Cloth pads grip better for vertical mice.

source_topic: vertical mice

Yes.

Vertical mice sit differently in your hand—more like a handshake than a claw grip. That means more of the mouse’s base is in contact with the pad, and you’re not applying downward pressure the same way. A smooth hard pad gives your palm and thumb little to grab onto, so you end up micro-adjusting constantly.

Cloth pads add just enough friction to let the mouse stay where you put it without fighting you. The texture gives your hand something to brace against, which is especially useful if your vertical mouse has a slick plastic bottom. If yours has rubberized grips on the side, the difference is smaller, but cloth still wins for stability.

Hard pads are fine for fast flicks in shooters. For ergonomic mice where precision and comfort matter more than speed, cloth is the play.

Your wrist will appreciate not having to grip so tight.