Great Gear for Everyone
With the holidays knocking at the door, you might be turning to thoughts of gifts. If you’re a gamer, there’s a pretty good chance that you’re also into tech, toys, and gear. Having a great keyboard, mouse, or pair of headphones is more than a luxury. High-quality peripherals help boost your productivity and, of course, make gaming or listening to music even more rewarding and fun. With that in mind, here are some of the best keyboards, mice, controllers, and headphones we’ve looked at this year. They all have the coveted COGconnected seal of approval and make great gifts for yourself or others. Enjoy our Ultimate Gear Guide 2024!
KEYBOARDS
Once upon a time, a computer keyboard was a simple necessity that nobody thought much about. Well, times have changed in a big way. Now, keyboards come in a dizzying array of sizes, configurations, RGB, bells, whistles, and more. There are dedicated keyboard collectors and modders. Still, at heart, a keyboard has to feel good and contribute to your workflow or gaming.
Razer Blackwidow V4 PRO 75%
What we said: At $299, the Blackwidow V4 PRO 75% is not an inexpensive keyboard, and probably more keyboard than most people need for simple, mundane tasks. That said, the programmability, quiet, comfortable keys and impressive RGB just might make typing email and basic gaming more fun. If you’re a demanding, high-end gamer or compact keyboard enthusiast, the newest entry in the Blackwidow lineup is definitely worth a closer look.
Turtle Beach Vulkan II TKL PRO
What we said: At $150 USD ($200 CAD), scooping the Vulcan II TKL Pro keyboard is an easy decision. Sure, there are cheaper options out there but none are as comfortable, high-performing, or versatile as this. In fact, the Swarm II software and all the customization options make the Vulcan II TKL Pro on par with keyboards double the price. This keyboard exudes quality from every facet. There’s nothing it really can’t do, except type numbers quickly – so maybe get a separate number pad on the cheap if you’re going to miss that. Ultimately, if you’re looking to level up your gaming experience this is absolutely the keyboard you should set your sights on.
MICE
Like a keyboard, a mouse used to be, well, a mouse. You used it to scroll around the screen and click things. Around the time esports and competitive gaming became a big deal, mice began to evolve into feature-rich components of a PC gamer’s rig. When it comes to mice, there are hundreds from which to choose, but here are a few of this year’s favorites.
Turtle Beach Kone II Air Mouse
What we said: The Turtle Beach Kone II Air is a rock-solid gaming mouse that continues the brand’s streak of delivering gaming peripherals that impress us. Its ergonomic design, incredible battery life, and precision make it an ideal choice for PC gamers looking to up their mouse game. While the price tag might be a little on the higher end compared to other mice on the market, the Kone II Air’s build quality, performance, and versatility make it a worthwhile investment. Turtle Beach’s latest Kone mouse excels in every area.
Corsair M65 RGB Elite
This wired mouse offers a lot of great gaming features for a very reasonable price. Good build quality, lots of extra programmable buttons, and a special system for adjusting the mouse’s weight distribution make this mouse a good choice.
Razer Viper Mini Signature Edition
This mouse fits into the category of a very lightweight and responsive mouse, with an eye-catching open weave design. This is a wired/wireless mouse with a durable magnesium alloy frame and excellent response time.
More great gear after the break.
