Aluminum mousepads do get uncomfortably cold.

Yes, they can. Aluminum is a great conductor, so in a cold room it pulls heat from your hand fast. If your workspace is chilly (below about 65°F / 18°C), the surface will feel noticeably cold to the touch—similar to touching a metal chair leg in winter.

A few things help: putting a desk mat over the mousepad (still get some of the glide), or using a wrist rest so your palm doesn’t contact the metal directly. Some coated or anodized versions feel slightly less cold, but they’re still aluminum underneath. If you live where rooms stay cold or you keep the AC blasting, maybe just stick with a cloth or plastic pad.

The main reason to use aluminum is the smooth, hard surface for precision. But comfort matters too. If your hand is cold, you’re not aiming well anyway.

Final thought: A cheap cloth pad won’t freeze your wrist, and you’ll forget about it after ten seconds.