Years ago, when people first became acquainted with computers and the mouse, a mouse pad was a fundamental part of the "set." The mouse actually depended on the mousepad to function properly. Along with the evolution of technology, laser and optical mice appeared with optical sensors instead of the usual rubber ball, so people started to abandon mouse pads as they thought they're not necessary anymore.
But many tech stores are still selling mouse pads, and many people are still purchasing them, so are they really important?
Protecting your desk
You might think that mousepads are not that useful, when in fact they fulfill many essential functions. At the very least, they keep your desk from appearing like a boring, pale piece of wood! If you don't have one, the underneath of your mouse, whether it's made of plastic or any other material, will gradually scratch the surface of your desk. Mouse Pads protect your desk's surface, preventing it from rubbing against your mousing area. We're certain that buying a mouse pad is a lot cheaper than buying a brand new desk, too!
Metal, stained glass, and high-quality wood desks that get waxed regularly probably won't get damaged by your mouse. But your desktop is not the only surface you should consider. There's no doubt that food crumbs and dust will stick under your mouse's feet, and while a mouse pad can't prevent this entirely, it will keep the mouse feet cleaner for a longer time.
Better gaming
If you're a passionate gamer-and, of course, if your desktop is not already equipped with a mousepad-then maybe you should consider getting one! Controlling the mouse on a mouse pad is a blessing for gamers, particularly those who play games that require a lot of fast movements. Besides, you can get customized unique mouse pads that feature your favorite characters or designs. This will definitely add a personal touch to your gaming station.
When you go for a customized mouse pad, you also get to choose the size and thickness you want. There are several special designs that can cover your entire desktop, including the keyboard and everything else you might want to have on your desk. There's a lot of options here; you could order a plastic pad for extra fast movement, or even a metal one if you're looking for a long-lasting mouse pad.
Great control, less slipping
It's crucial to emphasize this point because if you've ever watched a real gamer play, you'll know how much they devote themselves to it. A mouse pad provides optimal control aside from how you set the responsiveness and sensitivity of your mouse. Games that have been released recently replicate real-life visuals and require a lot of control when it comes to gameplay and mouse pads can definitely be of help.
If you're playing a challenging, high-intensity game, you might find your movements interrupted by the limits of your mouse. When you have a decent mouse pad that can handle sudden movements and keeps you on track, you will be able to settle your hands in a comfortable position, and in turn, your gaming performance will massively increase. That's because you will be in control of every single movement that's happening in the game.
Enhancing your performance level
If you don't have the tools to help you perform professionally, you can't refine your abilities to your full potential, and this is another reason why mouse pads carry great value not only for gamers, but for anyone who tends to use a mouse a lot in their daily work. If you're a gamer with a good gaming mouse pad, you will eventually be forced to ensure that there are no unnecessary objects on your allocated surface, except for your mouse and keyboard.
This may not sound like a big deal, but it's definitely better than a desk that doesn't have the same privilege. Otherwise, the clutter may crowd your movement area and it will start to get very distracting. To have a good game, you should personalize your gaming space, and the same principle applies to professionals working regularly on their computers. Having the ideal working space will put you in the right mood and improve your focus.
So, is it absolutely necessary to have a mouse pad? Well, no. But if you're an enthusiastic gamer or someone who spends a good amount of time on their computer, it's a good idea to have one. Either way, you get to make your purchase based on your needs and preferences, so no matter which mouse pad you go for, it will surely make your life easier.