Staff’s Choice
Introduction
The gaming mousepad space has been booming in recent years. Tons of extremely high quality mousepads have been coming out, and now lots of mainstream brands are even offering premium versions of their best-sellers. But you don’t need to drop premium prices in order to get a mousepad that performs. For less than $30, you can find some pro-proven and quality pads that will absolutely help you on your grind. These are the best budget mousepads for gaming.
Why Get A Gaming Mousepad?
A good gaming mousepad isn’t just about comfort or aesthetics. Yes, you can technically use your mouse on your desk or get one of those tiny free pads that you get in goodie bags. But using your mouse directly on your desk will grind down your mouse feet like nobody’s business, and the surface isn’t consistent at all. That can lead to inaccurate tracking and reduced mouse control.
Getting a dedicated gaming mousepad will ensure that your sensor is always tracking your efforts properly, but that’s not where the advantages end. Using a surface that suits your playing style can make you a much more consistent player, leading to more wins.
A good, proven mousepad is one of the most affordable and impactful upgrades you can make to your setup, so if you’re gaming on an old freebie pad or (God forbid) directly on your desk, this list is for you.
Razer Gigantus V2
The Razer Gigantus V2 is one of the most used mousepads in the entire pro scene. Combine that with a very friendly price ($19.99 for the large version) and you’ve got an easy recommendation.
In terms of glide, the Gigantus V2 sits in the ‘medium’ territory, with a slight trend towards control. It’s pretty far from being a so-called ‘mud pad’ though, so big swipes or fast mouse movements won’t feel overly difficult with this pad.
With a thickness of 3mm, it will cover up most minor desk inconsistencies without feeling like a behemoth on your desk, and to top it all off it’s also a very consistent pad. The foam feels great all over, and the black finish means that it will seamlessly fit into any setup. It’s also available in multiple different sizes.
If you want a budget pad that’s used by some of the world’s best esports athletes, the Razer Gigantus V2 is a very obvious pick.
Small note: Razer also offers a customization service for their Gigantus V2. Those customized pads have a much faster glide than the regular black ones due to the coating that gets added in the printing process. This can be important to keep in mind if you’re planning on ordering a Gigantus V2. The vast majority of pros who use a Gigantus V2 use a regular black version.
Razer Gigantus V2
Used by 166 players ()-
Jimpphat
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Spinx
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Brollan
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xertioN
If you’re looking for a pad that’s a bit more controlling without feeling murky or extremely gritty then this is definitely one to consider.
Pros
- Decent humidity resistance
- Decently thick and consistent foam
Cons
- Can move around (a bit) during particularly intense matches
- Stitched edges have been removed when compared to the V1
Specs
| Height | 40cm |
|---|---|
| Length | 45cm |
| Thickness | 3mm |
| Stitched edges | Yes |
| Material | Cloth |
| Glide | Medium |
Corsair MM350
If you’re looking for a ‘standard glide pad’ that’s thicker than most, the Corsair MM350 can be the answer. Contrary to most other pads in the budget range, it also has stitched edges, which will enhance its durability.
In terms of glide, it’s in the middle of the road, though slightly quicker than some other popular options. The foam is also very consistent, meaning that you’ll get a familiar glide each and every time.
With its thick foam, it’s a little bulkier than thinner pads, but if you like some heft to your mousepad then this could be it.
With a retail price of $24.99, it’s slightly more expensive than some other pads in this list, but you do get stitched edges, which can make the pad feel and look more premium.
Corsair MM350 Champion Series
Used by 7 players ()-
REDSTAR
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Nivera
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BORKUM
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QutionerX
The Corsair MM350 is a great pad if you’re looking for a middle-of-the-road type pad when it comes to the glide. The smooth texture on the surface allows you to execute big swipes with ease as there’s very little resistance and once you get down to the micro movements it manages to provide just enough resistance to allow you to make those without it feeling as if you’re on ice so to speak. A lot of cloth pads offer this type of glide, however the MM350 distances itself from the competition somewhat by offering a thickness of 5 millimeters and stitched edges.
Pros
- Smooth, stitched edges
- Dense foam material
Cons
- Stitching isn’t perfect everywhere
Specs
| Height | 40cm |
|---|---|
| Length | 45cm |
| Thickness | 5mm |
| Stitched edges | Yes |
| Material | Cloth |
| Glide | Medium |
SteelSeries QcK
The SteelSeries QcK has been around since forever and is still a beloved pad with pros and casuals alike. It’s also the go-to budget mousepad recommendation for most people.
It has a medium type of glide that leans towards control, making it an often recommended starter pad, especially for tactical shooter players.
The regular QcK is very thin, which makes it easy to take with you, but it does also mean that your playing surface can’t be too uneven since the pad won’t cover up any inconsistencies. If you want a thicker pad with a very similar glide, you can always go for the QcK Heavy, though that one costs around $10 more.
With an MSRP of $19.99 for the large version, this is a mousepad that’s great for people who are just starting their mousepad journey, or for people who want a decent quality mousepad that they can easily replace when it’s time for a new one.
SteelSeries QcK Large
Used by 14 players ()-
somebody
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stavn
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Maluk3
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oskar
The SteelSeries QcK is an affordable and standard-setting mousepad that’s available pretty much everywhere.
Specs
| Height | 45cm |
|---|---|
| Length | 40cm |
| Thickness | 2mm |
| Stitched edges | No |
| Material | Cloth |
Logitech G440
Hard pads have been gaining a ton of traction lately in the form of glass pads. Sadly, those often come out in limited batches and they can also be extremely expensive. For people who want a pad that’s very fast and offers virtually no resistance, the Logitech G440 is a perfect option and a great alternative to expensive glass pads.
It’s a great fit for high-DPI players or wrist aimers who use quick and precise movements. There’s essentially no pad drag here, and your mouse glides across the surface with almost zero resistance. Of course, that also means that it can be too fast for players who want a bit of stopping power and control, as there’s practically none of that.
Being a hard pad, the G440 also has the advantage of extreme consistency. It will degrade much slower than most cloth pads and it’s also very easy to clean.
If you want a reliable hard pad with a fast glide, the G440 is a very strong budget option.
Logitech G440
Used by 4 players ()The Logitech G440 is an old warrior in the world of gaming mousepads, but if you’re looking for a fast, hard mouse surface that doesn’t break the bank then this is one of your top options.
Pros
- Stays in place perfectly
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- Too small for low sensitivities
- Edges can be a bit sharp (this can vary from unit to unit)
Specs
| Height | 34cm |
|---|---|
| Length | 28cm |
| Thickness | 3mm |
| Stitched edges | Yes |
| Material | Plastic |
| Glide | Speed |
NZXT Zone Elite
The NZXT Zone Elite costs close to $30.00 at retail price, but you are getting a ton of value for your money.
It’s more speed-oriented than most other budget mousepads, but it’s not as icy fast as most dedicated speed pads are. This means that it’s an ideal choice for players who like a bit more freedom when gliding around, but don’t want to feel as if there’s absolutely nothing holding them back.
The pad also offers low-profile stitched edges, and its hybrid surface means that it’s liquid-resistant. As such, you won’t have to worry if you accidentally spill your drink on the Zone Elite. Simply wipe it off and you’re good to go.
Lastly, the 4mm Poron base is something that you traditionally only see on much more expensive, premium pads, so you are getting a premium experience at a budget price with the Zone Elite.
If you’re looking for a pad that offers a speedier glide, the Zone Elite is a great choice for the money, and it’s one of the better budget mousepads we’ve tried in recent times.
NZXT Zone Elite
Used by 1 player ()-
Stev0rr
The NZXT Zone Elite isn’t a very revolutionary pad, but it does everything that it sets out to do without any issues. More importantly, it does so at a very wallet-friendly price, which gives it a big leg up on its competitors if you ask me.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Quality finishing
- Liquid-resistant surface works great to help combat spills
- Very smooth and comfortable surface
Cons
- Base could be stickier
- Only one base softness option; with the one option not allowing for a lot of digging in
Specs
| Height | 40cm |
|---|---|
| Length | 40cm |
| Thickness | 4mm |
| Stitched edges | Yes |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Glide | Speed-Oriented |
| Static Friction | 37.9 |
| Static Friction Angle | 7.01 |
| Glide Difference X/Y | 12 |
| Dynamic Friction | 1.64 |
Conclusion
Getting a good gaming mousepad doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, and this list proves that. We’ve got everything in here from traditional, control-focused pads all the way to speedy hard pads, so everyone should be able to find something that they like in this list. All pads in this list cost less than $30 and offer a great gaming experience, so you can try them out without breaking the bank.
If you want to learn more about gaming mousepads, feel free to check out our detailed gaming mousepad specs list. Or, alternatively, simply ask away in the comments. We’re always happy to help!
