Guide to Desktop PC Accessories
This blog was updated in October 2022.
Imagine you’ve just bought a new desktop PC. It’s exciting, but a desktop PC alone doesn’t make a complete set-up. Many people choose to buy or build a desktop PC instead of a laptop as it gives them a greater choice over their computer’s internal hardware. By the same token, you’ll have an enormous breadth of desktop PC accessories choose from too. From mechanical gaming keyboards to low-latency wireless headsets, streaming microphones and more, they’re all part of creating the perfect set-up tailored to you.
In this guide to desktop PC accessories, we’ll walk you through what exactly a computer accessory is and give you a list of the most popular ones. As well as all the important internal stuff, you need to make sure you’ve got the right accessories so you can work or play more effectively.
What Are Desktop PC Accessories?
An accessory can be defined as a device that’s hooked up to a desktop PC to increase its functionality. Simply put, it’s something you slot into your PC so you can do more stuff with it. Accessories aren’t the same as a computer’s internal hardware, such as the processor or memory. They exist outside a computer’s core and don’t affect the processing power. Nor do accessories operate as standalone devices. They’ve got to be hooked up to a desktop PC to function.
What’s considered an accessory can be a huge range of things, from your standard wired mouse to a high refresh gaming monitor or an external solid-state drive. As demonstrated by these examples, accessories can be either input, output or storage devices. You might’ve heard of accessories also referred to as peripherals and I/O devices.
Some accessories are practically essential. You can’t interface with a desktop PC without a keyboard, mouse or a display. However, other accessories are not as important. Instead, they act more as an enhancement to the user experience. A dedicated soundcard may provide more options for audiophiles, but modern motherboards have built-in soundcards for example.
Desktop PC Accessories Explained
As you can imagine, there are hundreds of categories of desktop PC accessories out there, with some rather niche ones created along the way. Here, however, we’re going to run down a list of the most common accessories. Ones that are available for purchase over at Ebuyer!
Keyboards
Out of all the desktop PC accessories, you can’t go without a mouse, keyboard and a monitor. You’ve got three choices of keyboard to complete your set-up: wired, wireless, or gaming.
Most keyboards share the same layout, with QWERTY and number keys. Depending on the keyboard’s form-factor, however, it may or may not have a number pad and other function keys. Full-sized keyboards have all the keys, whereas tenkeyless keyboards omit a number pad, and 60% keyboards are even smaller still. Gamers tend to favour a compact keyboard as it gives them room to manoeuvre a low-sensitivity mouse for better aim. Most games don’t need a number pad anyway, it’s the WASD cluster that matters.
Wired & Wireless Keyboards
A wireless keyboard is a nice-to-have, but it’s not as essential as a wireless mouse. It’s not like you’re moving a keyboard about, so the wire isn’t too much of a nuisance. For many, choosing a wireless keyboard over a wired model is largely an aesthetic choice. Either way, nearly all modern keyboards connect to a PC via USB, whether that’s a wired connection or a wireless USB dongle. Some wireless keyboards, however, connect directly to your PC over Bluetooth.
Of course, there’s more to a keyboard than just form-factor and wired versus wireless. When shopping around for a new keyboard, you’ve got to consider prices, what they’re like to type on and their design. We’d recommended checking out our keyboard guide for a more in-depth look into wireless keyboard technology, mechanical switches, programmable macros, and more.
Gaming Keyboards
As you’ll see throughout this guide, desktop PC accessories can have a serious impact on the gaming experience. A gaming keyboard is a must-have for many, particularly those who play first-person shooter games, real-time strategy games and MMOs. The design and features of gaming keyboards can vary immensely. Some have programmable macros keys and full N-key rollover, while others feature per-key RGB backlighting and hot-swappable switches. If all this terminology is going right over your head, don’t worry. Check out our gaming keyboard guide for a full break down.
You don’t have to splash out on a mechanical board with all the advanced features. A simple but high-quality keyboard from a reputable brand such as Corsair or Logitech will go a long way in improving your PC gaming experience.
Mice
To navigate your desktop PC, you’re going to want a mouse. It’s an input device that detects movement and translates it to an on-screen reaction. Say, moving a cursor or rotating a game’s camera. You likely use a mouse every day, but have you given it much thought?
There’s a huge range of computer mice out there, with the most basic being the wired mouse. The average wired mouse features a left-click, a right-click and a clickable scroll wheel. That’s a total of three buttons, which is enough for day-to-day tasks. If you’re a spreadsheet power user or a hardcore gamer, however, you can get mice with additional buttons. Assign your most used actions to these buttons to speed up everyday tasks.
Wired & Wireless Mice
If you’re looking to streamline your set-up, pick up a wireless mouse. There are two types of wireless mice: 2.4GHz and Bluetooth. 2.4GHz uses a radio frequency to connect with a wireless dongle plugged into your PC. On the other hand, Bluetooth connects directly to your PC, if your PC supports it. You simply need to pair the wireless mouse like any other Bluetooth device, and you’ll be good to go. While Bluetooth is convenient, 2.4GHz has lower latency. In fact, 2.4GHz is so fast that it can rival even wired mice.
Ergonomic Mice
An ergonomic mouse is designed to give added support to your wrist. Most ergonomic mice are vertical designs. By relieving strain and resting your hand in a more natural position, ergonomic mice can help prevent RSI and other related injuries. They’re highly recommended for those who regularly work long hours in front of a desktop PC.
Gaming Mice
For those serious about gaming, it’s worth investing in a gaming mouse. They’re crafted to offer faster sensors, lighter weights, more buttons, and a wider range of customisation compared to a regular mouse. There are loads of options out there, but in general gaming mice enable you to play at the top of your game. You can get wired and wireless gaming mice, check out our Gaming Mouse Guide to find out the pros and cons.
Headsets
Unlike TVs, built-in speakers are not that common on monitors. And even if a monitor’s got them, these speakers are often of a poor quality. They’ll work in a pinch for watching the odd YouTube video, but you won’t want to play games and watch movies on monitor speakers. As such, it’s recommended you pick up a headset to listen to your PC’s audio.
What separates headsets from an ordinary pair of headphones is a microphone, which can be used to make calls, communicate with your gaming teammates and more. You’ll find most headsets on the market are tailored towards gamers, but nothing’s stopping you using them for music and movies too. If you’re a gamer, you’ll want a multi-platform gaming headset, so you can use it on your gaming PC as well as your consoles.
Like keyboards and mice, headsets also come in wired and wireless configurations. A wireless headset makes a lot of sense, as you won’t have to take it off every time you get up from your desktop PC.
External Storage
External HDDs
An external hard drive (HDD) is a storage device which exists outside of your desktop PC. Connecting over USB, an external hard drive acts as an easy, portable storage solution, whether that’s for expanding your PC’s capacity or backing up important data. As explained in our HDD vs SSD blog, HDDs are a matured, decades-old technology. While they’re not the fastest, this means you can get 2TB or even larger external hard drives relatively cheaply.
External SSDs
Another type of storage device is an external solid-state drive (SSD). SSDs feature no moving parts, unlike HDDs which use a spinning platter and an actuating arm. They’re built with non-volatile flash chips, so are noticeable faster. This makes them smaller as well, but you’ll be paying extra for an SSD over a same capacity HDD.
USB Drives
A large capacity, reliable USB drive is something no PC user should go without. USB drives, pens, sticks… whatever you want to call them, they act as a cheap and portable storage solution at home or on-the-go. They’re small enough to carry around on a keychain and affordable even at larger capacities. Over at Ebuyer, we’ve got USB drives up to half a terabyte!
Capacity is only part of the equation, however. If you don’t want to wait hours to fill your USB drive up, go for USB 3.0 over 2.0 for faster transfers. There’s also encrypted USB drives available, which are used to store private data. Password protection and other security features help keep your information safe, even if you lose the drive.
Webcams
Whether you’re business conferencing, video calling friends or live streaming, a high-quality webcam can make a big difference. A webcam is a video camera that plugs into your desktop PC. Most models have a built-in microphone as well, though it won’t be as clear as a headset or standalone microphone. Webcams have clip-on mounts, which makes it easy to install on top of your monitor. With webcams from brands such as Microsoft starting at just £20, you don’t have to spend much. If quality is important to you, however, there are webcams that support 4K video capture, high frame rates, noise-cancelling microphones, and more.
Microphones
How many times have your calls been ruined by a poor microphone? You don’t want to hop on a call, only to be greeted by someone’s fuzzy, distorted audio. Most built-in headset and webcam microphones simply don’t cut it, especially in a professional environment. A standalone, high-quality microphone can take your video calls to a new level of clarity, or improve your live streams, voice-overs, or any other audio projects you’ve got. Most microphones come with a stand right out of the box, with the option to mount them to a microphone arm to further reduce interference.
Wi-Fi Adapters
Most off-the-shelf desktop PCs come with built-in Wi-Fi. When building your own PC, however, it’s not guaranteed. Some motherboards don’t have Wi-Fi, particularly cheaper models. Instead, you have to use ethernet to connect to the internet. Ethernet isn’t bad per se – it’s better in regard to consistency – but for some it’s simply not an option. Maybe you don’t have an ethernet socket near your PC, or it’s inconvenient to run ethernet cables. That’s where Wi-Fi adapters come in. These are usually USB-powered, plugging into your desktop PC’s rear or front-panel I/O. A good Wi-Fi adapter can help you get online when a wireless connection won’t do.
Surge Protectors
All these accessories and the desktop PC itself could be damaged if there’s an unexpected surge of electricity. They occur when something affects the normal flow of power. Whether that’s lightning striking a power line, a power failure, or a nearby heavy electrical load switching on and off suddenly. Surges can be quite common, so why run the risk? The good news is that Ebuyer stocks surge protectors from reputable brands such as Belkin.
Monitors
You’ll need a monitor to go with your desktop, and there are hundreds of hundreds of models to choose from. It’s fair to say that most monitors these days, even budget ones, are decent enough for everyday tasks. For specific, professional tasks such as colour-critical design work, however, you’ll want a higher-quality monitor.
We’ll take it you already know the size of screen you want. Next, you’ll have to decide on the type of screen: resolution, refresh rate, panel and so on. It’s easy to get confused by all the techy terms, so we’re not going to go too in-depth here – check out our dedicated blogs instead. But let’s help you decide which one’s best for you.
Resolution
In simple terms, resolution is the number of pixels which make up the display. The more pixels there are, the sharper the monitor’s image will be. At the very least, you should buy a monitor with a Full HD resolution, also known as 1080p. That’s 1,920 pixels on the horizontal axis, and 1,080 on the vertical. Anything less than this, such as 1280×720 or ‘HD’, isn’t suitable for a desktop PC. Blowing such a low resolution up to a monitor size results in poor scaling and a blurry image. So, when you’re looking at a monitor’s resolution, you need to keep the size in mind. Ful HD is enough for most people, but if you’re considering a 27” or larger monitor, upgrade to a 1440p or even 4K resolution if you’ve got the budget. A higher resolution keeps images sharp, even on a larger display.
Do I need 4K?
An Ultra HD resolution, also known as 4K, has 3,840 pixels on the horizontal axis and 2,160 on the vertical. In total, that’s four times as many pixels as 1080p. This takes the viewing experience up to the next level, but for many it isn’t necessary. If you’re a gamer, all those pixels can place a heavy load on your graphics card. Pick up a 4K monitor for gaming and you’ll need the hardware to back it up. You might want to consider a 1440p resolution for a balance between sharpness and performance, as detailed in our gaming monitor guide.
Panel
Most monitors on the market use either an TN, IPS or VA panel. You’ll find what panel a monitor uses in its production description. TN (twisted nematic) panels are usually of a poor quality, with substandard colour reproduction and narrow viewing angles. They’re reserved for the cheapest monitors, so if you bump your budget up by even a little bit, you’ll be much better off with a cheap IPS (in-plane switching) or VA (vertical alignment) panel. IPS especially will have more vivid, punchier colours and wider viewing angles, while TN has great contrast ratio as the expense of response times. Each panel has its pros and cons, so make sure to check out our monitor buyer’s guide to find out which one’s best for you.
Adjustable Stand
When you’re pre-occupied with comparing tech-specs, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is the monitor’s stand. In fact, you might not have thought about it at all, but you should. No need to crick you neck or place your monitor on top of a thick book. A highly adjustable monitor stand – one that tilts, swivels and more – can help you achieve the perfect, ergonomic set-up.
Orientation
Depending on your work, you might find that orientating your monitor vertically is better. Some monitors allow you to tilt them 90°. This portrait configuration is popular among those who work in social media, as some sites such as TikTok rely on a portrait video format. Programming is another popular use case as you can display many more lines of code vertically rather than horizontally.
Portable Monitor
If you’re short on space, why not opt for a small, portable monitor with a built-in stand? They’re primarily designed for use alongside a laptop, but nothing’s stopping you from using them with a desktop PC. Most portable monitors are self-powered, so you simply need to plug them into a USB port for power and a display port, and away you go.
Printers
You might also want to include a printer as part of your set-up. We’ve gone into detail on how to choose the best home printer and why you need a wireless printer, but for now, let’s quickly go through all the different types of printers.
Inkjet Printers
Inkjet printers work by placing small droplets of ink onto the paper. So, the image or text you print out is essentially made up of thousands of dots. These dots are so small, however, they’re hard to pick out individually.
Laser Printers
Laser printers, on the other hand, do not use ink. Instead, a laser beam inside the printer will repeatedly scan across a drum, generating static electricity in a particular pattern. Toner – a form of powered ink – is then attracted to the paper, and a fuser unit combines the paper and toner together.
All-In-One Printers
In addition to printing, all-in-one printers – also known as multi-function printers – are also able to copy and scan. For the average user, they eliminate the need to buy a standalone scanner, which saves money as well as space. All-in-one printers are available as inkjet or laser.
Photo Printers
If printing high-quality photos is your priority, then there’s no doubt about it: you need a photo printer. It’s like having your own instant print photo kiosk at home, with prints worthy of a frame. However, they’re the opposite of an all-in-one printer. You’ll only be printing out photos, but you can’t beat its results. Seeing as their function is limited, photos printers are often less bulky than regular printers, with portable designs available too.
Mobile Printers
If you need a printer that’s easy to transport, a mobile printer is the best choice. Mobile printers, with a compact and portable form-factor, are ideal for on-the-go printer. For example, if you frequently travel for work but need to print documents out wherever you are. Or, if you simply want a small printer with big performance, then a mobile printer may be for you.
Ink & Toner
As you can imagine, inkjet printers use ink cartridges to print, whereas laser printers use toner. When it comes time to re-stock either cartridge, you’ve got two options: you can buy genuine products (made by your printer’s manufacturer) or generic products. While a generic product may be cheaper than a genuine product, we’d recommended sticking to a genuine product as then you’re guaranteed compatibility and the best performance.
Scanners
With a scanner, you can make a digital copy of just about any document. Whether that’s a passport, study notes or a photo from a magazine. While most scanners now are bought as part of an all-in-one printers, there are two types of standalones scanners: flatbed and document.
Flatbed Scanners
Open the lid of a flatbed scanner and you’ll find a glass panel, on which you can lay documents on for scanner. This lid is adjustable, allowing you to scan documents of various thickness. From a piece of paper, to a passport, to the middle of a thick book. Although you can only scan one document at a time, this flexibility is the main advantage of a flatbed scanner.
Sheetfed Scanners
Sheetfed scanners can rapidly convert whole batches of physical documents into digital files; over 100 pages-per-minute (PPM) on some machines! It’s why they’re also known as automatic document scanners. Simply load up a sheetfed scanner’s feeder with all your documents and it will automatically scan them for you. Unlike a flatbed scanner, you don’t need to change the documents in-and-out manually. This makes sheetfed scanners ideal for offices, helping massively with document management.
Game Controller
A game controller isn’t necessary for PC gaming, but some genres play a whole lot better with one. Think racing games. A controller’s analog input allows you to feather the throttle, whereas a key press is registered as either ‘on’ or ‘off’. We’re not just talking about console-style controllers either, though they’re the most popular. This encapsulates wheels and pedals, flight sticks and more. Xbox-branded controllers work on Windows PCs right out of the box, while PlayStation and Nintendo controllers require additional software.
Gaming Chair
It doesn’t hook to your PC, but choosing the right chair is important, seeing as you’re glued to it for hours on end. A well-designed chair – with ergonomic cushioning, lumbar support and adjustable armrests – can help promote a healthier posture. A poor chair, on the other hand, can cause aches and discomfort. So, when you’re equipping out your set-up with mechanical keyboards and game controllers, don’t overlook the chair. Here’s our guide to gaming chairs, and whether or not they’re better than office chairs.
Desktop PC Accessories By Function
Some desktop PC accessories are better suited to some tasks than others. Let’s explore these accessories by their function.
Ergonomic Accessories
If you’re an office worker, or someone who’s sat in front of a PC for hours at a time, then you may be at risk of developing a repetitive strain injury. An RSI can occur as a result of poor ergonomic form over the course of doing a repetitive action, such as typing on a keyboard or operating a mouse all day long. It’s an all-too-common occurrence in a work environment. However, with the right ergonomic accessories, you can help prevent an RSI from developing. Ergonomic accessories, such as a vertical mouse and ergonomic keyboard, are recommended to anyone who’s suffering from or potentially at risk of an RSI.
These ergonomic accessories are designed to encourage a more natural and healthier posture. In turn, this makes for a more comfortable computing experience as there’s less strain placed on problematic areas such as the wrists, shoulders and back. Ergonomic accessories tend to fetch a higher price tag compared, but if you need them, they’re an investment well worth making.
Gaming Accessories
If you’re a PC gamer, your set-up should include these three must-have accessories: a gaming mouse, a gaming keyboard and a gaming monitor. What to look for in these accessories varies from gamer to gamer.
Some prefer an ultra-lightweight wired gaming mouse that’ll never run out of charge, while others prefer a heavier but wireless gaming mouse for easier mouse movement. There’s no one ‘best’ gaming accessory, as explained in our gaming keyboard, mouse, and monitor guides.
However, a couple things to look out for include anti-ghosting or ‘N-key rollover’ on gaming keyboards, and a flawless sensor on gaming mice.
Creative Accessories
In this blog, we’ve mainly covered accessories that the average desktop PC user may own. For those who work in a creative field, however, there are even more accessories that may be a must-have to you. It’s all dependant on your area of expertise, of course, but there’s a whole world of innovate accessories to explore.
For instance, graphics tablets are a favoured tool amongst designers, artists and illustrators. VR headsets fall under this category too as, they’re being adopted in 3-D modelling and animation studios to better visualise their work.
There’s certainly more ways to interface with your computer than just a basic keyboard/mouse combo. From composition, sketching, storyboarding and more, check out our unboxing and demonstration of the Wacom One Creative Pen Display.
What Accessories Come With A Desktop PC?
When you buy a new, off-the-shelf PC, it will usually come with a basic keyboard/mouse combo. This isn’t guaranteed, however, so check out a product’s description to see if they’re included. It’s a fairly common inclusion on home and office desktop PCs, but not gaming PCs and professional workstations.
And unless it’s an all-in-one unit, it’s highly unlikely that a desktop will come bundled with a monitor. As such, you’ll need to buy these accessories yourself. It may sound like extra work, but this way you’ll be able to choose the perfect accessories for your set-up. If you’re after a computer you can use right out of the box – no other purchases necessary – then a laptop is the best choice.
How Do Accessories Connect To A Desktop PC?
These days, more and more desktop PC accessories are going wireless: wireless keyboards, mice, headsets, printers and more. Overall, it’s just more convenient, ridding your set-up of clutter and freeing up space on your desk. And you don’t have to worry about lag anymore.
Wireless tech has got so good as of late that it’s as fast or even faster than a wired connection, with exceptional battery life to boot. For optimal performance, most wireless accessories don’t connect directly to your computer. Instead, the best wireless accessories come with a dedicated Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless dongle that slots into a USB port on your PC.
However, as good as wireless can be, wireless desktop PC accessories will, eventually, need to be recharged. There’s no getting around it, and for some, it’s too much of a hassle. If you’re at match point in a sweaty game of Counter Strike, it would be catastrophic to lose connection to your wireless gaming mouse because it ran out of juice.
Fortunately, there’s still plenty of wired desktop PC accessories. In fact, most accessories come in both a wired and a wireless variant, so it’s down to personal preference which one you choose. Let’s take the Razer Blackshark V2 versus the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro. They’re nearly identical gaming headsets, except one’s got a wire and the other doesn’t.
Desktop PC Accessories at Ebuyer
By now, hopefully you’ve got an idea of just how many desktop PC accessories there are. They’re not all essential, but take the time to research which ones you need and they can greatly enhance your PC experience. Browse desktop PC accessories over at Ebuyer.
10 Best Accessories For PC
Treat yourself and your PC this summer. Here are the must-have accessories to buy for PC right now.
As far as gaming consoles go, some people suggest you can't get any better than a good old-fashioned computer. A gaming PC is a prized possession and worth a pretty penny these days. Plenty of gamers spend time decking it out in accessories to make it more useful, improve the aesthetic, keep it organized, or just have more fun!
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If you're searching for ways to improve your own desktop setup, you've come to the right place. This article lists some ideas that you may have already had but didn't know what to buy yet, some things that may surprise you, and some things that you never realized you always needed.
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HyperX Cloud Stinger Core (Wireless +7.1)
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When you talk about PC accessories, starting with a reliable and comfortable headset is a no-brainer. The HyperX Cloud Stinger Core (Wireless +7.1) is one of the best options on the market today.
To start, the price tag falls under $80 USD, meaning you can impulse purchase it on a Tuesday night and wake up with no regrets on Wednesday. When you receive your purchase, you won't be disappointed by the headset's sound quality and noise-cancelling abilities. Few people have enough money to splurge on top-of-the-line equipment; this gets you very close for a much more reasonable price.
Get it on Amazon here!
Jaaytct Cell Phone Stand
Just because you're at your computer doesn't mean that you won't want to keep an eye on your phone for texts, notifications, YouTube, etc. Enter: Jaaytct's Cell Phone Stand! No longer must you struggle to lean your phone against your monitor or the stack of books in the corner of your desk.
This puppy takes up very little room on your desktop while allowing you to keep scrolling all the while. As an added bonus, it's extremely compact and can easily be taken with you to school, work, or a friend's house. If you have one, it can also fit small tablets with ease.
Get it on Amazon here!
Kirigen Case Stand Cart
This is the kind of thing that you may never think of on your own, but seems so obvious in retrospect. Why do you just leave your PC lying on the ground, when that makes it so heavy to move and difficult to clean, modify, or adjust cables?
Old computer desks from the late '90s and early 2000s used to have a built-in cupboard where your chunky PC could sit, but they've become obsolete ever since most people switched to laptops. To keep your PC on the move, all you need is the Kirigen Case Stand Cart. It has a simple but sturdy design that isn't obtrusive in your space and fits most PC cases. The stand is easy to assemble, too; it just asks that you install a couple of wheels!
Get it on Amazon here!
GANA 3 Port 4K HDMI Switch
If you're the kind of gamer whose consoles are all consolidated at your desk, an HDMI Switch is an absolute must-have.
Basically, you plug the HDMIs for three things into this switch - let's say it's your PC, your Nintendo Switch, and your PlayStation 5. Then, when you want to see the feed for your Nintendo instead of your PC, you just need to hit the button on the HDMI switch to change the feed to your monitor, rather than groping around to alter which HDMI cable you have plugged in.
The GANA 3 Port HDMI Switch is a great option for novice gamers and experienced ones alike. It's very reliable despite having a really low price tag, and, while you can get ones with more than 3 ports, few people need to plug in more than 3 things to one monitor anyway.
Get it on Amazon here!
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug
Now, a mug might not feel like the most obvious item on a list of PC accessories, but hear us out. If you're like us, you probably bring a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate with you to your desk, but become so absorbed in your game that you forget to drink it. By the time you're halfway through, it's cold again!
This is the Ember Smart Mug, which can keep your drink warm to the exact temperature you prefer. The coaster is its battery, and the mug connects to your smartphone so that you can set its temperature with ease. It comes in four colours and two sizes so that everyone will find something that suits their needs. If you have just a bit of pocket change to splurge on yourself, the Ember Smart Mug is the way to go.
Get it on Amazon here!
Logitech StreamCam
If you're working with a PC instead of a laptop for the first time in a while, you may have forgotten that monitors don't have built-in cameras like most laptops do. You'll need to purchase something online to substitute.
While it's a little pricey compared to other items on this list, we recommend the Logitech StreamCam because it's such an excellent investment. This webcam can stream at 60 FPS in full HD 1080P, meaning anyone you're on a Zoom call with will be able to see you crystal clear. The stand that attaches it to your monitor is highly versatile, too, so you can rotate it and adjust it to fit your setup.
Get it on Amazon here!
Controller Stand
Just because you're on a PC doesn't mean you need to give up playing games with a controller. Some people prefer a controller over a keyboard in every game, while others will switch back and forth. Some titles, like Aperture Science Desk Job, may even require a controller.
To keep yours close at hand, pick up a controller stand! After all, the things on your desk don't count as clutter if they're prettily displayed, right? This stand from NemoHome will fit basically any controller you could want, and they even have matching ones to put your headset on!
Get it on Amazon here!
Frigidaire EFMIS129-WHITE 6 Can Beverage Cooler
Now, a proper mini-fridge will cost you a couple of hundred bucks and take up a lot of space around your desktop that you might not want to waste. However, we can all agree that it's nice to have some cool drinks to grab easily when you're in the middle of a gaming session. That's why we recommend the Frigidaire Cooler instead!
This compact little cooler costs less than $50 USD and fits 6 standard-sized (12 ounce) pop cans. If pop isn't your thing, however, there is a little shelf and more than enough room to fit little yogurt cups, fruit, or whatever else might tickle your fancy. The cooler is fairly small and would fit on a generous shelf or in a corner with ease - but no need to keep it out of sight, since it's got a clean white design on the outside.
Get it on Amazon here!
Atolla 7-Port USB Data Hub Splitter
If we had to guess, we'd say you were running out of USB ports left, right, and centre. We know we are. There are a lot of things to plug into a desktop, like your mouse, your keyboard, your webcam... We haven't even gotten into how many things you need to charge, like a portable battery, smartwatch, phone, camera, and the list goes on! Is it any wonder we're left wanting more?
Let the Atolla 7-Port USB Splitter solve all these problems for you. Not only does it add to the number of USB ports coming out of your PC, but it also puts them all in one convenient location. No more rooting around behind your PC, feeling for that extra USB outlet you know is back there somewhere! You can even turn on and off any of the outlets on the hub individually.
Get it on Amazon here!
YUNZII KC84 Pro Hot Swappable Mechanical Keyboard
If you're looking to perfect the aesthetic of your desk set-up, your keyboard needs to match it. After all, it's one of the largest, eye-catching items on the desk!
To ensure you'll always be able to keep up with your changing aesthetic eye, we recommend something with swappable keys, like the YUNZII KC84 Keyboard. This keyboard has everything you could ever need! It's mechanical. It lights up. It comes in different colours and sizes. While it will require you to drop a little under $100 USD on it, we know it's worth it.
Get it on Amazon here!
We hope you like the items we recommend and discuss! TheGamer has affiliate and sponsored partnerships, so we receive a share of the revenue from some of your purchases. This won’t affect the price you pay and helps us offer the best product recommendations.
NEXT: The Best Accessories For Nintendo Switch
Computer Accessories (December - 2022)
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To help you find the best computer accessories for laptops, PCs and Macs, we have tried out a multitude of products across a wide range of categories, ensuring that each item we favored truly added something special to your setup. On the below list you’ll find everything you need to take your computing to the next level, whether you use your computer for listening to music, connecting with friends and family or watching movies in your home theater.
The best computer accessory we tried was easily the Sabrent 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub, which offers a budget-friendly solution to the problem of port shortages, with access to four high quality USB 3.0 ports with a maximum transfer speed of 5Gbps and backwards compatibility to USB 1.1. We also loved LED indicators, that display the status of each port, and the simple plug-and-play installation procedure. Keep reading to learn more about the Sabrent 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub and the other items on this list. Find the best PC fan to prevent your computer from running hot.
Top 7 Best Computer Accessories
#1 Sabrent 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub Computer Accessories
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: High quality hub that offers 4 individual USB 3.0 ports that are backwards compatible to USB 2.0 and 1.1, with a simple plug-and-play design and LED indicators that display useful metrics, including power status.
Pros Plug-and-play functionality
Reverse compatible to USB 2.0 and 1.1
LED indicators display power status for each port Cons Not compatible with modern Apple laptops
There are available models with more ports
Cannot double as a cell phone charger or power strip
The Sabrent 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub is a budget-friendly option for upping your port game, offering access to four high quality USB 3.0 ports, each of which are reverse compatible to USB 2.0 and 1.1. The maximum speed transfer is 5Gbps, which is great, and it features a suite of LED indicators that announce the power level, among other simple metrics. We also loved the simple plug-and-play design, which worked without the need for drivers, and functionality with a wide array of gadgets, including external hard drives, flash drives, noise canceling headphones and more. Now, you will have no issues plugging in your best Logitech webcam, along with whatever else you need for your PC.
The out is a standard USB connection, however, and does not integrate with modern Apple laptops, such as the MacBook Pro. Additionally, there are available hubs on the market that feature more ports, but we found the cost to benefit ratio here to be top notch, as it is one of the best cheap PC accessories that we tried.
#2 LuxComs RGB Soft Gaming Mouse Pad and Keyboard Mat Computer Accessories
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: Features an oversized design that easily accommodates both keyboard and mouse, with a non-slip rubber base, for stability, and a micro-textured cloth surface, for accuracy, in addition the ability to switch to 9 lighting options, via backlight.
Pros Big area for a variety of peripherals
Non-slip rubber base and cloth base offer excellent control
9 different lighting options Cons On the heavy side, at 1.5 lb
Liquids can damage electronic components
Takes up USB slot on computer
The LuxComs RGB Soft Gaming Mouse Pad and Keyboard Mat is a luxurious oversized product that easily fits a standard mechanical keyboard and a mouse, with a non-slip rubber base, offering stability, and a 4mm thick micro-textured cloth surface, for enhanced control and accuracy. This mat lights up via backlight and the design allows you to instantly switch between nine different lighting patterns, each of which we found to be gorgeous.
Though the base does offer supreme stability, the whole product is rather heavy, at 1.5 pounds, which could turn off certain consumers. Also, there are some electronics on-board, so be careful while drinking coffee or water. Now all you need is the best gaming mousepad to have the perfect at home gaming deck.
#3 SimpleHouseware Metal Desk Monitor Stand Riser Computer Accessories
Award: BEST COMPUTER SCREEN STAND
WHY WE LIKE IT: Simple and effective monitor stand, with a riser, complete with a sliding storage drawer and two side pockets, in addition to featuring a sturdy metal design.
Pros Very sturdy and smartly utilizes space
Sliding storage drawer and 2 side pockets
Simple to setup and use Cons Not very adjustable
Does not support dual monitor setups
50 lb maximum support
This SimpleHouseware Metal Desk Monitor Stand Riser is an elegantly designed product that reduces eye strain by lifting the monitor up 5.8 inches, via a simple riser. We loved the sliding drawer, which can hold plenty of related accessories, and the two side pockets, which are perfect for smartphones and pens. We also found the setup to be effortless, as it arrived fully built.
This is a simple riser design and, as such, is not highly adjustable, which could be an issue for consumers of a certain height. Additionally, there is space enough for a single monitor, but it does not support a dual monitor setup. All you’ll need for the best setup is the best motherboard for your PC.
#4 Redragon K585 DITI One-Handed RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Computer Accessories
Award: BEST FOR PC VIDEO GAMES
WHY WE LIKE IT: Ergonomically designed keyboard built from the ground up for gaming, with 7 programmable macro-keys, USB pass-through port functionality and RBG backlighting that can display over 16 million colors.
Pros Backlighting with 16 million colors
7 programmable macro-keys
USB pass-through port Cons Unique design has a learning curve
Requires driver and software download
Keys can click fairly loudly
The Redragon K585 DITI One-Handed RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is built from the ground up to support hardcore gamers, with an ergonomic design, seven programmable macro-keys and USB pass-through port functionality, for connecting a gaming mouse, headset or any related accessory. We also loved the RBG backlighting, which offers the potential to choose from over 16 million color combinations.
The unique one-handed design does take a few play sessions to truly master, as it controls differently from standard keyboards. Also, it requires both software and drivers to make the most out of the lighting and programming the keys. If you regularly use your computer for gaming, take a look at the best CPU fans if a high speed PC is important to you.
#5 VIVO Dual LCD Monitor Desk Mount Computer Accessories
Award: BEST FOR MULTI-DISPLAY SETUPS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Solidly constructed mount that is great for dual monitor setups, with support for displays up to 27” and featuring full articulation, with adjustable arms and an adjustable base.
Pros Arms offer complete articulation
Supports 2 monitors of up to 27” each
Integrated cable management Cons Can be frustrating to install, though it does come with all necessary hardware
Base could leave imprint in wooden desks over time
Needs an adapter to work with some monitors
This VIVO Dual LCD Monitor Desk Mount is the perfect accessory for those looking to invest in a dual monitor setup. It features support for displays up to 27 inches large, with a minimum of 13 inches, and an integrated cable management system, which helps to reduce clutter. We also loved the full articulation, which includes arms that offer the ability to tilt, swivel and rotate, in addition to a base that can be height adjusted.
This is a sturdy piece of hardware with plenty of moving parts, so it can be somewhat frustrating to install, though it does come with all necessary hardware to do so. Additionally, we found that the clamp-down base could leave an imprint on wooden desks with prolonged use. If you want to make sure your WiFi speed is as fast as possible, take a look at the best ethernet switch too.
#6 LekVey Wireless Ergonomic Mouse Computer Accessories
Award: BEST PERIPHERAL FOR CARPAL TUNNEL
WHY WE LIKE IT: An ergonomically designed wireless mouse that encourages a healthy wrist response, in addition to boasting a number of function buttons for easy web browsing and a built-in rechargeable battery.
Pros Built to encourage a healthy wrist
Rechargeable battery lasts for 150 hours or more
Functionality buttons allow for easy web browsing Cons Vertical design takes a bit of getting used to
Not fully compatible with Mac OS
The LekVey Wireless Ergonomic Mouse is designed from the ground up to support a healthy wrist response, thanks to neutral “handshake” arm and hand positions. We loved the functionality buttons, which make browsing the web significantly easier and more convenient, and the built-in rechargeable battery, which boasts an impressive battery life. .
The ergonomic vertical design is truly great for alleviating pressure to the wrist, but it does take a bit of getting used to, as it functions slightly differently than a standard mouse. Also, this device is not fully compatible with Mac OS-enabled devices, including laptops such as the MacBook Pro. It’ll work, but may be feature limited, depending on what Apple product you are using.
#7 UnaMela 80 in 1 Professional Computer Repair Tool Kit Computer Accessories
Award: BEST FOR MAINTENANCE
WHY WE LIKE IT: Ships with 80 useful repair tools, including 56 high precision magnetic bits and 24 utility tools, for maintenance, while arriving in a useful carrying case.
Pros Also great for maintaining other electronics
24 utility tools in one package
Ships in a handy carrying case Cons Smallest-sized bits can bend if you aren’t careful
There are larger kits out there, though they are pricier
The UnaMela 80 in 1 Professional Computer Repair Tool Kit is the best laptop accessory that we tried, thanks to shipping with 80 different repair and maintenance tools, often in sizes small enough to make adjustments to laptops. We loved the 56 high precision bits and 24 utility tools, which are compatible with Apple products and gaming consoles, and the handy carrying case that it arrived in.
Though the 80 pieces included in this kit are of high quality, we did test out some kits that arrived with as many as 111 pieces, though we ended up preferring this model for quality and price reasons. Additionally, the smallest of the bits can bend if you aren’t careful while you use them.
How We Decided
To help narrow down to the above list, we tested out numerous products in a number of different categories, including gaming keyboards, mouse devices, monitor stands, mounts, DIY repair kits and more. We populated the list by choosing the best-of-the-best from each of the aforementioned categories, ensuring that whatever items you choose will be of a high quality.
We made sure each and every product we chose was made from durable and long-lasting components and often featured plug-and-play simplicity, as in the case of our top pick, which simply needs to be plugged into a USB port in order to function. Whether you’re looking for laptop accessories computer gadgets or tech solutions for your PC, the above list has items that are perfect for office workers, gamers, and those at home on a laptop, among other use scenarios.
We also were certain to pick several items that helped reduce bodily wear and tear as you go about your daily computing tasks. Our list includes one-handing gaming keyboards, mouse devices that are designed to reduce wrist fatigue and monitor stands that help with eye strain, among others.
Best Computer Accessory Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
