If you’ve got yourself a whole new computer setup for gaming and all you’re missing is a good quality mouse pad, you’re not alone. Seeing the prices of basic and extended mouse pads might make you wonder why they’re so expensive these days.
Why are mouse pads so expensive on average right now? Are these meant only for gaming or for other purposes as well?
If that’s what you’re wondering, then you’re in the right place because that’s what I’m here to tell you.
In this article, I will talk about mouse pads, why they’re generally expensive, and the relationship between quality and mouse pad pricing. We will also do a comparison between cheap and expensive mouse pads and whether the expensive ones are really worth it.
So, without wasting any further time, let’s just get started.
Table of Contents
Why are Mouse Pads So Expensive?
Mouse pads aren’t necessary for a mouse to function properly. However, they can greatly improve your aiming and speed, particularly while playing a game. So, why are they so expensive despite the fact that they’re not that important for working on a computer?
The answer lies within the demand of the community. People believe that mouse pads are essential. And not only that, they believe that mouse pads that have nice designs and high-quality fabric are necessary.
Seeing this astonishingly rising demand, peripheral and accessory companies make high-end ridiculous kinds of RGB, gaming, over-the-top gaming mouse pads that are super expensive and have little to no difference compared to cheaper mouse pads.
As a computer enthusiast, I’d say you should definitely get a mouse pad for your computer setup, but a generic mouse pad in a single color will be just as effective as any other. So, if you have any kind of budget issue, you should take this advice and get a simple mouse pad for better mouse functioning.
Relationship Between Quality and Mouse Pad Pricing
It’s not just about the extravagant designs and over-the-top inclusions, though. One big reason for mouse pads being priced so expensively is that when it comes to mouse pads, quality is a standard that definitely needs to be maintained.
We all know there are soft and hard mouse pads, and in either case, the materials are different. Hard mouse pads use a steel or hard plastic surface for the mouse pad, while soft ones use rubber or different fabric types to create the mouse pad surface.
To make sure that the mouse pad feels comfortable and helps the mouse work to its full potential, the quality of the surface, the texture, and the design of the mouse pad need to be flawless.
So, when it comes to mouse pad pricing, a big reason for expensive mouse pads is that they are generally manufactured with high quality. Otherwise, the user experience and the comfort would be compromised, which is not something you’re going to want when you’re on your computer for quite a long time.
Cheap vs Expensive Mouse Pads
If you’re thinking about getting a mouse pad yourself and you’re conflicted about whether you should invest a lot on the mouse pad or just get a cheap one that does the trick, I’m here to help you make that decision. I’ve made a list of factors comparing cheap and expensive mouse pads. So, let’s take a look at them.
Cheap Mouse Pads
Cheap mouse pads are exactly what you’d expect them to be. They’re proper mouse pads, offer the same amount of function, and deliver the same results as any cheap peripheral or accessory.
However, cheap mouse pads tend to have some corners cut in them to make them profitable for the manufacturers. These could be the quality elements, the texture and fabric, the design, the feel, or anything else.
But when it comes to serving the purpose of mouse tracking and even offering a bit of support to your wrist on the table, cheap mouse pads do all that they are expected to and need to.
Expensive Mouse Pads
Expensive mouse pads are usually the high-quality and heavy-featured versions of regular mouse pads. They provide all the basic functionalities and comfort that mouse pads provide and much more with them.
When it comes to quality, expensive mouse pads do not cut any corners and make sure the features, fabric, texture, and everything are up to the mark and even better than you’d want.
Despite having the basic mouse pad functionalities, expensive mouse pads deliver more. This could be in the form of design, some cool ergonomic features, RGB lighting, and more, which is why they’re so amazing and should definitely be invested in if you have the funds for them.
What Makes Expensive Mouse Pads Worth the Price?
People usually claim that mouse pads don’t really enhance your performance, whether you’re a gamer or a designer that uses computer mice a lot. So then why are expensive mouse pads preferred by people more often than cheap mouse pads, and what extra features do they have to offer users?
It is definitely an interesting claim and somewhat true as well. But in reality, expensive mouse pads are known to provide a good quality mouse with perfect freedom of tracking and performing to its fullest. Thus, they’re definitely helpful if you’re competitive gaming or working productively.
Add extra comfort to the mix, and you’re looking at a proper instrument of satisfaction when it comes to working on your computer. You can spend hours upon hours on the computer, and your wrist won’t hurt because it will be resting on a comfortable and ergonomic mouse pad.
There are other benefits associated with expensive mouse pads as well if the right company makes them, and they’re actually as high-quality as they’re advertised. Definitely, the designs, the look, the visual aesthetics, RGB lighting, and other elements add a certain layer of depth to the mouse pads, and if you like all these extra elements, you should get them for sure. You won’t regret your decision.
Are Cheap Mouse Pads Worth It?
So, if expensive mouse pads are so much better than cheap mouse pads, then is there any situation where cheaper mouse pads are worth it? Do they provide good value in any case at all?
The answer is yes, they do. Cheap mouse pads are the generic ones available in fewer designs, usually in smaller sizes, and with less thickness than expensive mouse pads. But that doesn’t mean they’re not worth it.
If you’re on a budget and you want a placeholder that might even pose as your primary mouse pad for quite a long while, you can definitely get a cheap mouse pad without putting a dent in your wallet. There’s a lot on offer when it comes to cheap mouse pads for the price, which is why they’re so great in value. So, they’re definitely worth it.
Which One Should You Go For?
Now that you know everything there is to know about cheap and expensive mouse pads, you must be wondering which one you should go for. Well, that really depends upon a few things.
The first is your requirement. Depending upon your requirement, you can easily choose between a cheap and expensive mouse pad. If you have a gaming setup with an epic design, RGB lighting, and the requirement of an extended mouse pad, you’re going to want to go for an RGB, gaming-forward designed, soft yet comfy expensive mouse pad.
On the other hand, if you’re not looking for extra pizzazz, then going for a barebones mouse pad with a single color, simple design, decent fabric, and fine quality would be great as well. And these mouse pads will work just the way you want, albeit for a lesser period of time and with a bit less comfiness.
Another is your budget. If you can afford a higher-end mouse pad, you should definitely get it, but if the budget constricts you, you should go for elements that are more important for your computer build than the mouse pad.
Lastly, the biggest concern is comfort. If you want to work quite a long time on your PC and you don’t want your palm to get strained while using the mouse, you must get a high-quality comfy, and ergonomic mouse pad instead of a cheap one. So, keeping all these things in mind, you can make your choice the right way.
Conclusion
High-quality mouse pads and the ones that come with some special features tend to be expensive. You can expect a good-quality mouse pad to be priced somewhere between $50 to $100. Well, this is definitely expensive for some people.
Nevertheless, when it comes to amazing experience and comfort while using your computer, mouse pads definitely add a layer of calmness and quality to the overall experience of both productivity and gaming on your computer.
So, whichever mouse pad you can afford, you should buy. One thing is for certain you’re going to have an incredible experience with them, and you’ll love using a good mouse pad. I hope that you have a great time working on your computer and that you have a great day ahead of you!