[kewlkreator]

Does anyone know of a way to make a mousepad? I currently use taped paper. I'm going to buy one later but for now...?

[paperclipmuffin]

It depends what kind of mouse you are using. If you have an optical mouse, you will very likely not need one, as long as your table is smooth.

For ball mice:

1. Get a piece of rough rubber (or anything else rough) and cut it to the size you want.
2. Smooth one side with sandpaper, if it is rough on both sides.
3. Get a piece of paper or fabric and cut it to the same size
4. Paste it on top

Wait for it to dry, and hey presto! Mouse pad!

[kewlkreator]

Wow! Thanks. What about wireless-IR mice?

[BetaWar]

I have noticed that wireless mice (optics/ laser, probably IR also) work pretty well on Mead college rule notebook covers. That is what I am currently using

[OliveOyl3471]

I haven't used a mousepad in ages! Just straight on the desk, baby!

This post has been edited by OliveOyl3471: 14 August 2009 - 09:32 PM

[syfran]

OliveOyl3471, on 14 Aug, 2009 - 08:32 PM, said:

I haven't used a mousepad in ages! Just straight on the desk, baby!

It would depend on your desk. I've found that extended use can rough up anything the mouse is on, desk or mousepad. However, a mousepad is easily replaceable.

Depending on the what the desk is made out of and what the surface is it may or may not last long.

[markhazlett9]

Get a piece of glass... That's currently what i'm using but it's not an IR mouse it's a laser...

[firebolt]

My mouse works fine, smack bang on the desk. Timber pine with a thin coat of lacquer. Perfect

[BetaWar]

Quote

My mouse works fine, smack bang on the desk.

That is what I used to do, but the mouse pointer would keep jumping, and that got quite annoying, so I improvised

[firebolt]

Really? Maybe because my desk is really smooth, so there are no interferences.

Mhm... Jumping would be annoying if you are playing games like COD on PC, with a sniper etc.

[Pwn]

I use my desktop, which is veneer wood. I'm wearing a hole in it, and have to clean the sweat and dirt off the desk every couple of weeks, but it works well. It's also scratched and I've worn the color off the veneer.

I'd say getting a hard plastic sheet and roughing the side that meets your mouse up with a super fine sandpaper would work well for laser or optical. You could probably tack it to your desk with some contact glue since it won't easily wear out, but then if you ever rearrange your desk, you've got a piece of plastic that won't move. Might be better to just velcro it to the desk with some thin velcro.

[firebolt]

Here we go, just to spoil things:
http://desktoppub.ab...aa_mousepad.htm

I came across this, though:

Quote

Take a piece of rubber....
Put it under a heavy object (eg a cupboard) for about a month...
After one month... remove it... and throw it on a garbage heap... let it be there for about a month more.... and during this period you will have enough money to buy a new mouse pad...

[BenignDesign]

I use an old manilla envelope I got in the mail. Works fine for me.

[CheckersW]

I use a worn away mousepad that cost me $2. I was always under the impression that semi-reflective surfaces (eg varnished wooden desk) were bad for optical mice, but are you saying yours works fine, firebolt? I'll have to give the raw desk a go some time.

[pryogene]

I'm on a laptop, does that count?