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How Big Is A Gaming Mouse Pad? Superb 4 Reasons That Need To Consider Before Buying It
How Big Is A Gaming Mouse Pad
So, how big is a gaming mouse pad? Four distinct sizes are offered for gaming mouse pads;
- small,
- medium,
- large,
- extended.
No one size is optimal for everyone, as each gamer’s needs and playing style are distinct.
Generally, you should purchase a large gaming mouse pad if you plan to play games with a low DPI mouse. This will ensure that there is sufficient space for mouse movement. If you prefer gaming with a high DPI mouse setting, small to medium-sized mouse pads are ideal.
When determining the size of your gaming mouse pad, keep the following factors in mind:
- DPI/sensitivity settings for your gaming mouse
- Mouse Grip design
- Your desk’s dimensions
- Wrap And Play
Also, in this blog we also have an article about best extended mouse pads for gaming that you might want to see.
DPI/sensitivity settings for your gaming mouse
Your gaming mouse’s DPI level is a critical factor in determining the size of mouse pad you should purchase. When gaming at a low DPI, you’ll need a larger mouse pad because your mouse cursor must span a huge area on the screen, which requires your mouse to be moved a greater distance.
When you’re playing first-person shooter games like Call of Duty, Doom Eternal, or Overwatch, you’re almost certainly gaming at a low DPI (400-1000). A low DPI enables greater control and precision when scoping targets.
As a result, it is recommended to get a large mouse pad for FPS gaming to avoid running out of space. If, on the other hand, you prefer high-DPI gaming, a small to medium-sized mouse pad would suffice.
When the DPI is set to a high value (above 1000), little mouse movements result in the cursor covering a significant area of the screen. A high DPI is recommended when playing fast-paced RTS, MMO, and MOBA games that emphasize speed over precision.
“DPI stands for dots per inch or in gaming terms, pixels per inch. DPI determines how far a cursor moves per inch of mouse movement. 400 DPI = 1 inch mouse movement, moves the cursor 400 pixels. The lower the DPI, the less sensitive your mouse.”
Raymond Sam, author from thegamingsetup.com
Style of Mouse Grip
As previously stated, each gamer has their own distinct playing style. The second most critical factor in deciding the size of the mouse pad is the way you handle the mouse. Three distinct mouse grip styles exist: the palm grip, the claw grip, and the fingertip grip.
When employing the claw or fingertip grip types, your fingers and wrist control the majority of your mouse movement. This keeps your arm movement confined to a limited region, eliminating the need for a huge mouse pad.
If you want to utilize the palm grip, you’ll need a large mouse pad because your entire arm controls the mouse movement. With this grip style, you’ll need enough of room when switching targets or performing 360° turns.
With a low DPI mouse, you can use up to 30 cm to complete a 360 degree turn. Additionally, if you frequently lift your mouse to reposition it, you’ll want a broad mouse pad to avoid repeatedly moving past the edges, which can be bothersome.
“How you hold a gaming mouse depends on what you want to achieve. There are many ways to wield your clicky weapon of doom, but not all of them are right for the task at hand.”
HB Duran, author from SteelSeries.com
Your Desk’s Dimensions
Before purchasing a large or extended mouse pad, ensure that it will fit comfortably on your gaming desk. This can be accomplished by verifying the mouse pad’s dimensions online prior to purchase and comparing them to the available space on your desk.
Not only would an oversized mouse pad seem untidy on your desk, but it may also warp or fold around the surface’s edges. Folds and warps are undesirable because they provide an uneven surface that is incompatible with mouse tracking, defeating the purpose of having a mouse pad in the first place.
Wrap Play: Are You A Gaming On Your Travel or Event
Finally, you must decide whether portability is a priority for you. If you’re purchasing a mouse pad to accompany your gaming laptop’s external mouse, you’ll want a medium or small size that’s easy to transport to LAN parties and e-sports events.
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