Buying Guide

The Best Microphones for a Gaming PC

Keyboard noise is the main problem for gaming mics. These six handle it differently.

By The PC Journal editorial team

12 min read6 products evaluated

A gaming PC mic has to pick up your voice over a loud keyboard. A dynamic capsule or a mic placed close to your mouth helps most.

We compared capsule type, patterns, mute and mounting from each listing.

Quick Picks

Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.

  1. Best for Keyboard Noise

    FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone

    Dynamic capsule with USB and XLR.

    Best for: Loud keyboards

    Our take Check price for FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone (opens in a new tab)

  2. Best Multi-Pattern

    HyperX QuadCast 2 USB Microphone

    Multi-pattern with tap-to-mute.

    Best for: Streams and group chat

    Our take Check price for HyperX QuadCast 2 USB Microphone (opens in a new tab)

  3. Best for a Boom Arm

    HyperX SoloCast 2 USB Microphone

    Built-in suspension with 3/8 and 5/8in threads.

    Best for: Arm mounting

    Our take Check price for HyperX SoloCast 2 USB Microphone (opens in a new tab)

  4. Best Desk Stand

    Elgato Wave Neo USB Microphone

    High-rise stand lifts it toward your mouth.

    Best for: No arm

    Our take Check price for Elgato Wave Neo USB Microphone (opens in a new tab)

  5. Most Compact

    Logitech G Yeti Nano USB Microphone

    Two capsules in a small body.

    Best for: Small desks

    Our take Check price for Logitech G Yeti Nano USB Microphone (opens in a new tab)

  6. Cheapest Pick

    FIFINE K669B USB Microphone

    Metal body at the lowest price tier.

    Best for: Basic chat

    Our take Check price for FIFINE K669B USB Microphone (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone

Best for Keyboard Noise1 of 6

FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

FIFINE's AM8 is a dynamic mic with both USB and XLR outputs, a headphone jack and RGB.

Best for

Loud keyboards

Skip if

If budget leads, the FIFINE K669B was cheaper at our last price check.

Why we like it

The XLR cable is not included. It has both USB and XLR outputs, a 50Hz to 16kHz response and a cardioid dynamic capsule that rejects room noise. The RGB ring has three modes.

It is the only pick here with a USB and XLR connection; the QuadCast 2 has a USB connection instead. A dynamic capsule is unique to it among these picks, while the Yeti Nano uses a condenser (two capsules). It shares a mute button mute control with the Yeti Nano; the QuadCast 2 goes with a tap-to-mute mute control.

It also offers an XLR output for later upgrades (XLR cable not included) and RGB lighting. It works over USB now and can move to an XLR interface later; an XLR cable may not be included. Its price falls between the SoloCast 2 and the Wave Neo, based on our last check.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Connection: USB and XLR
  • Capsule: Dynamic
  • Polar pattern: Cardioid
  • Mute control: Mute button
  • Headphone monitoring: Headphone jack
  • In the box: Stand

Pros

  • 50Hz to 16kHz response
  • XLR output for later upgrades (XLR cable not included)
  • RGB lighting
  • USB and XLR connection, the only one here

Cons

  • Costs more than the FIFINE K669B at the time of writing
HyperX QuadCast 2 USB Microphone

Best Multi-Pattern2 of 6

HyperX QuadCast 2 USB Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

HyperX's QuadCast 2 is a multi-pattern condenser with tap-to-mute and a 20Hz to 20kHz response.

Best for

Streams and group chat

Skip if

If budget leads, the FIFINE K669B was cheaper at our last price check.

Why we like it

The cable is 9.84ft. It is the only pick here with a multi-pattern; the FIFINE AM8 has a cardioid polar pattern instead. It shares a tap-to-mute mute control with the SoloCast 2 and Wave Neo; the Yeti Nano goes with a mute button mute control.

You get a stand with shock mount in the box here, which sets it apart from the FIFINE K669B and its a tripod in the box. It plugs straight into a USB port and needs no interface. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Yeti Nano.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Connection: USB
  • Capsule: Condenser
  • Polar pattern: Multi-pattern
  • Mute control: Tap-to-mute
  • Headphone monitoring: Headphone jack
  • In the box: Stand with shock mount

Pros

  • 20Hz to 20kHz response
  • 9.84ft cable
  • Internal shock mount
  • Multi-pattern, the only one here

Cons

  • Costs more than the FIFINE K669B at the time of writing
HyperX SoloCast 2 USB Microphone

Best for a Boom Arm3 of 6

HyperX SoloCast 2 USB Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

HyperX's SoloCast 2 has built-in suspension, a foam pop filter and threads for both 3/8in and 5/8in arms.

Best for

Arm mounting

Skip if

If budget leads, the FIFINE K669B was cheaper at our last price check.

Why we like it

Tap-to-mute sits on top. A built-in suspension reduces desk vibration, and the foam pop filter, tilting stand and arm thread are all included. It needs no extras to start.

Like the QuadCast 2 and Wave Neo, it has a tap-to-mute mute control, while the FIFINE AM8 uses a mute button mute control. It shares a none stated headphone monitoring with the FIFINE K669B; the Yeti Nano goes with a headphone jack headphone monitoring. It plugs straight into a USB port and needs no interface. It was priced above the FIFINE K669B and below the FIFINE AM8 at the time of writing.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Connection: USB
  • Capsule: Condenser
  • Polar pattern: Cardioid
  • Mute control: Tap-to-mute
  • Headphone monitoring: None stated
  • In the box: Stand with built-in suspension

Pros

  • Built-in suspension
  • Foam pop filter
  • 3/8in and 5/8in threads for arms

Cons

  • Costs more than the FIFINE K669B at the time of writing
Elgato Wave Neo USB Microphone

Best Desk Stand4 of 6

Elgato Wave Neo USB Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Elgato's Wave Neo stands on a high-rise stand that lifts it toward your mouth, with tap-to-mute and a headphone jack.

Best for

No arm

Skip if

If budget leads, the FIFINE K669B was cheaper at our last price check.

Why we like it

It is Elgato's entry USB mic. It is plug-and-play with PS5, iPad and iPhone as well as PCs, and a tap-to-mute sensor with an LED shows mic status. A headphone jack gives zero-delay monitoring.

It reduces the distortion common in headset mics. It shares a tap-to-mute mute control with the QuadCast 2 and SoloCast 2; the Yeti Nano goes with a mute button mute control. You get a high-rise stand in the box here, which sets it apart from the FIFINE K669B and its a tripod in the box.

It plugs straight into a USB port and needs no interface. Its price falls between the FIFINE AM8 and the Yeti Nano, based on our last check.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Connection: USB
  • Capsule: Condenser
  • Polar pattern: Cardioid
  • Mute control: Tap-to-mute
  • Headphone monitoring: Headphone jack
  • In the box: High-rise stand

Pros

  • High-rise stand that lifts it toward your mouth
  • Tap-to-mute
  • Headphone jack
  • High-rise stand in the box, the only one here

Cons

  • Costs more than the FIFINE K669B at the time of writing
Logitech G Yeti Nano USB Microphone

Most Compact5 of 6

Logitech G Yeti Nano USB Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Blue's Yeti Nano shrinks the Yeti to two capsules with cardioid and omni patterns.

Best for

Small desks

Skip if

Skip it if price comes first: the FIFINE K669B cost less when we checked.

Why we like it

It keeps a headphone output. Cardioid and omni patterns cover solo and group recording, and onboard controls handle headphone volume, mute and pattern. Blue VO!CE software adds broadcast effects.

It is the only pick here with a condenser (two capsules); the FIFINE K669B has a condenser capsule instead. Like the FIFINE AM8, it has a mute button mute control, while the QuadCast 2 uses a tap-to-mute mute control. No other pick in this guide offers a desk stand in the box; compare the Wave Neo, which has a high-rise stand in the box.

It also comes with a smaller body than the Yeti. It plugs straight into a USB port and needs no interface. When we checked, only the Wave Neo and cheaper picks cost less, and the QuadCast 2 cost more.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Connection: USB
  • Capsule: Condenser (two capsules)
  • Polar pattern: Cardioid, omni
  • Mute control: Mute button
  • Headphone monitoring: Headphone jack
  • In the box: Desk stand

Pros

  • Two capsules
  • Cardioid and omni patterns
  • Smaller body than the Yeti
  • Condenser (two capsules), the only one here

Cons

  • Costs more than the FIFINE K669B at the time of writing
FIFINE K669B USB Microphone

Cheapest Pick6 of 6

FIFINE K669B USB Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

FIFINE's K669B is a metal-bodied USB mic with a volume knob and a 5.9ft cable.

Best for

Basic chat

Skip if

Pass on it if no onboard mut rules it out for your setup.

Why we like it

It has no mute button. A USB (USB-A plug) connection is unique to it among these picks, while the QuadCast 2 uses a USB connection. It shares a none stated headphone monitoring with the SoloCast 2; the Yeti Nano goes with a headphone jack headphone monitoring.

It is the only pick here with a tripod in the box; the FIFINE AM8 has a stand in the box instead. It plugs straight into a USB port and needs no interface. It cost the least of the 6 picks at the time of writing, with the SoloCast 2 the next step up.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Connection: USB (USB-A plug)
  • Capsule: Condenser
  • Polar pattern: Cardioid
  • Mute control: None
  • Headphone monitoring: None stated
  • In the box: Tripod

Pros

  • Metal body
  • Volume knob
  • 5.9ft cable
  • USB (USB-A plug) connection, the only one here

Cons

  • no onboard mute

How We Chose These Microphones for a Gaming PC

Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.

Mounting
We noted stands, arms, shock mounts and pop filters in the box.
Controls
We checked mute, gain and headphone monitoring.
Capsule and pattern
We noted dynamic or condenser capsules and polar patterns.
Connection
We recorded USB, XLR or hybrid connections.

What to Look for in a Microphone for a Gaming PC

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. Dynamic or condenser

    Dynamic mics pick up less room noise and keyboard clatter, which suits untreated rooms. Condensers capture more detail and more of the room.

  2. Stand, arm and shock mount

    A desk stand picks up bumps. A boom arm and shock mount put the mic closer to your mouth and away from the keyboard.

  3. Mute and monitoring

    Tap-to-mute and a headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring matter on streams and calls.

  4. USB or XLR

    USB mics plug straight into the PC. XLR mics need an interface but let you upgrade parts separately. Hybrid mics offer both.

  5. Polar pattern

    Cardioid rejects sound from behind and suits one voice. Multi-pattern mics add omni or figure-8 for groups or interviews.

  6. Software and processing

    Some mics offer noise reduction, auto gain or limiters in software. Check it runs on your operating system.

How to Choose a Microphone for a Gaming PC

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Loud keyboardsFIFINE AM8Dynamic capsule with USB and XLR
Streams and group chatQuadCast 2Multi-pattern with tap-to-mute
Arm mountingSoloCast 2Built-in suspension with 3/8 and 5/8in threads
No armWave NeoHigh-rise stand lifts it toward your mouth
Small desksYeti NanoTwo capsules in a small body
Basic chatFIFINE K669BMetal body at the lowest price tier

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Key specs side by side

Figures as each maker states them.

MicrophoneConnectionCapsulePolar patternMute control
FIFINE AM8USB and XLRDynamicCardioidMute button
QuadCast 2USBCondenserMulti-patternTap-to-mute
SoloCast 2USBCondenserCardioidTap-to-mute
Wave NeoUSBCondenserCardioidTap-to-mute
Yeti NanoUSBCondenser (two capsules)Cardioid, omniMute button
FIFINE K669BUSB (USB-A plug)CondenserCardioidNone

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.

Price tierMicrophones
Under $50FIFINE K669B, SoloCast 2
About $50 to $100FIFINE AM8, Wave Neo, Yeti Nano
About $100 to $150QuadCast 2

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a pop filter?

It helps with plosive sounds such as P and B. Many mics include a foam cover or internal filter.

What interface do I need for XLR?

Any USB audio interface with an XLR input and enough gain. Condensers also need 48V phantom power.

Do USB mics work on consoles?

Some do; check the product page for PS4, PS5 or Xbox support.

How far should I sit from the mic?

About a hand's width to 15cm for most voice mics; dynamic mics often want to be closer.

Is a separate mic better than a headset mic?

Usually, yes: a desk mic has a larger capsule and sits in a fixed position. Placement still matters more than price.

How do I reduce keyboard noise?

Use a dynamic or cardioid mic, position it close to your mouth and pointed away from the keyboard, and consider a boom arm.

Bottom Line

The FIFINE AM8 is the best gaming mic here: a dynamic capsule that rejects keyboard noise, plus XLR for later. The QuadCast 2 and SoloCast 2 are the HyperX options, the Wave Neo and Yeti Nano suit tidy desks, and the K669B is the cheapest.