SteelSeries has released its latest product in gaming peripherals with the new QcK Performance Series mousepads. This new product line is supposed to represent an evolution in mousepad technology by focusing on personalization based on individual gaming playstyles.
The QcK Performance Series comes in three distinct variants: Speed, Balance, and Control. Each mousepad is engineered to cater to different gaming preferences and styles. This is supposed to address a gap in personalization that has existed in mousepads despite the customization options available in other gaming peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and headsets.
I’m old enough to remember when mice came with the little trackball, and even then, mousepads were basic. I’m not sure this is a problem that needs fixing for everyday users. Still, this might be important for esports players and anyone else playing a lot of PC games. This probably wouldn’t be more of an upgrade than a new keyboard, mouse, or display, but SteelSeries is making the argument here that the mousepad also matters.
SteelSeries has a long history in the mousepad industry, beginning with the ICEMAT in 2001 and continuing with the original QcK in 2004. Apparently, the mousepads are popular in esports, as professional players have collectively won more prize money with SteelSeries products than with any other brand.
The new Performance Series expands the existing QcK family, including the standard QcK, QcK Heavy, and QcK Prism models. Each variant in the series features a 3.5mm neoprene foam base designed for stability with non-slip properties. The mousepads also incorporate low-profile stitched edges to increase durability for extended use.
The QcK Performance Speed variant is designed for gamers who prefer fast-paced action gaming. It has an ultra-smooth surface with minimal friction for quick, effortless mouse movements. The interwoven fabric design ensures the glide is consistent in all directions, which is crucial for gamers relying on rapid reactions and mouse movements.
The QcK Performance Balance variant offers a middle ground between speed and control. It combines the quick glide capabilities of a speed-oriented mousepad with the precision stopping power found in control-focused mousepads.
The QcK Performance Control variant is for gamers who prioritize precision and accuracy over speed. The micro-textured surface is made with a specific amount of drag for precise targeting and movement control. It features a high-density stitch pattern that creates the right amount of resistance for detailed, granular movements.
These mousepads are mostly for hardcore gamers who participate in competitions or for pros who do this for a living. Having the right mousepad for your mouse has a lot of value if a split second is the difference between victory and defeat. If I was playing for hundreds of thousands of dollars, I would also care a lot about my mousepad.
The QcK Performance Series mousepads are available in two sizes: Large (L) and Extra-Large (XL). The Large size is priced at $39.99, and the Extra-Large size is available for $49.99. That’s around the cost of a below mid-range mouse.
This isn’t as expensive as I would expect. Most high-end esports controllers cost a lot more money. I’ve seen mice and keyboards go for hundreds, and if the mousepad has as much of an effect on a player as SteelSeries claims, then it should cost more.
The mousepads are now available for purchase from the SteelSeries official website. If you’re on the fence about buying one, don’t. These are for people who really need the difference in feel and timing, and if you just work or play games for fun, you don’t need to worry about how the mousepad feels and helps your mouse glide.
Source: SteelSeries
