The Best PC Gaming Peripherals.
The world of PC gaming has come a long way since its inception in the early 1980s. This evolution has been marked by the introduction of gaming-specific hardware and peripherals—including keypads, headsets, and of course, mouse and keyboards—that have allowed gamers to play with unparalleled accuracy and control. It has also been supplemented by a number of thoughtful and innovative software advances that continually push the boundaries of gaming experiences. The result has been a growing global market for PC gaming peripherals that offer gamers a mind-boggling array of options to customize their gaming rigs.
In this article, we’ll discuss the best PC gaming peripherals available on the market. We’ll focus on both hardware peripherals and software supplements to provide you with the comprehensive overview you need to make informed decisions. Let’s start with the first of our two main categories…
Hardware Peripherals
Keyboards
The keyboard is arguably the most important peripheral for PC gaming. It needs to be both comfortable and responsive to ensure you can input commands quickly and accurately. So, when looking for a gaming keyboard, there are a few key features to look for.
First, look for mechanical keyboards with tactile switches. These types of keyboards use physical springs that require you to press the key all the way down to register an input. This ensures greater control over movements and the accuracy needed to achieve success.
Second, look for anti-ghosting technology. Essentially, anti-ghosting means that your keyboard isn’t prone to having multiple keys pressed at the same time. This would cause your game to malfunction or your commands to be incorrectly interpreted.
Third, look for macro keys and/or programmable key pads. Macro keys allow you to perform certain actions (usually a series of keyboard markings) with one simple click—highly useful for multi-action games like MMORPGs and RTSs where you often need to perform complex combinations of commands. Likewise, programmable key pads let you perform different functions across different profiles.
Mouse
Just as important as your keyboard is your mouse. The two are very much intertwined, and getting the right one of each to fit your playstyle is essential.
First, look for a mouse with adjustable sensitivity settings. These let you adjust the nature of your mouse movements—from super-fast reactions to slightly slower and more precise control. This is especially useful for genres of games that involve a lot of aiming and accuracy ( shooter, racing, etc.).
Second, look for a mouse with custom buttons. Many mice come with extra buttons or features that let you perform specific functions or macros within your game. This can give you a big edge in fast-paced games where a split second can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Headsets
While visual indicators are important for most gaming experiences, sound is a critical component of many genres. So, a good gaming headset with quality audio and microphone capabilities are a must.
When looking for a gaming headset, pay attention to the size, shape, and total weight. You want something that’s comfortable and lightweight, but that also provides good sound insulation. Look for headsets with noise-cancelling technology to ensure you can clearly hear audio cues without any background noise.
Also, be sure to check the quality of the microphone. This will be especially important if you plan on broadcasting your gaming sessions, but even if you’re only playing against AI, it’s important to ensure your teammates can understand you.
Software Supplements
Gamers need not just hardware to function, but also software—most of which is stored in the cloud. With this software, gamers can access updated data and settings from any device. This can be vital, as games often evolve over time, and the most up-to-date version of data may be required for optimal performance.
That said, let’s take a look at the software supplements PC gamers can use to maximize their gaming experience.
Game Bundles
Game bundles are a great way to optimize your gaming experience while also saving money. These bundles usually consist of multiple titles at a discounted rate, which can be a no-brainer if you’re looking to purchase all the games. You’ll likely see bundles from both native and third-party platforms, and most big gaming titles will have such offers available.
Game Launchers
Game launchers are applications that help streamline and optimize the gaming experience. They provide a single point of access to all of your games and settings, making it easy to launch new titles and keep track of updates. Some of the most popular game launchers include Blizzard’s Battle.net and the Epic Games Launcher.
Overclocking Software
Overclocking tools are pieces of third-party software that allow you to modify the performance of your CPU. This can be a great way to boost performance, though it is also important to note that it can lead to system instability and higher levels of heat.
Benchmarking Tools
Benchmarking tools are used to measure the performance of your gaming setup and make recommendations to improve performance. These are great for tracking your progress and ensuring you’re getting the most out of your hardware. Popular benchmarking tools include Fraps and UserBenchmark.
Conclusion
PC gaming peripherals are essential components of any serious gaming setup. From boutique keyboards and mice to specialized software supplements, you can greatly customize your gaming experience with the right set of peripherals. In this article, we’ve highlighted the best of the best, so you can be well on your way to making the most of your gaming experience.
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