Texture matters more with a vertical mouse.

Yes, vertical mice are more sensitive to mousepad texture than standard mice.

The reason is simple: you grip a vertical mouse from the side, not the top. With a standard mouse, you push it around with your palm and fingertips pressing down. That downward force gives you control regardless of the pad’s surface. A vertical mouse relies on lateral grip. Your fingers wrap around the sides, and the pad’s texture determines how much you need to squeeze to keep it from sliding.

A rough pad creates high friction that can feel secure at first, but after a few hours it may irritate your fingertips. A smooth pad (like hard plastic or a fast cloth) can make the mouse feel slippery because you’re not pressing into the pad. You end up clamping harder, which leads to fatigue. Medium-weave cloth pads tend to work best: enough texture to hold the side rubber, not so much that it grabs your skin.

Try a cloth pad with moderate weave; avoid hard plastic or glass.