Desk mats are large mouse pads that sit under both the keyboard and the mouse, so they suit office workers, gamers and anyone who wants a quieter, tidier desk. Our range includes mats from FELLOWES, Logitech, PALADONE, NITRO CONCEPTS and HP, in plain office designs and gaming or pop-culture styles.
How to choose a desk mat
Size. Measure your desk first. Extended mats of around 80 to 90 cm wide hold a keyboard and give the mouse room to sweep, while smaller ones protect only the area around the mouse. Leave a little desk showing at the edges so the mat does not hang over the front.
Surface material. Cloth surfaces give more control and are quieter, which many gamers prefer. Smooth leatherette or hard surfaces glide faster and wipe clean after spills, but they can show fingerprints. Check that the surface suits your mouse, as a few optical sensors struggle on glossy or very dark materials.
Base and edges. A rubber or silicone underside stops the mat shifting when you move the mouse quickly. Stitched edges resist fraying over the years, which matters on a mat that gets daily use. Thin mats are fine on a flat desk, while a thicker one adds cushioning for your wrists.
Colour and style. Colour is a real consideration here because a desk mat takes up a large part of your workspace. Our range includes grey, black, blue, sand and sage, so you can match a neutral office setup or add a softer tone. Licensed designs are also available if you want a theme.
Desk mat brands we carry
- FELLOWES: an office supplies maker known for ergonomic accessories such as wrist rests and monitor arms, which makes its mats a natural fit for a workstation.
- Logitech: a Swiss-American peripherals brand that makes mice and keyboards, with desk mats designed to pair with them.
- PALADONE: known for licensed merchandise based on games and popular franchises, so its mats lean towards themed artwork.
- NITRO CONCEPTS: a German gaming brand best known for gaming chairs and desks, with mats that complete a gaming desk.
- HP: one of the largest PC and printer manufacturers, also selling keyboards, mice and accessories under the HP and Hewlett-Packard names.
- Noctua: an Austrian company known for very quiet CPU coolers and fans, popular with PC builders who value low noise.
- HYTE: a PC hardware brand known for colourful, design-led computer cases.
- Satechi: known for aluminium-finish accessories such as USB-C hubs and stands, often chosen to match Apple devices.
Also in our range: Trust and Sandberg.
Desk mat FAQ
What is the difference between a desk mat and a mouse pad?
A desk mat is much larger than a standard mouse pad. It covers the area under the keyboard as well as the mouse, while a mouse pad only gives the mouse a surface. A desk mat also protects the desk from scratches and gives your forearms a softer place to rest.
What size desk mat should I buy?
Choose a mat that fits your desk with a small gap at the edges. For a keyboard and mouse, an extended mat of roughly 80 to 90 cm wide is a common size. If you have a compact desk or use low mouse sensitivity, a smaller mat may be enough.
Are desk mats good for gaming?
Yes, many desk mats are made with gaming in mind. A cloth surface with a non-slip base gives steady tracking and lets you make large mouse movements without running off the edge. Some mats also carry game or franchise artwork, though the surface matters more than the design.
How do I clean a desk mat?
Check the care label first, as methods vary by material. Cloth mats can usually be hand washed in lukewarm water with mild soap and left to air dry flat. Leatherette and hard surfaces are normally wiped with a damp cloth.
