Benefits, types materials of the hard and soft mousepad

A mousepad is a simple, yet essential accessory for any computer user. It provides a smooth and stable surface for a computer mouse to glide over, improving the accuracy and precision of cursor movement. Whether you’re a gamer, a designer, or simply use a computer for work or leisure, a mousepad can make a big difference in your experience. The size and dimension of the mousepad can range from a few inches to a whole desk pad.

Mousepad types are either soft or hard but can also be ergonomic and gaming pads. They are made using a variety of materials such as cloth, microfiber, plastic, rubber, and glass among many other materials. The benefits of using a mousepad include improved mouse accuracy and comfort. It also offers a smooth surface for mouse movement and protects your desk from mouse scratch movements.

Types of mousepads.

There are several types of mousepads to choose from, they include

1. Ergonomic pads: this is a type of mousepad that is designed for wrist comfort. It is designed with a wrist rest. This mousepad help reduces cases of carpal tunnel syndrome which comes about because of repetitive activities from mouse use. Ergonomic pads come as soft or hard pads.
2. Gaming mousepad: These are pads that are designed to endure long-frequency usage for gaming. It has a big surface area to allow for more movement associated with gaming. They are mostly hard and have less friction to help move effortlessly when using them. These can be either soft or hard pads. Artisan mousepad is the most common gaming pad in the market.
3. Soft mousepad: Soft pads were the initial types that were preferred when we used to have mechanical mice that had a ball. To roll the ball you required something soft to make the mouse more accurate and effective.
4. Hard mousepad: when optical and laser mice were introduced there was no need to have a soft place to move the mouse ball over hence hard surface was good. The pad makes the mouse move faster compared to soft pads.

Difference between hard and soft mousepads

Hard mousepads	Soft mousepads
They offer more accuracy	The mouse movement can be delayed or dragged which can reduce mouse accuracy and speed.
They are most preferred as gaming mousepads	They can be used for gaming and other general use
They are simple and easy to clean	Most material used to manufacture the pad can be cloth or fabric which is not easy to clean.
Not easy to fold and carry.	They can be folded to reduce their size for easy movement.

What are the materials used to make the mousepad?

Mousepads are made using different varieties of material depending on the manufacturer and the function of the pad. Each material has its own characteristics and benefits, such as durability, comfort, and sensitivity. The most common materials used are

1. Cloth mousepads: these are the most common and the cheapest in the market. They are simple to manufacture and use.
2. Plastic pad: the pad is made of plastic material. They are also common types just like cloth pads.
3. Glass material: these are not common types of mousepads. They are in production but not many users may prefer to use them.
4. Other materials used are fabric, gel, metal, rubber, microfiber, etc.

Benefits of using a mousepad

1. Provide a stable and smooth surface: on one side of the mousepad, it has non-slip material to keep them in place. While the other side offers a smooth surface for mouse movement.
2. Improved mouse accuracy: Mousepads can provide a smooth and consistent surface for the mouse to glide over, which can help improve the accuracy and precision of your movements.
3. It offers desk protection: the mousepad help protect your table from scratches that come from the mouse moving over it. 
4. User comfort: Ergonomic pad comes with wrist rests, which can help reduce strain on your hand and wrist while using the mouse.
5. More durable: Mousepads are designed to withstand constant use, so they can last for a long time and provide good value for the money.
6. They are portable: most mousepads are small foldable gadgets that users can move from one location to another.

How to clean a mousepad

Mouse pads can accumulate dirt, stains, and wear and tear over time. To keep them in good condition, it is important to clean and maintain them regularly, which may involve washing or wiping them down with a damp cloth.

Depending on the type used you only need a damp cloth to clean it. When doing your general computer maintenance you can clean using cleaning foam if you like.

Mousepad alternatives

The main function of a mousepad is to offer a surface for mouse movement. This means any flat surface can work as an alternative to a manufactured pad. If you don’t have a pad you can still use your desk it it will work just fine.

Mousepad manufacturing companies

The most common mousepad you will find on the market is designed and manufactured by companies such as:

1. Logitech
2. Razer Sphex
3. Corsair
4. Artisan with their Ninja FX mousepad