Presently, many people use a mouse pad. You may need a mouse pad on hand when you need one, but you can find an alternative if you are informed about them. There are portable computer mice available right now, but if your mouse pad isn’t with you, try one of the options mentioned in this article. Let’s see what can you use as a mouse pad.
Faster processing times, greater precision, user comfort, and keeping the table surface from getting scraped and worn by constant palm and mouse rubbing motion can be the reasons to use a mouse pad.
Traditional Mouse Pads and Their Benefits
Soft Mouse Pad
The top of the soft mouse pads has a smooth surface that provides a cozy spot to relax your arm and wrist.
These are primarily useful for persons who use computers for business-related tasks. It is advised to use soft mouse pads for prolonged use of a computer to prevent hand tiredness and strain. These are great for transportation with your laptops because they are lightweight and thin.
Hard Mouse Pad
Though hard mouse pads are suitable for extended periods of work, they are primarily geared for uses like gamers. Hard mouse pads are most important for their size. Some are so big that you can place your keyboard and mouse on them while still having plenty of room for the mouse to travel around. Also, some can recharge your computer mouse as well.
A gaming mouse will benefit greatly from the hard mouse pads’ contact surface, which has low friction. It makes it possible to move the mouse pad quickly and easily with little resistance. Some pads have RGB lights as well, which many users can find appealing.
DIY Mouse Pads
To create and customize your mouse pad, you need to follow the below steps. You can create the surface of the mouse pad in various types, but using the most suitable materials would be more effective.
First Method: Designing own Mouse Pad
Step 1: Creating the Base of the Mouse Pad
- Use a corrugated cardboard box or attach a few pieces of cardboard for the layer to be cushioning. Measure and cut the size you want. A mouse pad typically measures 8″ x 10,” but you can customize it to your specifications.
- Use non-slip foundation such as shelf and drawer non-slip liner, piece of rug liner, pieces of double tape, or adhesive pads to prevent slipping.
- Cut out a sheet of thin self-adhesive or non-adhesive foam padding, then stick it to the cardboard. Either use a piece of cork or cut an area out of an old noticeboard to the size of your pad.
Step 2: Designing the Mouse Pad
- After selecting your design, choose a material for the mousepad’s ornamental top layer ( a pattern, a solid color, or a photo). If you are using fabric as the design, think twice because some mice may not function properly due to electrostatic forces.
- Use a thin amount of glue to attach it to the top of your mousepad after cutting it to size.
- Attach a clear contact paper on the top to protect the design and provide easy mouse movement.
Second Method: Create a Mouse Pad Temporarily
- To make a simple pad, you could use a small book or another flat object, some tape, and a zip lock bag or a plastic envelope.
- Insert the book into the envelope.
- Seal the corners of the envelope, using transparent tape or masking tape.
- This pad will provide you with a smaller surface to use the mouse, but this will keep the pad definitely in one place while using it.
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What Can You Use as a Mouse Pad?
A Magazine
You can find a magazine anywhere. It is better if the magazine is thicker. Make sure the surface you are placing the magazine on is flat and smooth.
A Hardcover Book
Though the size may be small, these will also function effectively. It is better to use a larger book if possible.
Bedsheets
Fold the bedsheet until it is the size you need, and use it by ironing out any wrinkles.
Duct Tape
They are ideal for creating a DIY mouse pad. Many roll parts should be cut to the same length and attached from the front and back. The mouse pad is ready. Also, you might portray them as luxurious. They’re good-looking mousepads.
Folder or Paper
As many people, such as employees and students, carry around a folder, it can also be used as a mouse pad.
A Wooden Desk
Using the wooden surface of your desk as an alternative is also a better option.
Table or Desk Mats
Many materials are using to make desk mats, including leather and wool. These make excellent mousepads as well.
Cardboards
Cardboards are a great solution for mouse pads as they are so dense.
Wax Paper
They frequently hang out in kitchens. But, because of its smooth surface, you might make it a mouse pad.
T-shirt
This is the most popular choice, and if you don’t require much padding, it’s okay. This pad is not only inexpensive and simple to find, but it also performs admirably as a mousepad.
Shoebox
Shoe boxes are reasonably rigid. They are a rather smooth surface as a result. Since they are fundamentally constructed of paper, they offer the same advantages as a paper folder. The elevation of the shoe boxes is what makes them unique. As they are light in height, this is an ideal option if you require a raised mouse pad rather than a straightforward mousepad.
Can you Use a Tablet or Smartphone as a Mouse Pad?
Yes. You can use a tablet or smartphone as a mouse pad. These devices allow you to use remote and wireless mice through various apps, like a touchpad.
- Download a suitable Remote Mouse application (available on both iOS and Android devices)
- Install the server on your computer (available for both Mac and PC)
- You’re ready to go once you connect your PC and mobile device to the same Wi-Fi network.
You can learn more about the Remote Mouse App by clicking on this.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Using a Tablet or Smartphone as a Mouse Pad
You may adjust the level and playback of music and videos, make brief notes, enter a password, and access online documents when you connect your smartphone or tablet to your PC. Also, it comes in handy if you wish to mirror your screen or when giving presentations. When your laptop’s touchpad is malfunctioning or broken, using your phone as a mouse is quite convenient.
But as these devices are being used as touch pads, if you are unfamiliar with using touch pads, there may be better solutions for you. Also, it would be best if you had your smartphone or tablet nearby and you couldn’t get any other uses, such as making calls, or messaging, from it while using it as a mouse pad.
Finally, you need to understand that with the rapid improvement of technology, as there are no computer mice with elastic balls, it is not necessary to use mouse pads. But it will be a good use to get to know what can you use as a mouse pad.
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