Turn a new page on your gaming setup with this complete guide to get everything you need to transform your experience.
Gaming accessories remain in the category that the more you invest in your gaming setup, the better and more efficient your performance can be. Many gamers look to their accessories for a boost in either performance or style points. Having the right equipment that seamlessly works with your gaming rig can be felt through the screen by your teammates or streaming audience.
We breakdown the true meaning of all this gear that you should look for to upgrade your look, style, and performance. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a veteran, this guide will help you understand the types of features you should be looking for in each new piece of equipment you add to your arsenal.
The Top 6 Gaming Accessories
1. Gaming Headsets
A good gaming headset gives you an immersive experience. Headsets allow you to hear every detail, from the quietest of footsteps to the loudest explosions whizzing past your head. Whether you're coordinating with teammates or playing solo, clear audio gives you a competitive edge. Communication and sound compose the most important information you can gather in a multiplayer game.
Top Pick — Arctis Nova Pro Wireless for PC & PlayStation
- Dual USB connections support PC, Mac, PlayStation, Switch, VR & more
- Premium Hi-Res Capable Neodymium Magnetic Drivers
- AI-powered noise canceling mic with stealth retractable design
- 360° Spatial Audio for PC (Sonar Software) and PS5 (Tempest 3D audio)
Features to Consider
- Active noise cancellation in both the mic and ear cups help to block out background noise for more focused gameplay
- Unlimited battery with an interchangeable power source; you're always charging one while using the other and can switch them with ease
- Simultaneous 2.4GHz & Bluetooth mixes game & mobile audio, so you can game and listen to your phone or take a call at the same time
2. Gaming Mice
A well-designed gaming mouse can improve your performance by giving you increased precision and speed. Whether you're lining up a headshot or managing units in an RTS, a mouse that responds to your exact movements can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Top Pick — Aerox 5/Aerox 5 Wireless
- RGB — Radiant 3-zone PrismSync RGB shines in 16.8 million configurable colors
- Lightweight — Purposefully designed holey shell reduces weight to 59g for effortless, fast gameplay
- AquaBarrier™ — Mouse interiors are shielded from water splashes, dust, and dirt, technology rated IP54
Features to Consider
- A total of 9 programmable buttons with fairly large side buttons for easy inputs, as well as a comfy up/down flick switch
- Top-tier Quantum 2.0 Wireless technology, for an ultra-fast 2.4GHz that's reliable, as well as Bluetooth when you need it
- TrueMove Air Air Sensor, co-developed with PixArt, lets you triumph with 18,000 CPI
3. Keyboards
A good gaming keyboard offers faster response times, greater durability, and customizable features, giving you more responsiveness and enjoyable gaming experience. It's the backbone for any PC gamer; you'll be surprised to find out how much SteelSeries keyboards can do for you.
Top Pick — Apex Pro
- Newly updated OmniPoint 3.0 switches offer tons of customization
- Proven fastest keyboard in the world, with 20x faster actuation and 11x quicker response
- Superior software features in ready presets from GG QuickSet, along Rapid Trigger and Rapid Tap
Key Considerations
- Change the flow of any battle to your favor with a keyboard that is faster, more responsive, and wildly customizable to your personal needs
- Truly impressive build with upgraded switch stabilizers, per-key lubrication, and superior typing feel, with added personal comforts of an OLED screen for shortcuts
- Opt for a Apex Pro TKL or TKL Wireless if you want to save more space while having all the same functionality of an Apex Pro keyboard
4. Controllers
While many PC games are played with mice and keyboards, tons of games are way more comfortable when you can lean back with a controller. Our pick is a versatile game pad which can serve you in many situations, and you can take it with you everywhere you go.
Top Pick — Stratus+
- Game anywhere on an Android™ or Chromebook device
- Included slim phone mount adjusts to Android mobile devices for smartphone gaming
- High-performance hardware engineered with ALPS thumbsticks and Hall Effect triggers
Key Considerations
- The included slim-profile mount makes it a perfect companion to play games on your phone. It's especially good on longer travels, and there's tons of best mobile games that can take advantage of these controls
- This controller can still work on your PC with a USB-C to A cable, so it's quite versatile
- Ideal for Chromebook and Android as well, since the battery lasts up to 90 hours via Bluetooth
5. Mousepads
Mouse pads have more of an impact on your gaming performance than you think. Mouse pads provide a smooth, consistent surface for your mouse to not only improve mouse movements, but to reduce wear and tear on your equipment. The right mouse pad gives you better precision, responsiveness, and comfort during long gaming sessions.
Top Pick — QcK Heavy
- Extra Thick, non-slip rubber base eliminates unwanted movement
- Exclusive QcK micro-woven cloth for maximum control
- Optimized for low and high CPI tracking movements
Key Considerations
- Tested by the top mouse sensor manufacturer, the high thread count and smooth surface optimizes mouse tracking accuracy for both optical and laser sensors
- With over 10 million sold, the SteelSeries QcK is the pinnacle of surface performance and innovation. Trusted by esports pros and gaming Joe's alike
- Our mousepads come in all kinds of sizes, so you can go from a small, medium, or large onto one that covers your entire desk
6. Microphones
Microphones are essential for those who want clear communication with their teammates or for those who stream their gameplay. If you're looking to create content or simply routinely play with voice comms and prefer a standing microphone over a headset, this is a fantastic gear option to go for.
Whether you're coordinating strategies in competitive games or interacting with your audience on stream, a good microphone is key to a professional experience.
Top Pick — Alias Pro
- Designed for gaming, broadcast, and podcasting with a pro-grade XLR connection
- Capture a wide vocal range with a capsule up to 3X larger than other mics
- XLR amplifier connects to PC via USB and features customizable controls and RGB
Key Considerations
- The clarity and quality of Alias Pro are truly standout; it captures your voice from any angle, making it great for streamers and content creators, but not only
- Free Sonar software has tons of options that elevate Alias Pro even more, including very powerful noise cancellation and tons of settings
- Everything you need is included; since this is an XLR microphone, the Stream Mixer that comes with it serves as a useful "base station" to quickly mute or adjust gain
Gaming accessories that make a difference
Whether you’re after more crisp sound, more tactical feedback from your keyboard, or more responsive mouse movements, upgrading your accessories can be a fast track to improved performance. Investing in quality gear is an investment in your overall gaming experience. The more you tailor your system to your own style, the more you’re going to want to use and refine your experience.
Take the time to evaluate what you currently have and what you might be missing out on, even if you don’t realize it now, something might come to you once you start using a new product. If you’re gearing up for some competitive gameplay or just looking forward to gaming with your friends at night, SteelSeries has you covered for all your gaming equipment needs..