It is one of the weak points of any old or current gaming mouse, it is an essential part at the same time and where over the years it has not been successfully replaced by another to do the same function. We are talking about PTFE , which stands as the industry leader in gaming mice and is the focus of headaches in certain models to find its correct replacement. What is it and what is it used for in the gaming and not-so-gaming mouse industry?
Surely when you pick up any gaming mouse for the first time you have turned it, looked at its base and touched its sliding pads, placed the mouse back on the mat and slid it to see the grip, friction and the stopping power. Well, these pads are made of a really common material, but one that the industry cannot supplant due to its excellent results and durability.
PTFE, one of the most used materials in the world, also in gaming
Let’s start by explaining what PTFE is, since there are different types and it is convenient to know its base. PTFE is the acronym for Polytetrafluoroethylene , a plastic for industrial use very similar to polyethylene, but with a different molecular composition that gives it a series of properties much more interesting than this.
Basically, PTFE is made up of fluorine and carbon atoms, so we can already get an idea of what awaits us with a material with these two compounds as its original base. And it is that PTFE has several types, which depend on the mineral load that they include in their composition.
So to talk about this material we must talk about virgin PTFE and on the other hand, its mineral derivatives. Focusing on the virgin version, its properties are so overwhelming that we will understand why the industry chooses it as their option for gaming mice.
Basic properties of the virgin compound
- Little friction.
- Very resistant to heat ( + -300 ºC )
- High level of behavior in mechanical applications.
- UV and weather resistant.
- Non-adhesion capacity and not to retain moisture.
- Resistant to hydrolysis.
- Low wear, even when exposed to extreme conditions.
What is the most used compound for gaming mice?
Well, it is the mineral mixture of virgin PTFE together with bisulfide, an additive that greatly changes the properties of the final product. Starting with increasing hardness, rigidity or reducing the coefficient of friction, apart from achieving greater elasticity and not having as much wear.
Obviously, with these properties on the table it is understandable its use in a component where the least possible friction is sought in any material, the greatest hardness that can be achieved and above all that it does not deform under the pressure of the player’s hand.
And is that a gaming mouse has to withstand brutal accelerations, as well as braking of several hundred G, that for years, if not decades in the worst case. Apart from all that has been said, it turns out that it is easily moldable into sheets, it is extremely cheap and therefore not easily replaceable.