Does high humidity affect cloth mousepads?

Yes. Moisture in the air gets absorbed by fabric fibers, making them swell and creating more friction, so your mouse feels like it’s dragging through mud. This is especially noticeable with cheaper or untreated pads, though even high-end ones with coatings still get impacted. If you live somewhere humid, consider a hard mousepad (plastic, glass, or metal) for consistent glide, or run a dehumidifier in your workspace.