You haven't tried the best mousepad | Deskmat & Mousepad Showdown

Summary

In this detailed review, Nick, a long-time PC gamer, explores various desk mats to find the perfect fit for comfort and functionality. Over 16 years of gaming, he tests a range of options, including cloth, leather, and cork mats, evaluating them based on grip, durability, drag, structure, cleanability, and comfort. Nick shares his frustration with stitched edges and highlights his top pick: the GroveMade linoleum mat, which offers comfort and minimal drag but lacks grip. He also notes other options like Aeroglide and Duraglide mats, which impressed him with their unique textures. His final recommendation is to explore alternatives to traditional stitched mats for a more comfortable experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 The narrator, Nick, has been trying various desk mats to find one that suits his comfort and gaming needs, especially after developing sensitivity to stitched edges as he got older.
• 😀 Nick has tested desk mats from various brands, including Glorious, SteelSeries, Grovemade, and cheaper options, comparing them based on grip, durability, drag, structure, cleanability, and comfort.
• 😀 Stitched edges on desk mats irritate Nick's forearms, leading him to prefer clean-cut edges or mats made from materials that don't have stitching.
• 😀 Desk mats with stitched edges (like Glorious 3XL and SteelSeries QCK) perform well in terms of grip and durability but can be a hassle due to the stitching, which can fray or irritate.
• 😀 Clean-cut edge desk mats, such as the SteelSeries QCK 2XL, offer similar performance to stitched ones but are more comfortable for users sensitive to stitching.
• 😀 Grovemade desk mats, particularly the lenium and leather models, are highly praised for their grip, durability, comfort, and cleanability, despite being pricier.
• 😀 Cork-backed desk mats, like Grovemade's lenium model, provide adequate grip but are not as strong as rubber-backed mats, requiring more maintenance to keep them clean.
• 😀 Budget options like the Z mouse pad and AoiA leather mats tend to underperform in terms of comfort, drag, structure, and durability, with issues like stickiness and flimsiness after extended use.
• 😀 The Grovemade lenium desk mat, priced around $90, offers a soft and non-abrasive surface, minimal drag, easy cleaning, and superior comfort, making it Nick's top pick for a desk mat.
• 😀 Nick mentions that the Grovemade mats replaced his other mats due to their performance, with the only downside being the cork bottom, which doesn't provide the best grip compared to rubber.
• 😀 The video concludes with Nick recommending the Grovemade lenium mats for those looking to try something new in desk mats, especially for users who dislike traditional stitched edges and graphic-heavy designs.

Q & A

What inspired the creator to start reviewing desk mats?

The creator was motivated to find a desk mat that would reduce physical discomfort, particularly after turning 30, when they began experiencing irritation from stitched edges on traditional mouse pads.

Why does the creator dislike stitched edges on desk mats?

The creator finds stitched edges irritating on their forearms due to increased nerve endings, which makes these edges physically uncomfortable for prolonged use.

What types of desk mats does the creator review in the video?

The creator reviews a variety of desk mats, including standard black cloth mats, artsy designs, budget faux leather mats, high-quality vinyl mats, and real leather mats.

What are the key categories the creator uses to evaluate desk mats?

The key categories for evaluation are grip, durability, drag, structure, cleanability, and comfort.

How does the creator test the desk mats?

The creator tests the mats on both their gaming setup (focused on FPS games) and their Mac setup, considering various factors such as comfort and functionality with different devices like trackpads and mice.

What are the pros of black cloth desk mats as reviewed by the creator?

Black cloth desk mats, such as those from Glorious and SteelSeries, offer good grip, durability, and smooth glide. They are also easy to clean and maintain, though stitched edges can be irritating.

What is the creator’s opinion on cork-based desk mats?

The creator finds cork-based desk mats, like those from Grovemade, to offer decent grip and durability, although they are not as secure as rubber mats. They also appreciate the easy cleanability and comfort these mats provide.

What are the drawbacks of budget desk mats, such as those priced under $30?

Budget desk mats, including those from brands like Z, PO, and AOIA, suffer from poor durability, uncomfortable drag, and flimsiness. They also lack good grip and can become sticky when heated, making them less ideal for prolonged use.

Why did the creator change their opinion about a new desk mat company despite no prior agreement?

The creator changed their opinion after trying out desk mats from a new company that sent mats for free. These mats featured stitched edges that did not irritate them, making them an unexpected favorite.

What desk mat did the creator ultimately recommend as the best?

The creator ultimately recommended the Grovemade Lenium mat as the best desk mat due to its comfortable design, easy cleanability, and minimal drag. They also noted that it was more durable and comfortable than other options tested.