SteelSeries QcK Performance Line Review
SteelSeries has released a new performance line of mousepads, offering three different options priced at around $40. These mousepads will be widely available in major stores like Best Buy, Walmart, and local computer shops. Today, we’ll compare them to popular alternatives like the Artisan Zero and Raiden Soft to see how they stack up.
QcK Control
Surface and Texture
All the new QcK pads feature a grayish logo stitched into the surface. The QcK Control has a bit more texture compared to others.
When compared to the Shogun, which has high static and dynamic friction, the QcK Control provides less dynamic friction while maintaining a similar level of static friction. It feels noticeably quicker in movement tests.
Comparison with Lethal Gaming Gear Saturn
The Saturn Standard, priced at $30, shares a similar high-density rubber foam base. Side by side, the QcK Control offers less dynamic friction, but the Saturn provides a smoother, softer experience. The firmness of the QcK Control is comparable to an Artisan Soft pad.
QcK Balance
Surface and Performance
The QcK Balance is a traditional control pad with a plush base, decent firmness, and good rebound. It closely resembles the Artisan Zero, which has low static friction and high dynamic friction.
When comparing static and dynamic friction, the QcK Balance and Zero feel nearly identical. However, the Zero has more texture, making it less sleeve-friendly. The QcK Balance has a slightly open weave, making it better for sleeves but still not perfect.
Push Test and Additional Comparisons
During a push test, the QcK Balance displayed slightly more static friction than the Zero, but the dynamic friction remained similar.
Comparing it to the Cursun Balance, another high-quality pad, the QcK Balance has more static friction, while the Samurai version of the Cursun Balance is quicker in static friction but slower in dynamic friction.
QcK Speed
Surface and Speed
The QcK Speed is the fastest of the three and the standout choice. It features the same high-density rubber foam base and high-quality stitching as the others.
While it was originally intended for comparison with the Raiden Soft, the Raiden Orange Rubber version serves as a close substitute. The Raiden is known for its ultra-fast surface with very low static and dynamic friction.
Comparison with Raiden and Energon
When comparing to the Raiden, the QcK Speed is noticeably slower with slightly higher dynamic friction. The static friction is also more noticeable, making left-to-right motions feel slightly stickier.
Compared to the Energon, the QcK Speed has a firmer and better-feeling base. The surface weave is very similar, but overall, the QcK Speed improves on the Energon in every way. This was the preferred mousepad of the three, remaining on the desk throughout testing.
Final Thoughts
SteelSeries has positioned these new QcK pads well within the market. Each pad caters to different playstyles, with the QcK Speed being the standout option for those seeking a fast pad with a solid base. The QcK Balance is an excellent alternative to the Artisan Zero, and the QcK Control provides a good mix of speed and control.
These mousepads bring competitive performance at an accessible price and will likely be a strong option for gamers looking for widely available, high-quality surfaces.
