Hard mousepads are better for sensor dust.

Yes, but the effect is modest. The real cause of dust in optical sensors is usually cloth mousepads shedding fibers and collecting grime. Hard pads (plastic, glass, or aluminum) don’t shed, so less debris gets kicked up into the sensor well. That said, no surface is dust-proof—ambient dust still lands on the pad and gets picked up.

If you’re in a long session environment (e.g., competitive gaming or overnight work), a hard pad helps, but the real fix is cleaning. Swipe the sensor lens with a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol every few weeks. Otherwise, you’re just delaying the inevitable.

A quick sensor wipe is worth more than any special pad.