Cyber Monday gaming keyboard and mouse deals 2025: majestic mechanicals and righteous rodents

Two gaming mice and a keyboard on a red and blue PC Gamer Cyber Monday banner
(Image credit: Asus, Logitech, Glorious)

Should you be clicking on this very page with a clapped-out gaming mouse, or typing your search parameters with a gaming keyboard past its prime, have no fear. Cyber Monday is on its way, technically kicking off on December 1 (two days after Black Friday on November 28), but we're already finding huge discounts on some of the very best peripherals money can buy. It's more like a big November to December deals free-for-all these days, and we're scything our way through the bargains already.

To mark this occasion, we have picked all the best keyboard and mice out there right now. But we're not luddites lobbing spanners in looms, we know that some games are best played with a controller and so we're even chasing down deals on the best gaming pads, too.

👉We're curating all the best Cyber Monday PC gaming deals right here👈

We've focused on gaming keyboards, gaming mice, and controllers that are actually quality options here, and are on sale significantly below their usual prices. Below you'll find only the best peripherals from brands like Corsair, Logitech, Razer, Drop, and Das Keyboards, all with great discounts to help you make the most of Cyber Monday and the deals of Cyber Week, too.

Article Sources

We have individually and independently tested 51 of the best gaming keyboards, 27 of the best gaming mice, and 28 of the best controllers in the past two years.

When is Cyber Monday 2025?

Cyber Monday falls on Monday, December 1 2025, after the weekend following Black Friday on November 28. Many of the discounts we expect to see are already here, however, as the deals ramp up throughout November and will likely continue long after the days themselves into Cyber Week and beyond.

Basically, you haven't missed it, and getting in early is often a good idea. Welcome, and all that. We're hunting down the best stuff. Come join us, won't you?

Cyber Monday gaming keyboard and mouse deals — Quick links

Cyber Monday gaming keyboard deals

Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 wireless keyboard
Best gaming keyboard 2025

1. Best overall:
Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless

2. Best budget:
Gamakay x Naughshark NS68

3. Best mid-range:
Ducky Zero 6108

4. Best rapid trigger:
Wooting 80HE

5. Best wireless rapid trigger:
Keychron K2 HE

6. Best silent:
Be Quiet! Light Mount


👉Check out our full gaming keyboard guide👈

Redragon K552
Redragon K552: was $38.89 now $36.99 at Amazon
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Good mechanical keyboards don't traditionally come cheap, but this Redragon K552 is here to buck the trend. This model features good quality Outemu red switches, customisable 87 key RGB lighting and a durable metal and ABS construction. There's also anti-ghosting, splash resistance and a gold-plated USB connector, making this little marvel a hell of a lot of keyboard for not a lot of money.

<p><strong>Key specs: Tenkeyless | Mechanical Outemu Red Switches | User-defined RGB lighting<p><strong>Price check: <a href="https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1943169/614286/10014?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Fredragon-kumara-k552-rgb-wired-tkl-gaming-mechanical-blue-switch-keyboard-with-rgb-backlighting-black%2FCZ6WWR978T" target="_blank">Best Buy $43.99
Razer Huntsman Mini
Save $44
Razer Huntsman Mini: was $119.99 now $75.99 at Amazon
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A teeny-tiny keyboard, but with some seriously impressive credentials. You can customise the lighting to your heart's content with Razer's Chroma RGB lighting, but the headline feature here is the inclusion of optical-mechanical switches, with key presses registered at the speed of light. It's also got oil-resistant PBT keypads and Razer Hypershift for all your favourite macros. A lot of cool features in a small-yet-premium feeling package, now at a great price.

<p><strong>Key specs: Tenkeyless | Razer optomechanical switch (clicky or linear) | Chroma RGB lighting<p><strong>Price check: <a href="https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1943169/614286/10014?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Frazer-huntsman-mini-60-wired-optical-clicky-switch-gaming-keyboard-with-chroma-rgb-backlighting-black%2F6417111.p%3FskuId%3D6417111" target="_blank">Best Buy $75.99
Logitech G Pro
Save $29.99
Logitech G Pro: was $119.99 now $90 at Amazon
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This Logitech G Pro comes with a lot of refined and clever features, giving you all the functionality with less of the fuss. It comes with a choice of key switches, a detachable Micro USB cable for easy portability, 3-step angle adjustment and a lot of customisation options in the G Hub software. Those backlit keys are on the subtle side of RGB lighting, and the Logitech comes off as a class act for less at this price.

<p><strong>Key specs: Tenkeyless | Mechanical | Lightsync RGB backlit keys<p><strong>Price check: <a href="https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1943169/614286/10014?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Flogitech-g-pro-tkl-wired-mechanical-gx-blue-clicky-switch-gaming-keyboard-with-rgb-backlighting-black%2F6372528.p%3FskuId%3D6372528" target="_blank">Best Buy $96.99
Asus ROG Falchion RX Low Profile
Save $50
Asus ROG Falchion RX Low Profile: was $169.99 now $119.99 at Amazon
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Considered to be the best low-profile mechanical gaming keyboard by us, thanks to great switches, super solid build quality, and great media controls, this is a great board, only really let down by its usually high price. With $30 off, this becomes a more attractive package.

<p><strong>Key specs: Tenkeyless | Wireless | Low profile mechanical switches<p><strong>Price check: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=31828&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fshop.asus.com%2Fus%2Frog-falchion-rx-low-profile.html" target="_blank">Asus $119.99
Logitech G915 X Lightspeed
Logitech G915 X Lightspeed: was $229.99 now $159.99 at Walmart
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In our Logitech G915 X Lightspeed review, we praise this keyboard's excellent battery life, responsive keys, and great feel, and our biggest criticism is that it is quite expensive. Luckily, this deal solves our main problem. It has meaningful improvements over the standard G915 model, with a firmer board and better battery, and it's well worth the extra cash if you have it.

<p><strong>Key specs: Wireless | Low-profile mechanical switches | Linear<p><strong>Price check: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FLogitech-Low-Profile-Double-Shot-Programmable-Backlighting%2Fdp%2FB0DB1WY5L9%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" target="_blank">Amazon $219.99
SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3
Save $70
SteelSeries Apex Pro Gen 3: was $259.99 now $189.99 at Best Buy
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That's quite a lot of cash for a keyboard, but it shows in not only the tech underneath the keys (like some impressive switches) but also build quality and extra quality-of-life features. If you're looking for a rapid trigger keyboard to cut fractions off your reaction time, and like the idea of an extra little screen to display in-game information, this is an excellent choice, especially with a tidy discount.

<p><strong>Key specs: OmniPoint 3.0 HyperMagnetic Switches | Wired | Rapid trigger <p><strong>Price check: <a href="https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1943169/614286/10014?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fsteelseries-apex-pro-tkl-gen-3-wired-mechanical-omnipoint-adjustable-hypermagnetic-gaming-keyboard-with-rapid-tap-black%2F6594154.p%3FskuId%3D6594154" target="_blank">Amazon $219.99

Our magic Cyber Monday price bots are searching the web, constantly tracking down the best gaming keyboard deals.

Cyber Monday gaming mouse deals

Razer DeathAdder V3 Hyperspeed gaming mouse
Best gaming mouse 2025

1. Best wireless:
Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro

2. Best wired:
Logitech G502 X

3. Best budget wireless:
Logitech G305 Lightspeed

4. Best budget wired:
Glorious Model O Eternal

5. Best lightweight:
Corsair Sabre V2 Pro

6. Best MMO:
Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE


👉Check out our full gaming mouse guide👈

Logitech G203
Save $20
Logitech G203: was $39.99 now $19.99 at Best Buy
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Perfect as a starter or low-budget option with a list of useful features like 6 programmable buttons, Lightsync RGB effects and a ton of customisation via Logitech's G Hub software, this mouse proves that you don't need to go fancy to get a great gaming peripheral.

<p><strong>Key specs: Wired | 8,000 DPI | Right-handed<p><strong>Price check: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FLogitech-LIGHTSYNC-Wired-Gaming-Mouse%2Fdp%2FB07YN82X3B%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" target="_blank">Amazon $21.49
Logitech G305 Lightspeed
Save $20
Logitech G305 Lightspeed: was $49.99 now $29.99 at Amazon
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The Logitech G305 Lightspeed is our favorite wireless budget mouse—it's nothing fancy, but it's lightweight, has great battery life, and uses a killer sensor. The only thing to note is that this deal isn't necessarily that out of left field—the G305 hasn't been at full price for a while, but it's still worth snagging if you need a nice budget option with no frills in time for Christmas.

<p><strong>Key specs: Wireless | 12,000 DPI | Right-handed<p><strong>Price check: <a href="https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1943169/614286/10014?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Flogitech-g305-lightspeed-wireless-optical-6-programmable-button-gaming-mouse-with-12000-dpi-hero-sensor-wireless-white%2FJ7H7ZY2ZYR" target="_blank">Best Buy $29.99
Logitech G502 Hero
Logitech G502 Hero: $37.99 at Amazon
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This is a substantial discount on a tried and tested Logitech gaming mouse, with an astonishing amount of customisation potential. The G502 Hero uses the Hero 25K sensor for accuracy, 11 customisable buttons with onboard memory, and comes with five removable weights to adjust the feel for even the pickiest of competitive gamers. The two main buttons use mechanical switch tensioning to make every click feel satisfying, and the programmable RGB lighting finishes off this comprehensive package.

<p><strong>Key specs: Wired | 25,600 DPI | Right-handed<p><strong>Price check: <a href="https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1943169/614286/10014?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Flogitech-g502-hero-wired-optical-gaming-mouse-with-rgb-lighting-black%2F6265133.p%3FskuId%3D6265133" target="_blank">Best Buy $37.99
SteelSeries Rival 3
SteelSeries Rival 3: $37.99 at Amazon
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Sometimes simplicity is what you're looking for in a peripheral, and if all you want in your next purchase is something solid and reliable with a wireless connection and a standard load out of 5 buttons, this mouse is for you. It's got an accurate TrueMove optical sensor, dual wireless connections and a 400-hour plus battery life, all wrapped up in a smooth and sleek chassis. No frills at a good price. What's not to like?

<p><strong>Key specs: Wireless | 18,000 DPI | Right-handed<p><strong>Price check: <a href="https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1943169/614286/10014?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fsteelseries-rival-3-lightweight-wireless-optical-gaming-mouse-with-brilliant-prism-rgb-lighting-black%2F6439122.p%3FskuId%3D6439122" target="_blank">Best Buy $37.99
Logitech Pro X Superlight
Save $55.85
Logitech Pro X Superlight: was $149.99 now $94.14 at Amazon
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This extremely competitive gaming mouse is down to a pretty stellar price, here. It's also a fantastic gaming mouse, which my colleague Jacob swears by—he uses it every single day, and when he replaces it for a new mouse to review, he brings the Superlight right back in when he's done.

<p><strong>Key specs: 25K sensor | Wireless | 63 g weight<p><strong>Price check: <a href="https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1943169/614286/10014?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Flogitech-pro-x-superlight-lightweight-wireless-optical-gaming-mouse-with-hero-25k-sensor-wireless-white%2FJ7H7ZY33P7" target="_blank">Best Buy $99.99
Logitech  G Pro 2 Lightspeed
Save $50.01
Logitech G Pro 2 Lightspeed: was $149.99 now $99.98 at Amazon
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Though it doesn't quite look as impressive as the Superlight 2, the G Pro 2 Lightspeed matches the same internals and is truly ambidextrous, thanks to swappable side buttons. Both the black and white variants are down to $100, but the pink version will set you back $135.

<p><strong>Key specs: 44,000 DPI | 888 IPS | 88g accelerations | 4 side buttons<p><strong>Price check: <a href="https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1943169/614286/10014?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Flogitech-pro-2-lightspeed-lightweight-optical-hero-44k-dpi-gaming-mouse-with-4-customizable-and-switchable-magnetic-side-buttons-wireless-black%2FJ7H7ZYG63P" target="_blank"><strong>Best Buy $99.99<strong>

Our magic Cyber Monday price bots are searching the web, constantly tracking down the best gaming mouse deals.

Cyber Monday controller deals

Gamesir G7 Pro Tri-Mode in white
Best PC controller 2025

1. Best overall:
GameSir G7 Pro

2. Best budget:
GameSir Nova Lite

3. Best high end:
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro 8K PC

4. Best wired:
Scuf Valor Pro


👉Check out our full PC controller guide👈

8BitDo Ultimate 2C
8BitDo Ultimate 2C: $29.99 at Amazon
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We've already raved about Hall Effect joysticks and how they spell the end for the dreaded stick drift. In this wireless gaming controller, they're a welcome feature, but this handful of gaming hardware packs a few quirky surprises too. For instance, the triggers also benefit from a Hall effect, but not only that, there are extra bumper buttons. They're billed as fully remappable 'Fast Bumpers,' though their inner corner placement may not sit well for those with tiny mitts.

<p><strong>Key specs: Hall effect sticks, triggers | 2.4G wireless | 19 h battery
Xbox Wireless controller
Save $20
Xbox Wireless controller: was $69.99 now $49.99 at Amazon
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It may be vulnerable to stick drift (and that's a big downside), but it's hard to deny the quality on show with Microsoft's Xbox controller. Textured grips, clicky buttons, a nice weight and feel: it's got everything you need, ergonomically speaking. In this sale, you can not only pick up the gorgeous Pulse Red variant for $50 but also a handful of others, like the Shock Blue and Deep Pink.

<p><strong>Key specs: Wireless | Asymmetric sticks <p><strong>Price watch: <a href="https://bestbuy.7tiv.net/c/1943169/614286/10014?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fproduct%2Fmicrosoft-xbox-wireless-controller-for-xbox-series-x-xbox-series-s-xbox-one-pcs-and-cloud-enabled-devices-deep-pink%2FJJGXPXQ257" target="_blank">Best Buy $69.99
Scuf Instinct Pro
Save $50
Scuf Instinct Pro: was $239.99 now $189.99 at Amazon
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It's hard to stand out in the game controller market, but the Scuf Instinct Pro manages it—and we're not just talking about the striking pink colourway Dave tested in his review. Customization is the name of the Instinct Pro's game, from snazzy faceplates to button facades, thumb stick toppers, and even the option to entirely remove rumble functionality like the pros. Anyway, after all of that, here comes the punchline: it's not rechargeable! All that sophistication, and this controller only takes AA batteries. Still, it's a great unit regardless.

<p><strong>Key specs: Wireless | Asymmetric sticks

Cyber Monday gaming keyboard and mouse deals — UK quick links

Cyber Monday gaming keyboard deals in the UK

Asus ROG Falchion RX Low Profile
Save £60
Asus ROG Falchion RX Low Profile: was £169.99 now £109.99 at Scan
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This one's for all you low-profile lovers out there. The Falchion RX Low Profile is a smashing little keyboard—and I do say "little" because it uses a 60% layout, although thankfully it keeps the arrow keys. The switches you get are fantastic, though: pre-lubed and smooth as butter. The board even comes with volume controls along the top.

<p><strong>Key specs: Tenkeyless | Wireless | Low profile mechanical switches<p><strong>Price check: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8432&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.co.uk%2FASUS-Pre-lubed-Low-Profile-Dampening-Interactive%2Fdp%2FB07M6HZDSC%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-21%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-21" target="_blank">Amazon £115.47
Razer Huntsman V2
Razer Huntsman V2: £114.99 at Amazon
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The Huntsman V2 gets all the Razer goodies into one desk-dominating package with Razer Chroma lighting, doubleshot PBT keycaps and Analog Optical mechanical switches. The magnetic wrist rest is removable, and it even features a handy dial in the top right corner that can be programmed in a multitude of ways. A big chunk of a fully-featured gaming keyboard, for a much-discounted price.

<p><strong>Key specs: Full Size | Analog Optical Mechanical switches | Wired
Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96
Save £60
Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96: was £169.99 now £109.99 at Amazon
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This is the absolute best gaming keyboard overall, and even a light discount is pretty good. You're getting excellent typing feel, stellar gaming performance, sound dampening that actually works, and a build quality that stands well above most of the competition. All for one of the best prices we've seen this keyboard going for.

<p><strong>Key specs: Numpad | Wireless | Hot-swappable mechanical switches<p><strong>Price check: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=15473&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.scan.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fasus-rog-strix-scope-ii-96-white-rgb-mechanical-keyboard-rog-nx-snow-storm-n-key-rollover-anti-ghost%3Fgad_source%3D1%26gclid%3DCjwKCAiA3ZC6BhBaEiwAeqfvykFuPC_u9sy3oHnfY88-pR9nF3qC7cd9VuiTTx-hAJLd602nHQ6cZhoCGbIQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Scan £109.99

Our magic Cyber Monday price bots are searching the web, constantly tracking down the best gaming keyboard deals.

Cyber Monday gaming mouse deals in the UK

Logitech G203
Save £20
Logitech G203: was £39.99 now £19.99 at Amazon
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Perfect as a starter or low-budget option with a list of useful features like 6 programmable buttons, Lightsync RGB effects and a ton of customisation via Logitech's G Hub software, this mouse proves that you don't need to go fancy to get a great gaming peripheral.

<p><strong>Key specs: Wired | 8,000 DPI | Right-handed
Logitech G305 Lightspeed
Save £32
Logitech G305 Lightspeed: was £59.99 now £27.99 at Amazon
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The Logitech G305 Lightspeed is our favorite wireless budget mouse—it's nothing fancy, but it's lightweight, has great battery life, and uses a killer sensor. The only thing to note is that this deal isn't necessarily that out of left field—the G305 hasn't been at full price for a while, but it's still worth snagging if you need a nice budget option with no frills in time for the holidays.

<p><strong>Key specs: Wireless | 12,000 DPI | Right-handed
Logitech G502 Hero
Save £7
Logitech G502 Hero: was £34.99 now £27.99 at Amazon
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This is a big discount on a tried and tested Logitech gaming mouse, with an astonishing amount of customisation potential. The G502 Hero uses the Hero 25K sensor for accuracy, 11 customisable buttons with onboard memory, and even comes with five removable weights to adjust the feel for even the pickiest of competitive gamers. The two main buttons use mechanical switch tensioning to make every click feel satisfying, and the programmable RGB lighting finishes off this comprehensive package of gaming mouse goodness.

<p><strong>Key specs: Wired | 25,600 DPI | Right-handed
Steelseries Aerox 3
Save £37
Steelseries Aerox 3: was £99.99 now £62.99 at Amazon
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The SteelSeries Aerox 3 might be lightweight with its honeycombed design, but it's certainly not light on features. With a 200-hour battery life, dual connectivity, and AquaBarrier protection to ensure water, dust and dirt resistance, this is a mouse designed to take some abuse and keep on trucking. And with a £50 discount, it's well worth considering next to the other options here.

<p><strong>Key specs: Wireless | 18,000 DPI | Right-handed

Our magic Cyber Monday price bots are searching the web, constantly tracking down the best gaming mouse deals.

Cyber Monday controller deals in the UK

GameSir Nova Lite
GameSir Nova Lite: £24.99 at Amazon
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This gaming controller remains our top budget pick for good reason. In our review, James was particularly impressed by just how much GameSir cram into such an affordable package, highlighting the controller's Hall Effect sticks and 2.4 GHz connectivity. It'd be nice if that package also included a USB-C charging cable, but still. The build quality can't stand shoulder to shoulder with Elite controllers, but for something both light in the hands and light on price, it's tough to argue against.

<p><strong>Key specs: Hall effect thumb sticks | 2.4G wireless | 10 h battery
8BitDo Ultimate 2C
8BitDo Ultimate 2C: £29.99 at Amazon
Read moreRead less

We've already raved about Hall Effect joysticks and how they spell the end for the dreaded stick drift. In this wireless gaming controller, they're a welcome feature, but this handful of gaming hardware packs a few quirky surprises too. For instance, the triggers also benefit from a Hall effect, but not only that, there are extra bumper buttons. They're billed as fully remappable 'Fast Bumpers,' though their inner corner placement may not sit well for those with tiny mitts.

<p><strong>Key specs: Hall effect sticks, triggers | 2.4G wireless | 19 h battery

Buying advice: keyboards, mice and controllers

What is the most important thing to look for in a mechanical gaming keyboard?

The switch type is arguably the most important choice to make when picking your new gaming keyboard. Cherry mechanical switches are the most common and most recognizable, but there are a host of alternatives on offer, as well as a bunch of upmarket, specialist switches to choose from.

What is the big deal with mechanical switches?

We can talk for hours about the feel of mechanical switches versus membrane switches, but ultimately that's a personal choice. What makes mechanical switches objectively superior, however, is their far-extended life span. They can take far more punishment and keep responding long after a membrane switch has collapsed in on itself.

What should I look out for in a gaming mouse?

When deciding on a mouse, your priority should be finding one that's comfortable for your hand. There are numerous sizes, shapes, and weights to consider. You might have the coolest-looking mouse with the most practical array of buttons, but if it's not comfortable for you, you won't be able to settle in with it. There are plenty of ambidextrous gaming mice and gaming mice for lefties in the list, too—if the goofy stance is more your style.

In the last few years, most gaming mice have also adopted very high DPI sensors (or more accurately, CPI), so even a budget mouse will likely perform well. Most of these sensors can handle extremely high DPI counts at up to 20,000 DPI when realistically, you'll play on a much lower sensitivity—generally under 2,000 DPI.

The consensus is not to worry about that number too much. Instead, concentrate on finding a mouse with the ideal shape and weight, and obviously, one that'll match your stylish set-up.

Pro gamers generally recommend lighter, more straightforward mice with few buttons to get in the way. Lighter mice won't fatigue your wrist and can easily glide across the mouse pad at high speeds. Anything below 100 grams is often ideal for competitive mice. But something has to be said about how powerful you feel at the helm of a nice, heavy mouse.

Is a wireless mouse good for gaming?

Historically, the answer was always: no. The wireless connection, though convenient, was used to add extra latency to the connection compared with a wired cable, which meant input lag in games was 'a thing'. For reference, that is also seen as a 'very bad thing' in competitive online games.

But modern wireless interfaces, primarily the 2.4 GHz radio connections, have zero perceptible difference in latency compared to a standard wired connection. Blind tests have been done with pro gamers using wired and wireless mice, and if the most sensitive players around can't tell the difference, we're confident you won't be able to either.

Bluetooth connections, however, can still introduce unwelcome input lag into a gaming situation, so that's best avoided. In modern wireless gaming mice, however, Bluetooth is only used as a low-power backup option.

Can you use a console controller on PC?

Is PC gaming better with a controller?

This might seem an utterly offensive question to ask in the annals of PC Gamer, but it remains true that certain PC games are far better played with a controller than the classic keyboard and mouse combo.

Sports games are the most obvious, as anyone who has tried to play FIFA using the strange keyboard/mouse control scheme can attest to. But there are other titles, specifically those which were primarily designed for consoles whose control schemes are so unwieldy away from a pad that playing them any other way is a pain.

For example, you could play Elden Ring without a controller, but using a pad on a PC feels far better. Oh, and for racing games? You really want one of the options above, although of course, you could go all out and get a full-on racing wheel instead.

Dave James
Editor-in-Chief, Hardware

Dave has been gaming since the days of Zaxxon and Lady Bug on the Colecovision, and code books for the Commodore Vic 20 (Death Race 2000!). He built his first gaming PC at the tender age of 16, and finally finished bug-fixing the Cyrix-based system around a year later. When he dropped it out of the window. He first started writing for Official PlayStation Magazine and Xbox World many decades ago, then moved onto PC Format full-time, then PC Gamer, TechRadar, and T3 among others. Now he's back, writing about the nightmarish graphics card market, CPUs with more cores than sense, gaming laptops hotter than the sun, and SSDs more capacious than a Cybertruck.

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