The Oxford English Dictionary tracks the term mouse pad to the 25 http://www.a1imaging.com/ August, 1983, publication of InfoWorld, and the predominantly British article mousemat to 17 October, 1989, in the publication 3D.
When optical mice, which use image sensors to detect movement, were first bizarre into the market, they appropriate certain mousepads with optical patterns printed on them. Contempo optical mice can function to an chop chop mark of accuracy on plain paper and other surfaces. However, some optical mouse users may prefer a mousepad for comfort, speed and accuracy, and to check wear to the desk or table surface.