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 , PC Hardware Editor

12 min read6 products evaluated

A desk setup with a keyboard, mouse and headset beside a monitor
Illustrative image

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

Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

  1. Best Mouse Pad

    Razer Gigantus V2 Large Mouse Pad

    3mm foam with micro-weave cloth.

    Best for: Low-sensitivity aiming

    Check price for Razer Gigantus V2 Large Mouse Pad on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Best Mouse1 of 6

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wired Gaming Mouse

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.
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wired Gaming Mouse

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 Quantum 100M2 and the WIN60 HE, based on our last check.

Key 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

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.
AULA WIN60 HE 60% Magnetic Keyboard

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 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

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.
JBL Quantum 100M2 Wired Gaming Headset

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 Gigantus V2 L cost less, and the Haste 2 wired cost more.

Key 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

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.
Razer Gigantus V2 Large Mouse Pad

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 Quantum 100M2 was closest.

Key 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

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.
Elgato Facecam MK.2

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 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

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.
FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 USB/XLR Microphone

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 WIN60 HE and cheaper picks cost less, and the Facecam MK.2 cost more.

Key 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

Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.

The figures behind the order
We lined up six gear on type, connection, key spec and lighting as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results, and every compared field is stated for all 6 picks.
What every pick has in common
All 6, from the Haste 2 wired to the FIFINE AM8, state type, connection and key spec.
Who each pick suits
The Haste 2 wired for 53g with 8000Hz polling; the WIN60 HE for hall effect with rapid trigger; the Quantum 100M2 for detachable directional mic.
Price range
At our last check the picks ran from the Gigantus V2 L (under $50) to the Facecam MK.2 ($100 to $150).

What to Look for in a PC Gaming Gear

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

  1. Extras that separate them

    The Gigantus V2 L: a micro-weave surface. The Facecam MK.2: a privacy shutter. The FIFINE AM8: an XLR output for later (cable not included).

  2. How much to spend

    Under $50 buys the Gigantus V2 L, the Quantum 100M2, the Haste 2 wired and the WIN60 HE; $50 to $100 buys the FIFINE AM8; $100 to $150 buys the Facecam MK.2 at our last check.

  3. Start from what matters most

    Fast aiming: the Haste 2 wired. Competitive play: the WIN60 HE. Team chat: the Quantum 100M2.

  4. A proper mouse pad

    A cloth pad gives consistent tracking and glide. An extended pad covers the keyboard too and keeps the desk tidy.

  5. Lighting that helps

    Bias lighting behind a monitor or a key light for your face does more for a setup than more RGB on the peripherals.

How to Choose a PC Gaming Gear

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Fast aimingHaste 2 wired53g with 8000Hz polling
Competitive playWIN60 HEHall effect with rapid trigger
Team chatQuantum 100M2Detachable directional mic
Low-sensitivity aimingGigantus V2 L3mm foam with micro-weave cloth
StreamingFacecam MK.2Uncompressed 1080p60
Clear voiceFIFINE AM8Dynamic with USB and XLR

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Key specs side by side

The Haste 2 wired, the WIN60 HE and the rest, as their makers list them.

GearTypeConnectionKey specLighting
Haste 2 wiredWired mouseUSB, paracord cable53g, 8000Hz pollingRGB
WIN60 HEWired 60% keyboardUSBHall effect, 0.02mm rapid triggerRGB
Quantum 100M2Wired headset3.5mmDetachable directional micNone
Gigantus V2 LCloth mouse padNone3mm foam, LargeNone
Facecam MK.2WebcamUSB1080p60None
FIFINE AM8USB/XLR microphoneUSB and XLRDynamic capsuleRGB

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

The Gigantus V2 L was the lowest-priced pick (under $50) and the Facecam MK.2 the highest ($100 to $150) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.

Price tierGear
Under $50Gigantus V2 L, Quantum 100M2, Haste 2 wired, WIN60 HE
About $50 to $100FIFINE AM8
About $100 to $150Facecam MK.2

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the WIN60 HE our Best Keyboard pick?

The label rests on hall effect with rapid trigger. It makes sense for competitive play.

What extras do the Haste 2 wired and the WIN60 HE include?

The Haste 2 wired: a solid shell at 53g. The WIN60 HE: magnetic Hall effect switches. The Quantum 100M2: a detachable directional mic.

Who should choose the Haste 2 wired?

The Haste 2 wired carries our Best Mouse label for 53g with 8000Hz polling. It ranks first of 6 here and sat in the under $50 tier at our last price check; it suits fast aiming.

Should I pick the Haste 2 wired or the FIFINE AM8?

The Haste 2 wired suits fast aiming; the FIFINE AM8 suits clear voice.

What else do the Facecam MK.2 and the FIFINE AM8 offer?

The Facecam MK.2: HDR at 1080p30. The FIFINE AM8: a headphone jack.

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.

About the author

PC Hardware Editor

Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.

Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility

View all articles