Does Mouse Pad Surface Impact Performance?
Jeremy Slocum and Shelby Thompson published at usability news a paper about Smooth or Textured: Does Mouse Pad Surface Impact Performance?
"This study examined the effects of mouse pad usage on performance of a target acquisition task. Results indicated no performance difference between three specialized mouse pads, a traditional mouse pad and no mouse pad. In addition, no significant differences were found between each of the mousing surfaces based on kinematic data. The results suggest that manufacturer claims of increased performance cannot be supported by empirical evidence.
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The results showed that different mouse pad surfaces did not significantly affect performance in terms of movement time (Figure 2) or error rate. A general significant decrease in movement time and fine movement time was found from the pre-session to the post-session, which is attributed to practice. The effect cannot be generalized to any particular mouse pad surface or mouse pads because the same decrease was seen in the control group which used no mouse pad.
Kinematic analysis was conducted to determine if the mouse pads significantly affected the actual movements made by users. It was predicted that as mouse pads became smoother users would attain a higher velocity, but would increase fine movement time. These predictions were not supported. The mouse pad surface did not have a significant effect on gross movement time, fine movement time, or peak velocity.
These findings show no true performance benefit from specialized mouse pads, nor did it affect the user’s kinematics. The claims of the manufacturers were not substantiated by these findings. However, more questions remain to be answered. This research did not specifically target experienced gamers as participants. Research should be conducted to examine the use of alternative mouse pads with this population (versus non-gamers). It could be that a certain level of skill is required to take advantage of the claimed benefits of the mouse pads. In addition gamer performance during actual play should be evaluated."
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Usability News: Smooth or Textured: Does Mouse Pad Surface Impact Performance?