There is more to gaming than just your PC or console. There is a plethora of accessories out there, designed to improve performance, streamline set-ups, and look fabulous.
Today, we are looking through some of the top gaming PC accessories that every gamer should consider (roll credits!). From the basics, to streaming must-haves, and everything in between, we’re taking you on a guided tour on some of our favourite peripherals.
Without a keyboard, mouse, and monitor, there just is no PC gaming. True, you can game with a controller, but the mouse and keyboard are how you navigate and interact with your operating system, programs, and games. Having no monitor, well, how do you ever hope to see anything?!
Typically, gaming keyboards utilise mechanical switches, tall keycaps, and gaming-focused features such as RGB, macro mapping, and media controls. They are available in a range of sizes, connectivity types, and with an ever-growing variety of feedback to explore. With amenities like hot-swapping technology and programmable keys, you can tailor your gaming keyboard to suit your exact playstyle. For the die-hard keyboard enthusiast, there are series such as Ducky ProjectD and Glorious GMMK that allow for near-unlimited customisation potential.
If the full extent of keyboard modding is a little over-whelming, there is still incredible variety and availability in pre-built models. There are vibrant colour schemes to match every aesthetic, and even limited-edition gaming keyboards with beautiful and detailed designs.
We’ve picked out a full-size, TKL, and SF gaming keyboard to showcase a nice cross-section of the models available at Overclockers UK. Full-size means it features the full set of keys – alpha, numeric, F-row, numpad, the whole shebang. TKL stands for tenkeyless which means it does not include the numpad, a great way to save on space without compromising functionality. SF is short for 65%, indicating it is roughly 65% of a full-size keyboard. Once again, the numpad is omitted along with the F-row. The home and arrow key section have been refined and pulled closer to the alpha-numeric area, resulting in an incredibly compact keyboard ideally suited for small spaces and portability.
A lightweight gaming mouse with a high DPI can help improve your aim, provide comfort, and add a splash of style to your set-up. Select models have even been optimised for certain gaming genres, such as FPS, MOBAs, and MMOs. Then there is connectivity – do you want wired, wireless, or a model that offers the flexibility of both? How you hold your mouse will also influence choice, as they are often sculpted to support specific grips.
There is a great variety of gaming mice to explore – we even have a dedicated guide to help you through the process of choosing the best model for you. Sticking with connectivity, we have picked out a wired, wireless, and mouse that provides both for this tasty cross-section. The wired mouse connects via USB-A, offering stable and reliable performance, whilst the wireless utilises 2.4GHz radio frequencies to connect with near zero-latency. The mouse which offers both wired and wireless options connects either via USB-C, 2.4GHz, or Bluetooth, depending on your preference and battery needs.
To get the best performance out of your gaming mouse, you’ll need a mousepad. This comes with the added benefit that it will protect your desk, too. No scuff marks from aggressive mouse movements for you! Mouse mats are available in hard or soft materials, each optimised to work with optical and laser sensors and provide a smooth surface to operate from. Which you choose will depend on your preferences and, to a certain extent, the aesthetic that vibes with you best.
What’s more, gaming surfaces come in a variety of sizes so you can match perfectly to your available desk space. You can use a traditionally sized small or medium mouse mat, ideal for just supporting your gaming mouse. Alternatively, you can opt for larger mats that fill your desk and can house everything from your mouse to your keyboard, and even your cup of tea!
We’ve selected a round-up of mousepads in these range of sizes, each utilising soft fabric surfaces and stitched edges for enhanced durability.
Gaming monitors present all your faves in glorious detail, crisp resolution, and silky-smooth frame rates. They have been designed with high-colour gamut and gaming-focused features to create the most immersive experience. Whether you are gaming on an ultra-wide curved monitor, a dual-screen set-up, or just a 27” screen, they are engineered to bring your games to life.
There are plenty of factors to consider. Do you want a high refresh rate? Is OLED the way forward? What about 4K resolutions? Ideally, you would want to match your monitor to the output of your graphics card – there’s no point getting a super shiny 4K monitor if your two-gen old GPU maxes out at 1080p. Use resolution as a starting point, because all monitors will come equipped with features such as NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync, and panel technology designed for fast-paced gaming or colour accuracy.
Our cross-section here is based on resolution. We have a 1080p, 1440p, and 4K monitor, each sporting high refresh rates and low latency. Resolution refers to how many pixels are on screen. The higher the number, the more pixels, the crisper the image will be. Having a high resolution will allow you to see more detail. All three of these resolutions are classed as high definition (HD) and offer outstanding immersion for your gaming needs.
Now we’ve sorted the basics and essentials, it’s time to level up and think audio. If you’re gaming on a laptop, chances are there will be an integrated sound system. Gaming PCs, however, require external hardware to deliver gaming soundscapes and scores. This can be achieved either via a gaming headset or set of speakers. (Plus, there is nothing stopping you from levelling up the integrated audio system on your laptop with these, too!)
First of all, what is the difference between a headset and a pair of headphones? Primarily, a headset includes a microphone – a must have if you are gaming online with friends or other players and you need to talk. Games often have built-in chat features, or you can communicate over secondary apps like Discord.
To provide immersive audio, gaming headsets are equipped with premium drivers that deliver round, warm bass notes and crystal-clear highs. This is often paired with spatial, directional, or virtual surround sound and noise cancellation, so you can hear enemy combatants coming from every direction without distraction. We are all about being transported to gaming worlds!
Like with most peripherals, you can choose between wired or wireless models, whichever connectivity type best suits your gaming set-up. We have one of each, plus a colourful set because, well, more things should be bright green IMO. When using wired connectivity, the headset will interface either via a 3.5mm audio jack or USB. Wireless models will connect over 2.4GHz or Bluetooth. All types offer reliable performance and have features to combat interference.
For those that like to rock their audio out loud, there are speakers. Typically, these will connect to the audio output ports found on the motherboard I/O panel, unless they feature USB or wireless connectivity. The number of speakers will be indicated in the product name, denoted as 2.0, 5.0, 5.1, and so on. The “.1” shows that a bass speaker is included in addition to the rest. Therefore, a 2.0 set has two speakers, whereas a 5.1 would have six. With more speakers, you can create surround sound for full, rich audio. Enjoy high fidelity sound on all your favourite games.
We’ve picked out a 2.0, 2.1, and 5.1 speaker set, with varying connections. Each has been engineered with premium drivers and components to deliver top-quality audio, with accessible controls for on-the-fly adjustments.
Moving onto a more targeted need, this next round up of accessories is for streamers and content creators. We’ll be showcasing microphones, lights, webcams, and even streaming controllers. If you plan on streaming, vlogging, or recording video content, a microphone and webcam are must-haves. Key and ring lights will elevate your production values whilst stream decks are designed to optimise your set-up with easy one-click controls for all manner of functions.
Testing, testing, one two, one two. Microphones capture audio. You can use them for recording audio, video calling, and streaming. They are equipped with a pickup pattern, that is sensitive to sound in certain directions. For example, a cardioid or unidirectional pattern is most sensitive at the front with near no sensitivity at the back, making them great for streaming and podcasting. An omnidirectional microphone will have consistent sensitivity all around, ideal for recording in 360-degree environments.
To keep your sound free from knocks and bumps, gaming microphones will come with a stand or feature extensive compatibility with microphone arms. These allow you to position the microphone more comfortably in your set-up as well as protect your audio from vibrations. Plus, they will usually come with an integrated pop filter to keep the sound clean and free of plosives. Saves mangling a metal coat hanger and a pair of tights!
Here, we have selected a microphone on a tripod, one with a matching microphone arm, and the last features the professional XLR connection. This connector minimises interference and noise. It is also the best connector to use if you will have long cable runs, such as in a recording studio.
Ring and key lights are designed to illuminate small areas with consistent lighting. This makes them perfect for streaming, mobile filming, and vlogging. By simply introducing some targeted lighting, you can elevate your production values and create a better-balanced image on screen. Poorly lit content looks shoddy, with too many shadows or, at the other end of the scale, being over exposed. With the simple addition of a key or ring light, you can fix this.
These lights provide even illumination and can be configured in brightness and warmth level. Create an ambient glow or throw your set into sharp contrast – whatever suits your content best! Plus, they integrate within your set-up seamlessly, coming either as free standing or with a desk clamp.
In this cross section, we have picked a 10” ring light, a square key light, and a 14” circular panel light. The 10” ring light is designed for directional lighting, whereas the other two are better for indirect lighting.
The webcam is how your wonderful audience sees you. Most laptops and some monitors will come with an integrated webcam, but these are not suited for streaming or recording due to their fixed position and inferior quality. Having a dedicated webcam means you can record at higher resolutions and take advantage of features such as auto-focus or even built in lighting. Plus, you can angle them so they capture your best side on every stream.
The current market doesn’t offer much variation. Most webcams record at 1080p high-def and either clamp to a surface or are compatible with a stand. Some offer an integrated microphone and other specialised features. Truly, there are no wrong answers.
This cross-section features popular streaming brands, Streamplify, Elgato, and Logitech.
Stream controllers put multi-layered functionality at your fingertips. They can be customised to suit your exact needs, from playing your stream intro to switching between apps. Their use goes beyond streaming, as they can be configured to switch between tabs, open files, and even control your music. (Check out how Glyn has keyed his Elgato Stream Deck to manage his workflow!)
Stream controllers have excellent integration with popular streaming apps and websites, with widgets, plug-ins, and commands tailored for OBS, Twitch, and more. Plus, they can be used to control the physical hardware in your set-up, such as adjusting the lighting or muting your microphone. Every button can be assigned an action specific to your needs, with some models allowing one press to trigger multiple actions, making this your one-stop shop for control.
Here, we have selected the original Elgato 6-key Stream Deck (although, you can get 15 and 32 key versions too!), the Elgato Stream Deck +, and the G.Skill WigiDash. The Elgato Stream Decks all feature physical buttons with LCD screens that can be fully customised, layered, and assigned functionality. The G.Skill WigiDash is a digital panel where you drag and drop widgets from the companion software to create near countless pages of personalised tasks and actions.
Crikey, we’re still going! (Says you and the team who have to proofread my work.) What can I say? There are loads of accessories to fit a variety of needs that gamers may have. This is our miscellaneous category, so the end is in sight. This round-up covers controllers, laptop accessories, and RGB lighting.
Using a game controller with a PC can be divisive. Some are staunchly against, whilst some games are just better with a controller. (I’m looking at you Overcooked!) Wherever you fall in this debate, there is no denying that game controllers have been ergonomically sculpted and offer intuitive interaction with your games.
Every facet of a game controller has been optimised to enhance your gameplay, reactions, and performance. From hair triggers to vibrations caused by in-game occurrences, controllers are designed to elevate. Game with textured surfaces to enhance your grip, tactile action buttons and d-pads, and even support for your 3.5mm headset jack.
They are available with wired or wireless connectivity and are usually styled on either Xbox or PlayStation controllers. This cross-section covers an official Xbox Series X/S controller, a hot-swappable Thrustmaster gamepad, and a Razer controller styled on Xbox hardware.
Laptop accessories are designed to enhance your portable gaming. Every product and piece of hardware already listed can absolutely be used with a gaming laptop, but the next three are exclusively for this medium. We have a laptop bag, stand, and security lock.
Laptop bags usually feature internal padding and straps to secure your laptop in place as you travel. Often, the bag will be big enough to fit a certain screen size, such as 15.6” or 17.3”. Ideally, you’ll want to match to the correct size as this will offer a snugger fit to enhance protection. The other benefit of having a laptop bag while you travel is it provides a place for your other devices, wallet, keys, snacks, and even your lunch. They are great for gamers who commute or travel a lot.
A laptop stand is essential for enhancing your ergonomic set up. If you are working at a desk, laptop screens will often be too low and cause neck or back pain. (Speaking from experience here.) Elevating them to eye height with a laptop stand and adding a dedicated keyboard will help prevent this. Another benefit of laptop stands is that they often feature integrated cooling. Our gaming laptops may feature improved cooling systems, but they still operate powerful hardware in a slim frame. Extra cooling will always be welcome.
Finally, a laptop lock is another must-have if you are out and about in public with your gaming laptop. It provides a means of securing your expensive hardware whilst at a cafe, in the library, or even at the airport.
Our next stop on the accessory tour is RGB lighting! Ambient lighting can affect your mood, helping to alleviate any winter blues. Setting up some cosy lighting is a surefire way to turn your gaming set-up into your own personal sanctuary.
There are so many RGB accessories available. Heck, we even did a post about modding your PC with some! You can build it directly into your gaming PC, choose peripherals adorned with RGB LEDs, or even mount those fancy diffused panels on your wall. There is a full rainbow out there waiting.
As just a splash of colour, we have here some strip LEDs for your case, sleek RGB lighting towers (with a headset holder add-on), and fan frames to make your thermal solution even cooler.
Last one, I promise. We’ve given you heart eyes over a whole load of shiny new accessories, it would be remiss of us to not provide a way to organise them all. Welcome to USB hubs.
USB is by and large the go-to connector for most peripherals nowadays. It’s widely used on gaming mice and keyboards, audio hardware is using it more, and it’s easy to see why. USB is incredibly reliable and constantly being innovated to improve performance, data transfer, and faster charging. But, they have to plug in somewhere. Whether you’re using a gaming PC or laptop, available USB ports are a premium and will soon run out if you’re not careful.
This is where USB hubs come in. They extend the functionality of one port into a greater number, increasing your ability to plug in and carry on. Select models will even feature power charging so you can keep your wireless devices or phone charged up during gaming marathons.
This final cross section features an IcyBox four-port hub and both Streamplify USB hubs. The HUB DECK 5 and CTRL 7 feature five and seven ports, respectively, with one port on both including power charging. What we really love about the Streamplify hubs is their stylish use of keycap-style and acrylic icons to denote the function of each port. Plus, the RGB lighting. Always the RGB lighting.