A good waterproof mousepad won't hurt tracking.

Usually not. The tracking quality depends more on the surface finish than whether it’s waterproof. A matte, slightly textured waterproof pad works just fine with most optical and laser mice. The problem only comes from cheap glossy or overly reflective coatings — those can cause jitter or skipping.

If you work in a spill-prone environment (coffee, water, soda), a waterproof pad is a no-brainer. You can wipe it clean or even rinse it under the sink. Just look for a cloth-style pad with a waterproof backing or a silicone/rubber top that is matte, not shiny. Brands like SteelSeries, Razer, and some generic ones do matte waterproof pads well under $20.

Avoid anything that feels like a glossy photo paper. That’s where tracking goes to die.

Don’t let a coffee spill ruin your whole afternoon.