A standard mouse pad is the greatest option for using your mouse. However, it might be troublesome to change and get new mouse pads all the time. But not to worry, there are tons of easy alternatives that you can use instead of an actual mouse pad.
You can use a lot of things around you to create a makeshift DIY mouse pad such as paper, cardboard, a magazine, a folder, wooden planks or desk, etc.
In this guide, we’ll let you know what to use as a mouse pad when you’re really in need of one.
Why Is It Important To Use A Proper Mouse Pad?
Using a proper mouse pad has a handful of benefits you wouldn’t want to miss out on. Here’s why it is important to use a proper mouse pad:
1. Mouse Pads Protect Your Mouse and The Desk
Mousepads reduce the amount of friction between the mouse and the surface you are using it on.
Usually, Pcs are used on a desk which can lead to damage to both the desk and the mouse. To avoid this, always using a mouse pad is the best.
This will lead to your mouse being perfectly healthy and smooth to move around. It will increase the functionality of the mouse for a long time.
2. Mouse Pads Improve Your Performance
If you are a gamer, moving your mouse quickly with fast precision is very necessary for good gaming performance. The rubber under the mouse will get stuck on the surface if you try gaming without a mouse pad and thus hinder your gaming.
3. Mouse Pads Make It Comfortable To Use The Mouse
Sometimes you might find your wrist getting stiff after using the mouse for too long. It can be because of a proper resting surface for your hands. A mouse pad can act as a cushion for your wrists and prevent them from bending at an uncomfortable angle.
What To Use As A Mouse Pad?
You can use easy-to-get everyday materials as an alternative to mouse pads. It can turn out to be functional and decorative if you just put in a little effort in making it.
1. Magazines
Magazines can be found at any home or office. It can be a pretty good alternative for a mouse pad. Just make sure the page is thick enough and the surface you put the magazine on is flat.
2. Cardboards
The thickness of cardboards is the greatest thing about them as mouse pads. It is not as smooth, but pretty thick and grainy which is good for a mouse pad. You can even cut it up in the shape you want to and decorate it additionally.
3. Paper
Paper is also a viable option as a mouse pad. You will need several sheets of paper and put them on top of one another to create a makeshift mouse pad. However, they might need to be changed often.
4. Newspapers
You can recycle old newspapers as the perfect mouse pad. Get several rolls of newspaper and cut them up in the same shape. Glue them together to form a thick, sturdy mouse pad. The thicker it is, the better it will work.
5. Placemats
Placemats can be used on any type of surface as a mouse pad. You will need to buy them so it is not something that can be found around the house at any time. But they will still be a pretty cheap option. They’re made with silicone which is perfect for mouse pads.
6. Folders
Office folders can be found anywhere around the house or a stationery shop. They can be sturdy and thick enough to work as a mouse pad. Just make sure to place it on a flat surface. You will find varying colors of folders to use too.
7. Hardcover book
A thin hardcover book will work really well as a mouse pad. If the size of the book is too thick, it could hurt your wrist after an extended period of time. So choose a light but a hardcover book to use as a mouse pad.
8. Duct Tape
Duct tapes can be good mouse pads if you make a shape by adding up a few pieces of tape over one another. It can stick to lots of surfaces and work as a mouse pad. The stickiness will wear off over time so you will have to replace it often.
9. Wax Paper
Wax papers might not look suitable as mouse pads but because of their smooth surfaces, they can work really well. It will wear off pretty soon so be prepared to make new ones.
10. Wooden Desk
You can use your mouse on a wooden desk directly. It will work perfectly as long as the wooden desk is not too bumpy and rough. The texture of the desk has to be smooth.
11. Bedsheet
Bed Sheets do not have a solid enough surface. But it can be used as a mouse pad in times of need. Just smooth out the part of the bedsheets you want to use and make sure not to leave any wrinkles on it.
12. Cutting Mat
Some people use self-healing mats on their tables to protect it. It can also work as a mouse pad easily. It provides amazing traction and is smooth enough for your mouse to glide over.
13. Sketchbook
The top of the sketchbook is pretty thick and sturdy. It can easily be used as a mouse pad when you immediately need one. You can just get one off your desk and start using it right away.
14. Bond Paper
Bond paper is also an option for a mouse pad. It might be a little rough texture and break easily. So you can’t use it for a long time.
15. Your Lap
When you really have no other options and have some light browsing to do, you can resort to using your lap as a mouse pad. However, it is not really recommended as it is extremely uncomfortable.
What Surfaces Should You Avoid When Using Your Mouse?
While creating your makeshift alternative mouse pads, there are a few kinds of surfaces you should avoid using your mouse on. Do not use these materials to make your mouse pad.
Smooth and Reflective Surfaces
A reflective and smooth surface reflects light and creates a dull image which gets in the way of the accuracy of the mouse. It results in a slow response, jittering of the cursor, and loss of tracking while using the mouse.
Glass Tables or Mirrors
You really need to avoid using your mouse on top of a glass table or a mirrored surface like that. These hold fingerprints and reflect light, causing your mouse to lose track while in use.
Plastic
Plastic surfaces can be bumpy and rough for a mouse to be used. These kinds of surfaces also attract dust and dirt which is harmful to your mouse. The friction from the plastic can severely damage the outer area of the mouse.
Soft Fabrics
The too soft fabric is not ideal for using a mouse on. It is not harmful to the mouse itself but fabric can get in the way while moving your mouse around.
Is Soft Mouse Pad Good For Gaming?
No, a soft mouse pad is not good for gaming at all.
Gaming requires moving around your mouse at a really fast pace at times. It needs precision without any interruption. A soft surface will not provide such an environment for your mouse.
If you move your mouse too quickly on a soft surface, chances are that it gets wrinkled and stuck in one place. You will have to slow down your movements to deal with the pace the soft surface provides.
It will hinder your tracking of the mouse while gaming. Therefore, a soft surface is not an ideal material for a mouse pad at all.
Bottom Line
By now, you have probably stopped wondering about what to use as a mouse pad. There are some really great and variety of mouse pad options for you to choose from mentioned in this guide.
While making a DIY mouse pad, make sure that the surface is smooth and easy to move around on. The mouse should not slip around too much. Most of all, you should be comfortable while using the mouse pad for long periods of time.