When it comes to setting up a new PC gaming rig, it can be tough finding the right tech to suit ones needs. Over the last ten years, the keyboard and mouse market has exploded, offering everything from RGB lighting to an endless array of setting and customisation options. Most peripherals come with their own dedicated software suites also, allowing players to modify buttons, movements and lighting on their gaming keyboard and mouse.
What’s The Best Gaming Keyboard and Mouse For You?
This is the big question, and a subjective one at that. Thanks to our friends at Roccat, MSI, Hyper-X, Endgame Gear and Sades, here’s some gaming keyboard and mouse options that we think suit all kinds of gamers. With budget and pro setups in mind, up first are some killer keyboards:
Sades Battle Ram Keyboard
Part of the Battle Ram keyboard and mouse set, this serves as a great entry point for an full sized RGB keyboard. It’s membrane/switch configuration gives enough feedback for the price point and perfect for younger gamers who are a little clumsy thanks to it’s water proofing.
Specs:
Keyboard Type : Membrane-Switch Technology
Keyboard Layout : 104-Key US layout
Switch Lifespan : 10 Million Cycles
Dimensions : 471*195*37 mm/ 18.54*7.68*1.46 in
Weight (keyboard only) : 0.858 kg/ 1.89 lb
Cable Length : 1.8 m/ 5.90 ft
Roccat Magma keyboard
Magma is a brave move by Roccat, pushing a membrane keyboard on gamers isn’t the wisest move due to the lack of response when compared to mechanical switch layouts. However, Magma manages to dance on the line with a quiet press with decent travel time between punches. By no means will this satisfy that Cherry Red fan, but it’s a quality products for casual players or buyers who want a silent keyboard.
Specs:
Membrane keyboard
Transparent front plate
5 AIMO light zones with 2 LEDs each
7 shared media control keys
26 key roll over
1.8m USB cable
Gaming Profile
MSI GK50 Elite Keyboard
Opting for the tactile response of white kail switches, MSI have knocked it out of the park with the sleek form factor of the GK50. It’s low profile keys allow for more comfortable palm and wrist movements whilst it’s blinding RGB backlighting makes for one of the flashiest keyboard a sub £80 budget can buy.
Specs:
Mechanical gaming keyboard with White Box Kailh switches
Individually RGB backlit keys
Ergonomic design for maximised comfort
Contemporary aesthetic with brush metal top plate
Anti-slip Steady Gaming Base
Water resistant design
Full UK QWERTY layout
Roccat Pyro Keyboard
Pyro is literally on fire with it’s feature set. Featuring linear red mechanical switches, and endless supply of macros with the easy shift button duplicator, Roccat is really hitting the mark between value for money and a pro gamer offering. The volume dial is also really handy for when the online action gets too hectic!
Specs:
Linear (red) mechanical switches from TTC
Volume wheel
5 shared media control keys
50M key strokes lifetime
1.8m USB cable
Gaming Profile
Now that picking the right keyboard is no longer an issue, let’s move onto gaming mice. We’ve got a selection ranging from low to high budgets, let’s take a look:
Sades Battle Ram Mouse
For a budget mouse, the entry RGB enabled Sades offering comes with a ‘sniper button’ on the left side of the body. This is a dream for most FPS games, alongside some nice glide and sturdy feeling buttons. It’s hard to think that this mouse comes bundled with a keyboard for less than £40.
Specs:
Tracking Method : Optical
Resolution : 4000 DPI
Switch Lifespan : 10 Million Cycles
Dimensions : 131*71*41 mm/ 5.1*2.8*1.6 in
Weight (without cable) : 0.105 kg/ 0.23 lb
Endgame Gear XM1R
This wired powerhouse is cloaked by it’s surprisingly low price. Featuring robust clicks, nice glide and pin-point precision, this is a nice wired option for new and experienced gamers. It’s not much to look at and it won’t flash RGB in your palms, but the XM1R doesn’t need to be. It just get’s the job done.
Specs:
New Pixart PAW3370 up to 19000 CPI
Kailh GM 8.0 switches
Updated more durable flex cord
Two new dark semi-transparent colours and two classic colours
Hybrid skate design – large and small skates included
Hyper-X Pulsefire Dart Wireless
With a recent price drop to under £50, the Pulsefire Dart is an amazing offering to any level of player. Input lag is not an issue here, tracking all movements with no issues at all. Featuring an ergonomic design with a set of leatherette grips on either side, this is the comfiest killing spree in it’s price bracket. It also wirelessly charges, Hyper X also sell a wireless charging dock which is compatible with most wireless charging devices. It dual charges for roughly the cost of single wireless chargers on the market.
Specs:
Gaming-grade wireless technology
Long lasting battery life (up to 50 hours)
Premium Pixart 3389 sensor
Advanced customization with HyperX NGenuity software
Included USB Wireless adapter for PCs
Roccat Kone Pro
Moulded to fit most hands and grip styles, Kone Pro features cleverly placed RGB lighting on the left and right click alongside heat-treated gliders for slick movement. Whilst being lightweight makes for a better fast-paced mouse, some might feel a bit let down by the less than premium feel. It has great features and great feeling clicks, but the high price point might not be worth the jump in comparison.
Specs:
Iconic ergonomic shape refined to perfection
Extreme lightweight shell
Titan Switch Optical. Tactile & Fast
PhantomFlex™ cable
Heat-treated pure PTFE glides
ROCCAT® Owl-Eye 19K DPI optical sensor
