Many computer users are fine without mouse pads these days, as mice work on any surface anyway. However, when it comes to video games, a quality mat can make a big difference. A flat and smooth surface is able to provide smooth and precise movements. If you have a high-end RGB mouse, it deserves a quality surface to work with.
Mouse pads with RGB lighting are becoming more and more popular. Many of them are produced by unknown companies, some lack the required functionality. It seems that buying a mouse pad is a very simple matter if you choose your preferred material. However, lighting and software also need to be taken into account, making it difficult to choose.
Good to know when choosing a mouse pad
- Are you ready to sacrifice the USB connector? The backlight requires power. If you do not have an extra connector, look for a mat with a USB adapter or no backlight at all.
- Hard or soft? The harder the surface of the pad, the faster and with less effort the mouse will slide over it. These mats are best used in competitive games or with mice with CPI control. Soft fabric provides more precise control.
- Is there software? If there is no mouse app, it is most certainly not possible to customize lighting patterns and colors. Even if the app is there, the options may be limited. Most of the rugs in this article have free apps to customize the backlight.
- How many RGB zones do you need? RGB zones are configured separately using the application. If you want to set it up to display multiple effects at the same time, you need a mat with at least two zones.
Best RGB Backlit Mouse Pad 🏆: SteelSeries QCK Prism
The SteelSeries QCK Prism is the best backlit mouse pad available. Not only is there great lighting, the mat is also suitable for serious gaming. The square within the RGB frame is easy to remove, giving gamers the choice between a hard polymer side for fast gaming and a soft micro-textured fabric surface for enhanced control. This means having two rugs in one.
In games, it feels solid and reliable thanks to a relatively heavy and thick rubber base that does not move a millimeter when moving the mouse. However, the removable section protrudes slightly in the upper right corner, which slightly obscures the view of lighting in the usual sitting position. In addition, plastic easily collects stains.
An elegant black rubber bezel surrounds the 12 RGB lighting zones for a simple look. This shows that it is possible to get colorful yet cool lighting. SteelSeries Engine has a variety of settings, but you can get interesting effects without wasting time in the application. To do this, there are eight predefined patterns, such as sunrise, pink, orange and purple disco mode. Reactive lighting for games will show low ammo or health. Such features are available in Dota 2, CS: GO, Utopia 9 and Neverwinter. You can also sync your rug lighting with other SteelSeries RGB products. There is a fabric version and an XL version.
Most Multicolored RGB Mat 🌈: Razer Firefly V2
The Razer Firefly V2 offers the most colorful backlight we’ve tested. There are 19 custom zones here. Despite the thin light bars, the brightness is higher than the competition.
This mat is suitable for competitive PC gaming due to the so-called micro-textured plastic surface. It feels rough, making it possible to quickly move the mouse over it. At the same time, stains and prints accumulate on it. The pad is only 3mm thick, but the rubber base keeps it from moving. A cable lock might also come in handy.
The Razer Synapse 3 app allows you to customize lighting zones. You can control the brightness, there are 7 preset patterns, including reactive. It works with Razer mice that support this template and is able to synchronize the backlight with other devices from this manufacturer. You can also appreciate the switch “Turn off lights when the display is off.” Functionality Chroma Studio offers advanced settings with many effects and control over lighting speed, duration and intensity. Naturally, it will take time to master such a setting.
Best budget RGB backlit mat 👛: Cooler Master MP750 (M)
If you don’t want to spend too much money on a mouse pad, this option might be your choice. Cooler Master says the fine-textured fabric allows for smooth maneuverability. For the average gamer, this is enough, if they even feel the difference. A moisture-proof coating may be more useful. Drops roll off quickly and can be collected with a napkin. Optionally, you can disconnect the MicroUSB > USB cable from the mouse if you do not need it or the backlight.
The borders of the rug shine quite brightly. The button allows you to switch between static colors without launching the application. Unfortunately, the backlight frame is interrupted by a black seam, which does not add beauty. Also, small items like jewelry can get stuck between the hinges.
There is only one RGB zone here, so it doesn’t make much sense to use the app. It offers Color Cycle, Static, Breathing, and Off lighting modes, as well as five speed settings via a switch. Static and breathing modes contain a palette of colors, but it is not always accurate. For example, when trying to create a peach-white color effect, a white-violet shimmer came out. Instead of shimmering white, the color turned out to be blue with different shades. There are two larger versions of this rug.
Best Extended RGB Mouse Pad: SteelSeries QCK Prism Cloth (XL)
The SteelSeries QCK Prism Cloth (XL) is the ultimate backlit large rug. The microfabric surface does not move thanks to the silicone rubber backing. The backlight can help in games if programmed to show low health or ammo levels. It can also show notifications from Discord. The wide surface makes it possible to place a gaming keyboard, but the mat could be higher.
Two RGB zones shine evenly over the entire surface, but the junction is clearly visible.
The SteelSeries ‘Engine software has a variety of settings for the top and bottom lighting zones, but there are fewer pre-installed patterns compared to the double-sided SteelSeries QCK Prism. You can control the speed and choose between Steady, ColorShift, Multi Color Breath patterns with multiple color options and brightness control. Among the larger backlit mats, there is no more customizable option than the QCK Prism Cloth (XL). At the same time, the price is lower than some competitors.
If you want an even larger rug, you can get a 3XL version with the same functionality and dimensions of 1200 x 580 x 5 mm. There are also 4XL (1200 x 750 x 5 mm) and 5XL (1575 x 787.5 x 5 mm) options. All of them also have only two backlight zones.
Best RGB mouse pad with wireless charging: Asus ROG Balteus Qi
The Asus ROG Balteus Qi RGB mouse pad with vertical orientation puts some gamers off. If you can find room for it, you’ll get plenty of room for both your mouse and wireless charging. It will be possible to charge devices that support the Qi wireless charging standard with a power of up to 10 watts.
Competitors like HP Outpost’s Omen offer up to 5W of charging power, meaning the smartphone will charge more slowly. The device can be reliably charged in a vertical orientation, part of it hanging from the edge of the mat. At the same time, there are so many places in Balteus Qi that it does not interfere with playing. The Armory II software and an indicator light on the pad’s remote control indicate whether the device is charging or is already charged.
If we talk about control, the button allows you to switch between preset backlight patterns or change the brightness depending on the settings in the application. There are 9 patterns, and you can also customize each of the 15 lighting zones with a preset effect. Among them there is a static one, in which you can choose your color using the palette. As a result, RGB backlighting can be very bright. Even in the middle of the day, sitting by the window, you can see the light show on the left and bottom of the rug, as well as the glow on the other sides. If you close the curtains, it will not become dark in the room, but the backlight will be visible even better.
The brightness is so high that it is better not to look at it for a long time.
Asus has installed a USB 2.0 connector, which requires a thick braided cable with two USB-A connectors. There is also a Micro USB > USB-A cable for Qi recharging. This mat is best for desktop PC users who can hide those cables and have more desk space.
The hard plastic surface of the rug has a subtle relief, which gives it a glossy sheen. The surface is very slippery and good for gaming, but there is a scratchy sound when moving quickly. The rubber base prevents the pad from moving under the influence of the mouse. The developers talk about “cyberpunk ROG design”. Looks nice, but you won’t see it.
A little cheaper you can take Asus ROG Balteus without wireless charging.
Best Performance RGB Lighting Pad: Thermaltake Level 20 Extended Gaming Mouse Pad
The Thermaltake Level 20 Extended Gaming Mouse Pad is packed with features if the $260 price doesn’t put you off. For example, here you can see the temperature range of the processor, choose a given backlight from six options. There is a music setting, when the lower left, upper right corner and the manufacturer’s logo shimmer with the corresponding colors to the beat of the sound from the computer. Fans of voice assistants will be able to control the backlight using a device with Amazon Alexa. Or you can use a thoughtful application.
If you don’t like very slippery cloth mice, we have a weave pattern here. The long mouse pad gives 10 cm more room for mouse movement compared to the SteelSeries QCK Prism Cloth (XL). The rug will stay firmly in place, but can absorb moisture and leave marks on the table. Due to the visible seams, it is easier to damage it. But there are no stains on the surface.
If you have Razer Chroma backlit products, you can sync colors with them. If you are a fan of settings, then you may be disappointed by the discrepancy between the colors selected in the application and the real ones. Choosing yellow gave multi-colored effects, mostly green. The result may be beautiful, but not what you wanted.
Most Stylish RGB Mouse Pad: Thermaltake Argent MP1 RGB
This rug has a matte finish silver bezel and 20 RGB zones. This is the best backlit mat for those who want a variety of customizations. The hard plastic surface has a visible relief and scratching sounds are heard when the mouse is moved quickly. This does not prevent the mouse from sliding easily over the surface, which can reduce CPI. It will take time to get used to, but in the end, long games may not be so exhausting.
Most of the base is generously covered in rubber. The rug is thin but quite heavy. It is worth putting it on the surface and it will no longer move. I would only like to get a cable better than the standard rubber one, especially at this price.
The Thermaltake iTake app allows you to control the lighting zones on the mat. Regardless of the maximum brightness, the top edge of the backlight is difficult to see while sitting, because it is partially covered by a silver plate. But the thick silver top gives it a unique look that most of these backlit rugs don’t have.
The brightness is not as high as the SteelSeries QCK Prism or Razer Firefly V2 models, but it creates pleasant lighting from three sides, even in bright daylight. The furthest side is the dimmest, the lower and left are brighter.
There are 9 preset lighting patterns, some of which offer a palette of colors with R, G and B values, preset patterns and controls for speed, brightness and direction. Provides information about the temperature of the processor, there are 6 colors for different temperatures and the reaction to the sound. 6 RGB patterns can be saved.
You can make the mat even more stylish with other backlit-enabled Thermaltake TT RGB Plus products. Should sync with Razer Chroma RGB enabled products, but couldn’t get it to work. Perhaps a software update will fix this.
