Buying Guide
The Best RGB Gear for Beginners
Beginner RGB should work without hubs or complex software. These five do.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
RGB is cosmetic, but it is easy to overdo or overcomplicate. The picks here each light up with onboard controls or one app.
We compared lighting and connection from each listing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Easiest RGB Strip
Govee RGBIC LED Strip Lights 16.4ft (Alexa and Google)
RGBIC with voice control.
Best for: Room lighting
Our take Check price for Govee RGBIC LED Strip Lights 16.4ft (Alexa and Google) (opens in a new tab)
Easiest RGB Speakers
Redragon GS520 PC Speakers
Six touch-controlled RGB modes.
Best for: Budget desks
Our take Check price for Redragon GS520 PC Speakers (opens in a new tab)
Best RGB Mic
HyperX QuadCast 2 S USB Microphone
100+ addressable LEDs.
Best for: On-camera setups
Our take Check price for HyperX QuadCast 2 S USB Microphone (opens in a new tab)
Best RGB Speaker Upgrade
Edifier Hecate Gaming Speakers
12 RGB effects with three inputs.
Best for: Better sound with lighting
Our take Check price for Edifier Hecate Gaming Speakers (opens in a new tab)
Best RGB Keyboard
Redragon K617 60% Hot-Swap Mechanical Keyboard
20 onboard RGB presets.
Best for: No-software lighting
Our take Check price for Redragon K617 60% Hot-Swap Mechanical Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| RGBIC with voice control. | Room lighting | Check price for Govee RGBIC LED Strip Lights 16.4ft (Alexa and Google) (opens in a new tab) |
| Six touch-controlled RGB modes. | Budget desks | Check price for Redragon GS520 PC Speakers (opens in a new tab) |
| 100+ addressable LEDs. | On-camera setups | Check price for HyperX QuadCast 2 S USB Microphone (opens in a new tab) |
| 12 RGB effects with three inputs. | Better sound with lighting | Check price for Edifier Hecate Gaming Speakers (opens in a new tab) |
| 20 onboard RGB presets. | No-software lighting | Check price for Redragon K617 60% Hot-Swap Mechanical Keyboard (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Easiest RGB Strip1 of 5
Govee RGBIC LED Strip Lights 16.4ft (Alexa and Google) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This 16.4ft Govee strip adds Wi-Fi, Alexa and Google control to the RGBIC design.
Best for
- Room lighting
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
It suits a desk that already has a smart speaker nearby. The Govee Home app offers over 64 scenes and AI-generated themes, and music sync has 11 modes that follow game audio. It works with voice assistants.
AI photo-to-theme generation turns an image into a lighting scene. RGBIC lighting is unique to it among these picks, while the GS520 uses 6 touch RGB modes lighting. It also comes with segment color control. Wi-Fi control usually needs a 2.4GHz network.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: LED strip
- Connection: App, Wi-Fi
- Key spec: 16.4ft RGBIC with voice control
- Lighting: RGBIC
Pros
- Alexa and Google Assistant support
- AI lighting effects
- Segment color control
- RGBIC lighting, the only one here
Easiest RGB Speakers2 of 5
Redragon GS520 PC Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Redragon's GS520 is a USB-powered stereo pair with six touch-controlled RGB modes.
Best for
- Budget desks
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Govee 16.4ft Wi-Fi was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is the budget speaker option. Volume sits on the speaker itself, so you don't need to reach for the keyboard. Separate volume buttons give precise control, and it runs on USB power with 3.5mm audio and mic cables.
The brushed finish suits a minimalist desk. Its full-range 2.0 stereo drivers suit a small desk without a subwoofer. It is the only pick here with a 2.0 stereo key spec; the Hecate has a 32W peak key spec instead.
You get 6 touch RGB modes lighting here, which sets it apart from the Hecate and its 12 RGB effects lighting. It also comes with a low price tier. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper K617 and the pricier Hecate, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Stereo speakers
- Connection: USB power, 3.5mm
- Key spec: 2.0 stereo
- Lighting: 6 touch RGB modes
Pros
- Six touch-controlled RGB modes
- USB power
- Low price tier
- 2.0 stereo key spec, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Govee 16.4ft Wi-Fi at the time of writing
Best RGB Mic3 of 5
HyperX QuadCast 2 S USB Microphone on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
HyperX's QuadCast 2 S has four polar patterns, tap-to-mute and more than 100 addressable RGB LEDs.
Best for
- On-camera setups
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Govee 16.4ft Wi-Fi, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Over 100 addressable RGB LEDs can match stream colours, and a tap-to-mute sensor sits on top. It connects over USB. A 4 polar patterns key spec is unique to it among these picks, while the Hecate uses a 32W peak key spec.
No other pick in this guide offers 100+ aRGB LEDs lighting; compare the Govee 16.4ft Wi-Fi, which has RGBIC lighting. It also comes with a multifunction knob. Only the Hecate came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: USB microphone
- Connection: USB
- Key spec: 4 polar patterns
- Lighting: 100+ aRGB LEDs
Pros
- More than 100 addressable RGB LEDs
- Tap-to-mute
- Multifunction knob
- 4 polar patterns key spec, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Govee 16.4ft Wi-Fi at the time of writing
Best RGB Speaker Upgrade4 of 5
Edifier Hecate Gaming Speakers on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Edifier's Hecate pair tilts its 2.75in drivers 10 degrees toward you and takes USB, AUX and Bluetooth, with 12 RGB effects.
Best for
- Better sound with lighting
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Govee 16.4ft Wi-Fi, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its 2.75-inch drivers produce 16W plus 16W peak, and 12 RGB effects can sync with gameplay. It switches between Bluetooth and wired sources. Matte panels and metal knobs resist scratches, and one-click EQ switches between Gaming, Movie and Music modes.
A 32W peak key spec is unique to it among these picks, while the GS520 uses a 2.0 stereo key spec. No other pick in this guide offers 12 RGB effects lighting; compare the Govee 16.4ft Wi-Fi, which has RGBIC lighting. It also offers a 10-degree tilt and three inputs. It was priced above the GS520 and below the QuadCast 2 S at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Stereo speakers
- Connection: USB, AUX, Bluetooth 5.1
- Key spec: 32W peak
- Lighting: 12 RGB effects
Pros
- 2.75in drivers
- 10-degree tilt
- Three inputs
- 32W peak key spec, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Govee 16.4ft Wi-Fi at the time of writing
Best RGB Keyboard5 of 5
Redragon K617 60% Hot-Swap Mechanical Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Redragon's K617 is a 60% board with hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
Best for
- No-software lighting
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
It frees desk space for mouse movement. Its 60% layout frees desk space for wide mouse swipes, and 20 lighting presets adjust in brightness and speed. The software programs macros.
Its switches are rated for 50 million presses, in a white and grey colourway. No other pick in this guide offers a hot-swap 3-pin and 5-pin key spec; compare the Hecate, which has a 32W peak key spec. A 60% or 65% layout drops the number pad and some navigation keys; check you can live without them.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Wired 60% keyboard
- Connection: USB
- Key spec: Hot-swap 3-pin and 5-pin
- Lighting: RGB, 20 presets
Pros
- Hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches
- Red linear switches rated for 50 million presses
- Macro software
- Hot-swap 3-pin and 5-pin key spec, the only one here
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.
- Listed specs
- We recorded the key figure each listing states.
- Role in the setup
- We chose one item per role so each guide covers a complete desk.
What to Look for in an RGB Gear for Beginners
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
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.
Check platform support
Most gear works on any PC, but software can be Windows-only, and some headsets target consoles as well.
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.
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.
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.
A proper mouse pad
A cloth pad gives consistent tracking and glide. An extended pad covers the keyboard too and keeps the desk tidy.
How to Choose an RGB Gear for Beginners
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Room lighting | Govee 16.4ft Wi-Fi | RGBIC with voice control |
| Budget desks | GS520 | Six touch-controlled RGB modes |
| On-camera setups | QuadCast 2 S | 100+ addressable LEDs |
| Better sound with lighting | Hecate | 12 RGB effects with three inputs |
| No-software lighting | K617 | 20 onboard RGB presets |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Gear | Type | Connection | Key spec | Lighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Govee 16.4ft Wi-Fi | LED strip | App, Wi-Fi | 16.4ft RGBIC with voice control | RGBIC |
| GS520 | Stereo speakers | USB power, 3.5mm | 2.0 stereo | 6 touch RGB modes |
| QuadCast 2 S | USB microphone | USB | 4 polar patterns | 100+ aRGB LEDs |
| Hecate | Stereo speakers | USB, AUX, Bluetooth 5.1 | 32W peak | 12 RGB effects |
| K617 | Wired 60% keyboard | USB | Hot-swap 3-pin and 5-pin | RGB, 20 presets |
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 | Govee 16.4ft Wi-Fi, K617, GS520 |
| About $100 to $150 | Hecate, QuadCast 2 S |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does RGB improve performance?
No. It is cosmetic; most gear lets you turn it off.
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.
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.
Bottom Line
The Govee Wi-Fi strip is the easiest room-scale RGB. The GS520 and Hecate add lit speakers, the QuadCast 2 S is the lit mic, and the K617 has 20 onboard presets.