The mouse pad that saved my wrist as a software developer

For two months, I struggled with wrist problems, and every end of a working day meant excruciating pain.

I looked all over for a solution for a long time and was getting desperate until the ergonomist pointed out the culprit-it was my mouse pad all along!

The computer mouse may look harmless, but did you know that it can damage the wrist and hand with as much as a nasty fall onto concrete if used incorrectly over time.

Most of the time, we use the computer mouse by turning our fingers far to the left or right, all the while with our wrists in a fixed position.

Unfortunately, this leads to an awkward position for both the hands and the wrists.

Extended use of a computer mouse or keyboard and wrong working postures of the hands and wrist can easily cause a repetitive strain injury to the wrist/s.

When this happens, one will experience swelling around the wrist, which increases pressure over the median nerve, resulting in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Therefore, it is crucial to have a good mouse pad to improve your work condition and avoid any long-term adverse effects on your wrist.

A good mousepad has the following benefits:

They make moving the mouse easier and more flexible.
They improve your posture and help reduce stress and strain on the wrist.
They protect your desk from scratches brought about by mouse movements.
They keep your mouse clean.

5 ergonomic mouse pads we love the most

Here are a few mouse pads that are battle-tested by myself. They not only are good looking but also will give your wrist the best support:

Goldtouch GT6-0017 Gel-Filled Mouse Pad (my favorite)

Price: $30

Product link: https://www.amazon.com/Goldtouch-GT6-0017-Gel-Filled-Mouse-Black/dp/B0006VW47K

At my ergonomist's suggestion, I went on a search for the mouse pad that would give me the most support while working, regardless of the time I took on my desk.

And that is how the Goldtouch GT6-0017 Gel-Filled Mouse Pad saved my wrist!

The Goldtouch GT6-0017 Gel-Filled Mouse Pad's best feature is its gel interior, specifically designed to ease the process of rolling the mouse, scrolling, pointing, and clicking.

It bears a black Lycra cover that is stylish and functional, creating a highly trackable surface.

The Goldtouch GT6-0017 features a gentle slope and curve that inadvertently protects your hand and wrist from hard surfaces while working, giving you an excellent working experience.

The Goldtouch GT6-0017 promises superior comfort allowing you to work without experiencing pain or fatigue.

Logitech G440 Hard Gaming Mouse Pad

Price: ~$20

Product link: https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G440-Hard-Gaming-Mouse/dp/B01CCQDZVU/

This mouse pad is great for gaming but also perfect for everyday use. It has low surface friction for easy mouse movements.

The hard surface on the Logitech G440 mouse pad improves mouse and cursor control.

The Logitech G440 has a consistent surface texture, providing more incredible tracking performance and precision when aiming.

The stable, rigid rubber base keeps the pad and, therefore, the mouse in place during intense action.

Logitech G440 sensors are specially game-lab-tested to maximize the mouse pad's sensor accuracy and performance at all times.

This mouse pad has multi-layer construction coming in strong with a hard tracking surface and strong polymer core to boot to boost its durability.

SteelSeries QcK Gaming Surface - Medium Cloth

Price: $12

Product link: https://www.amazon.com/SteelSeries-QcK-Gaming-Surface-Optimized/dp/B07KJ53QDW

The SteelSeries QcK Gaming Surface is a mouse pad with an exclusive QcK micro woven cloth optimized for maximum control for both low and high DPI tracking movements.

Tested by the top mouse sensor manufacturer, the high thread count on the cloth and the smooth surface optimize pinpoint mouse tracking accuracy for optical and laser sensors.

The SteelSeries QcK Gaming Surface has a non-slip rubber base that eliminates unwanted movement, thus providing a stable platform for working on.

Should you need to wash it, the SteelSeries QcK Gaming Surface can be easily cleaned without worrying about wear and tear as it is very durable.

3M Precise Mouse Pad with Gel Wrist Rest, Soothing Gel with Satin Smooth Cover

Price: $21.32

Product link: https://www.amazon.com/3M-Soothing-Leatherette-Performance-MW310LE/dp/B000ZHB2HS

The 3M Precise Mouse Pad is famous for its portability and exceptional functionality. The 3M mouse pad promises to keep your mouse in sync with your every move.

It comes with an excellent surface that enhances the precision of optical mice at fast speeds allowing for optimal performance.

The 3M Precise Mouse Pad comes with a battery-saving design that extends battery life for wireless mice by up to 50%.

It is also fitted with non-skid rubber backing that keeps the mouse pad in place when you're working.

This mouse pad is also ultra-thin for ease of use and is fitted with 3M repositionable adhesive stows that can be conveniently placed on the back of notebook computers when the mouse pad is not in use.

Amazon Basics Gel Computer Mouse Pad with Wrist Support Rest

Price: $9

Product link: https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Gel-Mouse-Wrist-Rest/dp/B06X3W3TM4

The Amazon Basics Gel Computer mouse pad has a unique comfort gel-filled cushion and special wave design that adapts to your wrists' curve for maximum comfort and support.

It also has a wrist rest to reduce wrist stress by providing maximum support and comfort for you while working through proper hand and wrist movement.

This mouse pad boasts an excellent tracking surface that provides smooth and precise mouse tracking.

The Amazon Basics Gel Computer Mouse Pad is covered with a high-quality cloth surface for smooth gliding, whereas its thick, no-slip rubberized base grips the desktop firmly and keeps the mouse pad in place for ease of movement for your mouse.

The Amazon Basics Gel Computer Mouse Pad is compact and perfect for any desktop, regardless of the size of your workspace, including a home office, dorm room desk, or professional workstation.

How to use a mouse pad

PostureReminderApp.com | tips on how to use mousepad correctly

Most computer mouse pads mentioned above are designed for gamers, but computer programmers can also benefit from the design.

A mouse pad makes it easier to use the mouse than using a mouse directly on a table because it provides a surface to allow it to move smoothly and accurately.

A good mouse pad will not serve you well if you misuse it.

When using a mouse pad:

Keep your wrist from touching the mouse pad to prevent the mouse arm and callus.
Rest parts of the arm for a while as long as it adds comfort and movement.
Keep your lower arm and wrist parallel and a few inches above the mouse pad to avoid friction.