One part of a gaming setup that often gets overlooked is the mousepad. Now SteelSeries sent us a lovely little package that contained an Aerox 3 mouse, as well as the QcK Performance Series of mousepads. The Aerox 3 mouse was purely to show off the different qualities of each of the three mousepads included in the bundle. Also included was a little tripod for connecting your phone. Something that I will definitely make use of, however, not for this review.
Slide To The Left!
Retailing for £39.99, you can pick from three different options. Speed, Control or Balance. Each with its own positives and negatives. All three come in either a large (490 x 420mm) or Extra Large (900 x 400mm); you can make your choice depending on your desk size. I know what you’re thinking, aren’t all mousepads created equal? Well, no they aren’t. This collection of mousepads are designed to match your playstyle and give you a little extra help where you didn’t even know you may have needed it.
I Feel The Need For Speed!
Featuring the smoothest surface in the QcK Performance Series, the pink labelled Speed is for gamers who need those fast changes of direction. Developed with a smooth surface and an ultra-low dynamic friction gives you a nice, consistent glide. Just how do they manage it? With the interwoven thread design of course! I’ve had mousepads that have caught when trying to change direction fast, and this one is just an absolute joy to use. It really does aid those moments when you need a quick turn around when spotting someone sneaking past in the new Battlefield Beta.
Bringing Balance To The Force!
That’s right, there is a Balance option within the QcK Performance Series, signified by the green (teal) label. This one offers to give you the sweet spot out of the range with a high stitch count & tight weave of thread. The soft, finely woven surface, gives you that familiar feel of the QcK series. The dynamic friction and the measured acceleration makes it perfect for the all round gamer. I mean, I don’t know why you would pick any other option in the series, it’s definitely my favourite! As with the others, this one measures 3.5mm in thickness, made out of a neoprene material that gives you a great foundation for long gameplay sessions.
Cruise Control
That brings us nicely onto the third option in the QcK Performance Series. The yellow-tagged mousepad offers a Control option. Made for gamers who put precision and accuracy above everything else thanks to the High-density stitch pattern. This mousepad is made for those games, you have to be exact in your mouse movements. There is no room for poor accuracy with the Control mousepad. It comes with a microtextured finish that grips on the underside of your mouse, giving you great stopping power to prevent those overshooting movements.
Similarities
We’ve given you the high-level differences between the three mousepads in the QcK Performance Series. They also have plenty of similarities. They are all manufactured to an incredibly high standard. With great stitching all around the edges, keeping the material held securely. All with an incredible anti-slip neoprene base, so even if you use them on a glass desk like I do. They are going to stay solid at all times when in use.
Final Thoughts
If you are in the market for a new mousepad, then SteelSeries really has you covered. The different sizes available mean that anyone can find their perfect fit. Whether it’s Control, Speed, or Balance, your gaming sessions will forever thank you!
The SteelSeries QcK Performance Series of mousepads receives the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
Disclaimer: A sample was received to write this review.
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