While most modern optical and laser sensors have evolved to become great at tracking on all sorts of odd surfaces, having a reliable mouse pad makes a big difference for any type of competitive PC gaming. Nothing is quite as cringe-inspiring as a mouse paired with a random house-hold object or bare surface.
So if you are still using an old soda-stained, dirt magnet of a mouse pad, consider treating yourself to a brand new one. We’re constantly testing new mouse pads from various PC gaming brands to cultivate our list of the best. Check them out.
Best cloth mouse pad
- Large surface area
- Excellent surface texture for control
- Nicely stitched edges
- Can be noisy during intense mouse movements
The most affordable and common type of mouse pad is the classic cloth one. They are primarily made of rubber composites with synthetic fabrics woven together to create a dense foamy structure with a soft top. Designed to provide a smooth, consistent, and durable surface, cloth mouse pads are highly preferred by gamers requiring pin-point accuracy with little friction. Most FPS professionals prefer large cloth surfaces, as they make large sweeping motions with low DPI mice.
While the majority of cloth mouse pads may look and feel the same, several features such as non-slip bases, stitched edges, and premium materials separate the best from the rest. The Taito Control from Roccat stands apart from all of the other cloth mouse pads thanks to its minimalist design, generous (but not excessive) size, and rugged materials.
Some peripheral makers (Roccat included) parade their logos across mouse pad surfaces, so we definitely appreciate the subtle approach the Taito Control takes. The stitched blue edges prevent fraying and provide a nice accent color that makes the mouse pad stand out without drawing too much attention away from the mouse on top.
Unlike other manufacturers that create a variety of sizes for their cloth mouse pad, Roccat has opted for a middle-of-the-road approach with the Taito Control. Its generous 400mm x 320mm (15.7” x 12.6”) size puts it slightly above competitors’ “medium” size but comfortably below their “large” or “oversized” options. This makes it a great choice for a wide range of gamers. The Taito Control is also thicker and heavier than most of its competitors, making it our top choice for both comfort and durability.
Although we’ve found that some of the other mousepads offer a comparable blend of speed and precision, the Taito Control offers a slight edge with its marginally rough surface. It isn’t the smoothest of cloth mousepads, but the slight friction of the Taito Control gives you more control without sacrificing speed. Combined with its non-intrusive design and premium construction, the Taito Control edges out the competition to top our chart as the best overall cloth mouse pad.
