Mousepad
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- This article is about mouse mats for computer mice. Mousepad is also the name of a text editor for Xfce.
Mousepad.jpg
A mousepad (or mouse mat) is a surface for enhancing the movement of a computer mouse.
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Types
Two types of mousepad exist - textured ones for improving the tracking of a ball mouse, and shiny, sometimes gridded metallic ones for older optical mice. Newer optical mice do not require mousepads. Specialised pads also exist for where extra accuracy is needed.
Designs
Originally mousepads were available in a simple rectangular shape. In recent years, though, they have been available in many shapes and designs. Ergonomic designs are available with built-in wrist rests. Companies often give away mousepads for promotional reasons, and computer manufacturers often include a mousepad with their logo on it, usually with technical support information. Many artists have published their work on a mousepad. Most users treat mousepads as an uneeded accessory and cheap throw-away item. However, there is a growing trend, especially with gamers, for high quality mouse pads. There is now a fairly large variety of high quality "gaming grade" mouse pads. In the beginning, there were only three such manufacturers: Everglide (arguably the first to come onto the market), closely followed by fUnc Industries, and Ratpadz (made by [H]ard|OCP). These high quality mouse pads differ from traditional cheaper pads in that they are made from hard plastic, so they are much more durable and allow mice to glide over them easily as well as being larger than traditional pads.
Materials
Typically, modern mousepads are based on foam rubber. However, other types (including fabric and those manufactured from recycled rubber tires) are available. High quality gaming mats are usually made from plastic. However, some companies manufacture gaming mats from more unique materials, such as glass, aluminium and steel.
External Links
- Ratpadz (http://www.ratpadz.com)
- fUnc sUrface 1030 (http://www.func.net)
- Everglide (http://www.everglide.com)
- Icemat (http://www.icemat.com)
- Steelpad (http://www.steelpad.com)