You may not technically need one anymore, but you should still use a mouse pad.
It was used by Douglas Engelbart as he showed off some revolutionary computer hardware and software.
Of course, mousepads were created in response tocomputer mice.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
The first mouse used two wheels to track movement, but they quickly evolved to use trackballs instead.
Mousepads were created to increase the friction of the ball in the mouse.
Without a rubberized mousepad, the trackballs could easily slip and not register movement as accurately.
Logitech
A mousepad was very much needed.
Over time, trackballs were replaced by LEDs and photodiodes to detect movement.
Which brings us to today, where almost any mouse can be used perfectly fine on any surface.
Related:Why Is a Computer Mouse Called a Mouse?
However, there are stillplenty of benefits to using one.
First of all, a mousepad is just plain comfortable.
A mousepad not only protects your hand, it also protects your desk.
That wear can be anything from oil and grime from your hand to permanent scratches.
It’seasier to cleanor replace a mousepad than get a new desk.
Again, it’s easier to use a mousepad than find replacement pads or buy a new mouse altogether.
That’s a win/win/win.
More and more people areusing large “desk mats"instead of the classic circle or square mousepad.
if you sit at a desk a lot, I highly recommend a desk mat.
Of course, there’s stillplenty of traditional mousepadsin all shapes, colors, and patterns to choose from.
