Gear to make your work-from-home PC setup gaming-friendly

Asus

$ 200 is a bit much for a 24-inch monitor, but it does have a 144 Hz IPS panel. IPS is much better than the TN (Twisted Nematic) alternative for work because it has a wider viewing angle and better color. It also has DisplayPort inputs, which are useful for discrete Nvidia graphics and stereo speakers. (Note that typical 2-watt monitor speakers cannot really replace real speakers or headphones for gaming, but are suitable for system sounds, conference calls, and other lo-fi audio.)

BenQ

This 27-inch model isn’t cheap, but if you have the luxury of considering something that will last a while, the EX2780Q is a good multi-purpose choice for the money. In addition to its resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 for sharper edges in daily use than 1,920 x 1,080, it offers a player-friendly refresh rate of 144 Hz, a brightness of 400 nit and a P3 color gamut of 95% for basic HDR support in games and films . plus built-in speakers that actually sound pretty good. However, there is one disadvantage: you can tilt it, but you cannot raise or lower it. At his

Asus

If you need a color accurate monitor for the cheap price, but still need something for games where you can’t exceed 75 fps, the 2.527 x 1.440 PA278QV is a great way. This $ 300 display offers excellent sRGB coverage and accuracy, as well as a 75 Hz refresh rate suitable for games like simulations, turn-based RPGs, etc., and some modes to reduce motion blur (though they are quite weak). It is very rounded as a monitor, with a USB hub, a full set of inputs and speakers, and a stand that raises, lowers, pans, and supports 90-degree rotation in portrait mode. The speakers don’t get very loud and the connections can come off when you move them, but otherwise I like them a lot. If you can’t afford it, the 24-inch PA248QV will cost $ 100 less, though the resolution will drop to 1,920 x 1,080.

Oyen

If you bought a system for work, you probably didn’t think you would need a lot of space. Therefore, an external drive is essential for all of these massive AAA games. The tiny USB-C Oyen Helix is ​​a hair cheaper than the competition for this 2 TB drive, but doesn’t save on speed. It also looks like (and probably is) a large heat sink that adds a little geek to it. I have been using one for several months without problems.

Sarah Tew / CNET

To play keyboard and mouse games that require any kind of responsiveness, a gaming mouse is essential. Even an inexpensive mouse can be better than a cheap standard mouse. Many of them choose the pretty shape over a permanent, customizable feature. Wired versions can be clumsy – one day I’ll trip something over my cables – but they’re cheaper and offer a more reliable response. To get a decent wireless mouse for gaming, you would have to pay a little more. For $ 30, the Rival 3 strikes a balance between low price and performance. It will be back in stock on May 9th. Best cheap gaming mice.

Razor

At its current price of $ 30 – usually $ 50 – Razer’s wired DeathAdder Essential is also a good choice if you are serious about gaming than working. It is quite customizable for the money. It also has a better cable than the SteelSeries. (You will see complaints everywhere about Razer’s drivers and software that require an account. That’s not true. Only dark patterns are used to believe this is the case, and in fact you don’t even need the Razer software install for basic operation However, the installation will annoy you when you unplug and plug in Razer products.)

Razor

For $ 45 (more than half), Razers Mamba Wireless is a good choice for the no-strings player. Keep in mind that Amazon reviews cover three different mice, and some of the wireless complaints relate to the more complicated and expensive Mamba Wireless Hyperflux.

Lori Grunin / CNET

If you type a lot during the day and need something quieter than a mechanical one, but don’t want to do without this clicking, tactile feeling, the membrane-mechanical hybrid keys of the Razer Ornata v2 are just the thing for you. The actuation force is high, so I would not recommend it for games that require a light, quick touch unless you are particularly persistent. Read hands-on with Razer Ornata Chroma v2.

HyperX

This is another great option if you are “isolated” in a crowded room and need to keep calm with a quiet keyboard. Some players don’t like the feel of membrane switches, but for everyday work they can feel more fluid than clicking, rattling mechanical ones. There are some great dual-purpose keyboards with hybrid membrane / mechanical switches, as well as the Steelseries Apex 5 ($ 100 at Best Buy), another favorite for direct typing with occasional keyboard play that I would have wished for when leaving the office in mid-March.

If you want a wireless keyboard, you have to pay a lot more for a gaming keyboard. Cheap wireless keyboards can be particularly distracting, which is annoying if you’re a fast typist and frustrating if you’re a fast player. The best mid-priced models come from Logitech, which currently has stock issues. Best gaming keyboards under $ 100.

Sarah Tew / CNET

Aukey does everything from power banks and chargers to dash cams and budget gaming keyboards. The $ 40 mechanical G6 gaming keyboard uses Outemu Blue mechanical button switches that are clicked, and you have no problem sensing the actuation point when you hit your keystrokes. They are loud too. So if you type or play in a common room, be prepared for a side eye. In addition, the keycaps are rather small, which led to many errors when typing and playing. If you’re not really accurate or have slim fingertips (I don’t), you will likely need time to adjust. If you’re just looking for an inexpensive mechanical keyboard with lights, media abbreviations, and a number pad, this is it. Best gaming keyboards under $ 100.

Sarah Tew / CNET

If you want a wireless keyboard, you have to pay a lot more for a gaming keyboard. Cheap wireless keyboards can be particularly distracting, which is annoying if you’re a fast typist and frustrating if you’re a fast player. This affordable wireless keyboard uses rubber dome switches with a distinct actuation point, making it feel more like an office keyboard like the Razer Cynosa. Playing requires more force than the mechanical keyboards, and the rollover is limited to eight keys. Other than that, the experience is fine.

The K57 is a solid, relatively inexpensive model that wirelessly connects to your PC using low-latency Bluetooth or Corsair’s 2.4 GHz slipstream technology, which uses a tiny USB-A adapter for lag-free gaming . It can also be used wired with the included micro USB cable, which also charges the keyboard. If you use RGB lighting per key, it doesn’t have the longevity of Logitech, but you can play for several days without having to charge it. Best gaming keyboards under $ 100.