Review: Steelseries QcK+ Cloth Mousepad

[Tyreal]

Introduction
HardwareLogic hasn't had any mousepad reviews before so I thought I'd be a pioneer and try something new. I had heard that mousepads can really help you play better but I didn't believe it. I managed to get my hands on a Steelseries QcK+ and here's what I thought.

A quick description of the pad straight off the Steelseries website:

SteelPad QcK+ is the limousine of cloth mouse pads.

It is a super sized mouse pad made of a high quality cloth material with a specially designed non-slip rubber base which prevents the pad from sliding; no matter what surface the mouse pad is placed on.

Quick facts about SteelPad QcK+

* XXL sized cloth mouse pad - your mouse will never slip off

* Ideal for low sensitivity mouse settings

* Compatible with all mice

* Specially designed non-slip rubber base

* 17,7*15,7in (450mm x 400mm) - thickness 2mm

The extreme size makes this mouse pad perfect for low sensitivity mouse settings, and the smooth cloth surface offers maximum precision. The cloth surface is also very easy on the users wrists, even for hardcore gamers, graphic designers and others who use their mouse for extended periods of time.

First Impressions:
Obviously, the first thing one notices about the QcK+ is its size. Measuring up at 17,7*15,7in (450mm x 400mm), this is not a small mousepad. The mousepad is clearly marketed towards gamers who prefer low sensitivities. Counter Strike Source and 1.6 are two good examples. Most hardcore or professional gamers will tell you that a lower sensitivity will increase your aim and therefore improve your game. Unfortunately, alot of people, including myself, don't have the time or don't care enough to get used to such a low sensitivity. Having used the QcK+ for several weeks now, I can confidently say that it does make a difference.

Here you can see a picture of the QcK+ compared to a 30cm ruler and with a standard Microsoft Wireless Mouse. This picture clearly shows just how big the QcK+ is. This eliminates the annoying problem of sliding your mouse off your mousepad.

As you may have noticed already, the QcK+ is pretty plain. The cloth is black with a crosshair-esque logo in the lower left hand corner. On the reverse side is a textured rubberized surface to prevent the pad from slipping off your desk.

Performance:

After using the Steelseries QcK+ for around 2 weeks, I am truly impressed with it. For the majority of my testing I played Counterstrike Source. I left in-game sensitivity at default but lowered my Logitech MX518's hardware sensitivity to the second level. I'm not sure if it is really the mousepad or if it's a plecebo effect but my aim has certainly improved. The smooth cloth surface of the pad allows me to move my mouse as if it was gliding on ice.

I'd also like to note that I attended a small LAN Party recently. I was able to roll up and store the pad without damaging it. Further more, it retained it's flat shape and didn't curl up.

Conclusion:

I haven't had the opportunity of trying very many "Gaming" mouse pads but the QcK+ is the best I have tried. It's hard to imagine going back to the worn down desk surface which now appears so inferior to the smooth, quiet, cloth surface of the QcK+. The QcK+ is a worthy candidate for anyone looking for a new mouse pad. And if you don't game, the pads size is useful for people who do alot of Autocad work or work that involves long dragging mouse movements.

Sadly, the biggest drawback of this pad is also its prime feature. Due to it's size, it may not be suitable for every user. I myself have a sliding keyboard/mouse tray. About a sixth of the mousepad hangs out the end. So if you have an extra 20 dollars and want to spend less time spectating your fellow fraggers and more time doing the fragging, then take a good look at the QcK+. You won't be dissapointed.

Pros
- Size
- Good Price
- Smooth surface
- Can be rolled, bent, twisted, etc. without being damaged.

Cons
- Alot of desk realestate is required
- Cloth is harder to clean than plastic
- Cloth degrades faster than plastic.

[gvblake22]

A Product Link is always nice too

Thanks for the review Ty, looks to be a decent pad. I'm always on the lookout for something that might be a little smoother than my X-Trac Zoom pad.

[Tyreal]

Oops right. Thanks Blake. Poop happens when your tired.

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by Tyreal

Oops right. Thanks Blake. Poop happens when your tired.

pfffft, what do you mean tired? It's almost 2am here!

[Tyreal]

updated with photos

[polobunny]

Nice review, and I can also attest that a low sensivity helps alot. When I go to LANs I bring my "designer" mouse pad, which is a nice rubber like coated piece of aluminium. I prefer this type of surface to cloth, and also it's harder than foam pads which is a must when you're used to game straight on your desk.

I'd have to check on the pricing for this one though, looks great.

[yurimxpxman]

Originally Posted by Tyreal

I'm not sure if it is really the mousepad or if it's a plecebo effect but my aim has certainly improved.

How could you ever improve on your headshot hack status? lol

[Tyreal]

Originally Posted by polobunny

Nice review, and I can also attest that a low sensivity helps alot. When I go to LANs I bring my "designer" mouse pad, which is a nice rubber like coated piece of aluminium. I prefer this type of surface to cloth, and also it's harder than foam pads which is a must when you're used to game straight on your desk.

I'd have to check on the pricing for this one though, looks great.

What kind of mousepad is it? Sounds expensive. I have yet to try a plastic mousepad but I hope too soon.

Originally Posted by yurimxpxman

How could you ever improve on your headshot hack status? lol

Funny.

[yurimxpxman]

Originally Posted by Tyreal

What kind of mousepad is it? Sounds expensive. I have yet to try a plastic mousepad but I hope too soon.

Probably teflon. I here those are nice.

[Tyreal]

I mean... what brand is it.