Suggestions for an anti-static mousepad?

[mattico]

I've got some rubber ESD mats for my workbench, of course, but I need to do something about my PC desk. Ever since I got new carpet and it got colder I keep giving huge zaps to my keyboard or mouse, which often causes the keyboard to reboot and sometimes one of my monitors. It's probably caused some of the PC gremlins I've been seeing recently.

All the ESD mats I can find are either silicone or hard rubber, which aren't great mousing surfaces. I'd like something softer and more fabric-like. The only product I know of that has a nice surface and is actually tested for ESD is the Gamers Nexus Modmat (https://store.gamersnexus.net/products/modmat-volt-large) but ideally I'd find something smaller and less gamer-y.

Or is there some other solution I should try? Connect a grounding strap to the metal frame of my keyboard?

[thm_w]

Yeah you can try a ground wire from the keyboard frame to earth, at least for a quick test, then if it works add a resistor. Is your mouse made of metal as well?
Another option is a humidifier if the humidity of the room is incredibly low.

[tooki]

I’d put a large, grounded ESD mat on your desk and then put your mousepad of choice on top of that. Consider an ESD floor mat. You can also get ESD sprays for surfaces and fabrics.

If you’re the arts and crafts type, you can buy woven nickel fabric (normally used for RFI shielding) and make your own mousepad, perhaps. I’ve used woven nickel adhesive tape to turn ordinary footwear into ESD footwear (which passed ESD testing).

[mattico]

I did find a bunch on AliExpress by searching "anti-static esd mouse pad". Including one by, appropriately, EARTHING which promises to improve your health:

LESS STRESS, DEPRESSION & ANXIETY Studies have shown that earthing could improve heart rate variability, reduced stress and decreased anxiety and depression.

Lowered stress levels could mean fewer headaches and even recovery from adrenal fatigue

The claims go on. None of them look like great mouse pads, no stitching around the edges to be seen. And the ESD claims are somewhat dubious. But beggars can't be choosers I suppose.