The term video games is not a new term to most of us. Video games everything from playing a basic solitaire game to playing Massively Multiuser Online Games popularly known as MMOGs among all other forms of computer games. That said, video games are played on computers and laptops, other handheld devices, game consoles and in the recent times on phones and tablets.
Close to all of these games that are purchased and installed on the above-mentioned devices, while others are downloaded from the internet and there are the few that are played exclusively online. Video games have come a long way from being played by the younger generation to being played by people of all ages and sexes. Playing video games has become a sporting activity known as eSport and the players are known as gamers.
To be an efficient gamer, you need to master the games as well as have the best gadgets the likes of a good gaming mouse and an extended mouse pad. In this article, we give you four of the best extended mice pads in the market.
1. Glorious Extended Gaming Mouse Pad
Contents
This extended gaming mouse pads measures 36 by 11 by 0.12. This is a perfect size that can fit both mechanical keyboards and the mouse as it is either long or XXL in size. The gaming mouse pad features a smooth surface that has been optimized for fast movement while maintaining fast speed and control as you partake in your gaming activities.
The extended gaming mouse pad comes with a non-slip rubber base that provides for a heavy grip which prevents sliding or movement of the mouse pad that is unwanted. The extended gaming mouse pad also features an anti-fraying stitched frame that greatly increases the lifespan and the aesthetics of the gaming mouse pad. Additionally, it is machine washable.
2. SteelSeries QCK Gaming Surface
For more than two decades, the SteelSeries QCK Gaming Surface has been the top choice for pro gamers in the globe. It is an exclusive micro-woven cloth that is optimized for low and high DPI tracking movements. It is an extra thin non-slip based design that eliminates the chances of any unwanted movement during gaming activities.
This gaming surface is ideal for users who are looking for a full desk coverage as it is large enough to cover a wide enough space on your desk. The gaming surface provides for added stability for the mouse and the keyboard at the same time owing to the size. It is durable and efficient as a provider of a solid surface for competitive gaming.
3. AmazonBasics Large Extended Gaming Computer Mouse
This extended gaming mouse pad is ideal for gamers, graphic designers, and anyone who uses a mouse for long sessions. It features a high quality cloth surface that provides for a smooth surface for the mouse to glide over gently and also allows for enhanced precision. The extended gaming mouse pad is thick, rubberized at the base and steady hence it stays in place and ensures that there are no unwanted movements.
AmazonBasics Large Extended Gaming Computer mouse comes in XXL or Extra Large size on which the keyboard and the mouse can fit effortlessly making the gaming experience comfortable. The gaming mouse pad is made from washable material that is wash machine friendly. It is also durable as it is made from high quality material.
4. CORSAIR MM300-Anti Fray Cloth Gaming Mouse Pad
This gaming mouse pad allows the gamer to have superior control as it has a textile woven surface that is designed for pixel precise targeting and low friction tracking. It can be used by gamers, graphic designers and every other person that uses the mouse for a long sessions. It is a no fray and no fuss design.
This means that the gaming mouse pad is stitched all around its edges with the aim of guarding it against surface peeling hence allowing for maximum durability. It is an accurate and precise design as it is optimized for both laser and optical gaming mice. The gaming mouse pad is also a non-slip design as it comes with an anti-skid rubber base that helps to keep it securely in place.
What does it take to become a gamer?
The first step to becoming a gamer, it to actually play video games. It means that you have to be good at playing the games and to know and understand the games inside out so that you can be at a level where you can compete professionally in the game. The first thing you can do is to pick the game that you would like to compete in professionally and to do this you have to be passionate about playing video games.
Some of the game genres you can choose from are
I] Shooter and first person shooter video games
- These genre is among the oldest when it comes to types of games. It includes a number of games where shooting is involved, there is a target that is being shot at and these games are often war themed. First person shooter video games are where the player navigates an environment from a first person perspective.
- In these games, you are often required to shoot and kill your enemies. Examples of such games are Doom, Halo and Overwatch among other games. These games work for people who enjoy action.
II] Adventure games
- These games usually involve the player going on a variety of quests with the aim of obtaining certain information that will assist the player with an overarching mission. Such games, unlike shooting games do not involve a specific enemy or a boss. The main center of the game is navigating a story and the game many are times is a matter of revealing plot points and secrets.
- Such games would be perfect for a player who enjoys fantasy and storytelling. Examples of such games include Myst, Indiana Jones and Syberia.
III] Role Playing Games
- These games involve taking on a specific character and performing quests. An example is Dungeons and Dragons which is a type of pen and paper role playing game among others that are found online. Such games are often long term and they may remain the same character throughout the entire gameplay.
- This game works better for people who prefer interactions.
- There are other types of games including sports games, fighting games and dancing games. There are also such games that come in hybrid forms and others that have some supernatural elements, those that combine action and adventure games as well as those that may borrow some elements from other games.
To become a gamer, you will also need to gather some certain right materials. Such materials include a good console, a mouse, a controller, and other suppliers that are needed in the gaming scene.
Depending on the type of the games you are looking to play, you may need some kind of game console. To get the best type of console, you may need to get advice from a professional who will understand the type of console you need depending on the game that you want to play.
If you are playing a computer game, you may also need a good gaming mouse. A gaming mouse differs from other standard mice. A good gaming mouse will help you to achieve the amount of accuracy and precision that is needed in competitive gaming.
A good gaming mouse will help to support your wrist and to lessen the pain and irritation that is many at times associated with gaming.
Another gadget you need to invest in is a good quality controller. Contrary to popular opinion, even if your main focus is on online games, several controllers can be plugged into a PC or a laptop to allow the player to maneuver his or her character better.
Gaming is a community based endeavor, it may require you to have a microphone so that you can communicate and interact with other players online. The microphone can be hooked up to your computer or even to other gamer systems.
With a good gaming mouse, you may also need a good gaming mouse pad which is the primary focus of this article.
What to look for in a good extended mouse gaming pad
i] Dimensions
The size can be considered in a number of aspects. The first one being the size of the base. This is one of the most overlooked components.
Mouse pads come in a variety of thickness and this can have a significant role in the quality of gaming experience that you get. A slim base of around 2mm is preferred for those gamers who prefer a more solid feel. For those who would like to go for a more comfortable feel a heavy base of around 5mm is ideal.
A thick base is also ideal for tournaments as it helps you to navigate the surface better without any struggle. There is also the option of a standard base that is about 3mm. a standard base is neither too slim nor too heavy and it is what is used by most brands that manufacture gaming mouse pads in the industry.
ii] Surface
There are several types of surfaces available in the market. For clothe mouse gaming pads, the type of fabric, the weave, the construction are some of the most critical features of the surface of a gaming mouse pad. The key is to have a mouse pad that combines the elements of speed and control.
In addition to getting the best flow for the mouse pad, you also need to make sure that the friction of the surface of the gaming mouse pad. A good gaming mouse pad should not be too rough or too smooth as it may cause the mouse to slip unwantedly.
iii] Edge
Now that you know what to go for in terms of the surface and the base, the next aspect to consider is the edge. You need to make sure that the edge is secure to allow for durability. This means that a good mouse gaming pad should be seamed between the surface and the edge top keep it from fraying or getting fuzzy.
An anti-fraying frame will allow for a longer lifespan of the mouse pad especially for a gamer that plays for long sessions. The quality of the edges also gives the gamer the added advantage of the mouse pad being able to survive machine washes that make the pad look brand new.
iv] Size
One of the main features of an extended mouse pads is the fact that they normally come in a large size. The size is intended to accommodate the mouse as well as the keyboard and allow the user a large space to work the mouse on. If you are using a mechanical keyboard, the surface on which the keyboard is lying has an influence on the experience you will have using the keyboard.
For gaming, the aim is to make sure that the player is comfortable hence using an extended mouse gaming pad will allow for maximum comfort hence improve on the gaming experience of the player.
Bottom Line
Other factors that you may want to consider when going for an extended mouse gaming pad is the durability which is mostly influenced by the design and the quality of the material, the color may also be an issue to consider for some gamers although not so many, others may also want to consider the type of material as well. The price is also a factor that you have to consider when it comes to making any purchase.
The four options that we have given you in this article sum down the best of the best when it comes to extended mouse pads for gaming in the market. From the four we have found the best to be the Glorious Extended Gaming Mouse Pad.
The size of this extended mouse pad is large enough to accommodate a mechanical keyboard and a mouse, it features a smooth clothe surface, a non-slip rubber base and the edges are also stitched to prevent fraying and to allow for maximum durability. This pad is also machine washable and has a heavy base.