We compared two cloth gaming mouse pads: the SteelSeries QcK+ Gaming Mouse Pad and the Amazon Basics Extended Gaming Mouse Pad.
What we looked at
Size, surface, base, washability, and price.
The verdict
If you want a proven esports-favourite cloth surface in a 450 x 400mm size, the SteelSeries QcK+ is the pick at £13.29. If you would rather save £5.43 and get a pad big enough for a keyboard and mouse, the Amazon Basics extended pad is the alternative, at £7.86.
A £13.29 450 x 400 x 2mm micro-woven cloth pad with a rubber base.
A £7.86 extended cloth pad sized for a keyboard and mouse.
SteelSeries QcK+ Large Gaming Mouse Pad (450 x 400 x 2mm) — Esports Pick
Intended for: Marketed as a large gaming mouse pad measuring 450 x 400 x 2mm, with an exclusive QcK micro-woven cloth surface optimised for low and high DPI tracking, a non-slip rubber base, a durable and washable build, and described as the top choice of esports pros for more than 15 years. Carries 4.7 stars from 17.9K ratings on this listing.
What we liked
- Micro-woven cloth surface optimised for low and high DPI tracking
- Non-slip rubber base
- Durable and washable per the listing
- Higher star rating than the Amazon Basics pad (4.7 vs 4.6)
Worth knowing
- Costs £5.43 more than the Amazon Basics pad on these listings
- Smaller than a keyboard-and-mouse extended pad
Best for
- Buyers who want a pad favoured by esports players
- Anyone who wants a thinner 2mm surface
- Those who want the highest-rated option
Not ideal for
- Buyers who want to rest a keyboard on the pad
- Budget-conscious buyers
Amazon Basics Rectangular Large Extended Gaming Mouse Pad, Black — Best Value
Intended for: Marketed as an extended gaming mouse pad with a cloth surface for smooth gliding and precision, a thick rubberised base, machine-washable cleaning, and a size meant to accommodate both a keyboard and a mouse. The listing bullets give 35.5 by 16.88 inches (90.17 by 42.88cm), while the title shows different millimetre figures. Carries 4.6 stars from 64.9K ratings on this listing.
What we liked
- Cheaper than the SteelSeries on these listings, at £7.86
- Extended size sized for a keyboard and mouse
- Machine washable per the listing
- Very large review history (64.9K ratings)
Worth knowing
- Listing title and bullets give different dimensions, so check the size before buying
- Slightly lower star rating than the SteelSeries (4.6 vs 4.7)
Best for
- Buyers who want a full desk-style pad
- Anyone who wants the lower price
- Those who want a machine-washable pad
Not ideal for
- Buyers who want an esports-brand surface
- Anyone with limited desk space
