Whether you are using a PC for work, or for gaming, there are plenty of accessories out there that are worth adding to your setup. While laptops are becoming more and more popular, desktop PCs are favoured by many, due to the superior power and computing resources you get from them, for a much lower price point compared with laptops. We spoke to a managed IT service company London based SMBs have worked with on their PC equipment. TechQuarters – who have been in business for over a decade – recommend a number of different PC accessories that will enhance users’ workspace, and a lot of these accessories are also used by gamers.
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Keyboard
Of course, everyone knows that a keyboard is essential for the interface of any PC. A laptop has a keyboard built-in, but if you’re using a desktop PC, you will need to purchase an external keyboard. They come both wired and wireless – and if you favour a tidy desk, you’ll want a wireless keyboard. For gamers, a keyboard that is backlit will come in useful for late-night gaming sessions. What is more, you might want to look for a keyboard that is known for its sensitive and fast response.
Gaming Mouse
Just like keyboards, a mouse is essential for computers. Gaming mouses aren’t just for gaming – they have many benefits for office workers. For starters, gaming mouses are usually designed in a much more ergonomic way – because they’re built for long sessions of use – and they are made with high quality materials for a better feel. For an 8-hour workday, a gaming mouse remains comfy. What is more, gaming mouses need to be very sensitive and have quick response times – this has benefits for all kinds of computer work.
Desk Lamp
Having a well-lit workspace is very important – working in a dim office, or relying on the light of your PC monitor will lead to eye strain, and is bad for your mood and productivity. The best way to avoid this is with a desk lamp. It ensures you have a dedicated light source to work by, and you’re not relying on waning daylight or an overhead light, and it also means the light isn’t concentrated in your monitor. A great options is a smart desk lamp – these can be controlled via your phone, are dimmable, and often have variable light temperatures and colours you can choose from.
Audio headset (with built-in mic)
For both gaming and work, a headset has become a very important PC accessory. For instance, many businesses have gone remote due to COVID-19, which means their employees are all working from home, and communicating via calls and video meetings – to get the best audio quality, a headset is highly recommended for this (plus, if employees have family or housemates, keeping the noise down is also good etiquette). At the same time, for gamers, a headset offers better immersion for gaming, and communication with online friends during gaming sessions.
HD video webcam
Again, with remote working, and work-from-home arrangements being so commonplace due to COVID-19, there is a necessity for remote communication solutions. On top of a good headset, it is recommended for remote workers to also have a good webcam. Face time is important when working from home – it is shown to improve remote worker’s mood because of the social interaction. For this reason, having a high quality webcam – at least 1080p – is a good idea. What is more, a HD video feed also indicates professionalism. If you’re a gamer, you might want to stream video and audio when hanging out with friends, or even set up a Twitch stream, or make gaming videos for YouTube.
Speakers
Some people may find headsets uncomfortable, and some people may have a dedicated office or gaming room, and so keeping the noise down is not as big of a necessity. In this case, users may want to have their audio output played out loud so that they don’t need a headset. Having a good speaker will ensure that you are not straining to hear anything, and will enhance gaming experiences overall. There are lots of good tabletop speakers, and you might even want a surround sound speaker system for full immersion while gaming.
USB Mic
If you’re going the route of an open audio input/output setup, and you have a speaker setup, you’ll also want to have a good microphone in your setup. For instance, a good USB mic is the best and easiest way of having a good audio input – usually they are plug-and-play type of device; just connect it to a USB port on your PC, and the firmware for the device is usually downloaded and installed automatically, and it will be good to do. A good brand to look at is Yeti, who are popular in the gaming streaming community, and are good enough for remote work communications.