Have you noticed that after a full day of work your arms, wrists, and hands are feeling dull throbbing, or sore?
That is because at a normal computer with a regular mouse pad, or none at all, your hands are probably laying very flat against the surface of the desk.
This is an unnatural position for your hands that causes strain on the wrists. Did you know that the way you use your computer every day is causing long-term damage to your wrists and hands? This flat-handed position and constant use can lead to more severe issues like carpal tunnel syndrome.
At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks For Best Ergonomic Mouse Pads To Buy
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This is where the ergonomics come in to help you take care of your health both today with minor pain, and with more serious long-term complications.
With an ergonomic mouse, mousepad, and keyboard you will be positioning your hand in a more natural, curved position that does not cause unwanted stress to your bones and muscles.
An ergonomic mouse pad is different from an average mouse pad or not having a mouse pad at all because it is designed to alleviate your wrist strain and stress that can cause you all-day pain.
The pads are designed to elevate your wrist and keep your hands, arms, and wrists in a more natural position while using your mouse at the computer.
Many of the ergonomic mouse pads come with a gel or memory foam cushion support for your wrist that gives you a pillow to set your wrist on.
How Did We Select Our Top Five Mouse Pads?
Wrist Support
If you are going for ergonomics then you have to have good support, that is the number one thing to keep in mind.
There should be some kind of padding or protection to keep your wrist elevated the entire time that you are using this mouse pad.
An ergonomic mouse should help you to keep some strain off the wrist but the mouse pad itself should come equipped to keep your hand in a more natural position, not flat against the surface of your desk or table.
For this reason, wrist support is at the top of our list of considerations when it comes to choosing the absolute best ergonomic mouse pads for you to choose from.
Durable Material
While there is going to be normal wear and tear when using a mouse pad every day, you do not want it to damage your mouse pad quickly.
You are going to want a long-lasting material used to make your mousepad, one that is firm but still allows for your mouse to easily move across the surface without snagging along the way.
Because a mouse will be running across the surface constantly, you want a mouse pad that is prepared to protect against easily tearing or ripping open.
Lightweight
We mentioned that you need a durable mouse pad but that does not mean that it needs to come at the expense of weight.
It is a mouse pad, after all, you do not want it to be weighty, it should be lightweight.
You should be able to easily transport your mouse pad from one place to the next without it being too difficult to pack up and take elsewhere.
Overall Size
The size of your mouse pad is going to be crucial. As with all mouse pads, you need one that will allow you to position your mouse comfortably on the pad and move it around as you need to.
If the mouse pad is too small you will not be able to swivel it around without it falling off the pad. If the mouse pad is very large, however, you will find that it takes up entirely too much place on your desktop and becomes bulky when trying to pack it.
The size of your mouse pad is on our list for consideration because there have been some concerns that other mousepads do not accommodate the range of motion that is needed.
Top 5 Ergonomic Mouse Pads
#1 Gimars Superfine Fibre Ergonomic Mouse Pad – Best For Sensitive Skin
While ergonomic mouse pads do a great job of elevating your wrist and keeping it at a better angle while you click around, constantly rubbing the base of your palm and wrist against the fabric can be a bit of an irritant to more sensitive skin.
If that is a problem for you, then this mouse pad from Gimars may be the answer. It is made from a smooth, soft, and breathable material that won’t irritate the skin.
The elevating pad itself is made from high-quality memory foam that is optimized for comfort. The foam should bounce back to its original shape after use, though some users have reported issues, so it may not be able to stand up to long-term use under a particularly heavy hand.
The mouse pad is relatively large, measuring 8.5 by 9.75 inches, which makes it ideal for larger hands, and it can accommodate a larger mouse. It also has a non-skid rubber base so it stays in place while you are working.
This option is affordable, though not budget, and it comes with a keyboard palm rest made of the same material. This is important as it can feel more comfortable to have your palms resting on the same material, rather than on different fabrics and pillows.
Pros:
- Memory foam wrist pad
- Super soft material
- Large size for larger hands
- Affordable and comes with keyboard pad
Cons:
- Pad can become flat over time with heavy use
- Fabric can begin to fray at the edges with heavy use
#2 Mouse Pad Wrist Support With Ergobeads – Best Adjustable Option
If you are looking for a flexible ergonomic mouse pad that you can adjust to your specific needs and is also highly transportable, then this ergo beads mouse pad was designed with you in mind.
The product comes in a three-piece set, which includes a mouse pad, mouse wrist pad, and keyboard wrist rest, all made from the same cotton fabric and stuffed with ergo beads. This is a bonus, as it feels better when you have the same kind of fabric and padding beneath your wrists in both locations. The fabric sacks are stuffed with ergo beads and sealed with a zipper. You can add and remove beads as you wish to get the pads to the height that is best for you.
This product is durable and washable for long-term care, and comes in three different colors, so you can find something that appeals to you. They are lightweight and compact, so they are also easy to transport if that is a requirement.
The mousepad is also very flexible, which appeals to some, but, despite being non-slip, it also means it does not always sit flush with the table, which can be challenging for others. The mouse pad itself is also quite small, so may not be ideal for bigger hands or bigger hardware.
Pros:
- Adjustable height
- Made from durable and washable cotton fabric
- Matching keyboard palm rest
- Variety of colors
Cons:
- Mouse pad is not always flush with the table
- Relatively small in size
#3 Belkin WaveRest Gel Mouse Pad
Belikin is a name we know and love for all of our gadgets. It is a company name we can depend on and we can honor. This is also true when you are searching for your ergonomic mouse pad. This WaveRest Gel mouse pad is going to provide you with the range of motion you want and the comfort and daily support.
Made from a durable polyurethane material you can be sure that this mouse pad will last you for a long time. The mouse is lightweight and comes in a modern grey color that will fit nicely with the other equipment in your desk space.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Sleek design
- Cost effective
Cons:
- Small space
- Limited color options
#4 VicTsing Ergonomic Mouse Pad with Gel Wrist Rest – Best For Fine Mouse Work
If you are looking for an ergonomic mouse pad, but don’t want to make any sacrifices when it comes to sensitivity and performance, then you can have the best of both worlds with this mouse pad from VicTsing.
This mouse pad is made from a smooth lycra fabric specifically designed for optimum partnering with the mouse, ensuring consistent and accurate gliding. The mouse pad also has an intelligent design shape that allows you to move the mouse in an arc, which is the most natural way to navigate.
The base is non-slip, so you won’t find the pad moving around the desk. The edges of the pad are also reinforced, preventing curling and other deformation.
The wrist cushion is made from a comfortable gel, which shapes perfectly to your hand. While comfortable, the gel does not tend to last as long as other forms of padding, so the mouse pad may need replacing more frequently.
As a bonus, this product is made entirely from non-toxic and environmentally friendly materials and has a ROHS certificate, so it is safe to use and good for the conscience. However, a few buyers did comment that they found the smell of the materials a little off-putting.
Pros:
- Fabric allows for precision gliding
- Made from non-toxic and environmentally safe materials
- Non-slip base
- Reinforced edges to prevent damage
Cons:
- Some customers did not like the smell of the pad
- Gel may not be as durable as other padding options
#5 VIPAMZ Ergonomic Mousepad With Wrist Support
If you are ready to make the change to an ergonomic lifestyle, then you cannot go wrong with the Vipamz ergonomic mousepad. While they have a few options, including an extra large mousepad, we found that this one not only meets the needs of the user but goes above and beyond.
The mousepad is highly comfortable and the wrist rest is made to be extremely supportive for a long time. The mousepad is compact to fit on virtually any workstation. This is designed to work with an optical mouse to prevent mouse skipping and give you complete control and fluidity while working.
Pros:
- Compact design
- Contemporary appearance
- Works with an optical mouse
- Very comfortable
Cons:
- Some users report a strange smell
- Some users report easy fraying
Ready, Set, Ergo!
Once you have gotten a taste of ergonomics for your desktop, you will be ready to set up your entire office space to be more ergonomic.
This is not a simple health trend that is sweeping the nation but is truly a way to better living. Your body and wellness deserve that you be good to it.
Taking the steps to make your office more ergonomic is a form of being responsible and taking care of yourself.
Set up your mouse, mousepad, and keyboard first to get a feel for how much better you will feel when you have less hourly and daily strain on your wrists and hands, and move on from there to your office lamps, desks, and office chair. Now you have all of the information and top-rated choices you need to get set up today!
- Best Ergonomic Mouse Pads - August 24, 2023