Mechanical or bust? Most gamers probably aren't even considering a non-mechanical keyboard - for good reason.The gel itself won’t absorb fluids, so cleaning them will usually only involve a quick wipe-down. You can also buy mousepads with fabric-covered gel pads which may be more comfortable. Uncovered gel feels sticky but generally stay cooler than memory foam. If you opt for a gel wrist rest, check it regularly to ensure it’s still in good condition. The main disadvantage of gel wrist rests is that they can puncture, allowing the gel filling to leak over time. They’re great if you prefer cushioned support that doesn’t mold to your wrist.

Gel wrist rests feel bouncy and squishy, like a cushion. Each has strengths and weaknesses, and what’s best depends on your preferences. Ergonomic mouse pads will have either gel or memory foam wrist rests. There’s really only one critical decision when buying an a pad with wrist support: the wrist support material. However, if you’re used to gaming-grade mousepads, combining a standalone wrist rest with a gaming mousepad will work better for you. Are you OK with a basic, no-frills surface? Then you can get a mousepad from our list. So before committing, think about what you need from a mousepad. A separate wrist rest lets you keep using your existing mousepad, so your game won’t be affected. However, a standalone wrist pad is likely the better choice if you’re a hardcore gamer who’s particular about their mouse mat. The mouse surfaces can’t compete with high-quality gaming mousepads, but that won’t be an issue if you’re just using it for office work or browsing the internet. If you want a quick and easy solution, then a mousepad with built-in wrist pad is the obvious choice. There’s no “best” solution here each has its place, depending on your needs and preferences. In that case, the next question is whether you buy one of these mousepads with wrist supports or use a dedicated mouse wrist rest. Suppose you’re sure that wrist support is the missing piece for a comfortable, ergonomic setup. Vertical mice will also help, although many of our mousepads aren’t designed with these in mind.Ĭheck out this Techquickie video for some great tips that are worth trying out alongside (or before) buying an ergonomic mousepad:Įrgonomic Mousepads vs. Instead, combine it with other good ergonomic practices, such as sitting on a supportive chair and having your desk and monitor set at optimal heights. A wrist rest won’t make up for poor ergonomics elsewhere, nor does it mean you can stay at your computer all day without needing breaks.Ī pad with wrist support isn’t something you should use in isolation. Should You Buy an Ergonomic Mousepad?Įrgonomic mousepads can be incredibly useful to minimize stress on your wrist and arm, but they can’t solve all your problems in one go. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t questions and specs to consider, especially regarding the wrist rest material. Most ergonomic mousepads cost less than $10, so many of you likely won’t worry too much and just get one to try out anyway. But it’s a solid choice if you have the room, and doubly so if you have posture issues that a simple wrist rest won’t solve. The Soundance ergonomic mousepad isn’t for everybody: its size and unique design mean it’s a relatively niche product.

It’s much better ergonomically than hanging your arm off your desk, but it can take some time before you’re comfortable with it. It also forces you to rest your forearm on the desk itself, which may be uncomfortable if you’re not used to it. Unfortunately, the Soundance mousepad takes up more space on your desk than many other wrist rests. The wrist rest is a bit unorthodox, but it has genuine benefits that may make this the mousepad for you. Overall, the Kensington Duo mousepad is an excellent choice if you’re looking for one of the best ergonomic mousepads. So it’s a great choice if you want a mousepad that’ll endure long-term daily use. User reviews generally indicate two or more years of constant use without any leaking or bursting of the wrist rest. Users also report that the gel wrist rest is significantly more reliable than competing mousepads. So you won’t have to worry about typical liquid spills with the Duo. The Duo is also a durable mousepad: Kensington claims it passed US Military-standard testing for durability when exposed to cleaning solvents such as alcohol. Perhaps not gaming-grade, but it’s smooth and easy to wipe clean when it gets dirty. It’s a great surface if it works for you, though. However, those with old or cheap mice will want to buy from a retailer with a good return policy in case it doesn’t work out. This won’t be an issue if you’re using a good-quality mouse made in the past few years. Some users report that the mouse surface may not work with older optical or laser sensors.

Mouse wrist rest gaming