3 Things to Know About Mouse Pad Noise

Hard plastic pads are louder They produce a distinct, higher-pitched scratching or skittering sound, especially with stock PTFE mouse feet. In a quiet room, you will hear it every time you move the mouse.

Cloth pads are quieter The soft texture absorbs sound, creating a low, muted shuffle instead of a sharp scratch. Some people like the feedback of the hard pad sound, but cloth is the better choice if noise bothers you.

Mouse feet change the sound Ceramic or glass feet on a hard pad sound different than plastic on cloth. If you share a desk or record audio nearby, go with a cloth pad.