What surfaces work best for optical and laser mice?

For optical mice, use a light-colored, matte surface with visible grain—like a beige cloth pad—since dark surfaces absorb light and glossy ones blind the sensor. For laser mice, any matte color works, ideally not pure black, as they handle glass and glossy surfaces but can jitter on mirror-finish pads. The safest one-pad-fits-all is a standard medium-gray cloth pad for about ten bucks.