The Ultimate PC Gaming Peripheral Guide.
In order for PC gamers to get the most out of their gaming experience, it’s essential to have the right peripherals. With the right peripherals, gamers can get the edge over their competition while enjoying a smoother and more immersive gaming experience. That’s why we’re here to guide you through everything you need to know to find the best PC gaming peripherals for your setup.
It’s worth understanding what PC gaming peripherals are and how to choose the right ones for your gaming setup. PC gaming peripherals refer to any type of external device used to enhance the gaming experience, such as keyboards, mice, gamepads, and other accessories. Most PC gamers will have multiple peripherals, such as a mouse, keyboard, and headset, allowing them to get the most out of their gaming sessions.
The first step in finding the right peripherals is to determine the type of games you’ll be playing and your individual gaming needs. This will help you narrow down which peripherals to consider. For example, if you’re mainly playing action games, you will want to find a gaming mouse with a high-precision system to provide you with accurate movements and control. Alternatively, if you’re playing strategy games, you will want to find a gaming mouse with more programmable features and macros.
When choosing the best peripherals for your setup, it’s important to consider build quality. Cheaper gaming peripherals may not offer the same performance and consistency as more expensive models. As such, you should look for high-quality gaming peripherals that are specifically designed for gaming rather than features, such as customisable RGB lighting or intricate designs.
Another consideration for choosing PC gaming peripherals is comfort. There’s nothing worse than being in the middle of an intense gaming session and feeling discomfort from your peripherals. Gaming mice and keyboards with ergonomic design and adjustable settings can help minimise the chance of discomfort and let you get the most out of your gaming sessions.
Keyboards
The best gaming keyboard heavily depends on your gaming needs. When considering keyboards, gamers should consider the switch type, actuation force (how hard you have to press the key down), and the size of the keyboard.
Mechanical keyboards are the preferred choice when it comes to gaming due to their superior precision. They come in different types of switches, usually identified as ‘linear’, ‘tactile’ and ‘clicky’. Linear switches provide smooth, consistent action without any feedback whereas tactile switches provide a bump halfway down to the bottom to give feedback. Clicky switches produce a ‘clicking’ noise when a key is pressed and provide good feedback.
For hardcore gamers, it’s a good idea to look for a keyboard that features anti-ghosting features. This technology prevents a single key from registering more than one action and helps to ensure accuracy.
Mice
Choosing the right gaming mouse is essential for accuracy and performance. The first thing to consider is the size of your hand, as some mice are bigger or smaller than others. If you have large hands, you should look for larger mice, while smaller hands might require a smaller mouse.
Many gaming mice feature extra buttons that can be programmed to perform certain actions, such as macros. This is ideal for gamers who play genres, such as MMO and RTS, as it allows quick access to certain actions/commands.
When it comes to sensors, gamers should look for mice with a high DPI. This refers to the number of dots per inch that the mouse cursor moves in response to mouse movement. The higher the DPI, the more accurate and precise the mouse movement is. Additionally, gamers should look for mice with a high polling rate, which measures how many times the mouse signals its position to the computer per second.
Monitors
A gaming monitor is arguably the most important peripheral for gamers as it directly impacts the visuals of your gaming experience. Monitors come in a variety of sizes, from smaller ones for portability to large ones for more immersive gaming. Another key factor is the refresh rate, which measures how many times the image is refreshed on the display per second.
For PC gamers, it’s worth considering models with a refresh rate of at least 120Hz. Higher refresh rates can look smoother and reduce latency. It’s also worth considering the response time of the monitor (how fast the pixels change color). A lower response time is important, particularly for fast-paced games, to reduce the chances of ‘ghosting’ or lag.
Headsets
A good gaming headset is essential for communicating with teammates and enjoying an immersive gaming experience. There are a few factors to consider when choosing the best gaming headset.
The fit is an important factor as a good fit can block out ambient noise and provide a great sound experience. You should look for headsets that provide sound isolation or active noise cancellation. Additionally, headphones with a good frequency response can provide a better gaming experience due to their greater level of detail when it comes to sound.
Additionally, if you are playing on popular gaming platforms such as PlayStation or Xbox, it’s worth looking for wireless gaming headsets. Wireless headsets give you freedom of movement and reduce the chance of getting tangled up in wires while gaming.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a casual or hardcore gamer, having the right peripherals can improve your gaming experience significantly. Finding the best PC gaming peripherals for your setup means understanding which ones suit your individual gaming needs and budget. From keyboards to monitors and headsets – you should now have a better understanding of the different PC gaming peripherals that are available and how to choose the best ones for you. So, happy gaming!
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