Classic SteelSeries Reborn | QcK Performance Series Review
Disclaimer: Product was provided to me by SteelSeries for review but all opinions will be my own.
The QcK… where do I even start? Probably the most well known, go-to mousepad within the professional gaming scene since the start of it all. And now it’s… Reborn.
Mice + Skates Used for Testing
– ULX Prophecy, WLmouse Ying, Op1w 4k
– Artisan Mizugumo, Unws Silver Fox, Xraypad Jade, Unws Black Fox
Product Details
– Control, Balance & Speed options
– 490x420x3.5mm/900x400x3.5mm options
– No base options
– Edge stitching
– $39.99 USD
Base + Edges
The bases on all 3 of the pads feel very similar, I am going to assume it is identical since the difference is so minor I do believe the stitching will be enough to affect the base feel. The base is a firmer base, feels 70% of the way there from Artisan’s soft -> mid bases. All of the pads stuck to my desk with zero issues and doesn’t move; however, since they come packaged rolled up, they do seem to not lay perfectly flat until you let them rest for a few days, even then the corners are sometimes not fully flat, this didn’t have any issue for me when in use but thought I’d point it out. Edge stitching is quite thin, neat and not harsh on skin.
QcK Control
Surface
The surface for the control variant is definitely the most textured of the bunch, it has a more abrasive feel which offers the quicker stopping power, I wouldn’t say it is a mud pad at all, it doesn’t feel sluggish and has very good stopping power as well and as expected, quite a high static + dynamic friction that you can feel. The X axis feels very similar to the Y axis with the Y axis ever so slightly slower from my testing.
Comparisons
Kurosun Shogun: Shogun has a much tighter more consistent stitching compared to the QcK and has both a higher static and dynamic friction.
Artisan Type99: Type99 is slightly slower than the QCK and has better consistency across the glide with both a higher static and dynamic. The Type99 surface feels smoother to the touch as well.
QcK Balance
Surface
The surface of the Balance variant is quite resemblant of that to the Artisan Zero, with a little bit of texture to it but noticeably smoother than the QcK Control which feels much nicer to the skin. It definitely feels like a typical balance pad, no surprises here. The X axis and Y axis feel almost identical here to me.
Comparisons
Artisan Zero: Slightly faster than the Zero with both a lower static and dynamic friction, texture is finer than the Zero too.
Xraypad AC+: Both feel very similar speed wise but the AC+ is obviously much more abrasive.
Kurosun Samurai: Faster than the Samurai in every way, texture wise Samurai feels less tightly stitched and firmer.
QcK Speed
Surface
The surface stitching on the Speed variant is buttery smooth, almost kinda reminds me of a glass infused surface type feel to it with incredibly tight and consistent stitching, it feels like a generic speed pad with minimal stopping power and very low static and dynamic. They also nailed the balanced X Y axis once again.
Comparisons
Artisan Raiden: Very similar to each other but I do think that the Raiden is a tad slower with less stopping power than the QcK.
LGG Neptune Pro: Almost identical in feel on skin but you can see that the QcK has a tighter more consistent stitching when compared. The Neptune Pro feels a smidge quicker with a lower static friction.
Conclusion
I think the new QcK Performance lineup definitely is a pleasant surprise and is good enough compared to the high end options in the enthusiast space for $39.99 USD. These do not disappoint, but they also aren’t mind blowing, these are a good step up in the gaming scene from larger companies which majority of the gaming community would purchase their peripherals from, making these an amazing purchase for the casual gamers out there grabbing a SOLID mousepad from their local stores. Affordable. Accessible. Performance.
