Bound edges are the only way to go.

Bound edges are the only way to go.

Yes, stitching type matters — a lot — and if you want your mousepad to last more than a year, skip overlock or serged edges and get a bound edge.

Overlock and serging are basically the same thing: a single thread that loops over the edge. They’re cheap to manufacture, so that’s what most sub-$30 pads use. Problem is, that single thread is one snag away from unraveling. Once a loop breaks, the whole edge starts pulling apart, and you end up with a frayed mess six months in.

Bound edges, on the other hand, wrap a separate strip of fabric around the raw edge and sew it down with multiple passes. It’s thicker, tougher, and won’t unravel even if you catch it on your desk or throw it in a bag. Companies like Artisan and the higher-end SteelSeries pads use this method for a reason.

If you’re gaming or using the pad daily, the extra $10-15 for a bound-edge pad is worth it. The cheaper stitching might save you a few bucks now, but you’ll be shopping for a new one sooner than you’d like.

Your mouse deserves better.