on it. Cooler Master’s XL RGB mouse pad, on the other hand, it about 1.6 inches taller. You can also use the SteelSeries Engine software to customize it.
The speed can be controlled in seconds and you can choose among Steady, Colorshift, Multi Color Breath, with each of them showing 3 to 4 pre-selected color schemes. The customization options that this mouse pad offer are without a doubt the best one on the list. There are also 3XL, 4XL, and 5XL versions for those looking for a bigger mouse pad. They are as brilliance as this one and function well.
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8. Asus ROG Balteus Qi
Specifications:
- Surface: Hard, micro-textured plastic
- Measurements: 6 x 14.57 x 0.31 inches ( 320 x 370 x 7.9mm)
- RGB Zones: 15
- Software: ROG Armoury II
- Base: Rubber
The last one among the best mouse pads in 2023 to buy is the Asus RPG Balteus Qi, but the vertical orientation that it offers might put gamers off. However, if you can accommodate it in your space, you can easily move your mouse and charge it wirelessly with no problem. It has a wireless charging and offers up to 10W, while other rivals might only offer 5W. However, there are some aspects in this mouse pad that might not make it a perfect one suitable for gaming. There is a button that you can use to control the brightness and RGB effects, depending on what you chose on the app. There are 9 preset effects as well as being able to customize the 15 RGB zones. We highly recommend it as one of the best mouse pads to buy in 2023.