Austin Carroll is a writer and web designer from Eugene, Oregon. He's been at HGG for five years and maintains an active role designing and develop... Read more
Reviewed by Benjamin Barr
Desk pads are like Batman. Totally underrated, they carry out their mission to protect your desk and support your gear with no thanks or recognition. You hardly even notice their soft and cushiony presence… until they’re gone. But make no mistake: desk pads are the silent hero that your PC gaming setup deserves.
Good news, gamers – the best desk pads are here to save the day! These understated accessories come in various shapes and sizes, making them the ideal protective, non-slip solution for all your peripherals. They also perfectly accent the most popular gaming desks, boosting your cool factor by several levels.
We’ve picked out the top 8 pads on the market and curated them in this handy list just for you. Read on to check ’em out!
Zoom Out: Desk Pads Comparison
Let’s start with an overview of the best desk pads. Our comparison table is in the same order as our more detailed list in the following section.
| Image | Desk Pad | Colors | Fabric | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. SteelSeries QcK Gaming Surface XXL | 1 | Cloth | 35 x 16 inches |  |
 | 2. Castle Courtyard Desk Pad | 1 | PU Leather | 36 x 17 inches | |
 | 3. Razer Goliathus Extended Chroma | 4 | Cloth | 36 x 12 inches | |
 | 4. Cooler Master MP510 XL | 1 | Cordura | 35 x 16 inches | |
 | 5. Eco Cork PU Leather Desk Pad | 12 | Cloth | 34x 23 inches | - |
 | 6. Corsair MM350 EXL | 2 | Cloth | 37 x 16 inches | |
 | 7. Acer Predator XXL | 4 | Cloth | 37 x 12 inches | |
 | 8. Gallaway Leather Desk Pad | 3 | PU Leather | 36 x 17 inches | |
Zoom In: 8 Best Desk Pads for Gaming
Now, let’s take a closer look at the options, starting with our top pick!
SteelSeries QcK Gaming Surface XXL
The best desk pad overall
Manufacturer: SteelSeries | Material: Cloth | Dimensions: 35 x 16 inches | Thickness: 4mm | Colors: 1 | Price: 💰💰
The SteelSeries QcK Gaming Surface, aka the best-selling gaming mouse mat of all time with a whopping 25,000+ reviews on Amazon.
This bad boy features everything you need to get started: a generous 35 x 16 inches worth of real estate, an extra-thick 4mm rubber base, and SteelSeries’s legendary micro-woven cloth exterior. For those who don’t know, the QcK’s proprietary fabric tracks beautifully – even at the highest DPI settings – and makes your mouse feel like Indiana Jones’ whip.
Unfortunately, there’s nothing very original about the QcK’s appearance, as it sports the customary all-black design so common among desk pads. But for those seeking something tried-and-true with over a whopping 50,000 reviews on Amazon and an average rating above 4.5, this is hands down the best desk pad on the market.
- USERS LIKE
- Pixel-perfect tracking
- Lots of room + cushiony 4mm rubber base
- eSports-grade pad used among pro players
- USERS DISLIKE
- Plain-jane black design
- Chemical smell lasts awhile
- Not super durable – fabric peels over time and hardcore gamers may need yearly replacements
Razer Goliathus Extended Chroma
The best LED desk pad
Manufacturer: Razer | Fabric: Cloth | Dimensions: 36 x 12 inches | Thickness: 3mm | Colors: 4 | Price: 💰💰💰💰
What happens when you combine the litheness of David with the overwhelming power of Goliath, and wrap them up into one shiny package? You get the Razer Goliathus, of course!
Like most of its competitors, this micro-textured cloth pad is soft to the touch, and the non-slip rubber base grips your desk like glue. But that’s where the comparison ends, because the Goliathus is powered by Razer Chroma! That means the entire pad is wrapped with stunning RGB LEDs that you can control right from your PC. Light up the night with flashing colors, or slow things down with a monotone palette or gentle flow – the choice is yours.
But with great power… comes an insanely high price. You’re looking at $50+ for this desk pad, making it the most expensive option on our list.
- USERS LIKE
- Choose between 4 distinct pads
- LED accents powered by Razer Chroma
- Micro-textured finish is ideal for fast-paced competition
- USERS DISLIKE
- Must be plugged in
- Extremely expensive
- Has trouble laying completely flat
Cooler Master MP510 XL
The best gaming desk mat
Manufacturer: Cooler Master | Fabric: Cordura | Dimensions: 35 x 16 inches | Thickness: 3mm | Colors: 1 | Price: 💰💰💰
Looking for something different? You’ve gotta check out the Cooler Master MP510 XL if you’re looking for the best gaming desk mat.
The MP510 XL is made for gaming, but it’s not like the other pads on our list. Instead, it’s got a textured Cordura surface that acts as a gaming-optimized microscopic mesh, providing a level of precision tracking unseen in competitor models. It’s also splash-resistant and extremely durable, with securely bound stitching and a rubber base that stays put – always.
Want to learn more about the Cooler Master MP510? You can check out our full review here.
- USERS LIKE
- Pinpoint mousing accuracy
- Ergonomic Cordura surface
- Durable anti-fray stitching and splash-proof design
- USERS DISLIKE
- Plain black design
- Some users may dislike the ribbed surface
- Unlike other cloth desk pads, the MP510 is not easily washable
Eco Cork PU Leather Desk Pad
The best cheap and eco-friendly desk pad
Manufacturer: YSAGi | Fabric: Cork & PU Leather| Dimensions: 23.6″ x 13.7″ | Thickness: 2mm | Colors: 12 | Price: 💰-💰💰
On a budget but still wanting to have some high-quality materials? YSAGi makes a PU leather desk pad with a cork backing that is thin but durable.
While it’s not the thickest or most durable desk pad around, it does boast a a range of colors, and liquid-proof coating that is easy to clean. There are three different sizes made to best fit your gaming setup. The leatherette surface can also work as an effective mousepad to help declutter the desk. Though you probably won’t use it, the desk pad comes with a matching strap. If you need a desk mat for on-the-go purposes, this might be an added benefit.
- USERS LIKE
- PU leather is high quality
- Easy to clean and scuff-resistant
- Variety of colors and price is a huge bonus
- USERS DISLIKE
- A little too thin
- Needs to soften up for mouse use
- Cork will absorb some water if spills seep underneath
Corsair MM350 EXL
The best gaming desk pad
Manufacturer: Corsair | Fabric: Cloth | Dimensions: 37 x 16 inches | Thickness: 5mm | Colors: 2 | Price: 💰💰💰
Prefer a desk pad with more mousing room and extra cushioning? The Corsair MM350 EXL is just the ticket.
The first thing you’ll notice about the MM350 is the grunge aesthetic complete with Corsair logo – guaranteed to look absolutely clean on any desk. Look below the motif, and you’ll find a glide-enhanced woven surface that’s ideal for precise tracking and hair-trigger action. And below that? A full 5mm of plush rubber that’s soft enough to keep your wrists ready for action all night long.
The major complaint is the pungent chemical smell that hits as soon as you open the box. Our recommendation? Let it air out a few days (preferably outside) before setting ‘er up.
- USERS LIKE
- Durable non-slip rubber base
- Cool grunge graphic w/ wear-resistant dye
- Extra-long pad with unrivaled 5mm of cushioning
- USERS DISLIKE
- Pungent chemical smell out of the box
- Contrast in the photo looks duller in person
- Difficult to tell when the pad needs cleaning
Acer Predator Spirits XL
The best large gaming mouse pad
Manufacturer: Acer | Fabric: Cloth | Dimensions: 37 x 17 inches | Thickness: 3mm | Colors: 4 | Price: 💰
What’s brightly colored, edgy, and silky smooth all over? If you guessed the Acer Predator XXL, you got it, dude!
This affordable desk pad from Acer boasts a tightly woven cloth exterior that’s oil, water, heat, and tear-resistant. Gaming mice glide across the Spirit’s surface as smooth as a cloud, and the non-slip rubber base clings to your desk like a poltergeist haunting its prey. The coolest part? The Predator XXL boasts an unusual geometric motif with flared edges that stand out among the crowd.
At 17 inches, the pad is just right for full-size keyboards- a step up from the XL which is better suited for 60% or TKL keyboard setups.
- USERS LIKE
- Oil, water, heat, and tear-resistant
- Durable cloth and rubber materials
- Sports a sharp two-tone geometric print and flared edges
- USERS DISLIKE
- No edge stitching
- Some splitting of the edges after long use
- Reports that the surface may be too smooth
Gallaway Leather Desk Pad
The best leather desk pad
Manufacturer: Gallaway Leather | Material: PU Leather | Dimensions: 36 x 17 inches | Thickness: 3mm | Colors: 4 | Price: 💰💰
PU leather is a typical finish for gaming chairs, and suffice to say it’s a popular material for desk pads too. This is a quality desk mat that comes in 4 attractive colors, so you find the perfect match your gaming space.
Introducing the Gallaway Leather Desk Pad, a rugged and traditional take on the classic tabletop accessory. The idea behind this product is simple: if PU leather is comfy and durable enough to sit on, it’s probably well-suited to play on. Turns out, that’s right! And PU leather isn’t just cozy for your hands and wrists – it’s also soft enough to track low-medium DPIs without issue.
If you’re looking for a desk pad suited for office use and casual gaming, this is it.
- USERS LIKE
- Attractive, innovative material and finish
- Remains put and stays flat right from the box
- Protects your desk, cushions your hands, and supports your accessories
- USERS DISLIKE
- On the thinner side
- Not suited for fast-paced or competitive gaming
- Reports that the surface is too soft, with not enough grip
Castle Courtyard Leather Desk Pad
The best desk pad from a small business
Manufacturer: Castle | Material: PU Leather | Dimensions: 36 x 17 inches | Thickness: 3mm | Colors: 1 | Price: 💰💰
The Courtyard comes in two style options: logo or no logo. The no logo version is great for minimalists who want a sleek, leatherette desk pad that doesn’t call any attention away from the work and games at hand. The one color black stitching, logo, and surface is a winning combination that doesn’t show wear or stains and is easy to clean!
Disclosure: “The Courtyard” is a product created by Top Shelf Media, which also owns and operates this website. We are committed to transparency and honesty in our descriptions and believe this product merits a mention here due to its quality and relevance to our users.
- USERS LIKE
- Clean edges
- Quality leatherette with soft and plush feel
- Minimalist no logo version
- USERS DISLIKE
- No other colors besides black
- Chemical smell takes time to fade
- More expensive than most fabric options
Our Process
For this guide on desk pads, our writers spent 2 hours researching over 50 of the most popular options from brands big and small. After comparing this data, we then read user reviews and narrowed our list down to the top 5 desk pads on the market. All of this research adds up to recommendations you can trust.
We hope you’ve found the perfect model for your setup. Happy Gaming!
Awesome list man! I got the coolest gaming desk mat ever form this store I just stumbled upon. I like the japanese inspired or themed desk pads most so I got really excited when I saw the bushido desk mat they have. Of course material and print, comfort and it’s effectiveness is always the top priority but aesthetics as well.