A mouse pad for an optical mouse?

[Medellon]

Will a mouse pad improve the tracking, smoothness, etc. of an optical mouse? I just use my desktop as a mousing surface right now but I am interested to see if ther eis anything better.

 

[farmercal]

No mouse pad is required and a mouse pad will not improve anything on an optical mouse. That is why I have an optical mouse - got tired of having to use the stupid mouse pads.

 

[Zepper]

A mouse pad can keep your mouse cleaner and the fabric topped ones provide a very regular pattern in the weave of the fabric that might improve the accuracy of an optical mouse. there are also plastic surfaced MPs that have very even patterns of small features that would work as well and be easier to keep clean. I use an optical Trackball - no need for a pad .
..bh.

 

[BCYL]

I use a mouse pad with my optical mouse... my desk service is kinda rough and the optical mouse doesnt work well on it (the mouse pointer jumps around a little bit)... so I just put my old mouse pad under it...

 

[Davegod]

unless you game fairly seriously or use comp quite heavily, might not notice it but i found ratpad well worth it. expensive for a wedge of plastic but its lasted me a year or something already anyway, and still fine. the tracking is better than the desk, but depends on your desk highly varnished desk might get tracking problems but basically if youre fine with what youve got, dont bother i play FPS games a lot though, and found the Ratpad well worth it, much smoother. Everglide also are meant to be good and the ultimate pr0-gamer fashion accessory is probably currently a "fUnc sUrface 1030".

 

[BFG10K]

I use a standard el-cheapo mouse pad with my Intellieye Explorer. It protects both the desk and the mouse from wear and tear.

 

[JaYBirD0613]

I use my 3M mouse pad with my optical mouse only because it has a cumfy gel pad to rest my wrist on!

 

[Fingolfin269]

I used to think that just in old surface was fine until I got the new RatPadz GS. I mean hell it's just a mouse pad right? Well, the other night I decided to try using my old mouse pad just to see if I could tell a difference. I swear to you that it felt like going back to using a ball mouse... I noticed that much of a difference just based on the pad. Granted, this was while gaming and it might not be quite as noticeable if you're just doing normal, everyday stuff.

 

[snidy]

I had to go with a pad because my pointer kept sticking, probably because of my shiny black desk.

 

[Mem]

A good mouse pad is worth buying IMHO and if you game a must buy in my books, the Everglide Optical Giganta mouse pad is excellent for optical mice,Everglide homepage .

Review here .

Will a mouse pad improve the tracking, smoothness, etc. of an optical mouse? I just use my desktop as a mousing surface right now but I am interested to see if ther eis anything better

My everglide pad is at least 20x better then my desktop surface which`s crap compared to my mouse pad.

 

[pukemon]

Originally posted by: JaYBirD0613
I use my 3M mouse pad with my optical mouse only because it has a cumfy gel pad to rest my wrist on!

Same here... The 3M Precise Mousing Surface is kind of a moot point, inherited from the days of using a non-optical mouse, but I have to agree, the gel wrist rest is oh so comfy!

 

[viper118]

a mousepad is not required for a optical mouse... as long as the surface isn't reflective like glass or mirrors...

personally, i use a mousepad cuz i like how it creates a bit of friction when you move the mouse.. i'm just use to the feeling of the mousepad...

one more thing, if you use your table instead of a mousepad, it does cause a bit of wear to the feet of the mouse.. not a very big deal.. but just something to consider

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Any local stores you guys know that carry ratpadz? They look really neat but I can't seem to find places to buy them...

 

[Necrocool]

We have just posted the new Ratpadz GS review at: .http://www.earthv.com/articles.asp?ArticleID=1143&offset=-1
I think it makes a difference and works well with optical mice

 

[Bluenexx]

Ratpad ? Now that's funny !! I just bought a Logitech duel optical mouse , But I still use a 3M Precise Mousing Surface ( Office Depot- not exactly a Ratpad. Only a little thicker than a piece of paper ) I just think it makes it glide a little better. I used one with my cordless ball mouse that I had before this one. Just like the way it feels .............

 

[ArmchairAthlete]

Just ordered a RatpadzGS and a Logitech MX500 yesterday along with some other goodies. Let's hope they help out in WarCraft III: Frozen Throne - Beta test.

 

[StraightPipe]

I use a wireless optical mouse (logitech)
it definately tracks better with a pad. (or on the couch)

I also had a problem with batteries(they kept dieing every 3 weeks)
logitech said that a light colored pad will cause the batteries to last longer.