SteelSeries QcK review – a surprisingly good gaming mousepad for a bargain price

The SteelSeries QcK is among the longest-running mousepad ranges you should buy, with the primary model launching over 20 years in the past. Lots has modified on the planet of gaming mice since then – from laser sensors coming and going to wi-fi gaming mice now being commonplace – however the QcK stays a terrific go-to selection for a low-cost, high quality mousepad that will not allow you to down, although there are a number of caveats to notice.

It is this simplicity and dependability that designate why the QcK sits on the prime of our greatest gaming mousepad information, however the third issue is worth. Together with being a legend of the business, the QcK vary stays among the many least expensive choices from a mainstream gaming model. There are a number of the reason why that is the case, which can have an effect on whether or not it is the proper selection of mouse mat for you, however this SteelSeries stalwart is a effective selection for many players.

Specs

Design and options

The SteelSeries QcK vary is obtainable in a variety of sizes, from a 9.8 x 7.9-inch (250 x 210mm) small possibility that prices a mere $6.99 all the best way as much as a 63 x 31-inch (1,600 x 800mm) deskpad that usually prices $99.99 however is at the moment discounted to simply $39.99.

We’re reviewing the big model, which is the most well-liked measurement and which ought to go well with most players, although some individuals could desire the marginally extra compact medium possibility. We’re additionally a fan of the XXL and 3XL deskpad choices, which offer you a mushy touchdown not solely on your mouse however your keyboard too. These deskpad choices are, paradoxically, additionally fairly helpful when you’ve got restricted desk house, as you do not have to fret about your keyboard and mousepad in any other case clashing for desk house.

In addition to all these measurement choices, you may as well get the QcK in Heavy ($29.99 for giant) variations which can be 3 times thicker than the conventional variations, and Prism variations that add RGB piping across the fringe of a pad that is twice the thickness of the usual QcK. There’s additionally the Edge vary, which provides a stitched edge to the mat, and a Arduous model that makes use of a tough plastic floor, moderately than a mushy foam and cloth. Then there’s additionally the brand new QcK Efficiency vary, which is pictured on the proper within the picture above. It presents a thicker foam, stitched edge, and a selection of various prime surfaces.

Not all sizes and kinds can be found in the identical mixture – there is not a big Prism, as an example – and a few sizes are differ between kinds, so you will need to examine the specs fastidiously to ensure you’re getting the mousepad you need.

Again to the fundamental QcK, although, and this mousepad has only a foam backing with a grippy underside and a woven cloth prime. That is it. No frills, and no matter spills you will have on it are simple to clean off with dish cleaning soap and water – learn our find out how to clear a mousepad information for full directions.

SteelSeries does provide a variety of coloration and sample choices, although inventory is generally solely obtainable for the big pad, with different sizes having a much more restricted vary. The default possibility is obvious black with a white SteelSeries emblem, plus there are vivid pink, pastel blue, and darkish inexperienced choices, however that is about it for plain colours. The opposite choices are patterned, with many game-themed choices, together with ones for Apex Legends (with my boy Pathy entrance and heart), CoD: Trendy Warfare 2 and three, and PUBG. Nevertheless, apparent large titles resembling Counter-Strike, Fortnite, and Minecraft aren’t obtainable. But.

Efficiency

Essentially the most speedy factor to notice in regards to the QcK mousepad is that it is fairly skinny. At simply 2mm thick, it is almost half the thickness of SteelSeries’ dearer QcK Efficiency lineup (3.5mm), and really half the thickness of some rivals such because the Corsair MM vary (4mm).

This thinness is not an issue when you’ve got a desk with a clear, flat floor. Nevertheless, in case your PC setup is on a classic desk or rustic desk that has some slight inconsistencies to its prime floor, the thinness of this mat means it would not actually do a terrific job of smoothing out and absorbing these imperfections – a thicker mat shall be a better option.

This consideration apart, although, the QcK gives a terrific mousing floor. Regardless of its thinness, it nonetheless gives a pleasingly cushioning really feel, decreasing the strain in your wrist when in comparison with a tough desk, and insulating your hand from the chilly desk floor, whereas offering a smooth-gliding floor. On stability, my private desire is for a barely thicker mousepad with much more cushioning, however such choices do price extra money.

Sound can be deadened properly, so your frantic mouse actions aren’t accompanied by an excessive amount of distracting noise. Some players could desire the even smoother-gliding really feel of plastic and even glass mousepads, however the noise they make is undeniably an issue.

With no stitching to guard the minimize fringe of the pad, the woven prime floor can turn into somewhat visibly frayed after not a lot use, but it surely’s solely the very edges; the material would not lose any threads or delaminate from the froth. Finally, you may get thicker, woven-edge pads, however once more, they often price at the very least 50% extra. Should you simply desire a primary, dependable mousing floor, the QcK delivers.

That is true by way of the reliability of mouse monitoring too. The woven prime floor right here is just not solely very {smooth} and low-resistance, but it surely additionally gives a floor that labored totally reliably for the handfuls of various mice, each for gaming and productiveness, with which I examined it. I additionally performed a variety of video games, together with aggressive shooters, and located there to be no glitches in my efficiency that might probably be attributed to a mouse mat.

The floor right here is solely of the fast-gliding fashion. You will need to go for the QcK Efficiency lineup when you desire a rougher, slower-gliding, so-called “management” fashion mousepad.

Worth

The SteelSeries QcK varies in price from $6.99 all the best way as much as $99.99, relying on the dimensions you get. Nevertheless, the big model prices simply $14.99 / £14.99. There are cheaper choices from much less well-known manufacturers, however most competing manufacturers price extra money. The compromise right here is that the majority of these dearer choices use thicker foam and sometimes include a stitched edge, so that you do get extra for that additional outlay. Should you simply desire a primary possibility, although, the QcK will get you dependable high quality at a really low worth.

Alternate options

SteelSeries QcK Efficiency

SteelSeries lately unveiled its Efficiency mousepads, which provide three key modifications in comparison with the usual QcK. They’re thicker, they’ve stitched edges, they usually’re obtainable in three totally different floor sorts. You possibly can select between a quick, medium, and sluggish glide really feel, letting you dial in your most well-liked mouse response. Learn our Steelseries QcK Efficiency assessment for extra info.

Corsair MM200 Professional

Corsair’s MM vary of mousepads presents a thicker foam backing and stitched edge, making them dearer for any given measurement than the SteelSeries QcK. Nevertheless, when you desire an much more cushioned really feel and an anti-fray stitched edge, they’re our go-to selection for a barely extra premium pad. The MM200 Professional is the equal measurement of the QcK Massive and prices $26.99 / £24.99.

Verdict

The SteelSeries QcK is a really primary mousepad that, regardless of being from a big-name gaming peripheral model, presents improbable worth. Should you’re simply after an affordable mat, however do not wish to threat shopping for a no-name model off Amazon, it is a straightforward advice.

Extra premium pads from each SteelSeries and different large names, resembling Corsair and Razer, provide a thicker foam backing and anti-fray stitched edges, which might look somewhat tidier. Nevertheless, they price extra because of this, and the development in uncooked efficiency is all however imperceptible.

Should you’re in search of the proper mouse to accompany your new mousepad, why not try our greatest gaming mouse and greatest wi-fi gaming mouse guides? You may as well learn our Superb Mannequin O Everlasting assessment, which is our new favourite price range mouse that prices beneath $40.