[Haoming]

I've heard that laser mice can function perfectly without mousepads. Is this true - even on the cheaper Microsoft and Logitech models?

[Nitestick]

it's fairly true, though it can depend on the surface it's being used on. old school mousepads were intended to provide a relatively clean surface and enough friction for the ball to turn. however mousepads are good to keep the pads on the bottom of the mouse clean and prevent wear. these days the biggest benefit you'll get from one is your mouse will move smoother.

[S0ULphIRE]

All the mice (or mouses) that I have at home are optical, and none of them have mousepads.
I've found that they work fine without the pads, with them they keep going off the edge which is ******* annoying. However, as the Stick said, they underside of the mouse does tend to get kinda dirty without a mousepad.
But meh, just scrape the botton off after a while and continue