Get a stitched-edge mouse pad.

Yes, stitched edges will hold up far better than laser-cut over six months of daily use, and it’s not close.

Here’s the problem with laser-cut edges: they’re just raw fabric cut by a laser. That leaves the fibers exposed and unsealed. After a few months of your palm dragging across the edge, those fibers start to separate. You get a fuzzy, frayed border that looks like a cheap rug. It won’t fall apart completely, but it’ll look and feel terrible.

Stitched edges wrap the fabric with a thread border. That thread locks the fibers in place and takes the abrasion instead of the cloth. After six months of daily grinding, a stitched edge will still look crisp. No fuzz, no unraveling. The only downside is a small ridge where the stitching sits, but you barely notice it.

If you’re going to use this pad every day, spend a few extra dollars. Laser-cut is fine for a guest mouse or a temporary setup. For your main desk? Stitched.