Let’s be honest: all of our K:D ratios could benefit from being a little higher. In this article, we’re breaking down how the right peripherals can make you better at games! Time to Git, Gud noob.
When it comes to gaming, we all know that split-second decisions and precise movements can make the difference between victory and respawning in shame. You’ve honed your skills, mastered the maps, and even developed your own unique playstyle, but something still feels off. Maybe you just suck… or maybe, it’s time to take a hard look at your setup. Believe it or not, the peripherals you use could be the missing pieces in your quest for domination. There’s no need to worry either! There are plenty of budget-friendly options to replace those e-waste-level peripherals you’ve been using for years.
The Importance of a High-Quality Gaming Mouse
Your mouse is your primary weapon across every digital battlefield, be it harvesting crops in Stardew Valley or pwning noobs in Valorant (I still know the cool kid lingo). Upgrading to a high-quality gaming mouse can genuinely make a difference. A gaming mouse offers superior tracking, responsiveness, and the ability to adjust DPI (dots per inch) on the fly, giving you the precision needed for those clutch or kick moments. Whether you’re fine-tuning your aim for a sniper shot or needing quick reflexes in close combat, the right DPI settings and low-latency input can make all the difference.
Choosing the correct mouse goes beyond just picking the most expensive or even one your favourite content creator recommends. Ergonomics also play a crucial role; a mouse that fits comfortably in your hand reduces strain and allows for more controlled movements.
Mouse types are designed to suit different grip styles: claw grip users hold the mouse with fingertips and arched fingers for quick, precise movements; palm grip users rest their entire hand on the mouse for comfort and stability; while fingertip grip users control the mouse using just their fingertips, allowing for rapid, agile movements.
Finally, it can help to look for a mouse with either a weight you know will be ideal for you or one with removable weights, letting you tailor the feel to your play style.
Corsair IRONCLAW RGB WIRELESS Optical Bluetooth/Wireless Gaming Mouse
- Optical gaming mouse utilising a PixArt PMW3391 optical sensor
- Up to 18,000 DPI, adjustable in steps of 1 DPI for precise settings
- Three modes of connectivity: Slipstream Wireless, Bluetooth, or USB
- Up to 50 hours of battery life, on Bluetooth mode, between charges
- 10 fully programmable buttons and OMRON switches
- Onboard memory for taking your macro profiles with you
- Supported by Corsair’s iCUE software for customising RGB, macros, and sensitivity
Glorious Model O USB RGB Odin Gaming Mouse – Matte White
- Eye catching design with clean lines and RGB illumination
- Honeycomb surface for strength & comfort
- Includes high quality G-skates mouse feet
- Extremely light weight (67/68g)
Why a Mouse Bungee Matters for Precision
A mouse bungee might seem like a small, unnecessary accessory, but it can make a big difference in your gaming precision. By keeping your mouse cable elevated and free from tangles, a bungee ensures smooth, unhindered movements. No more getting your cable caught on the edge of your desk at the worst possible moment.
Razer Mouse Bungee V3 Chroma – RGB Mouse Cable Bungee
- Spring arm with clip-on cable catch for drag-free cable control
- Weighted, anti-slip base for added stability
- Drag-free cord control
- RGB lighting powered by Razer Chroma
Keyboards – It’s Time To Get Mechanical
When every millisecond counts, upgrading to a mechanical keyboard can give you the edge you need. Unlike membrane keyboards, which use rubber domes to register key presses, mechanical keyboards feature individual switches for each key, offering faster response times, satisfying feedback, and greater durability. This means you can execute commands quickly and confidently. Notably, different switch types, such as Cherry MX RED or Glorious Fox switches, offer various levels of travel needed to activate, allowing you to dial in the perfect precision setup for you.
Beyond mechanical keyboards, there are also growing numbers of Hall Effect keyboards, which use magnetic sensors instead of traditional mechanical switches. These keyboards provide a nearly frictionless typing experience, with even faster response times and greater longevity. A standout feature of Hall Effect keyboards is the ability to adjust actuation force without swapping out switches. This means you can customise the sensitivity of your keys, allowing for lighter actuation during intense gaming sessions and a firmer touch for everyday typing.
Endgame Gear KB65HE 65% USB RGB Gaming Keyboard, Hall Effect Gateron Switch, ISO UK
- 65% gaming keyboard with innovative Hall Effect and Rapid Trigger technology
- Gateron KS-37B switches with adjustable actuation
- Customisable per-key RGB lighting
- CNC machine aluminium casing with configurable feet and silicon grip
- Double-shot PBT keycaps designed in collab with Ducky
- UK ISO layout
Glorious GMMK 2 96% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – Fox switch ANSI-US – White
- Mechanical gaming keyboard with 5-pin hot-swapping technology
- Equipped with Glorious Fox Linear Switches and doubleshot ABS keycaps
- Per-key and side diffused RGB lighting with 18 pre-set effects
- Top and side printed legends for layered functionality and visibility
- Fully programmable utilising Glorious CORE software or open-source QMK
- CNC milled aluminium top frame for enhanced stability and durability
You Need a Desk Pad!
Listen, I know the AMD FX 2nd gen tiny mouse pad you have is a really cool collector’s item… but it’s time to let it go. A quality mousepad or gaming surface is more than just a backdrop for your mouse, it’s essential for consistent performance and comfort. Unlike random scraps of fabric or old mouse mats, modern gaming surfaces provide a smooth, even texture that enhances tracking accuracy and reduces friction.
If you have the space, a large gaming surface not only looks heckin cool, but it offers a comfortable spot for your wrists to sit while you type or spam GG EZ from after winning 12-11 in Valorant.
OcUK Mega Mat XXL Premium Elite Tactical Gaming Surface
Corsair MM700 RGB Desk Gaming Surface – 3XL 1200x610x4mm (CH-9417080-WW)
Having a clean and tidy gaming environment can really help boost in-game performance. There will be no crumbies clogging up mechanics or clutter fogging your brain. We’ve covered a few aspects of how to clean your gaming set-up, and today we’re focusing on mouse mats.
Are You Good Yet?
I hope you are, because otherwise you might have to face the simple truth that you suck at FPS games. Don’t worry. I’m stuck at Bronze 2 in Valorant as well. Make sure to let us know what your peripheral recommendations are in the comments.
- 6 min read
Robert Mullane
Author
When not working, you'll find me in VR or losing in bottom-tier Valorant matches. I write about all topic's tech and gaming with a particular focus on representation in gaming, virtual reality, and LGBTQ+ themes. If you're still not fed up with me, you can also catch me over on the Overclockers UK TikTok and YouTube accounts.
Read More >>