Silicone is the safer choice for laminate desktops.

Yes, a silicone base will outperform natural rubber on a laminated surface and leave zero residue.

Natural rubber grips well initially but the oils and compounds in the rubber can react with the laminate finish over time, especially if the desk gets warm or the pad sits for months. That sticky, greasy stain is a pain to clean and sometimes permanent. Silicone avoids that entirely.

Silicone bases also stick to laminate just as well as rubber — sometimes better because they don’t harden or lose grip as they age. The trade-off: silicone pads can be a little more expensive and some people find them slightly more slippery for the mouse itself. But for desk protection, it’s the no-brainer.

Future You will appreciate not scrubbing residue off your desk.