The best VR headsets, keyboards, mice, and more to get a PC gamer – Polygon
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The best keyboards, mice, VR headsets, and more to make the most of a PC gaming setup
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It can be perilous buying holiday gifts for a PC user when there are so many options available, even more so when you consider all the different ways someone can customize their machine with the latest tech and upgrades.
PC users, especially those who take their gaming seriously, pride themselves on cutting-edge technology and performance, so what might look like a bargain could potentially fall disastrously short of their needs and expectations, while you may also find yourself out of luck trying to hunt down the most in-demand items, such as a brand-new graphics card.
Here’s where our guide comes in, as we recommend the best 2022 PC gifts, whether you’re buying for friends, family, colleagues, or yourself. In addition to desktops and laptops, there’s also a range of accessories to buy, such as keyboards, mice, and headsets, some of which are also compatible with other gaming platforms.
Our guide covers multiple categories, so you can navigate by filtering what kinds of products or deals you’re after. There’s something for every PC user here.
What are you looking for?
How much do you want to pay?
This light and quiet Bluetooth keyboard has media controls, making it an ideal companion for streaming entertainment from your PC-connected TV.
Amazon
Best Buy
Our sister site The Verge says this is the best mechanical keyboard you can buy at an affordable price. In its compact 75% layout, it also features hot-swappable switches and RGB lighting.
Amazon
Keychron
Whether for Zoom meetings or because you want to get into streaming, this is a great webcam to capture yourself in proper HD, and there’s also a shutter to protect your privacy.
GameStop
Best Buy
Logitech
Valve’s large yet surprisingly comfortable handheld PC is mighty enough to run the latest AAA releases or even just work like a regular desktop. It’s also no longer reservation-only, just in time for the holidays.
Steam
Our sister site The Verge says this is the best gaming laptop. Considering its power, it’s also surprisingly light at just around 4 pounds.
Amazon
Unlike many other powerful laptops on the market right now, the GIGABYTE AERO 16 XE5 features a 4K UHD ultra-wide AMOLED panel on the go, allowing PC players to experience the richest visual fidelity, all powered by the impressive NVIDIA RTX 3070 Ti. And with the 1TB PCIe Gen4 storage, games load faster than ever. No more waiting for maps to load before getting back into the action.
Newegg
One of the best-performing gaming mice on the market; you’ll be amazed it’s not actually wired, and it comes complete with a comfortable ergonomic design.
Amazon
Best Buy
Keep your gaming laptop in good condition wherever you take it with this sturdy tear- and water-resistant 15-inch laptop backpack. Also available in sizes for 13-inch and 17-inch laptops.
Amazon
GameStop
One of the most comfortable gaming chairs will also help with posture. Prices vary depending on your level of customization, and the chair comes with a magnetic memory foam head pillow.
Secretlab
With the flip of a switch, there’s finally a true multiplatform wireless gaming headset, which works whether you’re playing on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, PC, or mobile, and offers maximum comfort and a long battery life.
Amazon
GameStop
This monthly subscription grants you access to a large library of games for your Windows PC, including Microsoft’s exclusive games from day one as well as games exclusive to PC.
Amazon
Valve’s headset is one of the most high-end on the market, and this kit includes the base stations and controllers required to take full advantage of the most immersive VR. Just make sure your PC has the specs to match.
Steam
HTC’s latest iteration of its headset built for room-scale VR is a premium upgrade for high-end PC-VR users, featuring 5K display and increased field of view for ultimate immersion.
Vive
HP’s headset is a more afforable PC-VR option that’s compatible with VR blockbusters like Half-Life: Alyx. Better yet, cameras are built into the headset so no additional setup in your room is required.
HP
Some PC games are just better played with a controller, and the Xbox controller (updated for Series X/S consoles) is the go-to standard. Available in a range of colors, or you can design your own!
Amazon
GameStop
Upgrade your internal storage with this high-speed SSD (also compatible with PlayStation 5) for super-fast load times, with storage beginning from 1TB.
Amazon
GameStop
Best Buy
If you just want to splash out and get the most powerful pre-built rig then this beast of a gaming desktop PC is for you, equipped with the Intel Core i713th Gen CPU and the new Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU.
Best Buy
Newegg
Pro gamers still swear by the reliable speed of a wired mouse, plus these are more affordable than going wireless. Razer’s DeathAdder V2 continues to be best in class in this regard, with great ergonomics and programmable buttons.
Amazon
GameStop
Best Buy
You might be able to find answers online, but nothing beats Scott Mueller’s comprehensive and reliable source on troubleshooting, optimizing, and even building your own PC.
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Need more ports for your laptop? This USB-C hub provides additional USB-A and USB-C ports, microSD and SD card readers, as well as an HDMI port to connect your display to a bigger screen. It’s also a recommended companion for Steam Deck owners.
Amazon
Anker
If you’re only gaming at your desktop, then Razer’s best-in-class wired headset is just what you need. This one expands on the original model with a USB sound card that provides THX 7.1 spatial surround sound.
Amazon
Best Buy
If you’ve been looking to upgrade to a bigger monitor, then going ultrawide is the way to go, with the 21:9 aspect ratio making for even more immersive gaming experiences while also providing more screen real estate when you’re working.
Best Buy
LG
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