Buying Guide
The Best PC Gaming Gear
Upgrading one piece at a time works best. These six are strong choices for each part of a setup.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
PC gaming gear covers input, audio, surface and camera. These six are chosen for performance per part rather than brand matching.
We compared the specs from each listing.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.

Best Mouse
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wired Gaming Mouse
53g with 8000Hz polling.
Best for: Fast aiming
Our take Check price for HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wired Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab)

Best Keyboard
AULA WIN60 HE 60% Magnetic Keyboard
Hall effect with rapid trigger.
Best for: Competitive play
Our take Check price for AULA WIN60 HE 60% Magnetic Keyboard (opens in a new tab)

Best Headset
JBL Quantum 100M2 Wired Gaming Headset
Detachable directional mic.
Best for: Team chat
Our take Check price for JBL Quantum 100M2 Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab)

Best Mouse Pad
Razer Gigantus V2 Large Mouse Pad
3mm foam with micro-weave cloth.
Best for: Low-sensitivity aiming
Our take Check price for Razer Gigantus V2 Large Mouse Pad (opens in a new tab)

Best Webcam
Elgato Facecam MK.2
Uncompressed 1080p60.
Best for: Streaming
Our take Check price for Elgato Facecam MK.2 (opens in a new tab)

Best Microphone
FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 USB/XLR Microphone
Dynamic with USB and XLR.
Best for: Clear voice
Our take Check price for FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 USB/XLR Microphone (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 53g with 8000Hz polling. | Fast aiming | Check price for HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wired Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab) |
![]() | Hall effect with rapid trigger. | Competitive play | Check price for AULA WIN60 HE 60% Magnetic Keyboard (opens in a new tab) |
![]() | Detachable directional mic. | Team chat | Check price for JBL Quantum 100M2 Wired Gaming Headset (opens in a new tab) |
![]() | 3mm foam with micro-weave cloth. | Low-sensitivity aiming | Check price for Razer Gigantus V2 Large Mouse Pad (opens in a new tab) |
![]() | Uncompressed 1080p60. | Streaming | Check price for Elgato Facecam MK.2 (opens in a new tab) |
![]() | Dynamic with USB and XLR. | Clear voice | Check price for FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 USB/XLR Microphone (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best Mouse1 of 6
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wired Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
HyperX's Haste 2 wired keeps a solid shell at 53g and polls at up to 8000Hz.
Best for
- Fast aiming
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Gigantus V2 L was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Its switches are rated for 100 million clicks. It weighs 53g with a solid shell rather than holes, and the HyperX 26K sensor tracks up to 26,000 DPI. The wired cable keeps it simple.
Its paracord-style HyperFlex 2 cable reduces drag, and it polls at up to 8,000Hz, reporting every 0.125ms. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the Gigantus V2 L at the time of writing. Its price falls between the Gigantus V2 L and the WIN60 HE, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Wired mouse
- Connection: USB, paracord cable
- Key spec: 53g, 8000Hz polling
- Lighting: RGB
Pros
- Solid shell at 53g
- 8000Hz polling
- Switches rated for 100 million clicks
Cons
- Costs more than the Gigantus V2 L at the time of writing
Best Keyboard2 of 6
AULA WIN60 HE 60% Magnetic Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AULA's WIN60 HE uses magnetic Hall effect switches with rapid trigger down to 0.02mm.
Best for
- Competitive play
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Gigantus V2 L was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is set up through a web tool. Rapid Trigger works at a 0.02mm step, and a web-based driver configures it from any device. Lighting shines through PBT keycaps.
It shares a USB connection with the Facecam MK.2; the FIFINE AM8 goes with a USB and XLR connection. A 60% or 65% layout drops the number pad and some navigation keys; check you can live without them. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the Gigantus V2 L at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Wired 60% keyboard
- Connection: USB
- Key spec: Hall effect, 0.02mm rapid trigger
- Lighting: RGB
Pros
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- Rapid trigger down to 0.02mm
- Web-based configuration tool
Cons
- Costs more than the Gigantus V2 L at the time of writing
Best Headset3 of 6
JBL Quantum 100M2 Wired Gaming Headset on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
JBL's Quantum 100M2 has a detachable directional mic and memory-foam padding over a 3.5mm cable.
Best for
- Team chat
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Gigantus V2 L, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It supports Windows Sonic. Its directional mic detaches and mutes, and memory foam with breathable fabric cushions keeps it light. One 3.5mm jack works with PC, consoles, Switch and phones.
JBL QuantumSOUND tuning brings out footsteps and effects. You get a detachable directional mic key spec here, which sets it apart from the FIFINE AM8 and its a dynamic capsule key spec. On a desktop with separate mic and headphone jacks, a single 3.5mm plug needs a splitter. When we checked, only the WIN60 HE and cheaper picks cost less, and the FIFINE AM8 cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Wired headset
- Connection: 3.5mm
- Key spec: Detachable directional mic
- Lighting: None
Pros
- Detachable directional mic
- Memory-foam padding
- Windows Sonic spatial sound support
- Detachable directional mic key spec, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Gigantus V2 L at the time of writing
Best Mouse Pad4 of 6
Razer Gigantus V2 Large Mouse Pad on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Razer's Gigantus V2 Large uses 3mm foam under a micro-weave cloth.
Best for
- Low-sensitivity aiming
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
It gives room for low-sensitivity aiming. Its micro-weave surface is calibrated for all sensors and suits fast and controlled play. It comes in sizes from Medium to 3XL.
It comes in four sizes up to 3XL, so you can match it to your DPI and desk. You also get 3mm high-density foam and an anti-slip base. Measure the desk: an extended pad should fit under both keyboard and mouse without hanging over the edge. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Haste 2 wired was closest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Cloth mouse pad
- Connection: None
- Key spec: 3mm foam, Large
- Lighting: None
Pros
- 3mm high-density foam
- Micro-weave surface
- Anti-slip base
- 3mm foam with micro-weave cloth
Best Webcam5 of 6
Elgato Facecam MK.2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Elgato's Facecam MK.2 outputs uncompressed 1080p60 and has a privacy shutter.
Best for
- Streaming
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Gigantus V2 L cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It suits streaming more than calls. It records uncompressed 1080p60, and Camera Hub offers DSLR-like image controls. It shares a USB connection with the WIN60 HE; the FIFINE AM8 goes with a USB and XLR connection.
You get a 1080p60 key spec here, which sets it apart from the FIFINE AM8 and its a dynamic capsule key spec. You also get HDR at 1080p30. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the Gigantus V2 L at the time of writing. At our last price check it topped the group, with the FIFINE AM8 the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Webcam
- Connection: USB
- Key spec: 1080p60
- Lighting: None
Pros
- Uncompressed 1080p60
- Privacy shutter
- HDR at 1080p30
- 1080p60 key spec, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Gigantus V2 L at the time of writing
Best Microphone6 of 6
FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 USB/XLR Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
FIFINE's AM8 is a dynamic mic with USB and XLR outputs, so it picks up less keyboard noise and can move to an interface later.
Best for
- Clear voice
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Gigantus V2 L was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
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. You get a USB and XLR connection here, which sets it apart from the Facecam MK.2 and its a USB connection.
You get a dynamic capsule key spec here, which sets it apart from the Facecam MK.2 and its a 1080p60 key spec. You also get an XLR output for later (cable not included) and a headphone jack. When we checked, only the Quantum 100M2 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Facecam MK.2 cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: USB/XLR microphone
- Connection: USB and XLR
- Key spec: Dynamic capsule
- Lighting: RGB
Pros
- Dynamic capsule that picks up less room noise
- XLR output for later (cable not included)
- Headphone jack
- USB and XLR connection, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Gigantus V2 L at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Connection
- We checked wired, wireless and platform support.
- Price tier
- We grouped picks by price at the time of writing.
- Role in the setup
- We chose one item per role so each guide covers a complete desk.
- Listed specs
- We recorded the key figure each listing states.
What to Look for in a PC Gaming Gear
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Mouse shape before sensor
Every current gaming sensor tracks well enough for most players. Weight, shape and size decide comfort, so pick those first.
Keyboard size
A 60% or 65% board frees room for the mouse; a full-size one keeps the number pad. Hot-swap sockets let you change switches later.
Headset or separate mic
A headset is the simplest way to get game audio and chat. A separate USB mic sounds clearer if you stream or take calls.
A proper mouse pad
A cloth pad gives consistent tracking and glide. An extended pad covers the keyboard too and keeps the desk tidy.
Upgrade in the right order
The mouse, keyboard and headset are the parts you touch and hear all session. Replace whichever frustrates you most first; lighting and extras come later.
Check platform support
Most gear works on any PC, but software can be Windows-only, and some headsets target consoles as well.
How to Choose a PC Gaming Gear
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fast aiming | Haste 2 wired | 53g with 8000Hz polling |
| Competitive play | WIN60 HE | Hall effect with rapid trigger |
| Team chat | Quantum 100M2 | Detachable directional mic |
| Low-sensitivity aiming | Gigantus V2 L | 3mm foam with micro-weave cloth |
| Streaming | Facecam MK.2 | Uncompressed 1080p60 |
| Clear voice | FIFINE AM8 | Dynamic with USB and XLR |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Gear | Type | Connection | Key spec | Lighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haste 2 wired | Wired mouse | USB, paracord cable | 53g, 8000Hz polling | RGB |
| WIN60 HE | Wired 60% keyboard | USB | Hall effect, 0.02mm rapid trigger | RGB |
| Quantum 100M2 | Wired headset | 3.5mm | Detachable directional mic | None |
| Gigantus V2 L | Cloth mouse pad | None | 3mm foam, Large | None |
| Facecam MK.2 | Webcam | USB | 1080p60 | None |
| FIFINE AM8 | USB/XLR microphone | USB and XLR | Dynamic capsule | RGB |
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 tier | Gear |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | Gigantus V2 L, Haste 2 wired, WIN60 HE, Quantum 100M2 |
| About $50 to $100 | FIFINE AM8 |
| About $100 to $150 | Facecam MK.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does RGB improve performance?
No. It is cosmetic; most gear lets you turn it off.
Do I need all gear from one brand?
No. Matching brands only helps if you want one app to control lighting. Mixing brands works fine.
Is wireless gear good enough for gaming?
Modern 2.4GHz gaming mice and keyboards are fine for competitive play. Bluetooth modes add delay and suit office use.
What makes a good gift?
Items that do not depend on fit or taste, such as a mouse pad, a light or a mic, are the safest. A mouse depends on hand size.
Will PC gear work on consoles?
Wired headsets with 3.5mm plugs usually do. Mice and keyboards work only in games that support them.
What should I buy first on a small budget?
A comfortable mouse and a cloth pad. They cost little and change the feel of every game.
Bottom Line
The Haste 2 wired and WIN60 HE are the performance core. The Quantum 100M2 handles chat, the Gigantus V2 gives aiming room, the Facecam MK.2 suits streams, and the AM8 upgrades your voice.
