What Makes a Great Gaming Mousepad?

A great surface makes a whole lot of difference for PC gaming and work. It's part aesthetics, part utility. Here's what you need to know when shopping around.

A mousepad is not just a simple accessory. SteelSeries QcK mousepads have proven, over and over, that they are best in gaming. They’re washable and durable, feature a non-slip base, and micro-woven cloth optimized for low and high CPI mouse tracking.

With more than 15 million sold, our iconic esports mousepads have enabled gamers around the globe to deliver top tier performance. And now, you can join them.

Let’s dive into a few reasons why.

Pick the exact style you want

QcK Performance Speed: ultra-smooth surface is engineered for rapid, effortless movement
QcK Performance Balance: the swift glide of a speed pad, paired with the precision stopping power of a control pad - best of both worlds
QcK Performance Control: micro-textured surface that is expertly engineered with just the right amount of drag, allowing you to lock onto your target with razor-sharp aim and unwavering control

The great thing about our new QcK Performance mousepad series - our latest - is that you can pick the kind of surface you want to adapt to your gameplay style. Do you prefer your mouse to glide super smoothly, or do you want more controlled precision with a little friction?

Improved glide, more control, or something in between. This gaming mousepad is truly reflective of your style and preference.

Get the size you need

Here's another important part of a gaming mousepad: availability in different sizes. We work with all kinds of surfaces. Some of us have proper desks, some of us camp out on countertops. We get it.

That's why you can get a gaming mousepad in a variety of sizes. For example, you can get the QcK Performance Speed L (Large), which is 490 x 420 mm (about 19 by 16 inches). Just the right size to cover any kind of wild mouse swipes you might want to do.

However, opt for the QcK Performance Speed XL to cover your space in stylish and highly functional black. The XL is 900 x 400 mm (35 by 15 inches), making it a much bolder statement that not only decorates your setup, but makes it even more functional.

We highly recommend the Performance series, but feel free to check out the full catalog of gaming mousepads to see other options.

Gaming mousepads that last

Another key aspect of great gaming mousepads is durability. No one wants a product that will only last a few months, and a gaming surface needs to be tough to endure whatever pressure we throw on it daily.

The SteelSeries QcK mousepads are created to withstand intense gaming sessions. There's a reason why esports champs around the world stick to them. For one, it's the right thickness. It's a solid base, just tall enough, to comfortably hold and withstand pressure. Extra density means extra consistency.

Edges tend to bear the brunt of damage, as sides can unravel or hit against other objects. Not the case with QcK, however. The Performance line (like other gaming mousepads before them) feature low-profile stitched edges.

This high-grade, premium precision stitching enhances durability for smooth, fray-free edges.

All this on a non-slip, neoprene rubber base for maximum stability.

Maintenance is easy

Every gaming mousepad gets dirty eventually. Maintaining your QcK is quite easy.

QcK Performance needs to be carefully cleaned to ensure the same feel game after game. Hair or debris may be wiped off with your hand or a lint roller or with careful use of a tweezer. Be cautious to avoid damaging the fabric. If a specific area gets dirty, use water and a microfiber cloth to wipe down. Avoid using soap.

Quality worth your money

Esport pros continue using the QcK line, winning around the world. Our mousepads were one of the pillars that established us in the world of esports.

GamesRadar released a glowing review of our gaming mousepad: "SteelSeries is well known for the durability and glide of its mouse pads, it's why the original QcK has stood at the top of our ranks for a couple of years now. The latest iteration keeps the all-in-one nature of the original with the Balance mat, but also brings new options for speed-focused and more precision-minded players."

It's time to get a surface that you can depend on. Shop for QcK Performance gaming mousepads now.