Modern mousepads are broadly made of lesser density rubber composites (open cell styrene, butadiene rubber or open cell SBR) with fabric bonded to the upper surface. However, many other types of material have been used, including fabric, plastics, recycled Mousepad rubber tires, silicone rubber, leather, glass, cork, wood, aluminum, stone and stainless steel. High-quality gaming mats are normally made from plastic or high-tech fibers.
When optical mice, which use image sensors to detect movement, were first avant-garde into the market, they required festive mousepads with optical patterns printed on them. New-fashioned optical mice can function to an acceptable point of accuracy on plain dissertation and other surfaces. However, some optical mouse users may prefer a mousepad for comfort, speed and accuracy, and to prevent wear to the desk or table surface.