Choosing the right mouse and keyboard for PC gaming can be difficult. There are many different gaming accessories available on the market for you to choose from, as well as more general-purpose PC peripherals that are in some cases just as good.
In this guide, we will explore some of the different factors that you should consider when trying to choose the best tools for the job!
Choosing the Right Keyboard
There are many different keyboards that are advertised as being great for gaming. You have probably seen some of the fancy RGB keyboards that feature multicolored lights! While these are visually stylish, there is often no real practical advantage to this feature, with the exception that lit keys can enable you to play a little more easily in the dark. RGB light features often add a lot to a keyboard’s price tag too, so if your budget is tight these may be best avoided.
If you are gaming for long periods of time, it might be worth considering an ergonomic keyboard. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes but are designed with comfort and the prevention of RSIs (repetitive strain injuries) in mind. Which design of ergonomic keyboard works best for you will probably be dependent on what is most comfortable to you personally.
Other factors include volume. Many people prefer the feeling of using traditional mechanical keyboards, while others prefer non-mechanical keyboards as they are almost always quieter to use. Ultimately, the keyboard is not usually as important for gaming as the mouse is, so if you only have the budget to splash out on one of these items, it should probably be the mouse.
Choosing the Right Mouse
Gaming mice are usually specifically designed to make movement as smooth, accurate, and responsive as possible while gaming. While lightning-fast responses and accurate aiming aren’t that important in a Mega Moolah slots game, if you are playing the latest Call of Duty online you may want the competitive edge offered by a powerful gaming mouse. The types of games that you intend to play will affect how important the mouse is.
If you are playing first-person shooters or other games that require accuracy, choosing a mouse with a high DPI (Dots Per Inch) is recommended. DPI describes how much you need to move the mouse for the cursor to travel across the screen. Many gaming mice from manufacturers like Corsair and Razer allow you to sect different DPI modes and even customise DPI within settings!
Just like with keyboards, the subjective preference and comfort to you is the most important thing to consider. Some gamers prefer smaller mice and others larger ones, and this is a matter of personal preference that is often linked to the way that you naturally hold a mouse. Working out your hand position can help you to choose the most suitable mouse for your needs.
You may also want to consider whether you want a wired or wireless mouse. Wired mice can often be more accurate and do not need charging, yet wireless mice have the obvious advantage of reducing trailing cables. Consider which is your priority.
