Gaming on the Mac isn't as big as on PC, but there's still some great games out there for Apple computers. In some cases you'll be OK using a keyboard and mouse, but for a lot of people, kicking back and using a controller is the way to game.
Apr 01, 2020 The Logitech G502 HERO is, to the best of my knowledge, the best gaming mouse for most players. This large, ergonomic, customizable mouse gets just about. Feb 19, 2020 The Best Computer Mice for 2020. Time to ditch that old PC mouse, or move beyond your laptop's touchpad? We've got some click-worthy advice on buying mice for work or play—plus reviews of all.
If that sounds like you and you're looking for a good controller, look no further. Here's what to get.
Xbox One controller
You can't just plug and play the Xbox One controller on the Mac, but getting it working really doesn't take much effort. And when it's up and running you'll have one of the best controller experiences on any platform right there for your Mac games.
The Xbox One controller isn't all that expensive and has an offset design for its thumbsticks which many find much more comfortable than Sony's side-by-side arrangement. It's a great size, not too heavy and has nice big bumpers and triggers.
The standard black controller is around $45, but there are a ton of special edition designs out there for various prices that might be more to your liking.
Sony DualShock 4
While the Xbox One controller is preferable for many, others swear by Sony's DualShock 4. It's a very different design but equally proficient in its own right for Mac gaming. Again, it's not exactly plug and play, but the process of making sure it's working properly is very simple.
The DualShock 4 is very comfortable in the hand with great triggers and bumpers, albeit both a little smaller than on something like an Xbox controller. The biggest difference is the side-by-side analog sticks.
It's lightweight so it's great for long gaming sessions, and Sony also has an official adapter to allow you to use it with your Mac wirelessly, though they can be hard to find. Best strategy games for mac pro. But for around $50, this is another great controller and it works perfectly with Steam.
Steam Controller
Steam is more commonly associated with PC gaming but there's still a decent supply of Mac compatible games in there. If this is where you get most of your games from, them the official Steam Controller might be the one for you, and it has full, official Mac support.
It's a bit unusual compared to many controllers, thanks in no small part to the touchpad which you find where you might expect one of the analog sticks. The Steam Controller has been designed so you can play keyboard and mouse games comfortably with a controller.
There's a bit of a learning curve, but when you get used to it it's just as easy to use as any other controller. It sells for $50 but Valve is frequently discounting it, so there's always a chance of a bargain if you can wait until the next sale.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
(PRODUCT)REDApple is now redirecting (PRODUCT)RED purchases to COVID‑19 relief fund
Now through September 30, Apple is redirecting 100% of a portion of (PRODUCT)RED purchases to the Global Fund’s COVID‑19 Response.
BestMousepads for MaciMore2020
If you're using Apple's own Magic Mouse — or any other optical mouse — you don't technically need a mousepad; however, using one simply feels better. Not only does gliding your mouse around with ease help increase your productivity, but they can also help protect both your mouse and your desk from dirt, oils, scratches, and more. While there are a ton of options out there, we love the VicTsing Extended Gaming Mouse Pad because of its large size, durable and convenient construction, and stellar price tag.
Best Overall: VicTsing Extended Gaming Mouse Pad
If you're looking for the best overall balance between quality and price, it doesn't get any better than the VicTsing Extended Gaming Mouse Pad. Its massive size means that it can comfortably cover most of your desk, which allows you to bring the protective benefits that a mouse pad offers to your keyboard as well as your mouse.
Its rubber-like cloth material is incredibly smooth, and the stitched edges help combat the risk of tearing. It's also waterproof, making it great for resisting liquid spills, and the bottom of the mat has slip-resistant shading to ensure that it stays in place no matter what. Thanks to its size, it's not as portable as other options on this list, but if you spend a lot of time at your desk, this is a great choice.
Pros:
- Large size
- Smooth material
- Durable to damage
- Anti-slip shading
- Affordable
Best Overall
VicTsing Extended Gaming Mouse Pad
Desk-wide coverage
The VicTsing Extended Gaming Mouse Pad combines high-quality materials with large size and a reasonable price, making it our favorite.
Source: Satechi
The aluminum finish means your mouse will always glide smoothly around the pad, preventing you from having any frustration when it comes to movement. Plus, the pad is not too big — about 9.3-inches by 7.3-inches — which gives you all the space you need to maneuver however you wish, but doesn't take up the entire desk.
The icing on this cake is the well-polished edges, which give the entire mousepad that sophisticated style, and as a bonus, it comes in gold, rose gold, space gray, and sliver. Regardless of which color of Mac you have, it will match.
Pros:
- Compact
- Smooth metal surface
- Easy to clean
- Colors to match your Mac
Cons:
- Can't be rolled up or folded
- Can show scratches
Best Aluminum
Satechi Aluminum Mousepad
Matches your Mac perfectly
This smooth aluminum surface comes in gold, rose gold, silver, and space gray, so you can have it match your Mac.
Source: SteelSeries
If a big pad isn't your style, then we recommend going with the SteelSeries QcK Mouse Pad. Its compact size makes it ideal for small desks and for taking with you on-the-go, and its got the same non-slip base and smooth and well-made cloth material that the VicTsing mat does. It's also more affordable, too, which is always a plus. It does lack durable stitched edges, but that's not a problem in the grand scheme of things.
Pros:
- Great for small desks or travel
- Smooth material
- Anti-slip base
- More affordable
Best Small
SteelSeries QcK Mouse Pad
Small and simple
This mouse pad offers excellent quality in a small size and at an affordable price.
Source: Otto Angelino
There are others that take place in that period, but CoH2 is the top choice. CoH2 is an action-driven RTS with lots of destruction and mayhem.Feral Interactive did an excellent job with this port, but the game’s advanced physics and great-looking graphics make it particularly demanding. If you have a machine with integrated graphics, our tests concluded you will probably be out of luck with this oneA Good Match For: Fans of WW2 strategy games.
If something classy and stylish is what you have in mind, look no further than Londo's leather mouse pad offering. Stitched together with genuine leather, this mouse pad both looks and performs excellently. Also, it has a non-slip backing and a convenient wrist rest, too. While it's not as hard as the previous choice from Blade Hawks, it still can't be rolled up to take on the go.
Pros:
- Beautiful leather material
- Smooth surface
- Anti-slip backing
- Wrist rest
Best Leather
Londo Leather Mouse Pad
Stylish and sophisticated
Londo's leather pad is sleek and attractive, and it also performs well, making it an awesome option.
Source: Amazon
This small mouse pad from Wknoon isn't as well-made as the other pads on this list, but for how little it costs, it's a great deal. It even comes with an anti-slip base like the others. If you want something reliable and don't want to pay much, this mouse pad is perfect for you.
Pros:
- Most affordable
- Anti-slip base
- Perfect for small desks and travel
Best Circular Design
Wknoon Circular Mouse Pad
Cheap doesn't mean bad
This mouse pad is cheap, but for the price, it's an excellent deal. This is the pad for you if you're looking to save.
As the premier destination for, we also offer tons of game categories to choose from like, and more. We update content every day, making our game selection virtually endless and fresh. Maybe best of all, we provide game reviews and ratings, a community full of gamers, plus plenty of exclusive member perks.You can join. As a member, you'll receive access to exclusive and downloads for a low monthly fee. On Shockwave.com, you'll find the best online time management games to keep you entertained for hours.
Bottom line
Mousepads can make or break your experience with your mouse, especially if you're a gamer. The main one is that they will protect both your mouse and your desk from any potential scratches or dings that the two may give each other over time upon contact; another is that it will help keep your office and your mouse clean of dirt and oils, too. Most people tend to prefer the texture of a mouse pad over that of a naked desk during use as well. Though they're not very pricey, they are very useful.
The market for mousepads is pretty vast and varied, and at least one of the pads we put on this list is sure to appeal to you. Ultimately, though, we think that the VicTsing Extended Gaming Mouse Pad is the best mouse pad on the market for most people, as its perfect balance of quality and price, as well as its large size, makes it ideal for the average user.
Best Game Mouse For Mac Pc
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Luke Filipowicz is an iMore staff writer who has used his Magic Mouse on plenty of surfaces. Whether he's working on his iMac or MacBook Air, he always has a mousepad in tow.
Brendan Lowry is a Windows Central writer with a burning passion for video games, of which he's been an avid fan since childhood. He's well-versed in the world of gaming mice and has an eye for spotting awesome deals on gaming tech.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
Buyers GuideBest Game Mouse For Mac Download
Get 4K for your Mac with these great monitors
To get the most out of your Mac, you need a beautiful display. A 4K monitor is a huge step in the right direction. Here are the best 4K monitors for your Mac.
Comments are closed.