I always skipped wireless charging, but a charging pad built into a mouse mat changed everything

Wireless charging has always been a contentious topic among tech journalists, with many preferring traditional wired charging methods. Despite being in the industry since 2019, the author found wireless charging frustrating and rarely used it on their own devices. However, a wireless charging pad built into a mouse mat changed their perspective.

Wireless charging mats are convenient, allowing users to simply place their phone on a surface and let the device charge at its own pace. However, the author found the process to be complicated, requiring devices to be positioned perfectly on the pad for charging to begin. Any slight movement would stop the charging process, and large camera bumps on the phone would prevent it from sitting flush on the pad.

The author also noted that many wireless charging mats were designed with specific phone shapes in mind, making it difficult to use with devices like the thin, unconventional one they owned. Additionally, wireless charging was significantly slower than wired charging, making the latter feel quicker and more convenient.

Recently, the author came across a mouse mat that had a wireless charger embedded in it. As their own notebook served as a makeshift mouse mat, they accepted the offer to use the donated mouse mat's wireless charging feature. The author was initially skeptical, as the mat required the phone to be placed horizontally, which they found more convenient than the vertical position required by most charging stands.

With the angled mouse mat, the author found it easy to position their phone correctly for charging, eliminating the need to find a random spot on their cluttered desk. The device offered convenience without taking up extra space, and the author believes similar options are available from gaming brands like Logitech and Razer. While wireless charging cannot fully replace wired charging for them, this mouse mat has helped them appreciate the convenience of the technology and understand its appeal.