SteelSeries QcK Performance Series Review

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SteelSeries QcK Performance Series Review
A trusted name in the mousepad market for years, SteelSeries takes its legacy even further with the new QcK Performance Series. Announced in March 2025, the SteelSeries QcK Performance Series introduces a fresh solution to a long-overlooked area in the mousepad world: personalized surface selection.

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Today’s review focuses on SteelSeries’ new mousepad lineup: the QcK Performance Series. This new series, which allows gamers to choose a surface based on their playstyle, personally answered the question, “How much of a difference can a mousepad really make?” In this review, I’ll be sharing both my hands-on experience and the technical details of the series. Enjoy reading.

I used the SteelSeries QcK Prism XL mousepad for a solid 6–7 years, pushing it to its limits right up until the end. Spending that many years with a single mousepad is an experience in itself—and finding a worthy replacement wasn’t easy.

A few months ago, while researching to buy a new mousepad, I realized just how limited the available resources were. Funny enough, it was the first time I had ever taken a mousepad search this seriously. Anyway, while gathering mousepad recommendations from you all through a BPT Oyun story, what really stood out was how almost every suggestion focused on surface texture and material composition.

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Every gamer has their own style, some prioritize fast reflexes, while others focus on precise aiming. Most of the recommendations I received reflected this difference. This is exactly where SteelSeries steps in, claiming to be the first brand to bring that level of personalization down to the mousepad itself. The new QcK Performance Series offers three distinct surface types: Speed, Balance, and Control. This allows it to cater not only to fast-paced playstyles but also to those who prefer more balanced and controlled gameplay. However, only the Speed and Balance models are currently available in Turkey. So, this review will mainly focus on those two. I’ll still touch on the Control version, but just to be clear, I haven’t had the chance to try that one personally.

Mousepad selection is often overlooked, yet it can make a significant difference, especially in competitive games. In titles like VALORANT and CS, which are hugely popular in our region, the accuracy of micro-movements often draws the line between victory and defeat. The QcK Performance Series gives players a real edge in this regard, thanks to its high-quality materials and carefully engineered surface textures.

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As the name suggests, the Speed model of the QcK Performance Series is designed to boost your reflexes. Its surface is so smooth that your mouse practically glides on its own. With an ultra-low-friction nylon weave, the texture feels almost like glass. I noticed the difference the moment I unboxed it. Compared to my previous QcK Prism 3XL, the Speed model felt significantly smoother, so much so that I found myself adjusting to it for quite a while. Specifically developed for high-paced gameplay, this model stands out not only for its speed but also for its comfort, especially for users like me with sensitive hands. Its 3.5mm thickness strikes an ideal balance between wrist support and responsive tracking. After switching to the Speed model, I could immediately feel the difference even in everyday use.

The Balance model in the series offers a more controlled feel, with a texture that provides slightly more resistance than the Speed variant. Compared to Speed, the surface here is noticeably more textured. Its tightly woven polyester/nylon surface with high stitch density strikes a balance between smooth glide and stopping power. This makes it a game-changer, especially in titles that require both precision and broad arm movements, like Marvel Rivals, Fortnite, or Apex Legends. The surface delivers that familiar QcK feeling but with added control, making it ideal for players who want a more balanced and responsive experience.

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The QcK Performance series comes in two size options: Large (490x420mm) and XL (900x400mm). In Turkey, prices range between 1,799 TL and 2,499 TL, placing them outside the budget segment. However, for high-level competitive gamers and professionals, mousepads in this category typically fall into this price range. With a 3.5mm thickness, anti-slip neoprene base, and low-profile stitched edges, the QcK Performance pads stand out for both comfort and durability. Additionally, the surfaces have been tested by PixArt Imaging—one of the world leaders in mouse sensor technology—to ensure top-tier tracking performance. If you're serious about competitive gaming, this series is definitely worth considering.

So, do these mousepads really impact my gameplay? To find out, I tested three different mousepads—my current QcK Prism 3XL, the QcK Performance Balance, and the QcK Performance Speed—both in VALORANT and in an aim training app. Specifically, I ran tests using the Gravity Flick and Tile Frenzy modes in SteelSeries’ GG app’s 3D AIM TRAINER. To ensure accuracy, I performed three trials with each mousepad and took the averages. Here are the results:

QcK Prism 3XL​
QcK Performance Balance XL​
QcK Performance Speed XL
3D AIM TRAINER
Tile Frenzy​
121​
125​
111​
3D AIM TRAINER
Gravity Flick
90​
111​
118​
VALORANT
Zor Poligon
15​
17​
20​
As you can see from the table, there’s a clear difference between the mousepads. The change is especially noticeable when switching to the Speed pad. For reference, I conducted these tests in mixed sequences using a SteelSeries Aerox 5 mouse set at 1600 DPI and 0.4 sensitivity in VALORANT.

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If you’re an RGB enthusiast like me, the lack of lighting might be the only downside that could make you stick with the QcK Prism. Also, the series currently only offers Large and XL sizes, so there aren’t any smaller options available at the moment.

Which One Should You Buy?​

If you're still wondering which one to choose, SteelSeries has a handy test on their website. By answering a few quick questions, you can find out which surface suits you best , a great solution for those who are unsure.

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To help you better compare the two QcK Performance models available in Turkey, we’ve compiled all the technical details in the table below. This way, you can easily decide which one suits your playstyle best.

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QcK Performance Speed
QcK Performance Balance
Surface Texture
Ultra low-friction, ultra-smooth nylon surface
Medium-friction, textured polyester/nylon blend surface
Play Style
Fast reflexes, aggressive gameplay
Precision & control, balanced gameplay
Kalınlık3.5mm3.5mm
Edge Design
Low-profile, durable stitched edges
Low-profile, durable stitched edges
Base Material
Non-slip neoprene rubber
Non-slip neoprene rubber
DimensionsLarge: 490x420mm / XL: 900x400mmLarge: 490x420mm / XL: 900x400mm
Sensor Compatibility
PixArt Imaging tested; high-precision tracking
PixArt Imaging tested; high-precision tracking
RGB LightingNoneNone
Price Range (Türkiye)1.999 – 2.499 TL1.799 – 2.299 TL
Ideal For
FPS players needing fast reactions (e.g. CS, VALORANT)
MOBA, FPS, and users looking for balanced all-around performance

In conclusion, the QcK Performance series completely shatters the mindset of 'a mousepad is just a mousepad.' For those who want to directly experience how surface differences can affect gameplay, this series is more than satisfying. In particular, the glide feel of the Speed model has surpassed many of the mousepads I’ve used so far.

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You can click the link here to check the current prices and place your order. Until our next review, take care.
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