Ergonomic mouse pads are made for people who spend several hours a day at a computer and want less strain on the wrist. Most of them have a gel or foam wrist rest built in. Our range includes over 25 models, among them products from SBOX, FELLOWES, INCA, CONTOUR HD and SPEEDLINK.
How to choose an ergonomic mouse pad
Rest material. A gel rest moulds to the shape of your wrist and stays cool for longer. Foam or memory foam is usually firmer and more stable, which suits anyone who dislikes a very soft base.
Rest height. Your wrist should stay almost straight while you work, so the rest should not be higher than the keys or the mouse itself. A rest that is too tall bends the wrist upwards and simply moves the strain elsewhere. If you use a low, flat keyboard, choose a lower rest.
Size and desk space. The mouse should be moved with the whole forearm, not just the wrist, so the pad needs enough width. A pad that is too small makes the mouse run off the edge and forces the wrist to twist. Measure the free space next to your keyboard before buying.
Surface and base. Most fabric surfaces work with optical and laser mice, but a very glossy or transparent surface can confuse the sensor. A non-slip rubber base stops the pad drifting across a smooth desk.
Colour and cleaning. Where colour is listed in our range, black is the most common, and there are also blue, red and silver pads. A dark surface shows less dirt, and a smooth top is easy to wipe with a damp cloth.
Brands we carry
- FELLOWES: a maker of office ergonomics accessories, known for wrist rests, monitor stands and footrests.
- SBOX: has the most models in this category, so it offers the greatest choice of sizes and rest styles.
- SPEEDLINK: a German computer peripherals brand, known for gaming mice and keyboards.
- TRUST: a Dutch brand offering everyday computer accessories such as mice, keyboards and webcams.
- NATEC: a Polish manufacturer that also sells gaming equipment under its Genesis line.
Also in our range: INCA, CONTOUR HD, PORT CONNECT, GEMBIRD, MANMACHI, LOGILINK and ESPERANZA.
Frequently asked questions
Does an ergonomic mouse pad really help your wrist?
It reduces pressure on the underside of the wrist and helps keep it in a natural position. A pad alone is not enough, though: desk and chair height and regular short breaks matter too. If your wrist hurts constantly, it is worth seeing a doctor.
What is the difference between a gel and a foam wrist rest?
A gel rest is softer and adapts to your wrist, while foam or memory foam is firmer and compresses less. Gel also tends to stay cooler, which many people find more comfortable over a long day. In the end it comes down to personal feel.
How high should a wrist rest be?
It should be roughly level with your keyboard or mouse so the wrist stays almost straight. A taller rest bends the wrist upwards and increases the strain. Low, flat keyboards work best with a lower rest.
Is an ergonomic mouse pad suitable for gaming?
Yes, if you play slower games or move the mouse in small motions. In games that need wide, fast sweeps, a wrist rest can get in the way, so choose a larger pad with a surface the mouse glides across evenly.
