Rough wood will shred a mousepad's rubber base faster than glass.

Yes, it’s a real thing. The rough surface acts like sandpaper on the rubber, especially if you move the pad around or press down hard. Glass is smooth, so there’s less friction and abrasion.

Most mousepad rubbers are soft to grip desks — that same softness makes them vulnerable to micro-tears from wood grain or splinters. Over months, you’ll notice the bottom turning fuzzy or flaking. Glass won’t do that.

If you have a cheap pad on a rough desk, it probably won’t matter much — you’ll replace it before it falls apart. But if you’ve got a nice heavy pad you like, put a smooth cutting mat or a sheet of paper underneath. Your mousepad will last longer.

Rough wood looks nice but it’s murder on rubber feet and bases.