Mousepad: Difference between revisions
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==Designs== |
==Designs== |
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Originally mousepads were available in a simple [[rectangle|rectangular]] [[shape]]. In recent years, though, they have been available in many shapes and [[design]]s. [[Ergonomic]] designs are available with built-in wrist rests. [[Company|Companies]] often give away mousepads for [[promotion|promotional]] reasons, and computer [[manufacturer]]s often include a mousepad with their [[logo]] on it, usually with [[technical support]] information. Many [[artist]]s have published their work on a mousepad. Most users treat mousepads as an unnecessary 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). In 2005 in addition to the initial 3 mentioned previously the following companies have ranges of high quality mousemats aimed at gamers, Steelpad, Icemat, Razer, Qpad, Corepad, Xtracpads, X-Ray & Gamerzstuff. These pads are available in a wide variety of sizes to suit the different sensitivity settings that gamers choose, one of the largest pads on the market, the Everglide Titan, are a massive 44cm x 35cm, time for a new desk! As playing PC games edges closer to becoming a recognised sport together with the emergence of |
Originally mousepads were available in a simple [[rectangle|rectangular]] [[shape]]. In recent years, though, they have been available in many shapes and [[design]]s. [[Ergonomic]] designs are available with built-in wrist rests. [[Company|Companies]] often give away mousepads for [[promotion|promotional]] reasons, and computer [[manufacturer]]s often include a mousepad with their [[logo]] on it, usually with [[technical support]] information. Many [[artist]]s have published their work on a mousepad. Most users treat mousepads as an unnecessary 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). In 2005 in addition to the initial 3 mentioned previously the following companies have ranges of high quality mousemats aimed at gamers, Steelpad, Icemat, Razer, Qpad, Corepad, Xtracpads, X-Ray & Gamerzstuff. These pads are available in a wide variety of sizes to suit the different sensitivity settings that gamers choose, one of the largest pads on the market, the Everglide Titan, are a massive 44cm x 35cm, time for a new desk! As playing PC games edges closer to becoming a recognised sport together with the emergence of professional players this trend is sure to continue for some time yet. |
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==Materials== |
==Materials== |
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Revision as of 21:12, 26 November 2005
- This article is about mouse mats for computer mice. Mousepad is also the name of a text editor for Xfce.
A mousepad (or mouse mat) is a surface for enhancing the movement of a computer mouse.
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 unnecessary 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). In 2005 in addition to the initial 3 mentioned previously the following companies have ranges of high quality mousemats aimed at gamers, Steelpad, Icemat, Razer, Qpad, Corepad, Xtracpads, X-Ray & Gamerzstuff. These pads are available in a wide variety of sizes to suit the different sensitivity settings that gamers choose, one of the largest pads on the market, the Everglide Titan, are a massive 44cm x 35cm, time for a new desk! As playing PC games edges closer to becoming a recognised sport together with the emergence of professional players this trend is sure to continue for some time yet.
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.