We at GravaStar know that gamers take pride in their setups. You want to ensure everything not only looks good, but also functions well. One of the best and most affordable things you can do to take your setup to the next level is to add a gaming desk mat.
With that in mind, we decided to create this guide to go over some of the best choices on the market. Choosing a great desk mat ensures your desk is protected, your keyboard stays in the same position, and your mouse can glide smoothly without interruption.
On the other hand, choosing a subpar desk mat could mean only getting a few weeks out of it before it begins to wear. It also might shift around on your desk or not provide a good experience while using your mouse.
In our search for the best options, we consulted several comments from gamers, reviews, and looked closely at how different desk mats were made. Using the information we gathered, as well as our gaming experience, we found that HyperX Pulsefire Mat is the best overall choice for most people.
How We Picked
Gamers looking for the best desk mats have a few things to think about before making a purchase. Here are a few of them, and why they're something you have to consider.
Materials
Look for a gaming desk mat made of quality materials. The surface should be a smooth and soft material to help your mouse glide better while gaming.
On the other hand, the bottom should be grippy so the mat isn't shifting the items on your desk around. The materials used can also play a role in how durable a desk mat is.
Size
Look for a desk mat that fits well in your desk setup. The right size depends on the size of your desk, and how much of it you want the mat to cover. Some people prefer a desk mat that only holds their keyboard and mouse, while other gamers prefer one that also fits their monitor.
Features
Some gaming desk mats come with extra features like RGB lighting, wrist support, and even wireless charging. While some gamers may not need these extra features, others feel that they can drastically improve your gaming experience.
Color/Design
Desk mats come in many different colors and designs, so make sure to choose one that fits well with the rest of your gaming equipment. This ensures your setup looks cohesive and the mat doesn't stick out and ruin the appearance or aesthetics of your gaming station.
Best Overall: HyperX Pulsefire Mat
- Size: 47.2" x 24" (119.89 cm x 60.96 cm)
- Materials: Soft cloth surface and grippy rubber underside
- Features: Anti-fray stitching for durability and a smooth surface for optimal gliding
Our top pick is the HyperX Pulsefire Mat. It has a soft surface that provides optimal gliding as you play, and a grippy rubber bottom to ensure the desk mat stays put, no matter how quickly or frequently you move your mouse.
YouTuber Techness Corner reviewed this mat and said that it "seems quite durable". This is a great observation in our opinion as both the quality materials used and the craftsmanship of the anti-fray stitching help this gaming desk mat stand the test of time.
We like how it comes in different sizes for gamers with different needs, has a consistent surface, and has a solid weight to it that helps it feel premium.
While the performance of the mouse doesn't have any major drawbacks, the fabric surface material can be difficult to clean at times.
Runner-up: ASUS ROG Scabbard II
- Size: 35.43" x 14.74" (89.99 cm x 37.44 cm)
- Materials: Durable woven fabric and rubber bottom
- Features: Smooth coating, water and oil-repellent surface, and flat-stitched edges
The ASUS ROG Scabbard II is another solid choice for gamers looking for a desk mat. We like the durable woven fabric surface that is smooth to the touch, the flat stitching on the edges, and the rubber bottom stops the mat from shifting or moving during use.
In our opinion, this is also a great desk mat for gamers who like to indulge in some snacks and beverages as they play games. It has a military-grade coating that helps to repel water, oil, dust, and more, to ensure it looks great even if you spill on it from time to time.
YouTuber Jaypher put this coating to the test in his review, and found it did a great job at repelling water and other things like oil, dust, and even hot sauce!
A downside of this gaming desk mat for some gamers is that it's relatively thin and might not be as comfortable on your wrist/hand as a thicker and more plush gaming desk mat might be.
Also Good: Corsair MM700 RGB
- Size: 48" x 24" (121.92 cm x 60.96 cm)
- Materials: Glide-enhanced cloth woven surface, with a rubber base
- Features: RGB lighting around the edges, and multi-port USB connection
In our opinion, the Corsair MM700 RGB is another good gaming desk mat to consider. It has a large cloth surface with glide enhancement to ensure it lets you move your mouse with speed and precision as you play your favorite game. The rubber base keeps the mat in place well.
In addition to that, this desk mat has several extra additions that set it apart from many other options in the industry. This includes an integrated USB hub with multiple ports and 360-degree RGB lighting that goes around the entire mat, with several color options to choose from.
YouTuber Jordan Ash showed off the range of RGB color choices in his review of the desk mat, and we like how many different options there are. Even on camera, you can see how vibrant and vivid many of the colors are.
A drawback of this desk mat for gamers is that it's quite expensive compared to other mats, but the price is warranted in the eyes of many gamers thanks to the extra features it includes.
Budget Pick: Logitech Desk Mat
- Size: 27.5" x 11.8" (69.85 cm x 29.97 cm)
- Materials: Fabric surface, polyester interior layer, and anti-slip natural rubber on the bottom
- Features: Anti-fray stitching, fine weave for optimal gliding, and spill-resistant
Gamers on a budget will love the Logitech Desk Mat, and it's easy to see why. We like the spill-resistance of the mat, which keeps it looking and performing well even after some unfortunate mishaps and spills.
It's also well-made and features anti-fray edges, and an anti-slip rubber base. Another strong suit in our opinion is the simple design and color choices, and the fine weave of the surface fabric that makes all of your mouse glides effortless.
YouTuber Kova Tech reviewed several desk mats and was impressed with the texture and smoothness of this mat and said you'll have "an easy time gliding on it".
A downside of this gaming desk mat vs. other options is the size. It's only big enough for a mouse and smaller keyboard, and certainly won't have full-desk coverage for your monitor or other items like some other gaming desk mats will.
The Competition
PULAIXIN Extended Mouse Pad: This is a budget-friendly gaming desk mat with solid performance and made with an anti-dust design. It also comes with several extras including wrist rests and insulator to keep you comfortable, and a sleeve for your drinks. Unfortunately, the quality of the materials isn't quite as good as other options.
KTRIO Large Gaming Mouse Pad: This water-resistant gaming desk mat is affordable, comes in many sizes, and has a very simple design. It has a micro-weave surface for solid mouse control, but there are some durability concerns.
X-Raypad Aqua Control 2: This flexible and durable desk mat is a favorite for gamers who want a precise, soft, and fast surface to play on. It's designed for performance and features an anti-sweat design. However, it can be difficult to get the desk mat to lay completely flat.
Frequently Asked Questions
You might be interested in the following questions about gaming desk mats, along with our answers.
What's the difference between a desk mat and a mouse pad?
While both are primarily used to protect your desk from scratches, the main difference is that a desk mat is generally big enough for your keyboard, mouse, and other gear to sit on, whereas a mouse pad is specifically for your mouse only.
Are desk mats more expensive than mouse pads?
It depends. Normally, they might be a little pricier because they are larger and take more materials to make. However, there are plenty of budget-friendly gaming mats that offer a great blend of value and size.
The overall cost of a desk mat and mouse pad often depends on its build quality, the materials used, how smooth it is, and the brand.
Are gaming desk mats durable?
It depends on how they were built and the quality of the materials. A stitched mat that uses material with strong fibers could last a very long time, whereas a mat with a lower build quality could begin to fray or rip much quicker. How well you treat the mat will also have an impact on how long it lasts.
Final Thoughts
Using a gaming mat is a great way to protect your desk, improve the aesthetics of your setup, add a layer of comfort, and even dampen the sounds your keyboard makes. We hope this guide helped you learn more about some of the best options and how they can elevate your gaming station.
To keep your gaming mat in the best shape, make sure to clean it often. You can do this by submerging it in warm water, adding a bit of dish or laundry detergent, and scrubbing it. Make sure to dry it entirely before putting your keyboard, mouse, and other gear back on it.
Also, while they can be cleaned off relatively easily, do your best not to spill anything that could stain or wreck the material. Make an effort to keep sharp items away too, as they could poke holes in or damage the mat.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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