Get stitched edges.

Yes. Stitched edges last longer and won’t fray, and any comfort difference is negligible if the stitching is done right.

Raw-cut edges are cheaper, but they start to peel or curl after a few months of wrist resting—especially if your desk isn’t perfectly flat or you sweat. Stitched edges seal the fabric, so there’s no unraveling. The downside people mention is that the stitching can feel slightly raised against your wrist, but most decent mousepads (from brands like X-raypad, Artisan, or SteelSeries) use flat stitching that’s barely noticeable. Cheap raw-cut pads can actually feel worse because the edge becomes jagged as it wears.

If you rest your wrist heavily for hours daily, a stitched edge will hold up a year or more longer. The only case where raw-cut might be fine is if you replace pads every few months or use a super-soft, thick wrist rest on top anyway.

Don’t overthink it. Stitched is the standard for good reason.