As a computer accessory, the mouse pad is useful. You can find this computer part in every facility or school where computers are being used or studied.
But you might have seen your friend or family member using a mouse on a table or any other surface except a mouse pad.
At this point, multiple questions must be hitting your mind.
So why should you buy a mouse pad? Most importantly, can you use a mouse on a wooden surface?
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Is using a mouse on wood bad?
The majority of resources online suggest that using a mouse on wood isn’t a bad idea anymore. However, the reality is way beyond what you think or what these researchers tell.
Actually, the answer to this question depends upon which type of mouse you are using.
Let me explain this in detail.
These days, most mouse manufacturers usually make use of cutting-edge technologies in order to make modern optical and laser mice, which gives them the ability to be fully functional on any given surface. But if you still use the outdated mouse, then the table, or wooden desk, might not be a good idea for sure.
Will using the mouse on wood affect gaming performance?
A gaming grade optical sensor and laser sensor combine with precision tuning to create a mouse that’s optimized for play on hard, shiny surfaces.
Since most gaming mouse is designed specifically with this in mind, you shouldn’t notice any significant difference in performance using it on wood versus any other hard surface.
However, using a mouse on a hard surface such as wooden desk can be hard on the wrist, which can result in poor gaming performance. For instance, you might not be able to aim while using the mouse on a hard and rough surface.
It is often recommended to use a mouse pad which can make it more comfortable to use a mouse.
But luckily, if you have a quality desk surface (smooth wood), then you would never face such technical difficulties while playing PC games.
Will the mouse damage the wood?
No, not at all. Using a computer mouse on the table surface would not damage the wood. However, and let me tell you that it can wear out that part of the wood and create patches on a long-term basis.
In most cases, your desk will start to show certain off-colored marks as well as scratches. And not just that but even the metal, glass, or hardwood can easily show scratches.
The repeated motions of the plastic feet or rubber of your mouse against the finish of your desk will wear away on most surfaces, including leather, particleboard, and sometimes even polished hardwood.
Will using your mouse on the wood shorten your mouse lifespan?
Well, actually not! The mouse pads were essentially designed to provide a smooth, reliable rolling surface for the first-generation mouse that has the rolling ball. They do not have any direct effect on the lifespan of your mouse.
Although if you don’t use a mouse pad and if it’s a rough and tough surface, then certain problems like sensor damage, harm to the mouse body, especially on the bottom side, can possibly occur.
Is it safe to use the mouse on any table?
It is absolutely safe to use the mouse on any given table for sure. No, there’s nothing harmful, or damaging about not using a mouse on the mouse pad. Most modern mouse can run and operate on most surfaces.
If your computer mouse on whatever surface works well and is completely good without a mouse pad. Then feel free to continue operating it.
However, using your mouse on an inappropriate surface can cause a wide variety of problems. Among these are sticky or jittery cursor movement, difficulty dragging objects, and even worn-out mouse feet.
Quick and Easy alternative for mouse pads
Believe it or not, but there is a multitude of things you can make use of as the best alternative for mouse pads.
But there are some of the most cost-effective, quick, and easy alternatives of mouse pads that are easily available in any common living space.
Let’s take a look…
Magazine
First things first, you can find a magazine almost anywhere, which is the reason why the magazine is at the top of our life.
The best thing about most magazines is that they have smooth and even surfaces. But before that, make sure the magazine that you are using is a thick, smooth cover and has a considerable surface area.
And that’s it! Simply place your magazine near the computer setup and continue with your work in no time.
Place Mat
Placemat (most of the time also known as table pad) is yet another best substitute for a mouse pad. They are easily available on your dining table, kitchen, etc.
Placemats are made up of quite similar material if compared to the mouse mat.
Before using them, just confirm that the placemat is not wet. As it can seriously damage the hardware or cause technical issues if your mouse is not waterproof.
Carboard
Yes, cardboard! Any type of cardboard or mount board can work in the place of a mouse pat.
Reason why? Because most of the time, cardboard has a plane and smooth body structure. Apart from all this, the thickness of the cardboard gives it the ability to substitute any normal type of mouse pad.
Even though they aren’t that smooth, but it is indeed a wise choice in emergency situations.
At this very moment, you might question where do I get cardboard immediately. Cardboard can be easily found in any product packaging, book cover, etc.
Is buying a mouse pad worth it?
As I have mentioned earlier, the mouse pads are made for the old and outdated versions of the mouse that need to be operated on a smooth, thick, and even surface.
But the modern generation mouse is way more different from a first-generation mouse. But the key difference is that the modern generation of the mouse does not come with rolling wheels for track movement.
What that means is modern computer mouse can easily and smoothly work on any given surface such as wood, glass, etc.
And guess what? You would not face any difficulties while operating them without mouse pads.
To sum it up, you don’t need a mouse pad if you are just using a mouse for casual use, as most modern mouse are designed to work on any surface. However, ff you are a gamer, then yes. You always need a mouse pad because of the very obvious reason that with a mouse pad, your mouse will glide well and provide you an excellent response time.
