Do cork mousepads work well on wood desks, and are they really antimicrobial?

Yes, cork grips a wooden desk without scratching, but the natural antimicrobial properties are mostly marketing fluff. Cork is soft enough that it won’t dent or scratch wood, even under heavy pressure. It stays put on most smooth desks, though very slick lacquer or thin pads may slide a bit under fast movements. The antimicrobial claim is overblown — cork contains suberin, which resists mold, but it’s not a significant health benefit.