All true gaming enthusiasts know that having a great time playing a video game depends on more than the game itself. Many hours spent gaming can become a literal pain in the neck if you don’t have proper computer gear.
Increasing your odds of dominating the virtual playing field is similar to increasing your odds of winning at casino games—a little research goes a long way. Just as this list from BonusFinder showcases free casino games that pay real money, so will this article help you find the accessories that will give you an extra edge for competitive gaming. Read on to discover the essential gaming gadgets you shouldn’t play without.
Chair
A proper computer chair is possibly the most important piece of your gaming setup. Nothing will cramp your style and back faster than a low-quality chair with poor back support!
Some gamers like the look of racing-seat style gaming chairs, while others opt for classic office chairs with good cushioning, adjustability, and support. Everyone has slightly different needs for seat height, seat depth, and armrests, so make sure to read the product description carefully and pick a chair that will provide the ideal support for you. Keep in mind that while finding a great chair online is doable, testing chairs in person will get you the best results.
Mouse
Whether you play MMORPGs, first-person shooters, or strategy games, you’ll probably find yourself moving the mouse and clicking quite a bit. Rather than relying on a simple two-button mouse with a scroll wheel, many gamers go for added functionality with a gaming mouse.
What’s the difference between the office mouse your PC came with and a gaming mouse?
Aside from looking cool, a good gaming mouse has additional buttons that are easy to reach and programmable so that you don’t need to make additional movements with the keyboard. These buttons are also helpful when you want to do combos without hitting multiple keys.
Some gamers prefer a more sensitive mouse, especially if they have limited desk space and don’t want to move it too far. Still, most gamers and games function just fine with 800 DPI or lower.
Gamers who are seeking a clean desk look and don’t mind recharging their mouse should also look at a wireless mouse, such as a 2.4 GHz wireless mouse with a dongle. Bluetooth is acceptable, but the polling rates and responsiveness of a 2.4 GHz mouse are much faster than Bluetooth. Also, note that many gaming mouse manufacturers now have a more carefully crafted cord that looks nice and doesn’t get caught up on your desktop, so wireless isn’t always necessary.
Headset
Modern gamers should not underestimate the importance of a high-quality headset with a microphone. While some gamers have the opportunity to play in person with friends and communicate with people in the room, many gamers find competition and camaraderie online, which is certainly aided by a good set of headphones with a good mic. A quality microphone lets you communicate with teammates without static or background sounds.
Good hearing is also necessary in some games. Sounds like gunshots or footsteps can help you locate opponents and teammates. Headsets with surround sound features are available, and your favorite game might support them.
Much like a mouse, a headset also has the potential to be wireless. You might have some distance between your computer or console and your seating area, so wireless is often a good idea. Opting for 2.4 GHz is also a good idea here because Bluetooth has a longer delay, which can lead to communicating too slowly in competitive games.
Keyboards
A keyboard can also make a big difference to the gaming experience. More and more gamers are choosing mechanical keyboards, which have unique hardware compared to traditional membrane keyboards. Mechanical keyboards use a mechanical switch instead of a rubber dome. The switch is more durable than a rubber dome and can often be actuated millions of times before wearing out. The switches are also customizable, so you can feel comfortable with every keystroke. Options include linear, tactile, and clicky keys, as well as lighter and heavier weights.
Hall Effect keyboards are also growing in popularity. These switches stand out because they use magnets instead of copper contacts, enabling gamers to customize how much force they need to actuate a button. Many pro and competitive gamers swear by these because you can ask specific keys to require a very light touch so that the key returns faster, which is great when you need to hit buttons very fast.
Gaming Monitors
In gaming, screens matter a lot. In fast-paced shooting games, you will notice the difference between a 144Hz monitor and a 60Hz monitor, as the faster refresh rate will smooth characters’ movements. A monitor with a higher resolution will also make immersive games with high-quality textures look better, although it shouldn’t have much impact on reflexes or performance.
Another option to consider is a monitor arm or monitor stand. If you play frequently, you don’t want your neck and shoulders bent at odd angles trying to adapt to your monitor height. Instead, a monitor setup at the proper height will keep gaming from becoming a literal pain in the neck.
Conclusion
Whether you are a console or computer gamer, there are plenty of gadgets and hardware out there that can improve your gaming experience. If you’re due for a gaming chair upgrade or could benefit from a better mouse, a custom keyboard, or a good monitor setup, don’t sell yourself short. Get the right gear so you can game like a pro.