So what is everyone's opinions on mousemats? In particular, I'm referring to "gaming" surfaces, not the PC World "oh look it's got a mouse on" ones.

I used to think they were kinda pointless, especially at the £20 price point a lot go for. I recently (XMas) got a Logitech G9 mouse (fantastic, btw) which has smooth Teflon feet, and I noticed that they were slowly getting scratched up by the dirt ingrained cutting mat on which it was used, as the part which has been smoothed by use isn't suitable for a wired mouse (and is also strange for gaming, I held the mouse sideways) so I started looking at mousemats.

I found this (also available in "Aqua" and "Shooter," but I didn't want a design). At less than £5 (I needed to buy some stuff from Scan anyway - TIM for my Physics coursework, so postage wasn't an issue) I thought it would be worth it. I read a few reviews and they all spoke good of it, so I added it to my basket. I will ignore it's rubbish name.

Anyway, I received it today, it comes in a plastic tube (was broken at one end, but I don't care, it's packaging) rolled up. The mat itself is made of a thin fabric, about half the thickness of a normal "came with the computer" mousemat. As such it is very flexible, like a sheet of paper, but I'm not going to try folding it. The total size of the mat is about 5cm bigger than a sheet of A4 in both dimensions, a very good size for gaming, but not too big to get in the way, even on my small desk. The bottom is some sort of rubber, which sticks to a surface very well, despite the mat's lightness (if I try and move the mat, the cutting mat it's sitting on moves and it doesn't slip at all). The mouse side is fairly smooth, and feels good.

Actual performance wise, it's good. It offers low resistance to the mouse, making control of the mouse easy, stopping you from overshooting, but not making you struggle. The surface also improves sensitivity a small amount over the cutting mat, but still noticeably. This should mean that overall movement will be smoother and more consistent.

I have noticed a few imperfections around the edge of the mat, and would guess that it might start fraying after a while, but it would take a while, and at £5 is no big problem. I've also heard it absorbs liquids, which may be a problem if you are prone to spilling stuff. I feel much more comfortable using this in a much abused place than I would a £20 mat, aswell, as it is likely to get damaged.

Anyway, if you have the space for a mat, but no mat, and you are placing an order at Scan.co.uk (or anywhere else that sells these), I would seriously consider adding one to your basket. You probably won't regret it!

Opinions on this and mousemats in general appreciated!

I use a thick hardback book as a mouse mat, for the moment, because the glass desk doesn't like optical or laser mice at all. Yeah, ergonomically it is ridiculous but I'm really not a fan of mouse mats in the first place, and the only shiny surface is the palm of my hand wearing away on the desks I use.

Yeah, I used to do the same thing, just using whatever was available, until I got the G9 and didn't want to scratch it up loads. Also, this will probably keep the mouse cleaner aswell, as the cutting mat tends to get a lot of dust on it and I can just brush it off this mat.

TBH, if you're just using a hardback book as your mouse doesn't like the glass, I would get one of these if you shop at scan (good shop, competitive prices, check it out if you don't already). It won't be prone to getting knocked about like a book, and will probably give a larger and more even surface. I still think spending £20 on a mat is ridiculous, but a fiver is nothing.

In semi-related stuff, the G9 is fantastic. I think it has improved my gaming slightly, and is far less frustrating, atleast. It's good for general browsing too, especially with the custom profiles and my favourite bit, the freespinning scroll wheel. The only problem is that the scroll wheel mode switch and profile select are on the bottom, but that's not really an issue, as they aren't used much (when opening and closing games). I use the wide load grip and no extra weights, though that might change (it's a bit front heavy atm).

God, I sound like a salesman!

Agreed. My G5 has never let me down.
I bought all of my components for my first PC off Scan that was way back, in 2004.

I bet your G5 hasn't, if it's anything like the G9 it will just feel fantastic!

Heh, I haven't actually bought much from Scan, OCUK was cheaper at the time of buying my current PC, but if I upgrade now, Scan would probably be cheaper.

Out of interest (and keeping OT), have you ever had a gamer's mousemat? Or do you just find the idea or spending money on something you don't really (being that mice work on most surfaces) need repulsive? As I've stated I was part of the latter, but gave a cheap one a go anyway, and I can't say it's regrettable. Still wouldn't pay much for one. It's also nice that it's light and foldable, means I could take it with me if ever I took my mouse somewhere, making the surface nicer, if questionable (glass, shiny, rough - though if it was too rough it wouldn't be much good, being cloth).

I can see how much a mouse mat would restrict my movements. If I had the whole desk however...

You get my point.

That is true, and one reason I dislike mousemats. However, most "gamer" mats are pretty big - this one doesn't restrict me at all. Also, you say you're using a hardback book right now because of the glass, surely that's really restrictive?

But then my desk is tiny anyway, and made of glass, so even if I wanted to use the whole desk I can't.

LOO, you're being very contradictory of yourself. What made you buy a glass desk anyway?

I didn't buy it, so I'm not really contradicting myself you see.

I thought you did? I seem to remember you telling me you were going to get a glass desk a while back? Ah well... lol

Yes, I was going to get a black frosted glass desk, but instead I am stuck with a clear glass coffee table.

Ah, OK, that makes sense. But isn't a coffee table a tad low to be used as a computer desk?

Yes

I pity you, lol.

Anyway, back OT? Anyone else got anything else to say about mouse mats?

Yeah, I don't like them that much.
(Please ignore this post)

Sometimes it's like you're trying to outspam me.

One thing I can say is that a decent mousemat is a lot better than a "just for appearances" mat. I really don't get their point anywhere, they were originally to make ballmice work better, AFAIK.