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

The SteelSeries QcK is without doubt one of the longest-running mousepad ranges you should purchase, with the primary model launching over 20 years in the past. Loads has modified on this planet of gaming mice since then – from laser sensors coming and going to wi-fi gaming mice now being commonplace – however the QcK stays an incredible go-to alternative for a low-cost, high quality mousepad that will not allow you to down, although there are just a few caveats to notice.

It is this simplicity and dependability that specify why the QcK sits on the high of our greatest gaming mousepad information, however the third issue is value. 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 just a few the explanation why that is the case, which can have an effect on whether or not it is the suitable alternative of mouse mat for you, however this SteelSeries stalwart is a advantageous alternative for many players.

Specs

Design and options

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

We’re reviewing the massive model, which is the most well-liked measurement and which ought to swimsuit most players, although some individuals might choose the marginally extra compact medium choice. We’re additionally keen on the XXL and 3XL deskpad choices, which give you a gentle touchdown not solely to 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 might be thrice 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 Exhausting model that makes use of a tough plastic floor, moderately than a gentle foam and material. Then there’s additionally the brand new QcK Efficiency vary, which is pictured on the suitable within the picture above. It gives a thicker foam, stitched edge, and a alternative of various high surfaces.

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

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

SteelSeries does provide a variety of colour and sample choices, although inventory is usually solely accessible for the massive pad, with different sizes having a much more restricted vary. The default choice is apparent black with a white SteelSeries emblem, plus there are shiny 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. Nonetheless, apparent massive titles corresponding to Counter-Strike, Fortnite, and Minecraft aren’t accessible. But.

Efficiency

Essentially the most instant factor to notice in regards to the QcK mousepad is that it is fairly skinny. At simply 2mm thick, it is practically 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. Nonetheless, in case your PC setup is on a classic desk or rustic desk that has some slight inconsistencies to its high floor, the thinness of this mat means it would not actually do an incredible job of smoothing out and absorbing these imperfections – a thicker mat can be a better option.

This consideration apart, although, the QcK gives an incredible 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 steadiness, my private choice 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 might choose 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 reduce fringe of the pad, the woven high floor can turn out to be a little bit visibly frayed after not a lot use, nevertheless it’s solely the very edges; the material would not lose any threads or delaminate from the froth. Finally, you will get thicker, woven-edge pads, however once more, they typically price no less than 50% extra. In the event you simply desire a fundamental, dependable mousing floor, the QcK delivers.

That is true when it comes to the reliability of mouse monitoring too. The woven high floor right here just isn’t solely very {smooth} and low-resistance, nevertheless it additionally gives a floor that labored completely 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 presumably be attributed to a mouse mat.

The floor right here is solely of the fast-gliding type. You will must go for the QcK Efficiency lineup in case you choose a rougher, slower-gliding, so-called “management” type mousepad.

Worth

The SteelSeries QcK varies in price from $6.99 all the way in which as much as $99.99, relying on the dimensions you get. Nonetheless, the massive 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 further outlay. In the event you simply desire a fundamental choice, although, the QcK will get you dependable high quality at a really low value.

Alternate options

SteelSeries QcK Efficiency

SteelSeries just lately unveiled its Efficiency mousepads, which supply three key adjustments in comparison with the usual QcK. They’re thicker, they’ve stitched edges, and so they’re accessible in three completely different floor sorts. You may select between a quick, medium, and gradual 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 gives a thicker foam backing and stitched edge, making them dearer for any given measurement than the SteelSeries QcK. Nonetheless, in case you choose an much more cushioned really feel and an anti-fray stitched edge, they’re our go-to alternative for a barely extra premium pad. The MM200 Professional is the equal measurement of the QcK Giant and prices $26.99 / £24.99.

Verdict

The SteelSeries QcK is a really fundamental mousepad that, regardless of being from a big-name gaming peripheral model, gives incredible worth. In the event you’re simply after an inexpensive mat, however do not need to threat shopping for a no-name model off Amazon, it is a straightforward advice.

Extra premium pads from each SteelSeries and different massive names, corresponding to Corsair and Razer, provide a thicker foam backing and anti-fray stitched edges, which may look a little bit tidier. Nonetheless, they price extra because of this, and the development in uncooked efficiency is all however imperceptible.

In the event you’re on the lookout for the proper mouse to accompany your new mousepad, why not try our greatest gaming mouse and finest wi-fi gaming mouse guides? You too can learn our Wonderful Mannequin O Everlasting assessment, which is our new favourite finances mouse that prices below $40.