8 Reasons You Need a Full Desk Pad

Desk pads are more than just glorified mouse pads. Here's why you need one for your computer table.

There is no shortage of options if you want to accessorize your desk. Some desk accessories increase your comfort and productivity, while others simply look nice. One popular example of a desk accessory is desk pads.

These are similar to mouse pads but significantly larger. They're, therefore, used for more purposes and offer a range of additional advantages.

But what exactly is a desk pad? And should you get one for yourself?

A desk pad is similar to a mouse pad but covers a larger portion of your desk. They are available in various sizes—some only offer space for a keyboard and mouse, while others cover almost an entire desk.

Desk pads are also designed to deliver a more comfortable typing experience, cushioning your wrists and reducing the sound of the keyboard. They're also available in different styles and materials, allowing you to choose a desk pad uniquely suitable for your computer setup.

Desk pads are not as popular as mouse pads. But much like there are reasons you need a mouse pad, there are also several arguments for getting a desk pad for yourself.

Installing a desk pad puts a protective layer between your desk and your desktop accessories. This is useful for avoiding scratches and any kind of wear and tear. Desk pads are also cheap enough to be easily replaceable if you spill something on them and it stains. And if you often eat or drink at your desk, many desk mats are made of easy-to-clean materials.

Mouse pads are useful accessories that improve your desk setup and are required if you want to use a mouse properly. But a desk pad is an excellent alternative if you can't find a suitable mouse pad for your table.

Desk pads are designed to offer the same type of surface as a mouse pad, but you have more space to move the mouse around because they are larger. If you perform any tasks that require massive mouse movements, a desk pad will provide the space for doing so.

Desk pads are made of soft materials, making them a more comfortable place to put your hands. They are particularly popular among people who work at their desks where the difference is noticeable over long hours.

Unlike some desks, a desk pad won't get hot or cold. It's worth noting that desk pads do not include wrist support. They make a desk softer on your wrists but don't keep them in a raised position.

If you want a product for this purpose, you should purchase one of the best keyboard wrist rests instead. You can use wrist rests with desk pads to get the most comfort out of your typing experience.

Desk pads offer a perfectly flat surface, something that isn't always provided by a desk. This makes a desk pad ideal for doing any kind of writing with a pen and paper. Most desk pads also prevent the paper from slipping around.

It's worth noting, though, that some desk mat materials are better for writing on than others. If you do a lot of writing with pen and paper, you should choose accordingly.

Some desk mats include wireless charging. This type of desk mat allows you to charge your smartphone by simply leaving it on your desk. Not all devices support wireless charging, but if your device does, you should get a desk mat that offers wireless charging.

This reduces the wires on your desk for a cleaner look, and you can also use it to charge your other wireless-charging electronics, like earbuds and smartwatches.

Full desk mats are often purchased solely for aesthetic reasons. They are available in a wide range of different colors and styles. It's, therefore, easy to find a desk mat that enhances the overall appearance of your work area. Because desk mats are available in various sizes, you can opt for a product that covers your desk completely or choose one that only adds a small rectangle for your keyboard and mouse.

Full desk mats are useful for organizing your desk. If you often leave items all over your table, a desk mat may help set aside a particular area for work. A desk pad can also make a desk appear more organized because our eyes are naturally drawn to the rectangular shape.

Desk mats are usually made from non-slip materials and are useful for keeping your peripherals and other desk accessories in place.

A desk pad is helpful if you don't like how your keyboard sounds. The sound of keyboard keys being pressed is affected by the surface it is placed on. Some people, therefore, purchase desk pads solely to reduce the sound of their keyboard or to alter it. A desk pad also means that your keyboard and other desk accessories can be moved around a desk without making noise.

You can use a desk pad and a mouse pad simultaneously, though most people only use one or the other. And because you can use a mouse on either, the choice between the two is mainly down to personal preference.

Mouse pads are cheaper than desk pads, and if you have a particularly lovely desk, covering less of it is sometimes preferable. Some people also consider desk pads to be gimmicky because while mouse pads serve an obvious purpose, the additional size of a desk pad is largely unnecessary.

Desk pads are inexpensive products and are sometimes worth buying solely for the way it makes your desk setup look. Some desks are uncomfortable to type on, and a desk pad is a good purchase if you have that type of desk. Desk pads with added features such as wireless charging also offer advantages that may appeal to some buyers.

It's worth noting, however, that some people do consider desk pads to be gimmicks. And while desk pads are potentially useful, the upgrade isn't particularly noticeable if you already have a mouse pad.

Elliot is a freelance tech writer. He primarily writes about fintech and cybersecurity.