Good afternoon, folks! Yes, Christmas season is once again upon us, and from the ghost of Christmas gaming’s past, there seems to be some things to buy. It’s the festive season, so we’re going to help you in some regards. In this list, we’re going to not only recommend the right things to get, but also link in where to get them in the hope that you can make sure you get everything in time. I was supposed to put this up yesterday, but pulling back the curtain on this slightly, I’m actually at my better half’s to be Santa Claus.
With all that said, bear in mind that even if you think that these cost a bit, this is what we recommend you get. They’re probably going to be a lot cheaper in the January sales, so it might be worth waiting until then. On with the list.
Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
No PC Master Race set up would be complete without a decent gaming keyboard, and when it comes to getting a decent one, no brand works better than Corsair. They really are the best you can get in your local shops. This model has a few improvements from your average keyboard, and there’s no space bar thrashing on one of these! They might not have all the shiny accessories that some might have, but they last a long time.
For the noobs who don’t have gaming PC setups, you can’t go wrong with Corsair. They’re the Nokia of PC hardware, it just doesn’t break! Seriously, although the price of the one I’ve linked might be breaking three figures, see this as an investment. Yeah, it’s expensive, but you won’t need a new keyboard for at least three years. Parents, this is the gaming keyboard to get for your kids. Seriously, I’m getting one for my better half’s kid.
Anyway, let me get past this spiel, and leave the link here. If you want a “Captain Scarlet” keyboard, this is the one that I recommend highly.
LOGITECH G502 Lightspeed Wireless Optical Gaming Mouse
One of the biggest beefs in the rivalry between PC Master Race gamers and console gamers is the speed in which some gamers with a mouse are able to move. Whilst console gamers have to wait on connections between controller pads and consoles, PC’s have the upgrade here. So much so, that Counter Strike Go on PC has become an eSport, and we’ve all seen how well that goes.
If you’re a parent here, wanting to get your kid a decent PC gaming rig, we’re at your aid here. Mice are essential to PC gaming, as trackpads might be useful for laptops, but are useless when playing against someone with a mouse. So, what should you be looking at when you get a mouse? Well, wireless connectivity is a definite must, particularly if trailing cables get on your nerves. extra buttons and a flywheel can be welcome additions too, but the wireless connection should be a priority.
With all that in mind, we at the Gamerhub highly recommend getting the Logitech G502 Lightspeed Optical gaming mouse, and of course, if you get it from somewhere like Curry’s, you should have a decent warranty on it.
Hyper X Fury S Gaming Mousemat
It probably shouldn’t go without saying, but for all the non PC gamers on here, if you get a PC Gaming Rig, a mousemat for your awesome gaming mouse is an absolute must. There are two reasons why. Firstly, when you use an optical mouse, you need an even surface, so using you leg or your coffee table isn’t ideal. Secondly, an optical mouse works bets on a mousemat because the mouse can pick many more dots per inch using one.
Now you’ve been convinced to get a bloody mousemat, what sort of mousemat should you get? Should you get a mousemat with a cute photo on it? In a word: no. What you gain in personalisation, you end up losing in quality. In this gamer’s experience, however, you shouldn’t make any moths in your wallets homeless for this either. We highly recommend the Hyper X Fury S for this reason. It’s inexpensive, but is a pretty good go-to for a mousemat. It’s the one that this gamer’s better half uses, and you can buy one here.
MSI Optix G241 Full HD 24″ IPS LCD Gaming Monitor
Gaming monitors are VITAL when it comes to PC gaming monitors. Sure, your TV might do a good job when it comes to being able to game, but you need to have a monitor (or two) that do what you need. So, when it comes to getting a good gaming monitor, I highly recommend getting a LCD monitor over getting a plasma monitor as they’re far more efficient, produce less heat and are better for the environment. So yeah, get an LCD monitor.
So, what size should you have? Well, unless you’re gaming in front of an audience, you don’t need to go nuts with the size of the screen. Personally, parents, I recommend that you get your child a 24 inch monitor, there or there abouts. If you d want to get your child a decent, high-performance monitor, then I recommend getting them a MSI Optix G241 Full HD 24″ IPS LCD Gaming Monitor. The one we’ve linked isn’t expensive, but it’s damned good for what you need one for.
Turtle Beach Elite 800X Wireless headphones
Yes, folks, I know Turtle Beach primarily deal with Microsoft’s technology (particularly Xbox), but hear me out on this. As someone who uses a Xbox One and occasionally his better half’s PC, you really can’t go wrong with a pair of Turtle Beach headphones. The sound quality you get is second to none (apart from BOSE or Sony headphones that cost a few hundred pounds). So, to stop the incoming “Console wars” arguments that are about to explode in the comments, I’ve got you covered for both Xbox and Playstation consoles. “But Davey, you well-endowed Santa Claus”, I hear you ask, “why Turtle Beach and not just an inexpensive pair of headphones from my local Game or GameStop”?
Well, imaginary voice used to further my arguments, 80% of all we emotionally connect with in gaming and movies comes through the sense of hearing. Would Fallout 76 had sold that many copies (before a LOT got returned) without John Denver’s “country Roads”? No. Would the reveal of Rapture in Bioshock be as good without “La Mer” playing as you descend? Of course not. Why would you skimp out on this experience? Obviously, you don’t want to break the bank, but spending a fair bit of money on sound is important. Here’s a link, and I highly recommend these. (If it helps, my better half loves them).
EPOS SENNHEISER GSP 370 GAMING HEADSET
Now that I’ve convinced you all to grab a headset for Christmas, it’s time for me to appease the Sony fans among us. Hey, Sony fans, I understand your viewpoint. Yes, your new console is cool, and it sure as shit looks nicer than the Xbox Series X. There, I’ve said it. No, I don’t regret saying it either. Okay, the Xbox Series X runs rings around the PS5 with components and raw power, and okay, not getting involved further on this one.
Point is, if you want a pair of good quality headphones with your brand-spanking new PlayStation 5, then there are several options. The ones that Sony have for their own console are cool, but you can’t go wrong with getting a better pair so that your lovely white ones are safe from getting grimy and well-used. In this case, I highly recommend the EPOS Sennheiser GSP 370 gaming headset. German engineering and Top Gun vibes from the visuals, with superb sound quality: What’s not to like? Here’s the link for any parents doing some late Christmas Shopping.
Duelhawk Hawk Gaming Chair
Did you really think that I’d get THIS far through a bloody list without recommending a decent gaming chair? Nah! Of course I wouldn’t! When it comes to gaming, a lot of gamers (albeit not so many on YouTube anymore) suffer from poor posture because of a lack of said gaming chair. Never fear, Christmas list shoppers, at Gamerhub, I’ve got you covered (pun intended).
Why this particular chair? Well, if you’re after a decednt gaming chair, then you can’t really get better than the one I recommend without spending upwards of £500. It’s seriously good value, and for all the eco-friendly gamers amongst us (including certain writers), there are leather-free options available. I’m currently tryping this sat on one one, and the lumbar support is second-to-none. The link is of course, here.
And that’s my list? Will you get any of these? Will you wait until the January sales for these? Either way, please don’t hesitate to tell me in the comments (or call me a wazzock, why not) or on Twitter here.
For the new and improved Gamerhub,
Davey
