What mousepad please?!

I've found mouse mats to be unnecessary since the ball-type mouse became obsolete, in fact some mouse mats even interfere with the optical tracking accuracy and responsiveness.

My optical mouse (currently a Microsoft one, previously a Logitech) works faultlessly direct on my desktop which has a faux woodgrain finish.

Now more than ever, mouse mats are largely just for show. part of one's customisation theme if you have one.
Only makes sense if you buy one with built-in wrist rest to avoid RSI if you use PC for long periods, which I don't.
I spend more time in a PC rather than on one!
 

I agree the newer optical mice track better on a hard surface. The problem I've had though is the crud that builds on the desk and mouse feet (the little teflon pads). It gums up the feet, making your mouse randomly stick to the surface. And it seems to fill in the microscopic texture of the tabletop and the optical tracking stops working in certain spots. Then I have to pull out a rag and cleaner, and scrub down the desktop to restore performance. Desks are made for writing so the surface is really smooth, meaning this crud sits on top and gets smeared around by your mouse movements.

A textured or cloth pad seem to absorb this crud instead of letting it sit on the surface where it's picked up by and interferes with the mouse. So I only need to wash the pad once or twice a year, instead of scrubbing off my desk once a month.