Smooth or Textured: Does Mouse Pad Surface Impact Performance?
http://www.surl.org/usabilitynews/72/MousePad.asp

Slocum, Jeremy and Shelby Thompson
Usability News
2005

Abstract:

This study examined the effects of mouse pad usage on performance of a target acquisition task. Results indicated no performance difference between three specialized mouse pads, a traditional mouse pad and no mouse pad. In addition, no significant differences were found between each of the mousing surfaces based on kinematic data. The results suggest that manufacturer claims of increased performance cannot be supported by empirical evidence.